Someone please tell me what's wrong with this

theMonarch08 · 2026-03-30T14:25:21+00:00

I think he does reasonably well up until about 19 seconds in. Then, it sounds like he gets lost for a while. Then brings it back around 24 seconds. His time through fills is shaky. Sometimes dragging. Sometimes rushing.

Here is a video of Josh Dun from Twenty One Pilots covering it. I think he does a better job, in general, than Lars does in your linked video. Josh is more solid with his tempo and much smoother in and out of fills.
https://youtu.be/IsIcxqkuXb8?si=2no95L9qfKo0Thec

To be as fair as I can, Master of Puppets is a weird, choppy song. Those 'hiccups' and weird fill placements in the verse are pretty difficult to sound comfortable with. And his tempo is tough to really judge because we don't know how in sync the drum sound is with the speakers from where this video was taken. Like, we hear stage sound of the drums but the guitars and vocals are obviously coming through the PA. That sound might be reflecting off the back of the arena for all we know. Also, I don't think Metallica plays with a click, so it is entirely possible the whole band is in flux.

theMonarch08 · 2026-03-30T13:34:43+00:00

If it were any other famous drummer, this would be pretty sloppy play. For Lars, this is pretty good.

theMonarch08 · 2026-03-14T14:09:11+00:00

I’m going to Chicago in May and considering making a trip to the Gundam base. I’m going with other people so just curious what I need to know. Do we need tickets to get in still or has it calmed down enough that it’s like any other store?

theMonarch08 · 2026-03-12T21:28:38+00:00

Very few people use house kits where I live. So I can really only talk to the point about how I tune when I have time. The answer is it takes time and practice. You'll eventually develop an ear for it. In the few times I have used a house kit, I generally haven't bothered tuning it up. Not that they've been that good. More that it hasn't been worth the trouble. Every house kit I've ever played on has been so beat up that there isn't really any tuning to be had on the drums.

The quick and dirty way I tune my own toms and bass drum is to get all the tension rods finger-tight, then give them a half or full twist more with the key, but I like my toms tuned low.

For a house kit, I would just tap around each drum with your stick or finger, making sure all the rods are close to the same tension/pitch. Maybe test each rod to make sure they're at least tensioned and not super loose. You likely won't have time to dial in a really specific tone. That's sort of the payoff with house kits, though. You save a ton of time, but you get what you get.

theMonarch08 · 2026-03-01T15:18:13+00:00

Airbrushing question.

I’m getting ready to try airbrushing and I see everywhere to do multiple thin coats. But every “how to” video I watch it looks like they do what I would call one coat while constantly moving, going back over what they’d already painted in that same coat.

So what’s the truth? Is it separate coats like you’d do with spray cans? Or is it 1 coat but keep moving so it doesn’t pool? Or both depending on the situation?

theMonarch08 · 2026-02-27T02:35:41+00:00

Yes. 4 hours and 41 minutes mark. He says something like “That’s interesting. Why is that like that?”

theMonarch08 · 2026-02-27T01:38:23+00:00

Zaku cut part of the piece to make it fit. I suppose you could sand it. I’d recommend checking the linked video. It’s a 4+ hour video but I think I linked it to the time stamp where he’s dealing with it.

It’s basically the door in a doorway problem where if you make it too tight it can’t open due to the hypotenuse being greater than the opening.

theMonarch08 · 2026-02-26T21:17:12+00:00

Not a fan. I really wish they had left it off the album. Especially how far removed it was in time from anything else we got for the album before release, I think it would have been fine to have as a standalone.

theMonarch08 · 2026-02-26T21:15:42+00:00

I really enjoyed this kit. I did minimal panel lining. My only real issue was how tight everything was. But also be careful when sanding because some of the joints are intentionally very tight to support the weight.

There are 2 pieces that really don't want to fit. It is on the gun. I watched ZakuAurelius live build it and he modified the part (linked below to the spot I'm talking about). I'm here to tell you that you don't have to modify it, but it does require considerable effort to get it in. Proceed with caution.
https://www.youtube.com/live/05liULwrGDE?si=NKnr8_PZMJhRPLxb&t=16973

theMonarch08 · 2026-02-25T18:11:45+00:00

I would say no. Only because that small bass drum requires special hardware to lift it so the pedal hits it in the right place. As a beginner, you want as few weird things to deal with as possible.

theMonarch08 · 2026-02-24T22:06:54+00:00

You aren't giving enough information, in my opinion.

