Thomas Lang has switched from Sonor to Drum Workshop drums.
Check out the video as he explains why he has switched:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzyH3UMqsA0

Interesting concept on shell fabrication where the grain going vertical makes for a deeper phater sound. Most of us are looking for more weight in the timber and DW may have resoved that issue. At this time, it's a Kickport ....for now.

Thank you for that informative promo. And what more can one say about Lang, but he kicks.

rac

I have to agree with Thomas concerning how some drums look under the stage lights. I myself have a particular set of drums that is gorgeous to look at in some settings while other settings seem to work against them. And yes, White and black seems to always work. I don't agree about the furniture comment though. I love looking on stage at a nice set of drums that has a beautiful wood grain pattern. You can't go wrong with a beautiful set of drums when the lighting is right... Which is something that we as players have very little if any control over.... That's alright, I'll take my chances.

Besides, in the end it's all about how well they were played.

MY gig kit for the past 4 years.

Personally, I've always stayed with grained shells, especially jap shells (Tama Birtch). Although the classic black/white is nice but I think japanese craftmanship had the touch with wood finishes for years now. I think, on stage environments it looks great. Wood shells minus the plastic coverings may have a negative or positive effect on the shell's sound projection; not sure....And they play well by the way

The snare is a Omar Hakim Signature which is the only variable with this kit along with a few compromises with hardware (Tama, DW and Gerbalter throne).

me,

rac

That's a beautiful kit, Rac. I could look at that all day long.

Thank you D and Ted. Yes, I love that kit, it's my favorite that I use on most gigs. Yes, the finish on that changes color from a medium orange/yellow to a bright yellow where the highlights from the stage lights hits it. The sound is just as nice as the finish, especially when miked.

Don't remember if I told you the story on this kit. I got it on a visit to Vegas (Guitar Center-Henderson, Neveda) a few years ago. It was a floor modal that no one wanted. The sales person said that drummers there were not into small kits (18" BD). Being that here in the islands we have to deal with smaller spaces to setup, that kit was just perfect. But I have to admit it was 'love at first sight.' Of course I had to reassure my wife that she was my mainsqueeze and that there was nothing that can compete with her. haha

Do you have a Tama Classic Birtch as well? I thought I may have seen a picture of you playing one on the gig. I do know you have a few kits for different venues.

rac

Yes, Rac, I have a 6pc Tama Star Classic Birch in a cherry fade finish. Beautiful set of drums.

18X22 kick drum.

I thought so and you look great on them man! We comment people how they look in clothing, why not on a set of great sounding/looking drums?

And probably sound awesome as well!

The picture with my drums minus myself is because no one was around to snap it with me on them. I like being at the gig at least an hour prior to performing. You know, the setting up and sometimes getting all sweaty. I will usually change clothing after setting up and get refreshed by relaxing first.

Do you, Don, do the same? - changing and relaxing prior to performance?



rac

I hope this guy gets into
a band, someday.



Regards,

Tell me about it, Pete!

Rac,

I don't get sweaty on the setups but I do like being at the gig at least an hour before we hit.... Earlier is even better.

Clearly, he has chops.

What I mean is I know this
guy, who has the most
powerful Makita drill. The
thing is unreal. He shows
it to everyone. I just never
see him using it for anything.

Regards,

I feel you Pete....

But what is the "Makita drill"?

Makita is a well-known power-
tool company. They are supposed
to provide the very, very best.

The most powerful, etc. etc.

http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Home/

But the high-end stuff, in most
people's hands, is overkill.

You know what I mean.

I see Thomas and go, "Wow."

Then, I wait. I am still waiting.

I almost feel bad for the guy.

Regards,

Haha... okay, I see. I'm aware of Makita power tools, Pete. I didn't realize you were making an analogy. I thought that Lang had some kind of drumming system that he called the "Makita drill".

You must excuse my Geritol moments.

Yeah, I feel you though. I sort of feel the same way about both him and Marco Minnemann.
They've got all these things to say with no place to say them. I don't get it.

You think about what some
of the greats have had, for
vehicles, like Billy and Michael,
with MO or Gary, with Alan and
John etc ... That is what this
guy needs. He has to hang
that clinic stuff up and push
for it. Otherwise, he will be
just another mercenary.

Regards,