Jazz Drum Sets

Here is a video about the Jazz drum sets that I use to teach, practice on, and gig with. I display , play and talk about 7 different kits ranging from very expensive to very cheap.
I use mallets, brushes and sticks on all of the kits. I play several different genres and styles on all of the sets including Jazz, Funk, Latin and Rock. The same cymbal setup is used for all of the demos which are all 1950's K Zildjian with a Paiste Traditional 22" swish with rivets.
There is one stereo microphone used to record the audio, an AKG C24 , located right over my head.
There is no EQ, compression or other processing involved and there is no audio editing.
This is so you can hear all of the sets in a raw, acoustic environment.
Here are the featured Drum Sets and the times that they appear in the video.
1983 Gretsch Centennial -2:51
1990's Yamaha Maple Custom- 11:37
1970's Sonor Phonic Rosewood-22:55
Drummers World Nesting Kit-35:19
Yamaha Hip Gig Kit-46:33
Sonor Safari Kit-56:14
Gretsch 125th Anniversary Kit-105:27

[@irawong]

Always great to revisit your videos. Once again, it blows my mind that you can do it ALL: play great drum set, orchestral, Latin, Broadway pit percussion, do maintenance/repairs, make sticks/mallets, and teach! Bravo!

[@GabrielHolmbom]

Best playing I have heard in a long time.

[@Decksmaster67]

Always great video ! Amazing musical drumming play Mr Dior !!! 👌🥁💪🤩.

[@crashtestdrummie-nl6411]

Sold my mint Yamaha Maple Custom from the 90s (black maple) in 20/16, 8/7,10/9,12/10,14/12 including Yamaha top notch hardware last week for 1800. Do I regret selling it (!) ...my All time favourite in versatility and construction.

[@warrenlastewka8035]

Thank you for putting out your videos. So much great Information And playing

[@frankburdodrums8984]

You HAVE TO LOVE this guy!!!! Nothing better than this. I wish I could afford to do one video like this. Honestly I could play and talk about drums 24 hours a day. PURE AWESOME. THANK YOU!!!!

[@ilovemapledrumsspaun4083]

That solo on the 70s Sonor kit was epic! The only thing better than those amazing drum sets is your playing. Just incredible

[@tomvillano5824]

Great kits, sounds and incredible feel and musicality. You are awesome Rick!

[@johnwilde777]

I used to used a yamaha hipgig for years! Man that brought me back. Thanks for the video, really really great!

[@JulianFernandez]

Dream collection! kudos!

[@raymondkarlsson9794]

Beatiful presentation, wonderful instruments and really great playing!

[@elwoodwhite2499]

So happy I came across your videos Rick your super across the board so knowledgeable and talented and likable and believable and trusting thank you most of all sharing I look forward to following your learning videos and even more to return and rewatch them because you learn sometime each time you watch them a sign of a instructor one who learns from others and trial and error of self experiences

[@jello-tarzan]

Great videos! Thank you for bringing this kind of quality on YT.

[@rickdior]

Thank Doc, I appreciate that and thanks for watching Rick

[@maxim_hue6089]

Great drums and wonderful playing! I love your videos

[@mareksablik1946]

Dear Rick all your job is very very great. Thank you.M

[@Stereosichtgeraet]

I clicked on this video in order to hear some comparisons and it was great for that, but more than that your playing really inspired me. Glad I found something beautiful by accident.

[@broadpath7184]

Enjoy your channel and presentations on all aspects of drumming. I appreciate your no-nonsense, on-point, genuine and generous presentation style integrated into some very fine drumming. Thank you for being on the Tube! And you get a great, natural sound from that single overhead, which is evidence of a very finely tuned kit.

[@Craigo-xg5mc]

These are the best drumming videos on KZbin. Yea that’s just my opinion. But they really are the BEST! 😁

[@sytsew]

I really appreciate you recording this all with just 1 good XY mic. Not only does it makes it easier to compare the respective sounds, it implicitly also highlights how much good sound comes in fact from just heads + tuning + room + mic. And excellent playing, of course ...

[@frankburdodrums8984]

And he uses every type of stick and brush!!!! YOU MUST RESPECT THIS.

