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I joined the Navy about 2 years ago, and I was really worried that this would be the point in my life where I became one of those guys who "used to play." Being on a ship, away from civilization means a lack of room and opportunity to play. I came to the conclusion that if that happens it's my own drat fault, and I need be creative if I want to keep playing. So I figured out a solution...  My suitcase kit. I found an instructable detailing a build for a similar kit (its the first thing you'll find googling the topic) but I found the guys ideas a bit lacking. It definitely feels like you're playing a suitcase in drums clothing... So I made some modifications.   First I mounted my ride and a 10in timbale to the exterior of the case using gibralter braces. They make about a million configurations of braces, so it just took a lot of shopping around to get the exact ones I needed. The only stand is for my hats. My 10 inch snare is on a brace mounted to that stand. I keep an old white shirt on it to temper the volume a bit.   Next, and probably most important is the bass drum. The original guide called for a plastic case with a beater made from a rubber ball. I had no luck finding plastic cases, and from the videos I saw, they really didn't sound that great anyhow. I tried just beating against the case, but it sounded awful.  I cut a hole in the side of the case mounted an unused 14in snare, using the lugs on the resonant side.   I then used a gate hinge, cut the length and a bit of rubber cut from the sole of an old shoe for the pedal mount.   Everything but the cymbals fit inside the case with room to spare.  I've got a few more mods I want to make. The boom arm that holds the ride is definitely carrying lots of weight.... Right now I'm wedging some cymbal felts under it to distribute the weight, but I'd like a more permanent solution. I also want to replace the handle... This thing is heavy and I feel like I need something stronger. I'm also looking for a cheap and lightweight throne to throw in there. The best thing about this build is that I've been able to use it a ton on the ship. I do this to get away from work, but I've even been able to put some of the events I've played in on my eval... Somehow skipping work to play music has helped my career. Edit- fixed images JesusDoesVegas fucked around with this message at 04:23 on Feb 20, 2015 |
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Feb 20, 2015 03:49
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Duke Chin posted:The images finally loaded so I'm double posting just to point how rad this is. Heh thanks... Posting from my phone using the awful app... Its IMG tags didn't work right for some reason. The front of the case sure is ugly... My plan is to cover it in the fuzzy side of Velcro and stick patches all over it. Pilots always have rad patches and it will be an excuse to try to get some off of them... Plus it will be a cool take on the stickers all over a suitcase thing.
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Feb 20, 2015 04:47
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I'll probably be playing tomorrow... I'll record a little... Also I'll see about stealing a flight suit. The whole build cost me around $250. I had the snare, cymbals, hat stand and pedal already. Getting the snare and tom new definitely increased my cost... I could have Craig's listed it for cheaper but I didn't feel like putting in the time. I'd definitely recommend giving the build a try... It would be great for small club gigs where a full set may get in the way and the lower volume would make sense, or a take anywhere kit that you can just keep in your trunk for impromptu jams.
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Feb 20, 2015 05:07
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Brotein_Shake posted:Suit case set owns. Thanks. I just watched whiplash. Everyone should see it, then immediately go practice until their hands and sticks and heads are soaked in blood.
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Feb 22, 2015 06:17
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Duke Chin posted:Was at a weirdo antique/junk store and came dangerously, dangerously close to buying an old suitcase today THANKS A LOT JESUS Do it. I'd recommend getting a real wooden case. They're pretty common. If you're looking at plastic ones be careful... They tend to be laminated cardboard. I wasted $10 that way. I'd also recommend something other than a hinge to make the bass pedal mount. A flat piece of metal can provide stability when the weight of cymbals and toms get added... I'm going to weld my hinge in place when I get a chance. The thing has a tendency to fall forward as it currently stands.
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Feb 23, 2015 21:05
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The first thing I thought was "that's got to be a bitch to gig with." To the guy looking to learn rudiments... That's a really good idea. Your fills will be more interesting, your time will get steadier and your limb independence will improve. Vic firth's web site is a great place to start. YouTube also has a billion videos to work with.
