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Drums & Percussion/Questions Answered by Expert The Doctor
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Snare Drum | 12/28/2011 |
| Q: I have a snare drum with a busted bottom head. I would like to repair it to sell and all I have is a ... A: The color or tint of the bottom drum head does not determine if it's appropriate for use as a snare ... | |
| Rogers drum decals | 9/16/2011 |
| Q: I play Sonor Sonic Plus and 1970's Rogers Buddy Rich set. The current wrap is Satin White, if I get ... A: Contact local music stores and the music departments at universities and colleges in your area. ... | |
| silent instruments | 9/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a friend with several very painful medical conditions..Recently she has been able to ... A: She might consider playing on a drum pad. The company "HQ Percussion" makes one called the ... | |
| basic octapad/drum | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: I would like to take up learning drums as a hobby.Which compact device do you suggest i should buy? ... A: Your best bet is to start with a drum pad. Real Feel is a high quality brand and for a good price. ... | |
| Drummer slowing down | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: I saw a similar question to this posed elsewhere, but our situation is slightly different. Our ... A: The issue that you described is a very common situation with music groups everywhere. The tempo in a ... | |
| Beginner Drum Set | 12/11/2009 |
| Q: I have looked at beginner drum sets at 2 music stores for my 10 year old son. one is by Astro %26 ... A: You can purchase an inexpensive off-brand drum set and it will have served its purpose within 6 ... | |
| DW 9002 | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: I just recently bought a Dw 9002 used the only problem is that it didn't come with an aaallen wrench ... A: Sometimes when a hex key (allen wrench) is required to make adjustments, yet there is no indication ... | |
| disassemble | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: could you help me with disassembling my drum set, And assembling it. If you have any tip on ... A: Good question to ask, and something most people don't consider though it is important that a drum ... | |
| drum amplifiers | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: I have been playing drums for 35 years and have never used mics. If i by a mic package what do i use ... A: Here is a short and concise answer: Your mics can go into a mixer and you can use either headphones ... | |
| alternative equipment to replace the drum pedal(s) | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: I'M not paralyesed in my but cannot move them quick enough for the beat to stay in time when using ... A: One alternative would be to play the bass drum parts with a hand, yet the goal should be to keep the ... | |
| drum preference | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: I have two sets: one that I bought in 1966 (Ludwig Hollywood, black diamond pearl with a chrome ... A: You might consider the following for your classic rock set-up... 1. Your Tama kit 2. Snare head - ... | |
| open handed playing | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: I have been playing professionally for about 35+ years. I was taught trad. grip and until recently ... A: I'll give you a short and concise response, as it really doesn't require over-thinking. Open-handed ... | |
| kick drum-ankle problem | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: ! I've been playing for 25 years. In the last year, my right ankle has gotten weak to the point ... A: Number one: go to a doctor, immediately. If you are unable to lift your toes or move your foot at a ... | |
| beginner drum question | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: I plan to leave the bottom heads off my drums. Do I leave off the rims too? Also is this a good ... A: Either way should be fine (bottom rims on or off). You asked if it is good or bad - it is neither ... | |
| Practicing Rudiments | 3/17/2009 |
| Q: I've been drumming for a few years now, and I have a practice pad, sticks, and a throne (as well as ... A: A good starting place for learning the rudiments: Practice at a slow tempo at first; repeat, repeat, ... | |
| building a drum room. | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: my family is going to build me my own bedroom out on the backyard, here is the picture. ... A: There are various approaches to containing the sound within a room. You can opt to go with ... | |
| mondo | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: I want to buy some mondo drums. Would a mondo snare head fit my regular snare? A: You might consider referring to Remo's pages for more information on Mondo drums and heads, ... | |
