1951 Gibson ES 125 with Vintage Suitcase Kick Drum - Open D tuning

Just thought I'd post a quick video of the latest addition to the family... along with my latest build... a 26" American Tourister Kick Drum. Thanks for watching!

[@kless001]

This playing is so inspiring. The guitar remains supreme.

[@RockSchoolJim]

Thank Brotherman! I appreciate that!

[@DustyCowdog]

Got new PC speakers... had to come back for a fresh taste of that vibe. Sweet as it ever was. Cheers!

[@kless001]

Good PC Sound is a must!

[@joshrideout8001]

Came for the guitar stayed for the suitcase

[@RockSchoolJim]

Thanks! Josh Rideout

[@DustyCowdog]

Never gets old...

[@ZackBlackMusic]

So good. I want one of these suitcases for my birthday in March 2021. Only saw two available on Reverb. Liked and Subscribed. 💫

[@UncleDanBand64]

Great playing. I'm really enjoying your channel.

[@KennyFishbone]

Awesome. I keep coming back to this...thanks for sharing

[@MichaelJones-gw8sg]

That was awesome! Good job.

[@iaminthegarage]

beautiful

[@DustyCowdog]

This is like the 300th time I've listened to this video... hahaha... I love it.

[@RockSchoolJim]

DustyCowdog Hahaha... Thanks Dusty!

[@sarasandoval771]

Howdy! Dustycowdog said he loves this jam... I agree! New sub here! Bye!

[@RockSchoolJim]

Thanks, Sara! 😊

[@greenholtband]

Hey Jim - Really good stuff!! I'm going to be making one of these drums and of all the KZbin videos I've watched, I like your build / sound the best. Is there anything that you followed on how to piece yours together? The license plate clap bit is especially cool - Did you put spacers between the license plate and the suitcase or is it directly touching the case? Thanks for any info you're willing to share! Keep rockin', dude!

[@RockSchoolJim]

Thanks so much. Sorry for the delayed reply. Yes, I do use spacers on the license plate. You can find them at most hardware stores. They’re about a 1/2 inch thick I believe. That way there’s a bit of space for the foot tambourine to wrap around the plate.

[@gageagrippa]

Amazing! You're playing has me in awe, and your suitcase kick drums are awesome. What song is this ?

[@RockSchoolJim]

Thanks gvge I appreciate that. It’s just an improvised little riff I made up in open D. Tuning is DADF#AD

[@Maninthedesert30]

You should do either a lesson or a tab on this

[@ViperSRT1008]

Amazing my friend! Love the tone. What gauge stings are you using? I just rescued a 1952 from Guitar Center and my luthier is currently sprucing it up. I'm between old school heavy flat wounds or regular 10s. Thanks!

[@RockSchoolJim]

Thanks man! I appreciate that. I’ve actually been using regular ’ol Ernie Ball 11’s on mine.

[@blakemoss7305]

Great set up..was wondering how close your cut was between the inside of the actual drum and the backside of the case..you've inspired me to build...cheers

[@RockSchoolJim]

Hey Blake Moss Thanks for reaching out! On average the drum shell itself is about 5” wide. That way it’s not too close to the back of the case when closed and... it still allows good air movement. Hope that helps!

[@fatknucklefreddy]

I can't find your reverb shop either. Do you have any for sale? The link below didn't work. Thanks so much. Your suitcase set up is very cool.

[@RockSchoolJim]

Hey Fat Knuckle Freddy thanks for reaching out. Currently I only have 1 case left on Reverb. The rest sold out pretty quick. Here is the link again reverb.com/shop/red-tail-rock-n-roll You can also find me on Instagram under rockschooljim. I do custom orders as well so let me know if I can help. Thanks again!

[@fatknucklefreddy]

RockSchoolJim cool. I will contact you.

[@jonathanmunroe3597]

I'd the suitcase kick drum an original or did you purchase it somewhere someone else might be able to do the same?

[@RockSchoolJim]

Jonathan Munroe built it myself.

[@blakemoss7305]

Very nice sir!! how bigs that Tom? And do you prefer that smaller tambourine as opposed to the large half type Shakey uses?

[@RockSchoolJim]

Thanks Blake Moss... this case has a 14" tom. Shakey seems to use the small and large size cases so it's really a matter of preference I guess. I like this smaller tambourine just because it looks cool on the plate and it's removable so... if you want a quieter sound the Meinl beater brush can just hit the license plate itself. Sometimes I'll use a regular felt beater on that tambourine though if I need it to be a little louder.

[@blakemoss7305]

I saw your "Kick drum test drive #2" with the square tan case....which do you think sounds better, that style or the American tourist one your playin here? Im looking to build one....thanks Jim

[@RockSchoolJim]

Blake Moss the square cases are a bit easier to sit on but other than that they both sound great. Bigger cases tend to have a deeper thump.

[@blakemoss7305]

And I noticed you use clear heads on your builds, what brand is that?

[@RockSchoolJim]

Blake Moss Remo Clear Pinstripe.

[@DustyCowdog]

Just curious... does anyone know if that is a hum bucker pickup or a single coil ?? Thanks! Love that sound, too.

[@RockSchoolJim]

DustyCowdog it’s the original Gibson P90 that came with the guitar in 1951.

[@DustyCowdog]

Right on... I wasn't sure, but I appreciate the quick response. That is such a sweet sound. Not discounting the talent of YOU of course. Give me that guitar and it will sound like a cat in heat.

[@RockSchoolJim]

Thanks DustyCowdog !

[@jonathanmunroe3597]

It's a p90

[@motodrummer]

nice, do you have build instruction video's?

[@JeriLynnKarr]

I love this. I cannot find you on reverb.com?

[@RockSchoolJim]

JeriLynnKarr Suitcase Kick Drum - Halliburton Sub Zero - Aluminum reverb.com/item/4725692-suitcase-kick-drum-halliburton-sub-zero-aluminum

[@jacobhatty6960]

Sweet man. Did you make that drum?

[@RockSchoolJim]

Jacob Hatty yes... I have a few for sale on Reverb.com if you're interested. Thanks!

[@KaraokeKarl]

@@RockSchoolJim Hey Jim I went looking on Reverb under "Rock School Jim" and couldn't find your drums. I want to buy a 26" like this.

[@911aDay]

What is your Reverb store name, I want one? -)

[@Superkwaji]

What amp

[@RockSchoolJim]

Hi Scott Gransden its Traynor YCV40 watt tube amp with a JHS Moonshine Overdrive and a Strymon El Capistan Delay.

[@priiimmrose]

Song??

[@RockSchoolJim]

Hi Scluubz McGee - it's just an improvised riff / song I put together to demo the kick drum.