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May 17, 2015 00:05
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Here are three of my favorites if I'm in it for listening to fuckin' great drums. Billy Cobham of Mahavishnu Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10a45mgMGcY (starts around 1:15) Zach Hill of Hella (and about a million other projects) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdMDcG3zAEI Brandon Relf of Sleeping People. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCU-vBVLAJA I also tried to find a decent live video of Damon Che of Don Caballero, but he's a big fat guy who doesn't wear a shirt, and his live performances tend to be drunken and sloppy. V----- EDIT: That kit is gorgeous. ----V JesusDoesVegas fucked around with this message at 04:48 on Jun 9, 2015 |
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Jun 9, 2015 03:43
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So it's been a while since I've posted in this thread. Some of you may remember my suitcase kit I posted back in July... Well I've decided to take it to the next level. This: Is now this:  I had the timbale to act as a hi tom, but it still didn't play like a full kit. I was limited on my fills and beats without having two toms. So I decided to add an 8" and 10" tom to the equation. The whole package still fits inside the suitcase, although its much heavier now (hence the addition of a shoulder strap). Those smaller toms really sing. They've got great tone and real nice sustain. It really fits the higher register sound of the rest of the kit, and it all contrasts my dry low ride really nicely. Here's some pics of the build if anyone is interested. This was my first drum build, and it came with quite a few challenges. If anyone ever wants to tackle drum building, I'd recommend a good drill press, double checking the size of the parts you need BEFORE buying (you don't realize how much hardware goes into these things until you're adding it all to a cart), and giving your wood finish PLENTY of time to dry before applying additional coats or finishes. I started off with these bad boys. Got them from drummaker.net. Not a bad supplier for sure, but his web storefront makes his whole operation really sketchy with its bugs. Still, Andy, the owner was totally cool and he even rushed my order when he found out that I am Navy. Rad guy. The snare shell is my Pearl M-80. I pulled the wrap off of it and gave it the same treatment as the two blank shells, so that they would match. You can definitely tell the difference in wood quality. I suspected the wood would be a little ugly under the wrap though, so it's not a big deal.  First thing's first... lots and lots of sanding.  I sanded them all down starting through three increasingly fine grains of sandpaper, until they were glass smooth to the touch (sorry, totally forget the sanding regiment I used.) The wood looked really nice when it was done.  Next came the dye. I went with a tobacco brown color, to match the Gretsch snare I'm using as a bass drum. I applied three coats over two days.    Next I added a few coats of boiled linseed oil, and finally some spray-on clear coat lacquer in a flat finish. I wont bore you with these photos, but if you're interested, check the imgur gallery ( http://imgur.com/a/zB3Wb ). It's all out of order because I uploaded from my phone, but there's lots of drum building porn there. After letting the finish... finish, I set out to drill the hardware. This was where it all got scary. Drilling holes is permanent. I started by placing one of the hoops over the shell and roughly placing masking tape in line with all of the lugholes on the hoop. Then I went back with a small square and ever so carefully drew a line on the tape at the center of each lug hole. Lastly I put marks on that line where the top and bottom hole would be placed. I measured those holes and the straightness of my lines about a hundred times, then I broke out the drill.   A drill press would have been awesome here, since I was really scared of drilling the holes at an angle, causing the lugs to sit in the shell funny. I started with a small bit to make pilot holes before moving to my final size bit. This made sure the bit didn't slip, causing poorly aligned lugs. After drilling all the holes I had to mount the hardware... You'll notice I had to stagger the hardware, as the toms were too shallow. I think it looks pretty rad. The legs mounts were a little scary though... I forgot to measure for the handle, so it was by a stroke of luck that they actually fit.  Since these beauties are fitting inside the suitcase they're bound to take a beating if I don't protect them somehow, so I brought my happy rear end to the fabric store and went to work making some cases for them. They only protect the shell, but that isn't an issue with how the toms sit inside the case. I also made a special rig for my snare. As you may recall, I keep an old t-shirt duct taped around the snare because its so god drat loud. I sewed a few clips to the case so that I can use the case to keep a piece of t-shirt fabric on the head at all times, without looking like a bag of rear end. I also sewed a hole in the case so I can access the throw-off.    