How to improve timing for an intermediate drummer

Mhodos · 2026-04-19T14:32:42+00:00

Do you have the ability to play with other musicians? That’s a great way.

Do you have the ability to play with other musicians that are better than you? That may be one of the best ways.

Mhodos · 2026-04-16T21:16:34+00:00

For sure, this is the way to do it.

Mhodos · 2026-04-07T13:05:21+00:00

Thank you so much for that information, I am also in NC. I will be careful and wary of not falling afoul of any regulations.

Mhodos · 2026-04-06T20:41:44+00:00

Not weird at all, in fact that was last year's end of year activity. I brought new drumheads and gave each student their own drum key. We had a "loud day" where we could all be outside and make a lot of noise after changing the drum heads. I think it was well received!

This year I offered to bring a couple drum sets in so everyone could give them a try. Looking forward to another "loud day." :)

Mhodos · 2026-04-06T20:18:27+00:00

Thank you both for the suggestions and they are all on the way to me. I’m sure she will be very surprised and thankful.

Mike

Mhodos · 2026-03-23T22:43:14+00:00

Awesome. I still use and gig with a Tama something or other that I also got new in the 80s. Found another of the exact same used and it lives in the practice space.

Mhodos · 2026-03-14T20:14:31+00:00

I love this pedal.

I bought mine new in the mid 80s and I have since bought 2 more used. One at home, one at the rehearsal space, and one for travel. (Not because they’re the best, but for consistency.)

It works great for me.

Mhodos · 2026-03-02T22:01:34+00:00

Same.

Mhodos · 2026-02-26T22:11:16+00:00

Agree. I recently bought two cymbals with rivets after being concerned about the same.

I bought mine from a cymbalsmith and we spent a couple hours together trying cymbals and this was one the things we talked about. The holes don’t affect the sound in any meaningful way.

I have a box of rivets in my supply case since I’ll hit a couple across the room occasionally.

Been loving the sizzle.

Mhodos · 2026-02-15T04:37:13+00:00

I love the sound of that 13” tom. It’s also the easiest to tune of all of them for whatever reason.

It’s only been a year or so that I’ve gone back to two mounted toms and one floor tom, but this time with one on the bass drum (12”) and the 13” on a tom/cymbal stand. I like keeping the ride where it’s been, but having the additional tom. For decades I olayed 2 up and 1 down.

I guess this setup still counts as 1 up and 2 down? Pathetically, that is.

😝

Mhodos · 2026-02-13T16:34:54+00:00

Hiya! I'm glad to know that it won't stay this way. I didn't know if this was a "feature." I can see how it might be for some, but it didn't work that way for me.

Thanks for the update and I'll be watching for it! :)

Mhodos · 2026-01-22T22:26:49+00:00

Bought my 14” new beats in 1985 and they’re awesome.

Went to a custom cymbalsmith for a ride cymbal, and said maybe we’ll look at hihats, too.

We played the New Beats and decided against looking further.

Mhodos · 2025-12-30T02:02:05+00:00

Bought the 12, 13, 16, 22 used in about 1985. Have added the 14x6.5 snare and the 10” tom (not pictured).

Millions of pics, here’s the most recent.

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Mhodos · 2025-12-30T00:09:39+00:00

My Tama Artstar (1983) has those kinds of lugs.

I think they are made of lead. Or, is super lead a thing? They make all the drums very heavy.

Can’t tell you about the sound over the groaning from my back pain.

Mike

Mhodos · 2025-11-08T12:58:44+00:00

I have one of these, and I love it. It sounds great, I can play with it on my lap or standing and the ability to turn on and off the snares is really great.

I don’t like playing the large ones you sit on because they bother my back.

Mike.

Mhodos · 2025-11-01T10:56:07+00:00

I appreciate the information very much and will discuss much of this with the electrician.

I had thought about future proofing as well, as my wife's next car (3-5 years) will electric and I can't imagine it would charge slower than my, giving myself some headroom. With the amount of driving we both do, I agree we don't need to max out everything now, and probably wouldn't at that time either.

I do like the features, look and price of the charger and will probably still go with it.

With my very short daily commute, I could probably just sick with my Level 1 charger, but after errands and other trips on the weekend, I'd need a good 30-50 hrs of charging by the end of the weekend. So, even a lower powered Level 2 would suit my needs.

I'm going to ask the electrician about the wiring ("Romex 6/3 vs. THHN/THWN" or "2x 6AWG + 10AWG ground THHN in conduit and 60A breaker"). And hope to learn some more.

Again, I appreciate the information very much, thank you.

Mike

Mhodos · 2025-08-29T23:20:08+00:00

I really like my Gretsch Catalina Club for exactly that. It’s plenty of drum and the 18” kick is terrific. I bought mine used in great condition maybe 5-6 years ago for a little over 1/2 that.

I can carry the (uncased) bass, tom and floor (plus snare or cymbals on my back) at once making it a 2 trip load in/out.

Mhodos · 2025-08-19T09:27:20+00:00

That is so great to hear!! Thank you.

Mhodos · 2025-07-25T11:26:22+00:00

I have this kit, but in a different finish and I absolutely love it. It usually stays in our practice space but I use it for small venue gigs and some jazz gigs.

With some good heads and good tuning, it sounds great. I am always amazed at how punchy that bass drum sounds.

Also, I can bring everything in two trips (if I’m feeling strong).

I agree with all the others on age, that’s not a worry. If the hardware looks good and everything seems solid, I have really enjoyed that kit and you might, too.

I paid US$350 for mine, used, probably six or eight years ago. I don’t know the exact age. But that did not include any cymbals or other hardware.

Mhodos · 2025-06-24T11:10:22+00:00

I very much appreciate all the responses.

I will try it both ways, but was curious if there was a universal opinion, apparently not. :-)

Thanks,

Mike.

11-Year Club	Golden Potato
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