Drum Etiquette and the Opener!

[Drumlooney]

I played at a street fair on Sunday in Jersey, the sound company (panavid) brought with them a 6 piece yamaha kit, they had one ride, a crash, and a china, that's it, and no matter how I tried to adjust the kit I could'nt get comfortable, so this goes to show how I prefer to play my own kit, not that the kit was bad, as a matter of fact it sounded really good, it was just uncomfortable for me, not to mention that I play my ride on the left side of the kit and had to switch that around making the sound techs have to move mics around is not a good way to make friends.

[Drumschris]

I played at a street fair on Sunday in Jersey, the sound company (panavid) brought with them a 6 piece yamaha kit, they had one ride, a crash, and a china, that's it, and no matter how I tried to adjust the kit I could'nt get comfortable, so this goes to show how I prefer to play my own kit, not that the kit was bad, as a matter of fact it sounded really good, it was just uncomfortable for me, not to mention that I play my ride on the left side of the kit and had to switch that around making the sound techs have to move mics around is not a good way to make friends.

I think we played at the same festival! I was at the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival / NJ Transit Festival... we played at 1 PM, what about you?

[Drumlooney]

Hey chris, I think we did, small world, we played sometime about 3:00-3:30pm.

[Drumschris]

Yea, it is a small world! I bet I heard you play and didn't even know it!

My band (Icewagon Flu) played on the NJ Transit stage, near the PATH station. Talk about miscomunication - the presenter told us we had to bring everything from amps to a full drum kit. We haul everything down there, cops escort our 2 cars though the sea of people, etc... we get to the stage, and everything is there!! The sound company was told to provide everything, so they did.

It gets better though... I'm happy I dont have to set my drumkit up now, but I go get a closer look at the drums (mainly the stands).. and none of the stands have any cymbal sleves, nuts or pads - including the hi-hat! It turns out that the set is the personal set of one of the soundmen. Since I have to use my own cymbals, I'm now going to have to use my own stands. There's no way I'm going put my babies on metal, and then play em. Well, he took BIG offense to this... we proceeded to get in a mini arguement that there was no way I'm going to use his stands, because of the lack of cymbal protection. He tried to convice me it's fine, and it's only metal.

Needless to say, I replaced his stands with mine, played an awesome show, and brushed off the looks I got from him afterward.

I was just going to use my washers/pads/nuts ... but they weren't compatible with his stands.

The show went great, and thats all that matters  ;D

[Drumlooney]

I'm with you Chris I used my own stands cymbals and pedals.  Next time I play in the Jersey area I'll give hit you with an instant message so we can meet.

[MOUSE]

I'm two faced.
Usually i provide own pedal,snare and cymbals and talk to the drummer involved when playing on their kit. I need to know if it's o.k to move things about or leave as is and i will compromise and follow his wishes with respect.
Normally only experience this in a situation where there is a show and there is set gear on the stage.
When it comes to others using any of my gear-it doesn't happen! Hard i know but i earned my kit, paid out of gig money and i'm not gonna let anyone break anything (that's my privilage).

[shannonsharp]

At this point in my project, we are headlining and opening some shows.  We have played with several dozen Nashville nationals and I would say probably 75% of the drummers in these projects are about the same as I am.  I don't mind at all if someone uses my kit, less the sticks (come on, it's like letting someone else use your underwear) pedals, throne, and snare.  The drummers have been cool about it.  I have had BIG problems when advancing a show with the road managers.  A lot of times, I have had a road manager say ABSOLUTELY NOT, just to have the drummer show up and ask why we were using two kits.  ANYWAY, I feel like letting someone use your kit just builds a better working relationship in our profession.  I always say, "watch the toes you step on going up, cuz they might be attached to the As-es you have to kiss on the way back down. ;D

[sidereal]

...but I go get a closer look at the drums (mainly the stands).. and none of the stands have any cymbal sleves, nuts or pads - including the hi-hat! It turns out that the set is the personal set of one of the soundmen. ... There's no way I'm going put my babies on metal, and then play em. Well, he took BIG offense to this...

I had a similar experience this past weekend. No sleves on the stands. So I took out some electrical tape and made a nice, thick, even wrap around all the areas of metal where the cymbal might touch. Worked great and the kit was a great sounding, luscious pink sparkle DW. :)

(btw, this was AFTER I had broken my Zildjian, so there's no connection. )

[MOUSE]

I can't believe that people can do that >:(.
There is no excuse for lack of simple maintenance.
I once had a drummer ask me to help get the buzz out of his snare. I turned it over and took out a loose screw that was rattling inside :P. Makes you wonder ???