Drum Kits:

Ludwig 1970s Silver Sparkle (22’’ bass, 13’’ and 16’’ toms)

I bought this kit from Leeds’ Scheerers the day I saw it, having only gone in to buy a pair of sticks. Instantly I fell in love with it and is a beautiful looking and sounding kit which continues to surprise me in an array of situations.

Pearl Masters, Studio BRX Birch Shell, Wine Red (20’’ bass, 10’’, 12’’ and 14’’ toms)

My Pearl Masters is superb in the studio thanks to their birch shells renowned for their natural EQ sound with strong lows and cutting highs. Due to it being one of my first kits, my Pearl is a firm choice every time it comes out of the cases.

Gretsch, Renown Maple, Wine Red (18’’ bass, 12’’ and 14’’ toms)

I bought this stunning Gretsch kit during the early launch period of the Renown Maple series, and have never looked back. I am yet to find a better sounding small scaled drum set perfect for a wide range of jazz gigs.

 

George Hayman, 1970s Vibraphonic Gold Ingot (22’’ bass, 13’’ ad 16’’ toms)

Having bought this kit from a local music store in a poor under-the-weather condition, I managed to restore the kit into a big beautiful sounding kit that also grabs the eye of many.

 

Snares:

I have a few different snare drums, but tend to always use my, Brady Jarrah Ply Snare (14’’x6.5’’) in Blue Mallet Satin Finish. It has been used perfectly in orchestral snare situations comfortably taking care of delicate pianissimo rolls as well as woody rim-shots and subtle ghost notes in a wide range of performances. Also, ready at hand: DW Collectors Series Solid Shell Snare (14’’x5.5’’), perfect for full and deep back beats; Dixon Rosewood Snare (13’’x6’’), Gretsch Renown Maple (14’’x5’’).

Cymbals:

When it comes to cymbals, I seem to collect the larger sizes and particularly ride and hi-hat cymbals in order to meet the demands of different jazz situations. Currently in the loop are:

Zildjian K Dark Custom/Z Custom 13″ Hi-Hats

Paiste Crystal 14″ Hi-Hats

Kamala 10” Hi-Hats

Zildjian K Hybrid 11″ Splash

Sabian HHX 16” + 18″ Crashes

Paiste 2002, 18″ Flat Ride

Istanbul Mel Lewis Signature 21″ Ride w/ rivets

Istanbul OM 22″ Ride

Paiste Formula 602 22″ Ride

Paiste 2002, 24″ 1970s Crash

Electronics:

Through my experience of running backing tracks and clicks to live shows and productions, I understand the importance of using electronics in music, I own a 13″ Macbook and Tama Rhythm Watch. For triggering samples and playing electronics beats, I play with a Roland SPD-S Sampler Pad. 

Percussion:

For additional studio and live sounds I own plenty of hand and tuned percussion including: Kambala Djembe, tabla drums, steel pans, cajon, bongos and aux. percussion (tambourines, cowbells, triangles, wind chimes, wood blocks, jam blocks, cabasas, maracas and shakers).