| Drum kit set-up | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: I wonder if you could explain to me why traditionally a right handed drummer will play the bass with ... A: That is a good subject to ask about, others have occasionally brought it up in the past, even some ... | |
| how to read music for the quad/quint drums | 7/11/2008 |
| Q: I've played drums in my school band for the past 4 years. I'm now going into high school & want to ... A: You asked for a specific answer to a specific question, I can provide that. "Which note goes to ... | |
| DRUM SHELL | 6/13/2008 |
| Q: I HAVE A WHITE 1975 LUDWIG VISTALITE SHELL I PICKED UP RATHER CHEAP. I NEED TO COVER IT IN SILVER ... A: The pain will most likely stick. A definite answer could only be given if all the details - ... | |
| Heavy weight drumsticks | 3/5/2008 |
| Q: I've been debating about what kind of stick should I use to play. A friend of mine gave me to try a ... A: Good question, not many people ask about that. The answer's easy: It's really up to you. You can use ... | |
| left hand - right food | 2/26/2008 |
| Q: i'm a left hander but i'm right for foot and it brings me a lot of problems i'm really cunfused i ... A: From what I see in your message it looks like you'd like to set up the drumset with the hi-hat on ... | |
| tension | 2/19/2008 |
| Q: My question is about hand and especially forearm tension.. I'm in my 40's and i haven't played since ... A: You asked: 1. "...on a scale of one 1-10, 10 being the tighest hand/forearm tension apllied, how ... | |
| Left handed drummer | 2/13/2008 |
| Q: Iv been playing right handed kits for awhile open handed, but I'm struggling with some songs. I find ... A: From what I see in your message it looks like you'd like to set up the drumset with the hi-hat on ... | |
| endurance training for drums. | 9/3/2007 |
| Q: I've been drumming for about 7months now. I practice a lot and am very dedicated to trying my ... A: You can improve your endurance with a practice routine that follows a similar concept to that of a ... | |
| pivot point with traditional left hand stick | 6/14/2007 |
| Q: You gave good advice in your earlier response to the traditional left-hand question. I have ... A: The abnormal feel and use of the left hand, as opposed the natural feel of the right, in earlier ... | |
| Special percussion instrument. | 6/10/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could answr my long wonderedive been to a few random gigs, Al DiMeola`s ... A: From the description provided, it sounds like you are talking about the cajón (pronounced ka-HON) ... | |
| Traditional Stick Technique | 6/6/2007 |
| Q: I've been told that I am going to be playing snare drum next year for my high school band, great :D ... A: It will take a lot of work but you can do it! It's an exciting grip and fun to play. There will be ... | |
| Light Jazz Sticks | 2/8/2007 |
| Q: I wondered if you had a recommendation for sticks for playing jazz. I have played jazz for many ... A: Ultimately the volume depends on the musician's ability to produce the varying dynamics from their ... | |
| 4/4 beat etc. | 11/28/2006 |
| Q: myson is learning to play the drums but has difficulty in understanding the theory side of music ... A: I can provide a brief explanation of your mention of "numbers at the start of a line of music", ... | |
| backing tracks | 10/22/2006 |
| Q: is there a way to remove the drumming from a song? A: I am assuming you mean either a prerecorded song, such as one from a CD, or one that you have ... | |
| silent drumming | 10/21/2006 |
| Q: I live in an apartment and I have just brought a drum set for my son. I want him to hit the actual ... A: It is completely okay to put clothes or similar materials in the drums to help mute the sound. It is ... | |
| No im not a drummer... | 10/17/2006 |
| Q: Heyy, I'm Sam. Yes, i know that this page is for drummers to ask questions, but you'll probably be ... A: You've already tried other options. I'd say give this a try: Play along with pre-recorded music. ... | |
| Marching quads | 9/1/2006 |
| Q: I'm going to be composing some marching music for the percussionists (I am not a percussionist ... A: Good question. People tend to think past the clef that a percussion instrument might use. Which ... | |
| Timing Problems | 3/22/2006 |
| Q: What can a drummer to to improve timing? I have been playing for about 20 years, but throughout my ... A: Your topic is a common concern amongst several musicians (regardless of instrument). There are a few ... | |
| newbie to percussion | 10/18/2005 |
| Q: I've been playing guitar for a couple years, and have often thought about taking up the drums. But, ... A: The best option is always a drumpad and a pair of sticks. It is significantly less expensive and ... | |
| Makes of Drum Kit | 10/18/2005 |