[@elvin38]

One of the best drum videos I’ve ever seen on YT! I’ve got 2 Gretsches and the bop kit sounds like yours : the recording is incredibly true. And these old Ks... A big big thank you from France

[@rickdior]

Thanks Laurent The older Gretsch drums definately have a sound. It's the shells and the roundover bearing edge although they used different bearing edges from time to time.

[@CharlesBeauregard]

That Sonor Safari sounds great !

[@toebee1952]

I guess it has the best price/value relationship of all the drums in this video.

[@kevinbellefeuille3007]

I'm sure it took a ton of time to do this video. It was awesome. Thanks for doing this.

[@vaughanxaviermusic]

looks like i just found my new favorite drum channel. you're great man. cheers

[@carpediem4179]

Exelent drummer and teacher, good timing, good explanación and subtle

[@Trays7940]

OMG! I just watched this and now I know why my renown floor tom growls! Thank you! This made my day. I thought it was my tuning... Thank you!!!!!

[@KentArnsbarger]

Love my Sonor Rosewood Phonics. It's great to hear them here being demo'd by a master!

[@cghbbbmbvbcdfhkjh3160]

I actually dont like them anymore they are too havy not good gor jazz

[@IBitePrettyHardSH]

Usually when I click on a video and find out it's over an hour long I'm like "ugh"...but I was actually delighted because it's from Rick. I enjoy hearing about the nuances of different drum kits. Maybe I'm weird. EDIT: Just finished the whole thing. Great kits and playing! Can't wait for the funk/pop/rock kits!

[@frankburdodrums8984]

RIGHT? Not these videos an hour FLYS BY.

[@dogmart]

A lot of people like to talk about thin maple shells for jazz drumming, but those much-coveted Yamaha Maple Customs were thick and heavy: 7 ply/7mm toms and 10 ply/10mm floor toms and bass drums, if I remember correctly. Great-sounding kits!

[@davidsuprenant893]

Really love the sonor rosewood kit the most.Your cymbal set up is fantstic,especially that 22" China swish.

[@BimeB1234]

what an effort, thaaaanx!

[@carson.strong_]

That ride is killer!!!

[@thomasmoje5926]

All very nice drum sets. I've gravitated to smaller kits primarily because of ergonomic concerns..they are easier to set up so everything is easier to reach without having to do a lot of stretching and reaching but also they are easier to transport. I have three kits which fit that bill: a mid-1960's Rogers kit in it's four-piece configuration, a Ddrum 'SE Flyer' four-piece in smaller 'jazz size' sizes; and a Sonor 'Bop' kit. Enjoy them all. You sir play so well..always an inspiration.

[@goesjem]

Three words. Thank you Rick!!!

[@earldrum]

Beautiful drums and playing.

[@rickdior]

Thanks Earl I appreciate that

[@evrimmuratkaragoz1297]

Hi from istanbul,thank you very much for wonderful videos😊

[@russ6541]

one mind blowing solo after another

[@yupitesmi1480]

Insanity man you’re so talented!

[@brent3760]

Great video! Love your playing Rick!!

[@rickdior]

Thank you Brent

[@brent3760]

@@rickdior 😁😁

[@samthorne488]

Have the same Yamaha kit in a 20x14, vintage natural finish. incredible drums

[@rickdior]

They certainly are

[@jubinych]

That’s a real drummer right there !

[@caseysmiley7575]

Thanks Rick!

[@nycdrummingstar]

Wwwooowww,. Great work

[@musicalala]

Beautiful playing. For once I can actually hear what these bop kits sound like in capable hands. Tuned perfectly too!Didn't think I was into the Gretsch sound until these Centennials. Didn't know they existed.

[@MDugardin]

Amazing Rick, The F..(antastic) sound !! One mike and that's it, i love that so much, any set, when the man is the sound.

[@philipnestor5034]

Hi Rick, Great video like all your other videos. I have a number of small kits with 18” bass drums but all vintage American kits ( Gretsch, Ludwig ,Rogers ,Slingerland) from the 60’s. I did get a DrummerWorld Nesting kit back in August of 2001. The sizes are 8x10;13x13 and 16x16 bass drum in Purple sparkle. I was told back then that they used 5 ply Keller shells with thin shells . I’ve used them with different heads for various styles of music. They’re very versatile.

