Gearhead Thoughts: Some New Gear

I've been busy these days, which is why I need to catch up with my blogging.  In addition to my usual gigs with K24/7, I am currently having a few activities outside my band, such as session work (thanks to my friends from Hit Productions) & drum lessons under the mentorship of great Filipino drummer Mike Alba (which I plan to blog about next time).  Being busy is a good thing for me, and I feel blessed because of these opportunities coming in.  It also enabled me to purchase some new gear, which is not only a case of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome), but also a necessity.  Most of the new stuff I got are for the sake of replacing some of my old gear which recently broke down or needed to be updated.

Here are some of the new gear which I recently acquired.

I got this Zildjian 17" A Custom Rezo Crash cymbal from JB Music (Zildjian's local distributor) through their trade-in program.  I traded my broken 17" K Custom Dark Crash for this new baby, which is among the latest line of cymbals from Zildjian.  I love dark and contemporary-sounding cymbals, which explains my preference for K Custom cymbals all these years.  I love how it blends in with my band's style of music & how elegant it sounds especially during recording situations.  The rides and hats are beautiful stuff worth keeping.  However, when it comes to crashes, I was beginning to look for something else.  I've had Custom Darks and Hybrids.  Though they all sound awesome, they are fragile, thin-profiled models & I don't get enough sound from them on some live situations, particularly with bigger venues.

When Zildjian introduced the new A Custom Rezos early last year, I thought these may be the solution to my search for a fresh new sound.  Am I glad to have a Rezo Crash now, because I'm loving it!  Prior to purchase, I made my research regarding the Rezo Crashes.  Some said that if you like the K Custom Hybrids (which I do), you'll like the A Custom Rezos as well.  The product review on the March 2009 issue of Modern Drummer, which described the Rezos as "having a great balance of volume, reaction, and quality of sound", was helpful too.  The MD review was spot on!  I love how the Rezo Crash explodes with just the right amount of tone and volume, with just enough sustain, and just enough cut without piercing our eardrums.  My bandmates love it too, and complimented a number of times regarding how nice it sounds.  This is among the sweetest-sounding crash cymbals I've ever used.  It's also an added bonus that it's also a handsome-looking cymbal, with its different bands of lathes and the combination of brilliant and traditional finishes.  Plus it's got a medium-thin profile, so this would be more durable than my previous K Customs.  I think I'll get a bigger 18" or 19" Rezo for my right side next time.

The Drum Dial is a gift from my US-based genius godfather Chit Ramirez (my uncle who gave me my Magic Drum).  This is a really helpful piece of equipment.  First of all, I can say that I'm pretty much used to tuning drums, based on feel plus all the years of experience.  I thought I'm quite fine with my drum tuning skills, which is why I never really took notice of those drum tuning assistance gadgets coming out on the market in recent years.  Until, my uncle got me this nifty piece of equipment which he and his musician friends from the US claim that it will be very useful for my craft.  One week after using the Drum Dial to tune my drums, I can definitely hear and feel the difference!  I'll be writing my review of the Drum Dial soon.

My trusty five-year old Behringer Eurorack UB802 compact mixer's power supply blew up recently.  Before this happened, I was already having thoughts of retiring this workhorse for home use (I'm planning to set-up a sound system at home for my play-along practice needs).  So I need to have that power supply fixed.  A few days ago, I got a new compact mixer for my stage monitoring requirements.  I got Behringer's Xenyx 502 mixer.  The eight-channel UB802 served me well, even if I'm unable to maximize it because I only use two channels most of the time - one for the live band mix & another for the sequenced tracks, plus an optional third channel for my metronome (when needed).  So the five-channel Xenyx 502, which is almost similar to the old Eurorack UB502 used by former South Border drummer Paul Benitez back in the day, is pretty much just right for my basic stage monitoring set-up.  It's also great that it's smaller (its footprint is just around 5"x7"), it's more lightweight, and it looks sleek with its black/gray finish (compared to the Eurorack's colder and more industrial-looking steel silver finish).

