Bass pedals, practice

As far as bass pedals go, I went with Axis because they blow all other pedals away, period.  They do

what you’d expect them to, and really well. Everything people say about Axis, like they come apart or

don’t hit hard just aren’t true. The people who have problems like that don’t know what they’re doing.

I’ve been working on hand and foot, or more accurately, ankle and wrist development lately.

For wrists, I’ve been using Joe Morello’s Master Studies. It seems to be working really well after about

a month, so I started using the exercises for my ankles too. That seems to be helping too, but I haven’t

spent as much time using Master Studies for my ankles. I was using more bass specific exercises for my ankles.

But, if it works to speed up your wrists it should work for your ankles. I say ankles specifically because if you try to

play fast using your legs it will never happen. You do need good leg stamina for some tempos though. I’m trying to develop

both right now.

I’ve also been trying to build up my stamina by playing a steady double bass pattern to a set (slow) metronome

setting for 5 minutes. I just started doing this and I think it will help. When I feel it’s too slow I’ll move up. I can

play really fast double bass, but have trouble with slower tempo stuff. It’s a lack of control. I’m also working on just

my left foot more, isolating it. My drums aren’t set up right now, so I’m only practicing on pads. Maxi pads. Not really.

I want to try and keep this blog updated more often, so if you’re reading this, leave a comment or tips if you have them,

or post a link to you playing. Something to get more people to come here. I can never find any real drumming info from

real drummers so I thought I’d start a page with some good information for people. I’d like to provide new drummers with

some valuable information because sometimes people are dicks to other people who are new at things.

thanks

Rug

Working on marking out my new rug for playing live. Lots of work but it will be worth it.

Bass drum pedals

I want new bass drum pedals. I kind of what some Trick’s. I want lonboards, but not Axis. I have a Pearl Eliminator, which I like, but it’s not a longboard. And, the Demon Drive’s aren’t longboards either. I would still like to have the option of having a double pedal, so maybe Trick’s. So expensive though. Anyone have them? No.

Double bass drum practice

I’ve tried a few different exercises for double bass, and I guess they’ve all helped

a little. My biggest problem is consistency. At this point in my life I should be a lot better

at it, but up until last year I haven’t put much effort into it.

I started at 70 bpm, and I play 4 different tempos at that speed, starting out L L L L then

R R R R, R L R L, RLRLRLRL, and on. When I feel like I could play the fastest beat all day long, I

move up 5 bpm’s.

I’ve only been at this exercise for a week or so. It seems to be helping so far. I do similar exercises with my hands.

If you can’t play it slow, you’ll never be able to play it fast.

Pics

Thought I’d put up a picture. I can’t afford a Retro Screen for my other drum right now.

I want to put up videos too.

Feel free to post videos of you playing.

If it’s not HD and doesn’t sound good, post it anyway.

By the way, I’m living with my parents temporarily, so this is

not my house, not my Elvis doll, not my deer head.

The large 4′x 4′ painting behind my drums is mine. My wife painted it.

You might recognize it if you’ve ever read The Holographic Universe.

This blog

I’m not really a blogger, so this thing is probably not laid out as good as it could be.

I would like to post pictures and things like that, and I would like other people to also.

I don’t know how though, but if you do go for it.

I have a feeling that if it’s primarily a site for drummers it will remain a mess, and any pictures

posted will be of someone’s ass.

www.myspace.com/mlwdrummer

Drum stuff

I am pretty serious about drums, but don’t know any drummers. So, like now, when I want some advice,

I can’t get much. I’d like to start a blog where drummers can ask questions and get answers, post links

to their drumming, or drummers they like, even if it’s Travis Barker.

I’ve decided to go with 2 bass drums for good, because it’s better, and I would like to know what other double

bass drummers are doing with their hi hat stands. I have a DW remote stand, which is great, but useless in my

situation.

That’s my problem at the moment.

Please post your possible solutions, ideas or questions of your own.

Thanks