[@rickdior]

Thanks Philip You have the Drummers World kit that was made in the store. They did use Keller shells. The newer ones are made by GMS. Thanks Rick

[@russkammerer4655]

Thanks Rick

[@Monsterdrumma]

The last Gretsch kit baby, that is the sound of all drum sounds imo! I have 2 USA kits, a fusion sized and a rock or big band sizes as well and an extra 18” Brooklyn kick I found super cheap for my jelly bean jazz kit.

[@benjaminleach8582]

The sonor kit is amazing. I've got a jazz kit with a solid mahogany bass drum and it sounds a lot like this sonor. I prefer thicker shells. Heavy as hell though. Thanks for the video, loved watching it.

[@rickdior]

Hi Ben Yes, those Sonor drums have a very unique sound which I love as well. And they are so heavy that I won't even gig with them anymore!

[@powbobs]

Yeah, those Sakae built Yamaha drums are amazing.

[@benjamingaray5660]

Funny enough this video taught me how to tune my toms. Been keeping them wayy to low. Started to think I just hated playing with toms

[@glennracoma7481]

Thank you Rick for such a great review on your vintage kits. I really like the Gretsch Centennial jazz kit just gorgeous tone with a lot of dynamics and projection. Reminds me of the classic drums played back in the 20-40s great jazz drummers played. Beautiful kit. Would you have any instructional videos or tuning techniques.

[@rickdior]

Hi Glenn Here is a tuning video I did a while back kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZaXoqBrp6aGipI Thanks

[@brianowems3880]

Dang if that's nothing special, I would love to see special just one time !

[@bubuotis]

when you started hitting the Sonor, Sir, it reminded me a bit of Ed Blackwell...beautiful sounds.

[@leopoldomuniz2745]

My friend Al Foster got a set just like that in green it's a nice set Yamaha rick those look great you have some collection.

[@frankspikes7858]

Hey Rick, you're my new favorite drummer!! Very tasty drum collection. I tune my drums the same way. They project better. Your playing is very fluid.

[@rickdior]

Thank You Frank

[@drumngolf]

Your Yamaha Maple kit is the Yamaha Maple Custom which are seven ply maple toms with ten ply bass drum. They are definitely not from the absolute series which are not as highly valued. Also, the Chaffee muffler is NOT sold at Chop's Percussion. I did let him know to reach out to you. Unfortunately, the muffler is no longer made. Great playing and thank you for this post. I've now subscribed for more wonderful information from a very talented man.

[@gordonhastie8650]

Another Superb presentation Rick & great sound. I checked out the Mic ! Wow that's a big investment 😨

[@rickdior]

There's plenty of other mics that can give you a good sound so no need to spend all that $....Mic video coming soon.

[@gordonhastie8650]

@@rickdior Thanks, look forward to it! 😎

[@DolfSneijers]

Great vídeo. Thank you Rick! Great information and amazing playing. I wonder if you can give me your opinion. I'm looking into getting Gretsch USA's. I've got a 10", 12, 14", 20" bass drum Gretsch USA from 2010. I wonder if you know anything about the Gretsch Brooklyn and Gretsch Broadkaster with 18" bass drums. I've heard/seen many videos. I have a feeling the Broadkaster with the 3 ply shell is a bigger/deeper sounding set. Although it's based on the traditional vintage Gretsch drums.. so I'm a little confused seeing standard jazz tunning is normally high. Thanks again.

[@Monsterdrumma]

The safari kit is basswood, I owned one and actually liked it a lot. When they first came out they were $330.00’s. I did not like how the tom was to over to the right that was my only gripe. I am a USA custom Gretsch guy all the way but I also really like the MC Yamaha’s here.

[@danielchernau3503]

Surprised how good the nesting kit sounded. The Sonor Rosewoods ruled IMO. Wish I hadn't had to sell mine.

[@TheMASDrummer]

Looks like you're living the life

[@Monsterdrumma]

The safari kit is basswood I owned this kit and Ithought it sounded really nice. the safaris were also $330.00’s new at first that is.

[@dencruz4425]

Thank You Rick for the nice video, Me and my 11 year old son Martin plays drums every sunday at the church, we love the sound of your Yamaha maple jazz kit, and you mentioned in the video that you’re selling it, please shoot me a message if you’re really selling it, I’m willing to buy it. I have a Tama 100% birch with 18 inch bass drum , and a sonor all maple jungle safari kit with 16 inch bass drum, me and my son loves the sound of your yamaha, we would like to add that for keeps.

