Drum
Kit |
 |
| Mike's
been drumming since 1989 and though he started on a department
store bought 'Rockstar' kit, it didn't stop him from beating
the heads in and quickly moving on. Since then, Mike has
owned kits made by CB, Pearl and Yamaha and has played
on virtually
every
other well-known
brand. While currently using Sonor drums and loving them,
Mike may try for an endorsement deal in 2009. Mike has also
used Zildjian Cymbals since he started and doesn't plan on
switching any time soon. Mike's drumming influences range from Virgil Donati, Simon Phillips, Thomas Pridgen and Gavin Harrison to legends like Niel Peart, Buddy Rich and Jeff Piccaro. "Virgil's work is incredible..." Mike raves, "His double kick abilities and appendage independance floors me. I've actually only been on a double pedal for two years (as of 2006) 'cause I used to think it was like cheating. But, as time went on, listening to guys use it so well, I went and picked up a DW5000 double and it's been great. I love the challenge of getting my left up to par with right as far as paradiddles, diddles and sixteenth note patterns." "I used to be a low rider...", Mike recalls, "I mean I was sitting maybe eighteen inches off the ground...it's rediculas; it's just alot more work for your legs." Mike has quite a different setup now than a decade ago. "After high school, I was using traditional grip more and more until I was only playing match a fraction of the time; so this has changed how I setup. In my opinion, you should sit with your knees at a ninety degree angle and your toms stright in front of you as you reach out. Also, for the best shots, I have my primary snare about two inches above my knees. The hight of the cymbals is important too. Too high and it will affect your speed, too low and it can affect the projection beleive it or not, especially in live situations. All this is relative though, if a drummer prefers and practices a different way then that's what's comfortable for him; it just may not be the best for him." |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Keys
|
Mike uses:
|
Guitars
|
Mike
uses: |
Strings
|
Mike uses: |