| Q: I'm trying to find out the names of some makes of drum kit. I'm mostly interested in names that ... A: Here are some names: Pearl, Ludwig, Tama, Sonar, Yamaha, Premier, Gretsch, DW (Drum Workshop), ... | |
| snare drum kit | 10/17/2005 |
| Q: "Hi, my 10 year old son started taking drum lessons about a month ago. His teacher is now asking for ... A: There are several brands available. The most appropriate snare drum for your son would be any brand ... | |
| drum question | 10/7/2005 |
| Q: I am looking at some drum tabs and i was curious about S - Snare -o- normal hit -O- ... A: I'd like to invite you to participate in my forums. I will respond to posts in there as well as any ... | |
| Improving tightness | 9/26/2005 |
| Q: I am a guitar player of 9 years and have a five piece soul/funk band (vox, gtr, bass, keys & drums). ... A: Ultimately it is up to the other musicians to put in individual practice time (and appropriate ... | |
| Drum recording / microphones | 5/28/2005 |
| Q: S.Darby, I purchased an 8 track digital recorder and need some recomendations on microphones for ... A: Good questions. I appreciate your being clear in asking them and to the point. Regarding ... | |
| Time Signitures | 4/20/2005 |
| Q: I have been playing drums for quite a few years now and have recently gotten big into playing in ... A: Here are a few suggestions. They may or may not be of styles you are interested in but they include ... | |
| drums | 4/8/2005 |
| Q: whats the best way to place a drumset w/ 5 drums, the best set up... and is it possible to take out ... A: You, in a way, answered your own question. It is actually possible to place a cymbal in the space of ... | |
| Snare drums for high school classroom | 4/1/2005 |
| Q: I would like to know what concert snares you would recommend for classroom use at high school. I can ... A: Regarding snares, if you are referring to snare drums, you will be fortunate to find one snare drum ... | |
| playing style | 3/22/2005 |
| Q: I am just learning to play the drums and find it easier to play the high hat and snare without ... A: There really is no advantage or disadvantage either way. Some of the greatest drummers play without ... | |
| i have a tama rockstar and... | 12/9/2004 |
| Q: i have a tama rockstar and atama starclassic iwould like to know the sweet spot on those and what ... A: The "sweet spot" on any instrument is the location which produces the best sound. On a saxophone, ... | |
| I am a drummer of 42+yrs.... | 11/19/2004 |
| Q: I am a drummer of 42+yrs. MyWhats wrong with playing the 9 and 13 stroke rolls using single ... A: First off, there are more times than not that the way one interprets a technique is correct. ... | |
| drum heads | 11/18/2004 |
| Q: i am looking for the right heads for my star classics for a fusion set to give me that deep sound .i ... A: I suggest you give these a try - Remo pinstripes on toms and white-coated batter head on snare. ... | |
| starting out | 11/11/2004 |
| Q: I'm going to begin learning how to play the drums, do you have any advice about equipment or any ... A: Jessa, For starters, it is best to get a pair of drum sticks and a drum pad. You can always use a ... | |
| location for playing drums | 8/11/2004 |
| Q: I have a son who wants to play his drums in our house. As you know, they are very loud and there ... A: I hope I can help and I appreciate your writing a clear message (I often receive either unclear or ... | |
| teaching beginers | 7/29/2004 |
| Q: I am the front ensemble section leader for my high school and this year we have a lot of wind ... A: You are facing a very popular situation. Many times that section gets "stuck" with wind players. ... | |
| sticking | 7/27/2004 |
| Q: how do you increase the quality and speed of a single strock roll? A: I hope I am able to help with your question. I appreciate the clear question too. Often times, ... | |
| Drum Tuning Tips | 1/10/2004 |
| Q: Greetings! Description: 2001 Yamaha Stage Custom 6 pc. in natural wood finish. Can you offer any ... A: I'm on vacation, I don't know why AllExperts is allowing questions. In any case, here's a quick ... | |
Drums & Percussion
Answers by Expert:
The Doctor
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I answer a variety of drums & percussion related questions. I have multiple music degrees and years of experience in the field.
When asking your question:
1. Please be clear in your message.
2. Provide actual question(s).
3. Please keep it short and concise.
4. Save my one-question-per-day for someone else if you can find the answer on your own.
Please, *no* questions regarding: serial numbers, appraisals, pricing, value, restorations, or when a particular instrument was made. Thank you.
Experience
15 years professional experience.
Education/Credentials
BM, BME, MM, DMA.
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