- Drum Kit: Uses a Gretsch drum kit in a “Silver Glass” finish, which is a color he prefers over the older “Champagne Sparkle.” He mentions that Gretsch doesn’t do Champagne Sparkle much anymore, making Silver Glass an appealing alternative.
- Toms: He plays a setup that includes a 12×8 tom and floor toms sized 16×16 and 14×14. He prefers a reverse floor tom setup with the larger drum as his main floor tom for more low-end.
- Bass Drum: Uses a 22×16 bass drum, preferring it over larger sizes like 24×16 for its low-end capabilities depending on tuning and dampening.
- Dampening Techniques: Has moved away from using Moon Gels in favor of O-rings and internal dampeners, particularly in the studio, for a specific sound. He also mentions using snare weights for a dry sound and tape for additional dampening.
- Snare Drum: Describes his snare drum as a custom 5.5×14 USA custom, mentioning a preference for a tight, high-pitched sound to facilitate ghost notes and other techniques.
- Cymbals: Prefers dry, articulate cymbals that allow for clear definition and quick decay, mentioning a specific preference for a ride cymbal that can double as a crash for accents.
- Hardware: Details include his unique throne setup, mentioning difficulty in finding the specific model he prefers, and discusses the importance of comfort and adaptability in his hardware choices.
- Sticks: Uses Vic Firth Extreme 5A sticks, appreciating their balance for his technique and the tonal qualities they help produce.
- Pedal: Talks about a pedal setup that does not have a heel plate, which he prefers for its feel and the connection it provides to his playing style.
Rundowns
POLYPHIA’S Clay Aeschliman
Prog rock drumming phenom Clay Aeschliman finds time during a sold out Polyphia tour to catch up with host Jarrad James and explain how Lars Ulrich almost ruined his perfectly beautiful Tama Starclassic kit.
Pantera’s Charlie Banante
In the latest Drum Rundown go behind the scenes to explore the drum setup of Charlie Benante, the legendary drummer known for his work with Anthrax and Pantera. Filmed on location in Memphis, Tennessee, at the FedEx Forum, the video features an in-depth discussion with Benante about his drum kit, cymbals, sticks, and various techniques that define his powerful and distinctive sound.
Benante showcases his Tama drum kit, noting its maple black chrome finish and the range of drum sizes he uses, including a signature stainless steel snare drum that he praises for its crisp sound. He highlights his choice of Paiste cymbals, including a custom Bell ride and Novo China cymbals, chosen for their ability to cut through heavy guitar tones and contribute to the iconic Pantera sound.
The drummer also discusses his unique Vic Firth signature drumsticks, designed for durability and control, and his preference for single pedals in a double kick setup for a more independent attack. Benante touches on the use of skate tape for grip, wooden beaters for a clearer bass drum attack, and the integration of drum triggers to blend live and sampled sounds, paying homage to Vinnie Paul’s drumming.
Evans Onyx drum heads are chosen for their sound quality and aesthetics, rounding out Benante’s meticulously crafted drum setup. The video concludes with Benante expressing his dedication to maintaining the authentic Pantera sound, honoring the band’s legacy through his performance. This drum rundown provides a fascinating glimpse into the technical and creative aspects of Charlie Benante’s approach to drumming, highlighting his contributions to Pantera’s enduring impact on metal music.
- Drum Kit: Tama kit, maple black chrome finish, consisting of drum sizes 14″, 15″, 16″, 18″, 20″ gong drum, and a signature stainless steel snare drum (14″ by 6.5″).
- Cymbals: Paiste cymbals, including a signature “Meab” Bell ride (a prototype larger than 20″), two 20″ Novo China cymbals for Pantera, and a stack cymbal used specifically for the song “This Love.”
- Drumsticks: Signature Vic Firth sticks, designed with more mass up front to prevent wear during crash riding, and featuring a dipped grip for better hold.
- Pedals: Double kick setup with single pedals, preferring the independent attack and aesthetic over double pedals.
- Hardware Accessories:
- Skate tape on kick drums for grip.
- Wooden beaters by Danmar for a clearer attack on the bass drum.
- Triggers on the drums to blend live sounds with sampled sounds of Vinnie Paul’s drums.
- Drum Heads: Evans Onyx heads, chosen for their durability, sound quality, and appearance.
Exodus’ Tom Hunting
- Early influence: Phil Rudd of AC/DC, leading to the choice of rock hi-hats.
- Initially sought Sonor Binga drums but chose Yamaha after experiencing their sound.
- Owns Yamaha Recording Series in banana yellow, oak Customs, original RCs, live oak Customs.
- Tour kit includes oak Customs.
- Snare drums: maple snare at home, stainless steel snare for the tour.
- Early AC/DC concerts influenced the choice of rock hi-hats.
- Uses Meinl Classics for live performances due to their quick response and suitability for thrash metal.
- Specific cymbals mentioned: heavy hammered ride, Mb8 (used live for its appropriate tone), classics for crashes and hi-hats, sound casters, and various Meinl crashes and hi-hats tailored for live thrash performance.
Drum Heads:
- EV G2 clear heads for toms, with a focus on punch and attack suitable for thrash metal.
- G1 for resonant heads, sometimes alternating with EC2s for different sonic qualities.
Hardware (Yamaha):
- Appreciates Yamaha’s hardware for its durability and reliability.
- Mentioned a specific bass drum to hi-hat attachment and involvement in prototype feedback for Yamaha hardware.
Drumsticks:
- Currently uses Vic Firth 5As, having transitioned from heavier sticks to accommodate faster play and reduce fatigue.
Drum Setup:
- Describes his drum kit configuration, emphasizing the importance of drum size and arrangement for his playing style as he ages.
- Notes the specific tom sizes used on tour and the rationale behind keeping cymbals tight for fast thrash metal playing.
Pedals:
- Prefers simple, single pedals, highlighting a preference for a bit of resistance similar to older Speed King pedals.
ROBERT’S WESTERN WORLD’S Kelley’s Heroes’ BILL VAN VLEET || DRUM RUNDOWN
Robert’s Western World is arguably the last bastion of true Nashville Honky Tonk music. Legendary band leader Don Kelley’s band, Kelley’s Heroes, holds down the fort 4 nights a week, ripping 4 hour sets of real live traditional Country music, keeping the original spirit of Lower Broadway alive. Host Jarrad James meets up with his old friend and timekeeper “Backbeat” Bill Van Vleet and chats about what goes into playing a proper Broadway gig, and what it’s like to play the busiest and most iconic house kit in Nashville.
FOLLOW Kelley’s Heroe’s: https://www.instagram.com/kelleysheroes/
CHECK OUT Robert’s Western World: https://robertswesternworld.com/about/