Al Strange
Platinum Member
That’s a challenge alright! I wish you all the best with your 2022 juggling act mate!I'm really working on finding a good balance between working my day job, gigging, being a good dad and husband, and church.
That’s a challenge alright! I wish you all the best with your 2022 juggling act mate!I'm really working on finding a good balance between working my day job, gigging, being a good dad and husband, and church.
Sounds like you know what you need mate. Have you hung on to your Sabian and Paiste cymbals? Your ears may well return to them some day…This year, I'm getting some new cymbal sounds and stuff for recording/shows this spring with my band.
Going with Zildjian A Custom.
15" Mastersound hats, 20" Crash (probably a couple), and 22" Ride.
I've checked out the Projection, and the Med Ride offerings as well, but I prefer the standard versions.
Possibly a 20" S series thin crash as well. That one has a pretty cool sound and a great sustain.
I've been using larger (24") and fairly washy rides for the last 15+ years, and I'm feeling a little more "ping" is what I'm wanting lately.
Funny, because 20+ years ago, when the regular A line just sucked, and I couldn't get a good sounding 20" A crash AT ALL (after 8 tries) the Zildjian sales rep was in the shop and said, "we have the A Custom you might like..." I said, "I just want what I was always able to get, and now I CAN'T". I was NOT into brilliant cymbals then, at all, PLUS, they had just discontinued a favorite of mine, the 20" A Swish cymbal....
I went to Sabian in '00, and was very happy, and in '09 I started getting into Paiste too.
I have (or had) basically anything I could want from those 2 brands. Now, I'm just hearing something different, and my sonic needs in my band are changing with what the music is doing.
Everything old, is new again....
Someone hasn't been paying attention lol.Lemme guess - Ludwig Black Beauty?
Oh, I'm not selling any of my Sabian or Paiste cymbals haha! ...6 months later, he.... haha!Sounds like you know what you need mate. Have you hung on to your Sabian and Paiste cymbals? Your ears may well return to them some day…
I know it’s been a little over a month since this thread was active but I wanted to share I got an even better wish!Woah! That’s a stunning cymbal my friend!!
Really pleased for you mate. Sounds like you’ve found a forever cymbal and it is a tasty looking pie to boot! Keep smashing it!!I know it’s been a little over a month since this thread was active but I wanted to share I got an even better wish!
I got a 20” Murat Diril Harvey Mason sig. crash ride with two rivets and this has to be my favorite cymbal I’ve ever heard! Coming in at 1784 grams, it’s dry, trashy and the added two rivets and big cluster hammer marks on the bell make it sound like blowing sand! I can just hear the snare comping along as I play it by itself. And something else cool I found out is that these aren’t your standard B20 cymbal, these are B27 which is really fascinating! Am definitely going to be checking out more of their stuff!
Great to hear from you mate…so lots in the pipeline before the joys of a new kit including some spring/summer refurbs?! Once you’ve eliminated the Luddies from your hit list I look forward to an exciting thread about your brand new Pearl kit (this response is brought to you in association with @C.M. Jones )!Well Al! I was taking a break from posting here when you started this thread. Just read through most of it.
Yes, I still have much to do. My "rat rod" Premier shell project is still 1/2 arsed and sitting. I have another set of Tamas I need to finish refurbishing. And I'm planning on selling
3 or 4 kits. I'd like to get something new. Could be brand new or used, just depends.
I'm looking at Ludwig Neusonics, and Tama Superstar Classics (Sweetwater has some 3-pc setups that are on pre-order).
I was also looking at the Ludwig Centennial Bohnam setup--it's currently on preorder and on sale at Guitar Center? But, I just saw some posts about the Centennials not living up to similar offerings at that price point. And to be perfectly honest, I'm not a huge Ludwig fan. But, I really dig some of the Neusonics.
I may sell another snare or 2.
I don't do a heckuva lot of refurb work in the winter. It kills my hands--arthritis. So hopefully, it warms up soon so I can get my motor running.
Like Darth mentioned, traveling sounds awesome. But I'm def weary these days.
I would love to see the anti-asian CRAP STOP!!!! I worry about my sister constantly. But her hubby is with her most times nowadays.
Nicely done my friend, nicely done!I’m fortunate enough to have an update on my list. Originally I had:
17” Paiste Sig crash
19” Meinl Byzantine Medium Thin Trad crash
15” hats and >20” ride
Gibralter stealth rack for my floor tom side
Refurb on my Speed King
a small kit for my 5 year old
I purchased the 19” about a month ago and the stealth rack a few days ago. I think my next target will be the 21 or 22” ride.
I've always been a fan of Pearl drums. Last night I listened/watched a vid on maple kits. The Pearl Decade kits were also in my eyeline. But, they sounded strange in that particular video. I need to do a bit more research. The Ludwigs. . . . .I like the idea of maple/cherry. I have nothing with cherry.Great to hear from you mate…so lots in the pipeline before the joys of a new kit including some spring/summer refurbs?! Once you’ve eliminated the Luddies from your hit list I look forward to an exciting thread about your brand new Pearl kit (this response is brought to you in association with @C.M. Jones )!
I've never had a Decade Maple, but its reputation is pretty solid -- quality shells, rugged hardware, and so on. My only complaint would be that the 22" bass has eight lugs and the 16" floor tom has six lugs, whereas I like a 22" with ten lugs and a 16" with eight lugs. Those aren't deficits in the eyes of all players though. If the Decade appeals to you, it should hold up well over many years of persistent use.CM!!!! What's the verdict on the Decades? I just need to do more research probably. . . . .
I've never had a Decade Maple, but its reputation is pretty solid -- quality shells, rugged hardware, and so on. My only complaint would be that the 22" bass has eight lugs and the 16" floor tom has six lugs, whereas I like a 22" with ten lugs and a 16" with eight lugs. Those aren't deficits in the eyes of all players though. If the Decade appeals to you, it should hold up well over many years of persistent use.
Honestly, though, I think the Export is just as reliable. It's among the most heavily gigged kits ever for a reason. Compare the two series carefully in accordance with your tastes.
Soooo Stage Customs? JKDarth, believe it or not, has inspired me to get something a little nicer! Just a little.
Do it!!For 2022 I wish the following things:
- start playing drums with a band
- find more time to study drums while doing sports 5/6 times a week
- spend less money on gear
- spend less time on internet forums
- spend more time with my family and my dogs
At least your first wish has been granted!Found the pedal.
Now I want my toms to be ready