How many drum sets are enough? If you are like me, then you can never have enough drums. Although I can only play one kit at a time, I, for some reason, feel compelled to have many. I mainly play a 4 pc Dixon Outlaw set at all my gigs, but at any given time I can choose what the configuration will be. Maybe I want a 20″ 12″ 15″ set up on Thursday for a tighter more focused sound, but Friday, is a hard rock gig in a big room with large P.A. system so I need the 24″, 13″, 16″ and Saturday’s gig is at a smaller club where volume is a concern, so the 18″, 12″, 14″ will get it done. I take comfort in knowing that I have the right tools for the job, so to speak.

That being said, why then, did I need to purchase that 1970’s 3-ply Ludwig kit, that was beat to hell, and take the time and money to restore it? Aside from the fact that this kit sounds fantastic, what made me “have to have it“? I do not take this kit to very many gigs, I think I had to have this because it was like having a piece of my childhood. When I was a kid I always wanted a Ludwig kit, if you had Ludwig drums then you must be a good drummer, and at the very least you were the coolest kid on the block. As if that is not enough, I also “had to have” a 1961 Slingerland kit. This particular kit is in mint condition and just needs a quick polish on its chrome parts. This one I bought mainly because I felt it was collectible and honestly, the deal fell into my lap, and I could not refuse it. This brings up another point, With eBay, Craigslist, and if you’re like me and go to the many flea markets and tag sales in your area, there are tons of drums available for cheap money. So how many drums are too many?

In addition to these vintage sets, my main gear consists of a Demon series set in Urban Camo finish, Outlaw series kit in Black Burst. I also utilize a rack of snare drums, (this is a whole other conversation/blog) which includes my “go to” snare drum – a 6×13 Dixon Rosewood snare drum.

I am a drum geek – and while I may not be the best player, simply said, I just love to play drums and talk about drums with other drummers. I especially love hearing about what other drummers are using and why. There is a sense of pride when drummers talk about their drums.

So, again I ask how many drums are too many?

(photo by Flickr user victorchapa)

With this years introduction of Dixon Drum Hardware’s 911DB-L left-footed double pedal, it got me thinking about the definition of a “left-handed” drummer. I have read much debate on this subject, and there are a few different opinions.

Here’s my take on the subject: There are drummers like Phil Collins, who used to set his drums up in a “left-handed” fashion, completely opposite of a “right-handed” set up. Then there are drummers like Simon Phillips, Carter Beauford, and Mike Bordin, who play with an “open-handed style”. We also have a lot of drummers that are left-handed, meaning they write with their left hand, but play on a “right-handed” set up.

Can we just say that a drummer is a “lefty” if he leads with his or her left hand, and that’s the end of the discussion? The same can be true for a “right-handed” player My personal take on this subject is that, a drummer is a drummer, no matter how he or she sets up their drum set. Left or right, who’s to say what’s right or wrong.

My top Three drummers who play on a left – handed set up are:

• Ian Paice
• Phil Collins
• Rod Morgenstein

My top Three drummers who play open – handed are:

• Simon Phillips
• Carter Beauford
• Mike Bordin

So I invite you to give us your opinion here in the comments, and tell us who your favorite “left-handed” drummers are. The first 20 to leave a comment will get a Dixon Drums T-shirt. Be sure to leave your e-mail address so we can contact you about your mailing address.