My Dad's Kit (Dominic Howard Mention)

April 2011
Modern Drummer 

MIND MATTERS: Overcoming Common Mental Barriers In Music

I'm sixteen years old and have been playing drums for about five months. When I started playing, my dad gave me his old kit and was very excited about me following in his footsteps. The problem is, I really don't like his drums. They're old and have been stored in the basement for years. The white finish has yellowed, and there's rust on the chrome. Plus it's only a four-piece kit. I don't want to hurt his feelings, but I really want a new kit in a fade finish with a bunch of toms, maybe even two bass drums. I'm in a band, but we haven't played out yet. When that time comes, I can't imagine playing my first gig with my dad's old, beat-up drums. What do I do? Ricky L.

Let me preface my response by saying that I can only illuminate different choices, or possible solutions, that you haven't yet considered. I can't tell you what to do. Ultimately, you will need to make the decisions regarding your dilemma.

First, let's look at your concern about the number of drums on your kit. Every Saturday night, at approximately 11:34 p.m., after a cast member shouts out, "Live from New York, it's Saturday night!" Shawn Pelton's job as the house drummer on Saturday Night Live is to amp up the live and TV audience. He plays with his whole being—his mind, his heart, his hands, and his feet—and he does so on a four-piece kit. That's all he needs to get the job done...and done well.

Shawn is in good company too. Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), Josh Freese (studio ace), Questlove (the Roots), Abe Laboriel Jr. (Paul McCartney), Steve Jordan (R&B/pop drummer extraordinaire), Charlie Watts (the Rolling Stones), Stanton Moore (Galactic), Dominic Howard (Muse), Justin Foley (Killswitch Engage)—the list goes on and on—all choose to play small kits. Why? Because what really matters is not the number of drums you play, but how you play the drums you have.

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