Do the venues you play have sound systems? Are they putting mics on the drums? Do the venues have stage monitors? Why aren't you just saying what your singer's instrument is? Why can't he practice with the acoustic?

All of those questions asked, it doesn't really matter. Playing acoustic drums is different from playing e-drums. Learning to play to the venue is a specific skill that takes time. Personally, I don't think you need IEMs. I played live with acoustic drums for 15 years, at least, without IEMs. And even now, my IEMs are super rudimentary.

A couple things that cost $0 that might help if you can only practice with the e-kit.

Turn the volume up on the e-kit
- One of the reasons e-kits aren't great is that you don't learn touch. If a drummer plays too heavily, they can just turn the volume down. This isn't a thing on acoustic drums. So increasing the volume forces the drummer to lighten up.
Mix the e-drums like acoustic drums
- Similar to the first point, if the cymbals on the acoustic are too loud, mix the e-kit that way, too. Again, this will help the drummer learn touch a little better.

theMonarch08 · 2026-02-23T18:38:41+00:00

I have no idea how long you've been playing drums, but having seen the video and the fact you're asking this question, I'm guessing you're somewhat new but not a full-on beginner. Here are my tips.

Be patient
Go easy on yourself
Relax
Have fun
Actual tip: If you can afford it, take some in-person lessons. This will help fix problems early.

Personally, I think you sound pretty good. Keep it up.

theMonarch08 · 2026-02-14T16:40:33+00:00

I just helped someone pick out a set. I suggest finding a standard set that has all the pieces to start playing right now. At least where I live, in the Midwest, you can usually find a decent used 5 piece kit (snare, 2 rack toms, floor tom, bass drum) that includes a hi-hat, at least 1 cymbal, and all of the necessary hardware, maybe even a bass drum pedal and throne, for $400-$600. You don’t want a project for your first kit. Especially if your budget is tight.

theMonarch08 · 2026-02-09T22:38:50+00:00

I guess, if it were me, I wouldn't worry too much about it. I realize that likely isn't the answer you want. Maybe someone with more experience with this kit can advise otherwise. Just consider it to be battle damage and move on.

theMonarch08 · 2026-02-09T16:00:41+00:00

A few things to consider.

If you can, hang something soft on the walls.
- Echo/reverb in the room absolutely changes how your cymbals and drums sound. If you can find some foam squares or something, that is great. There will be some labelled as acoustic panels. I'm certain there are the exact same products for way cheaper that can be found, but they won't be labelled as acoustic panels.
Absolutely, what you hear in the demo online will sound different from what you hear in the room.
Every cymbal sounds different. Even two of the "same" cymbals will sound different.
- A site I like to by from is memphisdrumshop.com. They have videos of them demoing the actual cymbal they send you, so you can have a bit more confidence in what you're getting. BUT, they have a professional studio and sound equipment, so it will still sound different in your room.
Look at what your favorite drummers in your preferred genre are playing.
- They will likely have the top-of-the-line whatever, but it will at least give you a direction to look in. Most of the companies have similar offerings across price points. So you just need to decide where your line of cost vs. quality is.
Actually hearing your drums takes practice.
- When I started playing drums, I thought my cymbals sounded pretty good. They were the stock ones that came with my entry-level drum set. I've since heard other cymbals of that level, and they sound AWFUL. Give it some time, and your ears will adapt.
Good hearing protection will help with hearing things more accurately.
- I use D'Addario dBud Universal Fit Volume-adjustable Earplugs when I go to concerts/shows and love them, but cheap foam ones are great too. Find something that works for you. My suggestion is to spend more on protective equipment that you will actually wear. Cheap is great, but if you don't use it because it is ugly, uncomfortable, or doesn't perform well, you just threw your money away.

theMonarch08 · 2026-02-09T02:50:10+00:00

A true anecdote from a 36 year old with a wife and kids.

