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Avid, I think you have gotten some great responses already but as a
surf drummer and reader of this site I so rarely get a chance to
chime in so I will. Keep it simple. I have a number of vintage sets
(Ludwig, Rogers, Slingerland, Gretsch and Premier- all 60's)and they
are probably not as good as what is being produced today, especially
when it comes to hardware (stands, pedals, etc.), but they make up
for it in cool factor. The old single braced hardware is really
light, folds up small and nice to transport however. Usually bass is
20 or 22". Mounted toms are 8x12 or 9x13 and not the deeper "power
toms" that are found on modern sets. I have some sets with single
mounted and others with double- no big deal either way. Floor toms
usually 16x16. 14x14 are cool but command premium prices if vintage.
I played back in the 60's and you pretty much had a choice of Remo
Ambassador coated heads or Remo Ambassador coated heads. That is
also what I usually still use today. Again in the 60's you usually
had a choice of Zildjian A's or Zildjian A's. Guess what I use
today. I am very old school when it comes to gear. There are plenty
around but sound does vary and beware of cracks or keyholes. You are
pretty safe with a 20" medium ride, a 16" crash and a pair of 14"
hats. Metal snares usually have better "crack" and as mentioned are
more affordable then "matching" wood snares (Lugwig jazz festival,
etc). Look for at least an 8 lug and not a 6 lug student snare. For
some typical Surf beats go to:
Thanks to all you guitarists for letting us share your space.
Jesse (drummer in the Aquasonics)
--- In , "avid" <darkthing@c...> wrote:
>
> Sorry if this is off topic, but there is really nowhere else to
ask.
> My cousin and I noticed that most of the surf bands use the same
> exact setup, Floor tom, Mid tom, snare, bassdrum, and four cymbals.
> It seems that the snares are usually Ludwig and don't have a wood
> shell, that they are all metal. Could someone describe the typical
> setup? Are the cymbals a certain size and material?
> One last thing, how is the "typical" surf beat played? For
instance,
> The Nebulas NEMATODE
().
> Does anybody know where to get surf drum tabs?
> Thanks!