Up to this day, I'm still frustrated over the loss of the left earpiece of my M-Audio IE-20 XB in-ear earphones (which I mentioned in this May 2010 blog).  How I wish that somebody can help me with acquiring, if possible, just the left-side piece of this high-quality listening equipment (hope you're reading this, Drum Shop Manila and/or JB Music).  Anyway, I've been reading and hearing stories about some side-effects of using in-ear earphones, which may damage the ear canal when not used properly.  So I thought of using traditional headphones as an alternative.  My top choice (and only choice) is the already-proven Vic Firth SIH1 Stereo Isolation Headphones,which are specially designed for drummers.  Essentially, these are traditional earmuffs which have built-in speakers, which makes it an excellent play-along tool because it is highly effective for listening to music while blocking outside noise.  Its fit is quite tight and snug, which is a good thing.  That means I can still bob my head during live situations, and I don't need to worry about the headphones slipping off my head.  The stereo sound may not be at par with my M-Audios (which have become my benchmark in sound quality), but the playback quality is decent enough for its purpose.  By the way, thanks to my source, Vinci Rodriguez of Drum Shop Manila.

These new equipment, plus the used DW 5002 double bass pedal I got last month, enable me to complete my essential gear requirements.  After a few months of struggling with sub-par, missing, or worn-out gear, I'm finally able to update and upgrade.  It feels great to be back to normal again.  And with the help of all these nice gear, I don't need to worry that much anymore with my equipment, which would allow me to focus more on the music and my drumming.  I'm blessed that I still have my gigs with my band, I have some opportunities coming in, and I'm able to rise up from the months of gear frustration I had.  I just need to keep working hard and play better, so that more bright opportunities can come in.  I'm grateful.

Usher in Manila: My Friends' Front Act Experience

My K24/7 bandmates Paolo Banaga and Ian Fajarito had the time of their lives last Friday night, opening for Usher here in Manila.  Paolo was called to do back-up vocals with South Border, while Ian played keyboards for Nina.

Here are a few photos from Paolo.  For more pics, check out his Facebook photos, here and here.

Aaron Spears' DW/Zildjian set-up.

Paolo checking out Aaron Spears' kit.

Soundcheck.  South Border + Nina.

  Two drumming phenoms meet. Aaron Spears & Benjie Mendez.

K24/7's Ian Fajarito with the man Aaron Spears.

 Ian with Usher's band.

Again, with Usher's band. Dylan & Jay Durias, Paolo & Ian.

"I can't explain how lucky we are and how proud I am being a Filipino... 'coz these cats (Usher's band) were jumpin' and screamin' at the side of the stage when we were playin'... and they were the ones who were shoutin' 'more!!!'  I'm gonna miss these fellas... They're very humble and blessed..."

--- Paolo Banaga, via Facebook


Pao and Ian arrived at our Off The Grill gig after the Usher concert, in time for our second set.  Later, South Border superdrummer Benjie "Bagets" Mendez and superbassist Marlowe Mata, plus birthday boy Duncan Ramos also arrived from the concert.

Pao and Bagets had plenty of stories to tell, for they just had the most awesome musical experience.  They were able to meet and hang out with Usher's world-class tour band.  Included in that band is current drumming superstar Aaron Spears, who became a major buzz in the drumming world after his "Caught Up / Sex Machine" 2005 Grammy Awards performance with Usher and James Brown.

The magic began during soundcheck.  South Border was burning during rehearsal.  They were playing so well, Usher's band went running towards the side of the stage to watch and listen.  You know that typical musician's behavior when we musicians shout, jump, or go nuts whenever we see or hear another fellow musician do something breathtaking and spectacular and feels oh-so-good?  Usher's band was blown away!  And this was just soundcheck.

