Drum talk with Mark - March 16, 2024
I get many comments on my drum kit and questions as to exactly what I’m playing. Many people think that it is a vintage Ludwig with the Marine Pearl finish like Ringo played. My drums are actually a set of Sonor S-Classix with the Oyster wrap. I bought this kit in 2013 at Resurrection Drums in Hollywood, Florida. Having played Yamaha birch drums exclusively since 1988, this was a big step for me. Sonor was always a bucket list kit but it wasn’t on my radar as I was wanting to change to maple-shelled drums. Once I played the S-Classix kit with its thin birch shells, I fell in love. They project incredibly well and are the easiest tuning drums I’ve ever owned. The sizes I play are 9x12 rack tom, 14x14 and 16x16 floor toms and 17x22 kick drum. I also have an 8x10 rack tom that I don’t use.
As for heads, I have finally settled on my favorite combination of Evans UV-2 coated batter heads with Evans Reso 7 coated resonants on all the toms. I was a Remo guy for ages but the Evans heads better bridged the gap between controlled studio sound and big live projection. Coated has always been my preference for the warmth it provides. On my kick drum, I use the Aquarian SuperKick 2 batter and Aquarian Regulator resonant combo. I absolutely love the power and depth from this pairing but something has to change because I manage to break a batter head about every 3 gigs. I have had many suggestions but for now, a kevlar protective patch will be my choice. I also use the May Miking System/AKG D112 inside my kick drum which gives it the live attack I love.
The most comments, however, are made about my snare drum. “Is that an old marching drum?” “Is it custom?” It is in fact a stock 1988 Ludwig Classic Deep Rock snare that I bought new in 1988 from Brian Guitars in New Haven, CT. 14x10 deep, 12 lug, heavy 6-ply maple shell. I use a PureSound Blaster Series 30 strand metal strainer and an Evans Genera HD coated batter and Evans Clear 500 snare side head combo. It is LOUD AF. I have other snare drums but this is my go-to. I use it live and in the studio and it is a pleasure to punish every time I play it! I had a second one just like it for a back-up that I bought in the 90’s but I sold it some years ago and have regretted that. The bearing edges are in need of restoration and I will get that done one of these days but for now, as Sonny & Cher would say, “The beat goes on…”
Feel free to comment or ask questions about anything related to drums, my live performance, the studio process and experience or about the band in general and I will do my best to answer them.
Thank you for supporting Zero One Zero!
Mark Ahles (it’s pronounced “AH-less”) \m/