Drummers with Max Kunz & Jonas Bey - Podcast #3

The mukken podcast is hosted by drummer Max Kunz from Kiel and drummer and music producer Jonas Bey from Neumünster. We talk about growing up as a drummer, e-drumsets, different approaches to practicing, and how to best tune a drum kit. In addition, the two share dubious stories of mishaps on stage and at live gigs.

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Topic overview & questions for drummers

1. Round of introductions
2. About growing up as a drummer
3. What do you think about e-drumsets?
4. Short Q&A session (see below)
5. What do you do when you don't play drums?
6. What do the numbers on the cymbals mean (B8, B20, etc.)?
7. What do the numbers on the drumsticks mean?
8. How do you handle band requests?
9. How long does it take you to record a live set?
10. What are snares with flat shells between 2-3 inches called?
11. How do you tune a snare correctly?
12. About stories about mishaps on stage or at the gig

Q&A session

• Zildjian, Meinl, Sabian or Paiste?
• Ludwig or Perl?
• Splash or China cymbal?
• Benny Greb or Thomas Lang?
• Luke Holland or Travis Barker?
• One or two toms?
• Single or double bass?
• Barefoot, socks or shoes on the drum set?
• 5a or 7b?
• Best drum solo?
• Best drummer?
• In-ear with click track or by feel?

Highlights & Learnings

• Tip: Adoro Drums offer silent sticks with which you can practice quietly. Otherwise, towels on the kettles can help, even if it hampers the true feeling of the set.
• E-Drumset are not as quiet as you might think. The bass drum pedal in particular provides for impact sound transmission and can be perceived as disturbing.
• Recording tip: For studio work, small triggers on the set to be able to use midi samples later, as an alternative to E-Drumset. This way you keep the analog feel but have the chance to add new drum sounds.
• The world's largest gong from Paiste is located in Schacht-Audorf
• Being part of a music school has the advantage of regular income and a safe environment.
• In most cases, a copper-tin alloy is used to create cymbals. The most popular mixtures are B20 and B8. The number after the letter B (for bronze) indicates the percentage zinc content. For example, B20 equals 80% copper and 20% zinc. Brass is often used for inexpensive cymbals, and nickel silver may be used.
• The number on the drum sticks such as 7a, 5b, etc. refers to the size or circumference of the sticks. If the number is larger, the circumference is smaller, and vice versa. The exact dimensions vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. The letter indicates the application area: "B" for Band, "S" for Street, "A" for Orchestra.
• Approx. 10 days are needed for both to rehearse a whole live set (45min - 60min).
• Snares with flat shells are called piccolo snares
• Tips for drumhead tuning: Tune by thirds ratio, but mostly by ear - sometimes even to the key of the song. Below you will also find useful tools for drumhead tuning.

DrumDial Drum Tuner

A DrumDial is a useful tool for tuning drumheads. Ideal to always keep the same tuning, even after changing the drumhead.

DrumDial Drum Tuner (Digital)

A DrumDial is also available in digital form for even more precision, but is also a bit expensive.

Drum tuner

The Overtone Labs Tune Bot Drum Tuner measures the pitch at the bucks as well as the overall pitch of the drumhead as frequency and notes and serves as an alternative to the DrumDial. Feel free to check out the product video on the Thomann site for more info.

Drum tuning key

A must-have piece for every drummer. Drum key and beer opener in one. Have fun!