Pao was so starstruck when he saw Aaron Spears, he ran to him to greet him, and Pao was like, "Wow, it's really you!  I only see you in YouTube!"  Aaron Spears is so super nice; him and the rest of the band are very friendly and very humble.  They were complimenting South Border, saying something like "It's great to see artists here who play TRUE music."

Bagets had the time of his life, hugging Aaron Spears when the two met.  Aaron said Bagets was awesome!  And Aaron was giving so much props to Bagets, complimenting his tone quality and asking him how he does it.  They also had a great time talking about drums and Stevie Wonder, among many things.  Even Aaron's drum tech approached Bagets to show his appreciation.  Even a musician of Bagets' stature can't believe everything that just happened; he was close to crying.

Nina and South Border's front act performance went very well.  Bagets' performance was stellar.  All that positive vibe was rubbed on to him, and he was absolutely in his element.

Later, when it was time for THE main act, it was my friends' turn to cheer.  Aaron was incredible that night.  Paolo and Bagets were screaming everytime Aaron did something spectacular on the drumkit.  Todo daw talaga!  Aaron also handed Pao and Bagets a pair each of his used Vic Firth signature drumsticks as remembrance.

Paolo said that when all these were happening, he's so proud to be a Filipino, and he's so proud to represent K24/7.  In those moments, race or nationality did not matter.  There was no discrimination.  Everybody's bonded through music.  There's so much love and mutual respect.  It was beautiful and inspiring, and oh how I wish I was there.

Man, I missed a golden opportunity.  A week ago, Pao & Ian asked permission regarding their big opening gig.  From there, I was thinking all week about having our regular Friday night gig cancelled so that the rest of my band and I can watch the concert, and perhaps have the chance to go backstage and meet the band.  And even if we're able to get good sessionists whenever my bandmates aren't available, it's quite hard to go through our gigs when one (or in this case, two) of my bandmates are not around.  I should have requested for a night off.  This should be one of my worst non-decisions. Geez, I still can't get over it...

It's always great to see Usher perform, but from the very start I was after his band.  And it's not everyday that I get a chance to meet a talented and world-class drummer like Aaron Spears.  When I was viewing Pao's concert photos & hearing their stories, I was close to crying.  As a consolation, Paolo gave me one of Aaron Spears' drumsticks.  I totally appreciate it, and it now holds a special place in my collection of musical memorabilia.

Paolo, Ian, the guys from South Border, Kris Lawrence, Vince Alaras, Dylan Durias & Nina are so privileged.  Like what Duncan told me that night, I'll get my chance someday.  Great job, mga kapatid!  I am so proud of Pao & Ian, as much as I feel so envious. :)

 "Incredible concert in Manila! Amazing audience!" - Usher, via Twitter (and yes, Paolo and the gang were that close to Usher).

"Thank you Manila!!!!! http://yfrog.com/j2lmeej" - Aaron Spears, via Twitter.

*All photos courtesy of Paolo Banaga.

Lyric Drum Day 2009

Lyric, the local distributor of Drum Workshop drums, pedals and hardware, and Meinl cymbals and percussion, had a Drum Day last weekend, at their Head Office and Showroom in Horseshoe Village, Quezon City. The Saturday afternoon event featured some of today's top Filipino drummers and percussionists. Performers include drummers Benjie Mendez, Franklin Benitez, and Otep Conception, and percussionists Maki Estrella (Roots of Nature), Francis Gaspar, and Paul Zialcita.

A couple of side notes before going through my blog... First, I wasn't supposed to attend the event because I needed to stay home and look after our house construction. But thanks to a text message from my buddy Michael Ong (guitarist of progressive rock band Fuseboxx), he urged me to drop by, and so I did. And second, I only witnessed the performances of the drumset drummers. Though I stayed for awhile after the drumset performances, I didn't really watch the percussion performances. So, my apologies to Mssrs. Estrella, Gaspar, and Zialcita. I had to leave early too (but I did hear some cool live performances before I left, when I was still there elsewhere in the venue).