[@timothystephen6147]

Do you happen to know the tuning note values on the other kits? You listed the Gretsch, but not the others, unless I missed it. Mostly interested in the Drummer's World and Hip Gig, as they're closest to the sizes of my 4 piece.

[@rickdior]

Hi I didnt write the tunings down but I'm sure you can figure it out by listening.

[@hornet224]

That is a $19,000 single mounted mike that picks up all the harmonic ambience without being out of phase with a multiple setup.

[@rickdior]

I have not used the C24 for almost a year in any videos. The mics I am using are U89's and they are separate, not a stereo mic.

[@MP-ju4ol]

I enjoyed this too Rick. I live in a small condo on the second floor and will never get to play in my place but m just trying to re-learn. I love the Nest kits because that’s the closest I will get to playing in my walk in closet. Hello Electric! I will definitely use mallets for testing...............wonder if I can do that on Electric? Even though Sonor is HEAVY I love the first one. The only thin* I miss is not seeing a kit shake like some others because it sooooo solid. Beachwood is what 5het use in Germany I believe. I too look forward to the next installation of kits. Rick, did the last Gretch have a practice head on the first rack Tom? Best, Mark. P.S. Do you ever gig in SF Bay Area?

[@jeremyschneider9531]

This is really cool. Rick, your skills and knowledge are amazing and I am so grateful that you want to share that! QUESTION: to varying degrees, you have your 10" rack tom tuned very close to your snare, either a little above or a little below. Does that make your snares buzz like crazy? I've never been too concerned about snare buzz since it mostly disappears in the mix, but I also tuned my toms really low such that even my 10 was quite a bit lower than the snare. I'm trying some higher tuning now (partly because of you ;) ) and the 10 makes my snare go crazy! Maybe it's still not an issue...but...how do you deal with that?

[@rickdior]

Try tightening the tension rods on the bottom head of the snare that are closest to the snares. In other words the 2 rods that surround the snare bed. This can sometimes work well for getting rid of some buzz. Also don't tune your tom or snare to a consonant pitch between the two. Try a minor third or a major 2nd. That also can help with sympathetic vibrations.

[@samgreen8865]

I've been looking for some drumset mallets for a while. Does anyone know what those are?

[@rickdior]

Those are older Grover General Bamboo Timpani Mallets

[@stevethulander8938]

I regularly check out various drum pros. I can't stand 'bangers'. You, Rick, are a highly refined musician, and I greatly appreciate your expertise. I'm in great shape for a guy in his early 70's, and have resumed my rhythmic passions - just bought my first kit in decades. Years ago I had the opportunity to study w/ Gary Chaffee during his first teaching gig at Western Illinois U. But, after my first year, Gary left for Bahstun and Berklee. His teaching of linear/vertical lines, flexibility, and efficiency stuck with me, all these years later. So, where to find an expert? Blessings to you, Rick Dior. You cut to the chase, Mr. Expert. I thank you, kind Sir.

[@rickdior]

Hi Steve Thanks for the kind words. You are so lucky to have studied with Gary. Great teacher and player. I use his books regularly in my teaching.

[@stevethulander8938]

@@rickdior Keep your eye out for a percussion- educator (flying well below the radar), Fred Swartz. He lives here in Fairfield, Iowa, as I do. For years he's been buying every percussion book on the market, including Chaffee's . He's also from Boston. Fred has been writing his ultimate percussion series for a long, long time. We'll see. But, he tells me this will be the ultimate percussion studies series. He has a publisher, apparently. Time will tell, Rick. MAN, I cannot believe my luck in finding you on YT. WoW !! A million thanks. And, what a great heart you have, Rick, to go along with your excellent mind !! !!

[@stevethulander8938]

@@rickdior I guess it's name-dropping time, Rick - Also there, first semester, was Paul Wertico. When Cannonball came with his quintet to conduct a clinic and performance, Wertico sat in with the group. He reportedly told drummer, McCurdy, ''I'm hurtin', man. Cats are stuck in the mud in Western Illinois. What should I do?'' Paul, being from Chicago, I guess, was told by Roy - ''Go back to Chicago.'' That's what he did, leaving school. When Metheny heard through the vine that there was a young drummer in Chicago tearing up the scene . . . the rest is history, some, 7, or so, Grammys later. Sheesh! Talk about luck in those early 70's days. But, I gotta tell ya, Rick - You have infinite more heart and teaching ability than I experienced in those days. Music theory/education has evolved SO much today. Again, I deeply appreciate your teaching, Rick. I recognize greatness; though, I'm gettin' back in the groove.

