Just curious

[Practicepad]

Has anyone heard of any drummers who play with a minimal setup. For example, snare and a couple of cymbals? Just curious.

Thanks.

[pgm554]

Has anyone heard of any drummers who play with a minimal setup. For example, snare and a couple of cymbals? Just curious.

Thanks.

One of my drum teachers pointed out a drummer by the name of Al Coster (brother of Tom Coster of Santana),who was so good, all he needed was a high hat ,ride cymbal,snare and bass drum.

So yeah,minimum can be unique.

I also think the guy from Presidents of the United states played a minimal kit at times.

[8beat]

I've done that before. I played with a folk band and used only a snare and hi hat.

My friend plays gigs with bongo drums.

[SpazApproved]

I've played a couple shows in my old band like that. All depends on situations and venues. Even currently I pack accordingly to venue.

[dangermoney]

James McDonnell (a.k.a. Slim Jim Phantom) of Stray Cats fame ...

[drummer]

I always ask myself, "Why?". Not trying to be smart but that's like getting a coloring book and only using two crayons to color. What's the point when it's just as easy to set up a couple more drums and cymbals. That then opens up hundreds of more sounds and textures to 'color' with.

[Bish]

I always ask myself, "Why?".

They only own a sub compact vehicle and no one will haul their gear?

[crispycritters]

Small venue?

Busking?

[kay-gee]

I always ask myself, "Why?". Not trying to be smart but that's like getting a coloring book and only using two crayons to color. What's the point when it's just as easy to set up a couple more drums and cymbals. That then opens up hundreds of more sounds and textures to 'color' with.

Because sometimes texture and color isn't needed. Just balls to the wall boogie groovin' as per the Stray Cats guy.

all the best...

[kay-gee]

I just like the looks. I love to be seen and not hidden behind behind my instrument. Why should guitarists and singers have all the glory?

all the best...

[Eric Anderson]

I use that set up at acoustic drum sessions a lot. It is fun explore all the sounds that are available, and a fun challenge. I also use this set up at most of our band's rehearsals cuz I am too lazy to drag the entire set

[kay-gee]

I use that set up at acoustic drum sessions a lot. It is fun explore all the sounds that are available, and a fun challenge. I also use this set up at most of our band's rehearsals cuz I am too lazy to drag the entire set

Agree

all the best...

[jgziegler]

Did a gig like that the other week. it was a small space and we were down a person anyway. I took my e-bass drum to save space (still had to take my throne which is the heaviest piece of equipment I have), ran it through a guitar amp and it sounded fine.

I wouldn't exactly call it coloring with two crayons, more like painting with two colors. You can mix them and make more colors, the better you are, the more interesting painting you'll paint. But for a 3 hour set, it could get a bit repetitive and honestly, for such a small set up, why bother taking anything more than a cajon (besides the fact cajons are 5% as fun to play as kits!)

[pgm554]

Has anyone heard of any drummers who play with a minimal setup. For example, snare and a couple of cymbals? Just curious.

Thanks.

Don't forget the guy from the Stray Cats

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vyq-dYurBuA.

[Russ]

It takes away the other aspects of a kit and forces you to focus on the basics a bit more. It can work, actually - just gotta learn to play your fills and your beat on the same drums. You know you're really good when you can do solos on a two piece, so I think they have their place, as good development tools.

[EddieV]

I have from time to time.....usually because of a small stage area.

Kick Snare rack and floor. Hats and two crashes with a ride. Always a cowbell.

As mentioned....to me sometimes it's about color.

[Practicepad]

Don't forget the guy from the Stray Cats

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vyq-dYurBuA.

What an awesome video!

[SunDog]

The Violent Femmes. They got discovered playing on the street for people in line to buy Pretenders tickets. The drummer played just a snare with brushes and a splash. If you see them live he still plays a part of their set that way. Also look up some Likke Li live stuff. They film all kinds of backstage jams and radio/television spots. The drummer will use one drum and sometimes just play on a guitar case. It's really cool stuff.

[porkpieguy]

Sure.

I've played just a djembe many times.

As far as minimalist kits, I think it really depends on the kind of music. With the group I'm playing with now, I think I could possibly get away with kick, snare, hats, ride, and crash; however, I love my two other toms so I'll use those.

To answer Tom's "why?" question, I think a minimalist kit is good whenever there's a lot of other music going on and having a minimalist kit may help with over-playing. I mean, if I'm doing some Cowboy Junkies songs, I may not need that third floor tom, you know? I may only need some brushes, a kick, hats, snare, and crash/ride. I'd hate to set up a bunch of drums just to not use them or only hit them a couple of times.

[kay-gee]

I watched that show Hee Haw for years...never saw the drummer hit a tom tom even once.

all the best...

[Bish]

I watched that show Hee Haw for years...never saw the drummer hit a tom tom even once.

all the best...

Probably a lack of need for ear protection, too, huh?

[Kazaamski]

Personally, I'm just lazy, and would rather carry around less gear. I'll make due with less.

[Practicepad]

Here's my thinking. A guy like Mike Mangini is a great drummer and I am amazed at his chops and his kit, but I also appreciate those who do with much less both in kit size and playing. I could never imagine myself having a huge kit or being able to play like that but it's not bad, just different.

Room for everybody I guess.