Anyway, when I arrived at the Lyric office and showroom, the first things I noticed are the several drum and percussion gear on display and on sale. That day, Lyric was offering their drum and percussion products at huge discounts (and because of the success of this event, Lyric just announced that they extended their sale for one more week). There are plenty of quality, drool-worthy, GAS-inducing (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) equipment, mostly from Vic Firth, Meinl, DW, and PDP (Pacific Drums & Percussion, a subsidiary of DW). Several accessories and instructional books and videos are also available.

Plenty of friends from the drumming and music community were present for the event, and it's always a blast whenever we are on drumming events like this. It's also great to see three great Pinoy drumming phenoms together in one drumming event. When I arrived, Franklin, Otep, and Bagets were warming up and preparing for their respective sets. Most of my attention was also focused on the three beautiful drumkits set up for the three masters. Franklin used a 5-piece, gold-plated DW kit with a simple cymbal setup similar to Steve Gadd's (one ride, two crashes, and a pair of hats). Otep was on a rack-mounted, 5-piece PDP drumkit loaded with effects cymbals and a second pair of hats on the right side, which was mounted on a DW remote hat, its pedal positioned on the left side of the bass drum pedal (!). Bagets was all out on a black, 7-piece DW set-up, which included a 10" auxiliary snare drum and a 14" brass snare drum. All cymbals are Meinl, mostly from the Byzance series.

First performer was Franklin Benitez, best known for his work with Barbie Almalbis. Franklin played along to a Latin-style track for his first number, where the veteran drummer highlighted his Latin-style drumming skills. During Q&A, he entertained questions regarding his experiences performing with black musicians in the US. Franklin emphasized the importance of discipline, and how black American musicians are so particular with groove. One observation of Franklin is the playfulness of most Filipino drummers on timekeeping (ride/bell syncopations, for example), while most black drummers really mark the quarter notes on their grooves. Another observation he noticed is how dedicated several American drummers are. The great American musicians are really good, and they're really focused, pushing themselves to become the best they can be. He also cited how frank Americans are compared to Filipinos. While we Pinoys tend to be tactful and careful with our suggestions and criticisms to our bandmates, Americans would get to the point and work out things fast! I agree with Franklin's insights, and I'm glad he opened up those insights in regards to attitude. Later, Franklin shared some hand/foot combination exercises, and played a couple of drum solos, the last one accompanied by Otep and Bagets playing time on the PDP kit.

Otep Conception is a technically-gifted Pinoy drummer, and he showed us why during his set. He improvised on several odd meters and groupings, while being guided by a click on his earphones. What I admire about Otep's drumming is his articulation and his speed, most especially his right foot. This is one drummer who does not need a double bass pedal to play fast kick notes. But if he one day decides to play double bass, now that's a scary thought! I once told Otep that I wish I can have his lightning-quick right foot. Otep also highlighted some Gospelchops-inspired licks, which he shared to everyone. When a drummer asked Otep what he was thinking during his improvisational number, the latter said that he was thinking a lot about Bagets. Otep concluded his set with another impromptu performance, together with the next performer...

Benjie Mendez is the main event, and the most anticipated among the drumset performances. Bagets is a legend in the Philippine drumming and music scene, known for being a musical prodigy eversince his childhood days. His first big break was becoming the drummer of Side A at age 15, replacing original drummer Mar Dizon, another Pinoy drumming great. Mar is credited for giving Benjie the nickname "Bagets" because of the latter already being a phenomenom at such a young age. Bagets has played and recorded with several local and foreign artists, and he is currently with top Filipino band South Border.

