kmansdrummin

Our drumline, (Pacific Alliance, Seattle, WA), got new 13 inch Pearls in 2005. That year we used the Black Max, which is IMO the best Kevlar head around. It gave a good sound and made playing alot easier. However, while looking at a tape of us, when one person played, it sounded like a GAK GAK GAK. We decided before the summer of 2006 to try Mylar. (Actually we were kind of split.) The Mylar had a great snare sound, but a few players with less chops found it very challenging. We ended up using the new Ludwig Silverdots. We were able to crank them, and they sounded GREAT. A wonderful snare sound. We want the kids, and audience in general to hear a snare drum, that SOUNDED like a snare drum. True, the note is "fatter" and lower, but that's what a true snare drum is. That being said, one of the reasons for the "leaner" note besides the Kevlar heads, is the fact that the BOTTOM head is TAPED in some places, to give LESS of a snare sound. I remember in 2004 seeing the Blue Devils and Vanguard warm up, and looking at the drums sitting on their sides, being suprised at the tape holding the snares in place on the bottom head. The Vanguard sprayed something (I think acrylic) on the bottom head after tightening. (On a side note, while I was talking to the Vanguard, they were very friendly, especially Freddy. They answered questions, and even let me diddle on one of their snares. Very classy.) So, if the bottom snares aren't taped, you may have more of a snare sound. But we found with the Kevlar, it's more of a "choked" sound. For a drum corps, they can afford to use a concert snare in the pit when they need a true snare sound, but for us, our snares are it. The Mylar may be more work, but in the long run, IMO, it's truly worth it. If you want to check us out, go to YouTube, and type in "Pacific Alliance Drumline". There will be two features. The sound quality could be better, but you get the idea.

And you know what they say in boxing, "no sax before the fight".

I was watching "Attack of the Show" and they were broadcasting from a gadget expo, (for want of the correct name), and I saw the little white robot from Honda. Possibly the drum major for the Robot Corps?????

And the DCI bored room.

i KNEW it!!!!!!!!

Very well said. Thanks Jared

Phantoms 2005 show is what I was talking about. But I loved 2006 as well.

So is it going to be that great design beats trying to be clean?? I hope not. Drum machines? If so, who needs a drumline, you could program the show, and it would be totally clean. IMO, it all comes down to whoever has more money/resources to get/hire more people to move props and buy amps, electronic equipment may stay on top, and could further seperate the "haves" from the "have nots". OH, by the way, I loved Phantoms show. It showed what class, execution and great creativity can do. That showed what you can do without all the extra do-dads. IMO they should have won, but I hope that the judges keep the playing field even. (see above)

I dig the CHROME on the Snare!!!!

You STUDS!! (And STUDETTES)

Dennis, would you please send me an e-mail with your phone # on it. I lost it and I miss our conversations. Hope everything is going well with you and yours.

Thanks Mom. I pulled a "Martha Stewart" for the Snares. I wanted black lugs, so we put black Scotch plastic tape on the lugs. (The wide roll.) It came out looking way cool. Anyone else can check them out at www.pacall.net. PS, you doing the Chinese New Years Parade this year? Oh, and you would look totally Wicked playing one of these with us this summer in the Seattle Torchlight Parade. (The Red drums and the Clock solo will bring out the Santa Clara in you.) Take it easy, Kevin. ^0^ ^0^ B) ^0^ ^0^

Cool the way the gradient (fade) matches the uniform.

Great Job! You totally Rock!!! Was it hard to do. What kind of covering did you use?

I was watching some of the Rose Bowl Parade, when the City of Los Angeles Unified Band came on, and they were playing Marvin Gaye's version of "Aint no Mountain High Enough", finished that, then broke into "Maleguenea". (Sorry if I spelled it wrong.) Pretty Cool. Anything else??

Bummer, (for me), but thanks for the info.

Early-mid 70's SCV copper drums, cool. 78 BD pearl, "big band" looking drums. Renegades latest. 04 SCV. 04 Cavies complimented the whole show perfectly. 06 Phantom, WOW!!!! Those must have cost some bucks, (if you had to buy them).

Just curious, how do you get drums that were used by a drum corps. There are some cool looking drums out there, and it would be nice to get one.

What about Crown? They have the most bland uniform I've ever seen, IMHO.

The Godfather of Soul, James Brown passed on yesterday. I know this is a drum corps forum, but he was a great entertainer, full of energy, and many, MANY performers are in debt to him. God bless you James.

I stand corrected. Thanks.

"All the old people think their way is better." "So you wouldn't be happy unless drumlines played sensless ratamacues, paradiddles, etc...."

1975 Madison - Just didn't like it, and the drum solo paled in comparison to what was being played by Santa Clara, Blue Stars and Etobikoke. 1987 Cadets - Didn't appeal to me. Still don't understand the perfect drum score without going last, and no drum solo. (Kind of like a milk shake without the milk.) 1993 Star of Indiana - Those uniforms and what I consider a boring show. 2002 Blue Devils - The butchering of Channel One Suite. 2004 Blue Devils - Yowza no wowza 2004 Crown - Lot's of talent, but Singing? Make it stop!!!!! 2006 Cadets - Loved the drumming, everything else I couldn't stand. See Singing. No disrespect, just IMO. (Which is the purpose of the thread.)

Very good point. I agree. Let's support the kids. I hope the price to get in is reasonable. It will be cool to see some drumline warm-ups as well.