I have the Ludwig 6/12 x 14 aluminum snare(around '65 or so), but have so far yet to get that punchy sound made world-famous by JHB. I even have the Ocheltree video, but no luck just yet.
So...what kinds of heads, snares, tuning, etc. do you all use to get that sound? Are some Supras simply not Bonham-ready?
Dan
How about the same exact drum in the same exact studio with the same exact recording equipment and the same exact mics set up in the same exact places and the same exact recording engineer? Then, you just might be able to almost duplicate the sound if you used the same exact sticks and struck the drum in the same exact spot with the same amount of velocity.
I'm not trying to be a smart ass. You can obsess all you want, and still never duplicate someone else's sound 100%. Conversely, no one can duplicate your sound 100%.
How about the same exact drum in the same exact studio with the same exact recording equipment and the same exact mics set up in the same exact places and the same exact recording engineer? Then, you just might be able to almost duplicate the sound if you used the same exact sticks and struck the drum in the same exact spot with the same amount of velocity.I'm not trying to be a smart ass. You can obsess all you want, and still never duplicate someone else's sound 100%. Conversely, no one can duplicate your sound 100%.
THANK YOU! You're not a smart ass...you're just smart! Bowing
Are you using Gretsch 42 strand wires like JB used?
That would help
Exactly what Blairndrums said , get a gretch 42 strand snare wire and put a remo coated emperor on top and a ambassador on bottom crand up the snare side pretty darn tight then crank the batter side up just pitched below the resonant.... now adjust the snares so they engage well but they are not choked and you will have as close to the sound you are looking for .... the snare wires are not cheap not easy to find... but well worth it..
Don't forget your snare or ANY drum for that matter will sound different whether your sitting behide it (on throne) or accross the room.
Your gonna need that 402 snare with appt head choice as well as the 42 strand snares.
best of luck,
Gregg
thats it in a nut shell but ill add that, mike the kit you'll be surprised how close it sounds with a good mixer in to the pa
Like others have said, bottom head tight - top head not. I've found that the tension on the top head should be quite a bit less than the bottom. I install the top first with nothing on the bottom. Tune the top head to just above 'thud'. Install the bottom head with more tension than the top. Put the snares on just barely touching. To find the tone you like, tighten each bottom tension rod a very small amount (less than 1/4 turn each). Play it. Now move to the top and do the same. Repeat this with more time spent on the bottom head, until you find the sound.
jim
How about the same exact drum in the same exact studio with the same exact recording equipment and the same exact mics set up in the same exact places and the same exact recording engineer? Then, you just might be able to almost duplicate the sound if you used the same exact sticks and struck the drum in the same exact spot with the same amount of velocity.I'm not trying to be a smart ass. You can obsess all you want, and still never duplicate someone else's sound 100%. Conversely, no one can duplicate your sound 100%.
Not taking it as a smart-ass statement, but nowhere did I say I was trying to "duplicate" the sound. Sometimes, I can't even duplicate my own sound when I change heads! Thankfully, I'm not a bad tuner. Again, maybe I have a wonky drum.
I've heard other people get the sound successfully and NOT in a studio setting. Also, I have heard Paul Thompson of Roxy Music get that thwacky sound on "Both Ends Burning"....then I remembered that he and Bonham were pals, so..............
I'm not obsessing, I haven't even gotten close yet.
Dan
How ambient is the room you're recording/playing in? JHB recorded in studios with high wood ceilings &wooden floors which help get that famous "JHB" sound.Also note:he didn't use Gretsch 42 strand snare wire until later on (77-)
Gibraltar make 42 strand snare wires as does Tama&i think Pearl.
His (JHB'S) most famous&well known drum sound is 'When The Levee Breaks"
which was recorded in a old mansion which had stone floors & a extremly ambient&resonat room &he ONLY had 2 mics strategically placed (not close miked).Lastly his heads were worn which also contributes to the sound &MOST importantly of all:HE WAS JHB you'll NEVER get nor have his personality&soul which also contributes to the famous JHB sound
best&good luck in getting the sound! :).