Bagets is my mentor, one of my biggest drumming and musical inspirations, and not to mention, a dear friend. I've known Bagets for a number of years, and how much he would "hide" from drum-sharing events. But this time around, he was really eager to spread his message. He started his set by casually talking to the crowd and sharing some of his thoughts and emotions about drumming and the current state of local music. He stressed on the idea that music should not be a competition. Instead, we should do music to share the love and to glorify God, because without Him, we wouldn't have the gift of talent to make music. Bagets also became open, sharing stories about his life, his personal experiences, and his thoughts about the artists and drummers who have inspired and influenced him over the years. The talk given by Bagets was a revelation of what the man is all about. He is a natural artist, and I've known him as an eccentric and unpredictably moody guy. But last weekend, Bagets was at his element. The infectious enthusiasm he's known for was clear that day. To those who were present last weekend, especially the young drummers who came to see and hear Bagets preach and play for the first time, consider yourselves lucky.

Whenever Bagets is at the top of his game and playing with all his heart and soul, I can't help but be inspired by the power of his drumming. When I say power, it's not necessarily physical; it's what I feel whenever I witness this prodigy do his thing on the drumkit. There's magic in Bagets' drumming. His drumming is a melting pot of his major musical influences, from Vinnie Colaiuta to Jeff Porcaro, from Allan Holdsworth to Michael Jackson... Plus he puts his personality into it. For me, that's one huge factor among great musicians which I admire the most - personality. And there's so much personality in Bagets' drumming. It's so inspiring to watch and listen to artists who have that.

Bagets' first performance was an improvised 6/8 solo, based on his live performance on South Border's hit song Ikaw Nga, from the Mulawin soundtrack. Then, after an inquiry from a fellow drummer about shuffles, Bagets played several shuffle grooves such as Jeff Porcaro's Rosanna (Toto) and Bernard Purdie's Babylon Sisters (Steely Dan) grooves. Bagets ended his set in grand fashion, by inviting Franklin and Otep to jam and play triple drums. Watch the videos on Lyric's YouTube Channel.

I'm really glad that I showed up at Drum Day. I got several doses of inspiration, thanks to that. Great job, Lyric! Thanks for Drum Day!

* All photos by Anthony Dio, captured from his mobile phone.

Gear Review: Tama Stagestar mini drumkit

Two weeks ago, our boss master Jay Durias (of South Border, who also happens to be an accomplished producer, musical arranger and composer) bought a Tama Stagestar mini drumkit for him & his kid daughter Kahlil to tinker with. He set it up in their studio, where I had the pleasure of tinkering with as well.

The kit consists of a small 18" kick, a 13" metal snare, 10" and 12" rack toms & a 14" floor tom. Hardware consists of a basic bass pedal, hi-hat stand, snare drum stand, a straight cymbal stand & rack tom holder (which is mounted on the kick drum). Stands are double-braced yet lightweight. And yes, there's also a drum throne included. It's not the heavy-duty type, but it's good enough for kids.

The kit also came with those cheap "kiddie" cymbals. I don't see them lasting for half a year hehehe! Anyway it's easy to upgrade this kit with better cymbals & additional stands. I also read from a catalogue that silencer pads are also available as an option, for silent practice at home when needed.

What I appreciate about this kit is its height flexibility. You can set this up either real low - for small kid drummers to reach; or you can set it up high - for normal adult-sized set-ups. Another thing that I like is the kit produces a decent sound straight out of the box. I was impressed with the kick drum, which really has some low-end presence. The toms are lively. The snare produces a decent sound, though as of this writing I can't find the desired tuning or sound that I want to come out from it. I'm sure nicer drumheads can remedy that. This kit will surely sound better with higher-quality drumheads from Evans or Remo.

Overall, the Stagestar is a nice little drumkit. It's a kit that I would proudly bring with me & play on small, acoustic-style gigs. And it's also a great starter kit for kids who are learning how to play the drums. And it's a Tama, so it's well-made and solid. The price is also reasonable - about 20K Philippine pesos, more or less - which is not so bad for a top-brand mini-kit. Once the new cymbals & heads are set up, Master Jay will try this kit for recording. I'm eager to hear how it will sound on recording. This is a really nice mini-kit. I think I want one for Christmas...