Do you guys prefer setting up on the high hat side of the drums, or the ride cymbal side? Over the last twenty five years, Ive lived in NYC, Dallas and south Florida, and the bass players in those cities almost always set up on the high hat side. Ive done a good bit of touring too, and the bass player was always set up on the high hat side. Same thing on cruise ships - I did 15 contracts and the bass player was always right next to the high hat. Here in Tampa Bay though, Ive noticed that a lot of bass players are setting up on the ride cymbal side on gigs. Some of that may very well have to do with a a lack of space for the band at the bar or venue. (As we all know, sometimes were lucky to get stuck a corner next to the dart-board and not get hit by darts thrown by drunks! Lol.) Its worth mentioning that I played in a really cool Led Zeppelin tribute band in NY. Since John Paul Jones always set up next to the ride cymbal, thats how we did it too. Bobby Rondinelli (a legend in the hard rock/heavy metal scene - look him up! : ) was the drummer, and the guy WAS Bonham on that gig. (Just to give you an idea of Bobbys stature in that genre, Jason Bonham, Johns son actually gave Bobby two of Johns kits for the gig!) But I never really liked how we set up. Even with a great drummer like Bobby, I always felt a little disconnected from the drums over by the ride cymbal. I personally prefer the high hat side because it allows for better eye-contact with the drummer. Im also better able to feel where the drummer is putting the time there, for some reason as well. Anyway, I think details like how the bass and drums are set up on gigs definitely makes a difference in the the ability of the bass player and drummer to communicate and hear each other. Which in turn seems to have a direct impact on the groove and overall tightness of the band. What are your thoughts about this?
Posted on: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 15:47:24 +0000
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