Has anyone had any experience using a subkick? I know that Questlove uses one and apparently he is pleased. I have never played a kit with a subkick rigged up so I am no one to offer an opinion. I'm not even sure if Yamaha makes them anymore but, there are other companies which produce them. I've done a bit of research so I know the basic principals behind the device. Fad? Useful tool? Just curious. Thanks very much.
Brian
I've always thought they're a little pointless. They're only really useful mic'ed up, and if you're mic'ing anyway, it's cheaper and easier to just use a gate and sub synth to get practically the same sound (usually better sound, in fact).
Brian - Seriously, out in the audience, the only one who 'might' know the difference between a straight bass drum and one with a sub-kick would be another drummer. Nobody else and I mean nobody else is going to give a rats as$ as long as the drums sound good.
Sub-kicks are studio equipment you mess around with to get a sound you're going for. In a band setting, it's all just for looks.
John
Thanks guys! That's what I was thinking! John, your line, "nobody else...is going to give a rat's as$" probably sums up the response to my question perfectly! Thank you, my friend!
Brian
Honestly with a little time and know how you can make your own. It's basically a reverse speaker inside of a small drum.
Here's a pic of me in the studio using my daughter's 16" bass drum w/ a Yamaha sub-kick. Hey, whatever works right?
Thanks, guys! Jay, I've read about making your own as well. Maybe I'll do a bit more googling. Who knows? It might be fun. That's a cool picture, funkypoodle. Thanks! I honestly believe that so much is subjective in our business that you're right. "...whatever works...Anyway, I really appreciate the input!
Brian
As Purdie says. it's just another bit of gear to lug around. Pointless.
I find it on the contrary of pointless using it live.
I see it as an extra tool to make the foh's life easier. Yes you can use fx, but this makes life just a bit easier.
You can make one yourself, but why go trough the hassle and hope it works. And I guarantee you, it doesn't have the same outcome (since the shell is part of the actual working design)
This is my custom made Oak one:
[IMG]https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12642918_10208682292194312_8695022630692434343_n.jpg?oh=091845cb738bc9a201492b0d1928364f&oe=5761D907[/IMG]
I call it the icing on the cake. First the foh makes sure you have a good kick sound. Then just a little bit add this little fella in and... massive sound when needed. Rgeardless size of the kick.
Don't need it (much) ? turn it down. Works like a charm.
Can someone educate me as to Nigel Olsson's current setup? I saw him a couple years ago. Sure he's playing 16,000 seat concert halls but is this overkill for Elton's type of music? Love me my Nigel though :)
