The 'stig'

Looking through the history of drum sticks that I've used since,

My first personal drum sticks was from ProMark 5B american hickory sticks.

The best pair I've used so far which comes with a perfect balance of power and lightness is the VICFirth 5A sticks

Useful links

A jumble of various sites I've found regarding tuning & assembly, drum theory and video tutorials...pick one

http://www.drumdojo.com/magazine/edition/Drumset-Technicals.htm

http://www.drumskillz.com/cont_view.php?cont_id=36

http://www.tigerbill.com/drumlessons/buildingmonsterchopsgladstone_part1.htm

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/technique/03stickcontrol.html

Current kit

Basically with the basic forum kit; my first addition was the set of Alchemy ART cymbals that included the 14' High-hats, 16' Crash cymbal, 20' Ride & a bonus of 10' splash. Positioned diagonally on my right side is the 18' Crash/Ride by Pearl.

Tambourine found out of no-where is attached on the high-hat stand using a simple mount add-on which I bought from doremi for RM 15.

Also using a mapex small boom stand clamp purchased from doremi at RM 85 to hold the splash in place.

Attached to the bass drum is a standard cowbell holder also from doremi at RM 20, with it the LP Black Beauty cowbell I bought for RM 90.

Finally at the bottom are my very own Pearl Eliminators which I purchased at Harmony's for RM 1029 after 15% discount (sometime in 2008) which I bargained for. Their extremely versatile, and I have yet to use all of its cams.

How It all started

The beginning.. Dad randomly got me this kit back in April 2005 after I expressed my interest in drumming for church, and thats how it went on..

- Tom-toms: 10" x 8", 12" x 9"
- Floor tom: 14" x 14"
- Bass drum: 20" x 16"
- Snare drum: 14" x 5,5"
- 6 ply 7.5mm Poplar Shells
- Low Mass Lugs
- Perimeter EQ Bass Drum Heads
- Pearl Boom stand
- Pearl Crash/Ride cymbal 18'
- Pearl high hats
- Free Vic Firth 5a Drumsticks (one of the best sticks i've used)
- Free DVD


Forum, the best quality entry-level drum set in the world is the best value too. Besides the drums and hardware, the 5 piece Forum also includes throne and drumsticks. With all the essentials included, Forum is ready to play and truly lives up to its nickname, Ready-Set-Go! Forum features include low-mass lugs for optimum tonality and resonance. Low-mass tom mounting brackets for maximum sound optimization. Heavy-duty SP-70 spurs for stability and key style tension rods for precise tuning on bass drums. The two-section B-70W boom stand folds compactly for transport and the direct pull action on H-70W hi-hat stand assures super quick and smooth action. Forum hardware pack includes a S-70W snare stand, two B-70W boom stands, and H-72W hi-hat stand all of which feature sturdy double braced legs. The H-72W hi-hat features an Eliminator style footbaord, UltraGrip wingnuts/wingbolts. The P-120P pedal features chain drive, Eliminator style footbaord, DuoBeat beater that allows the choice of plastic or felt faces for hard or soft attack, and adjustable beater angle. The bonus D-70W throne features double braced legs and infinitely adjustable height settings with stop-lock memory.

My new purchase

Ever listened to my bass wood Pearl Forum snare drum? Not suggesting you do coz it sounds horrible.

Finally my first separate piece snare drum purchase at Bentley's during their end year sale (December 2009).

At a discounted price from RM 460 -> RM382

'The Pearl Piccolo Snare drum - Steel'

This black Piccolo model provides a perfect alternative snare voice for the contemporary drummer. A sleek 13" x 3" lacquered steel shell provides the sheer cut and bright tone ideal for genres such as jazz, pop, hip hop, reggae, and drum 'n' bass. Brilliant attack and tight sound with excellent projection.

Pearl Piccolo 13" x 3" Steel Snare Drum Features:

• Compact and affordable with plenty of snap
• Bright sound for jazz or pop
• Black lacquered steel
• 13" x 3"

- This snare drum is mainly used as a secondary snare and a good alternate primary snare.
- Love how sharp and precise it sounds.

Kit Expansion

Figuring which kit to buy and what configuration to go with is not that simple, for me at least.


Dave weckl's Kit




Dennis Chambers



Cobus Potgieter




Mike Portnoy's Kit

The ultimate upgrade to consider

Double pedals

Some of the popular pedals





Tama Iron Cobras









Pearl Powershifter Eliminators

Yamaha's Flying Dragons

Lets start off with the cobra's which among heavy metal and rock drummers are a common choice for its durability and solid feel. Obviously it weighs more than the dragons and elims but at least it does come readily with a hard casing which i find practical since you don't want your new pricey toys to get hit over here and there. It does come with a hard casing though which makes it hardy to carry around.

Next off would be the highly rated pearl eliminators which are considered one of the most versatile pedals due to its light footboard that allows quick action recoils and smooth drives through both the chain and belt model. Interchangeable cams of cause which allows the user to get a feel for both technologies.

The vintage yamaha flying dragons are of coz a familiar one with the old school drummers since its launch back in 1980's. After its enhancement over the years, yamaha has developed their very own high end pedals with its multi adjustible spring tensions and so forth that will suit your need. As of course, the dragons are also known as a value buy since it boasts a swift and smooth performance and yet cost a reasonable discount compared to the cobras and the elims.

As of course, the feel is very important which entirely depends on the user's personal liking. For those stuck in a position as i am in deciding which to get, make sure you try em all out at the stores before throwing out the cash. Take your time but don't get too fickle coz you'll end up not treating yourself with a new toy.

Ps: Still under construction