I've recently entered the search for a Ludwig 3 ply 26" bass drum. For years I've used 2 24x16 with my big road set, and a single 22x14 for casuals. I have some big shows coming up this summer and quick setup is going to be key.
Any big bass drum users out there?
I've been using 26's for about the last 11 years. I love them. Always lots of compliments on the sound. I've got a 3-ply Ludwig set I'll be selling really soon. PM if you're interested.
I've got a 26" inch vistalite and I love the sound. The only real negative for me was having to alter my set up to accommodate the larger drum. Im am short and had to learn to play with my mounted tom positioned significantly higher than i was used to. Just something else to consider when setting up for shows.
James
Some say 26" bass drums are slow to respond, etc. I say it depends on the style of music you are playing. Heck, every big band player back in the old days used at least a 26", some bigger.....and then there's the Bonham influence too.....one thing to consider....you may want to go with a longer beater for your pedal so it can hit more dead center for a more true tone.
When you say "bigger shows", what exactly are you saying....bigger venue? Miking up the drums, no matter what size, would accomplish the same thing as going to a bigger bass drum. Is it volume you seek, or a lower fundamental tone?
By bigger shows I mean more bands, quick backline changes and limited crew availability. Two bass drums, as has always been my preference, is becoming cumbersome for my aging back and face it, some load in's/out's are less than stellar. The Ludwigs are alot lighter and I am seeking a lower fundamental tone, and increase portability. I've just heard a 26" through a great PA and I just felt that that was the tone I am seeking.
By bigger shows I mean more bands, quick backline changes and limited crew availability. Two bass drums, as has always been my preference, is becoming cumbersome for my aging back and face it, some load in's/out's are less than stellar. The Ludwigs are alot lighter and I am seeking a lower fundamental tone, and increase portability. I've just heard a 26" through a great PA and I just felt that that was the tone I am seeking.
Ok, I'm following you now. Yes the 3-ply drums are very light.....great for the gigging drummer.....and the 26 should give you the lower fundamental tone you are after as well.
Been using a 26" Radio King with calf heads for several years on all kinds of music. Different beaters (lambs wool, hard felt, wood, etc) will give you different attack timbres for different genres. If you can, snag a couple of the old-school clamp on mufflers. I run my drum wide open and will dampen using one or both of the mufflers. Experiment to find the right combination for your sound. Nothing sounds like a 26.
26" with a Doghouse bass....killer sounds come out of that combo. :)
My kid on the 26" WFL .... I love the depth of the bass on this one..
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBo5o1m8qQ0[/ame]
Yep upright bass is the stuff. Don't put a hole in the front head of the 26 as you'll defeat the purpose of that big cylinder resonating. I barely have to touch the batter head using a lambs wool beater to get a great warm sound. Engineers love it and they tend to use vintage ribbon mics for best results. But you have to assure them you're not going to play the bass drum hard and fry the ribbon haha.
Yeppers...no hole..I'm actually doing the Krupa thing and have strips of newpaper in it for the baffling.