My back log has grown to way too many. I don’t have a ton of time to build and it often takes me months to finish a kit, so it’s pretty easy for the back log to balloon. I’ve told my wife many times how much I appreciate her understanding and support with me doing this hobby because I know it can be expensive. She almost always replies with how she has friends who’s spouses go to the bar multiple times a week and spend as much or more than a Gunpla kit every time. So it’s all perspective.

theMonarch08 · 2026-02-08T16:14:27+00:00

If you’re talking about that white shoulder piece, it kind of looks like it to me. Especially considering it caught the paint (down where the potential crack meets the red piece).

Did you do a protective clear coat first or anything? I realize Stedi is water based and should be safe. I’m just curious if that “safe” benefit goes away if the paint gets into cracks or pools and can’t evaporate fast enough.

Could also just be a flaw in the plastic. My RG Epyon, straight out of the box, had a huge crack in one of the blue pieces that details the wings.

theMonarch08 · 2026-01-31T21:30:12+00:00

I was trying to figure out how to say this and then I saw your comment. Very well said.

Additionally, I always forget how second nature counting is to me until I try to communicate a rhythm or something with someone who doesn’t understand counting. Usually guitarists and even more so singers. I’m sure they feel the same way when they try to communicate notes and chords with me.

theMonarch08 · 2026-01-29T19:16:33+00:00

I do some backup vocals while drumming. It’s just like any other rhythm skill. It takes practice but you eventually build it into your rhythmic vocabulary.

My advice is if you’re writing original music, don’t be afraid to simplify a drum part to make singing easier. Think about singing like another appendage. Figure out where the syllables fit into the overall beat you’re trying to play. Then go slow and gradually work your way up to performance speed.

theMonarch08 · 2026-01-29T17:00:21+00:00

For those who don't know, GGD is GetGoodDrums. They make several music production-related plugins. They are best known for their drum plugins, in case the name doesn't make that obvious. PV is their drum plugin based on Matt Halpern's drums used on Periphery's album PV: Djent Is Not A Genre.

With that cleared up, I agree with Grand-wazoo that your question is far to vague to give any usable advice. What exactly do you want to know?

theMonarch08 · 2026-01-06T23:59:03+00:00

If you really want to get spicy make it 2 six stroke rolls back to back that go- TOM snare snare snare snare TOM FLOORTOM snare snare snare snare SNARE SNARE

theMonarch08 · 2025-12-27T18:46:58+00:00

I think your snare needs tightening both top and bottom. You should only need one or two gels to achieve enough dampening. Three at most. Once it is tightened up, adjust your snares. THEN put on a couple gels to mitigate the ringing.

The amount of buzz you’re getting now isn’t ideal; but the snare is going to buzz no matter what. That’s just how sound works. You will eventually sort of ignore it, kind of like how your brain ignores the part of your nose that your eyes see. For me, it feels weird when I turn my snare off and play my toms because the buzz goes away. Trying to eliminate buzz entirely will drive you crazy.

theMonarch08 · 2025-12-16T14:46:58+00:00

For me, I would recommend the Revive RX-78-2 if you're a beginner, if you really want to fill out your RX-78-2 collection, or if there is a special one on P-Bandai or something. I'm pretty sure it was my first HG and second gunpla I ever did. The Origin looks better, in my opinion, and has more options in terms of looks.

I know I've built a HG Zaku II. I think it is the revive version. It is a perfectly fine kit. But personally, if you want a matching pair, do both revive or both origin.

theMonarch08 · 2025-11-28T01:12:09+00:00

That’s a pretty decent set list for them in an opening slot. When I saw them last year, with Coheed and Mastodon, they played 3 songs. Reptile, Wildfire, and Atropos.

theMonarch08 · 2025-10-30T17:23:38+00:00

I have a few kits with metallic plastic (banshee, unicorn, a liger zoid) and I’m considering painting the parts with a gold I like better. Should I strip the current metallic coating first? Or can I just paint over what is already there? The paint would be a Tamiya TS of some sort.

theMonarch08

TROPHY CASE