I'm really happy with the way this build has worked out. The addition of the low tom, and it's two legs give the thing some much needed stability. It used to be prone to tipping toward me as I played, since it was really front heavy, and the bass drum foot (i.e. welded gate hinge) took way more stress as a result than I was comfortable with. Now it's totally sturdy. As far as future modifications, I'm nearly done. I may get a lighter hat stand, and try to mount the crash to the case somehow. I also am thinking of using the scrap fabric from my cases to make a rug that doubles as a wrap for all the stands, to keep them tidy, and keep the thing from sliding away when I play on the ship, which is mostly excessively waxed tile. The small size really disappears after you start playing. It's got a nice sound, and all the pieces sit at a perfect playing position (for me anyway). Here's some video, if the pictures weren't drum porn enough for you (ya, it's instagram video, sorry bout that). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or6WbEHUBgc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X7ylB47ZXc I reluctantly post a video of myself playing... dont judge. The sound quality from my phone is garbage, but you get the idea. It sounds like a drum set. Which is the intended effect. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYh011H1pz4 edit - I should note, the throne which is pictured does not fit in the case. It usually stays at home. JesusDoesVegas fucked around with this message at 02:22 on Dec 9, 2015 |
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Dec 9, 2015 02:14
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Unlike piano or guitar, drums aren't really great as a solo instrument... Sure you can (and should) practice by yourself, and it can most definitely be rewarding, but drums are best when you've got some bros playing melodies with your beats. If you've got a bro with a free basement who's new at guitar, or has played for a while, but doesn't mind sticking with a new drummer as they grow, try to start a band or just jam with them, and leave your kit there. You need to develop a real lust for the instrument to stick with it, and its hard to do that if you don't ever play out loud with other musicians. Practice pad kits make this impossible. If you're going the electronic route, they're plenty quiet, but not silent. As mentioned, Roland makes the best kits. Yamaha made a decent one a few years back as well. They're expensive and don't feel like the real thing. The response feels off, you'll get mis-read hits, and the sound has a lag that, while very small, is still noticeable. That said, would bet that starting on an electronic kit would be easier than switching to one after having played acoustic for years. Teachers are good, especially in those early, formative years. It's easy to teach yourself bad habits if nobody is around to tell you you're doing them. If you stick with it, it takes a long time and considerable effort to break those bad habits. Teachers can also provide direction. Starting a new instrument is hard, and its easy to either try songs you think are rad, but are just too hard for where you are and then get discouraged, or just stick to the boring poo poo that's too easy and never grow. A teacher can keep pushing you at a pace that will keep you challenged, but rewarded. Teachers don't always have to be people you pay money to. Get a bunch of musicians together with a case of beers and jam. If there are other drummers, watch them. See what they do that you think is cool and study how they do it. Or go to shows. I used to go watch the same drummer every Wednesday night play in this killer jazz trio, then rip him off completely at band practice on Saturday. I told him that one night after years of watching him, and he told me he used to do the same thing... Then he told me I owed him a beer. Good luck. Stick with it. Just like everyone else, you'll suck until you suck a little less, but if you're having fun it doesn't matter. Make some beautiful noise.
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Dec 14, 2015 08:30
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timp posted:This may be a ridiculous question, but do you have any interest whatsoever in making more of these and selling them, or working with somebody to produce these on a larger scale? Maybe I missed it in a previous post, but all things told how much did this cost you? I mean, the appeal of something like this has to be widespread enough to make it worth your while I'd imagine. I mean hell, I want this real bad, and I'm quite positive I know at least 5 people who would buy this for 3-4 hundred... I'm not really in a position to pursue that, but in the future its an idea I'd consider. The problem would be cost... This one cost me WAY too much. I was buying from small suppliers who charged boutique prices. In total I'd guess I paid $600 for the whole thing excluding cymbals obviously. Id have to find a better supplier and ensure a bit of economy of scale in my favor to make it work. That said, if you want one, go do it. None of this was particularly hard to make. I did the figuring and failing for you. Just copy my design and improve on it, like I did with the design I started with.
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Dec 18, 2015 21:42
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