[@TheMASDrummer]

By the way, I use automatic captions on the videos I watch...it captioned everything you were playing as 'music' and 'applause'...must be nice that the automated system can recognize your talent.

[@assanee31]

7 plies on toms-7mm thick and 10plies 10mm thickness on the bass drum.

[@Gunzhard22]

Love your videos Rick, I had a question for you... I have a small Gretsch Broadkaster kit I'm trying desperately to use for recording more Proggy metal type stuff and the toms are really stumping me. You mentioned that the Gretsch toms don't tune down well and wow yeah that's been my experience. That said, have you found any head choice that could make this kit work better for rock even metal? Doesn't have to have the "dead" metal tom sound but just more rock... ? Thanks

[@rickdior]

Hi Try Remo Pinstripes. If you are using a low tuning they will still ring a bit and will also solidify the fundamental pitch of the drum. Try to use clear ambassadors on the bottom and tune both heads to the same pitch. This will give you maximum tone. Pinstripes can take a while to break in so be patient. You might also want to make sure the bearing edges on those toms are perfectly level. You can do this by taking the heads off and putting the drum flat on a countertop or something perfectly flat. I use a glass coffee table. If you turn the drum and see space on some parts of the shell then they are off. Some of the Gretsch drums have this issue and that would definitely affect the tuning. If that is the problem let me know and I will tell you how to fix it. Stay well Rick

[@Gunzhard22]

@@rickdior thanks again Rick, I'll give it a shot

[@Gunzhard22]

@@rickdior I never knew about the bearing edge on Gretsch, good to know. That said these drums tune up for jazz like magic.

[@robertpierre-louis4578]

Rick, these drums sound really sweet and melodic. Did you assign a specific note to them or just by hear? Do you use a Tune Bolt to know the Frequencies and the notes on each drum? They sound high and clear.

[@dwightwoodard3900]

Thank you this was very interesting. What do you thing about the Slingrland drum

[@rickdior]

Which drum are you asking about?

[@rondeangelis7384]

hi rick what tuning for the yammys? interested because i gave the hybrid maples. my MIJ oaks are unreal also. your kit is the absolute maple custom. great presentation.

[@drumngolf]

Hi Ron - The Yamaha kit is the Maple Custom in black maple finish with small gold lugs. They are a little more thick than the absolute series and also more sought after. Elvin played these as well as Weckl, Colaiuta, Erskine, etc.

[@robertpierre-louis4578]

Can you do a session about the way you tune your sets. Do you go by ears or do you have a specific notes or frequencies assigned to each drum size.?

[@rickdior]

Hi Robert Search "Drum Tuning" on my channel and you will find several videos on this topic. Thanks Rick

[@samlagreca9283]

Question on the Yamaha Maple customs that have the fiber skins ? Diplomat or ambassador fiber skin on the top ? and clear ambassadors on the bottom? Thanks so much . Awesome playing as always.

[@rickdior]

Ambassadors on top

[@matttallamy5934]

Great video Rick! One question: drummers like Jeff Hamilton seem to use an 18" bass for jazz combo and 20" for big band, whilst the classic big band drummers were using 22"s and above. What's your take on bass drum sizes for big bands?

[@rickdior]

Hi Matt A 20 or 22 works fine for big band these days, especially if the drums are miked. in the old days of 4 on the floor the bass drum was more of a time keeping device so 24's and larger were common. Now it's more of the be bop style so that's not a factor.

[@jimflys2]

The Yamaha is not an Absolute, which came out in 1998 I think. Maple Customs had the square brass lug casings. The Maple Custom Absolute had the more Gretsch looking lug casings in chrome plating. I have a MCA from 1999 when I purchase new. My big complaint on it is that the bass drum is NOT good. Has no low end presence for rock and is a bit big for jazz at 16x20. The Tom's and snare are great. The snare went out of round. I discovered this when changing heads a few years ago. To get into even pitch, part of the rim was markedly way down toward the bearing edge. Tried a new head. Same. I put it into round by temporarily installing threaded rods across the shell to stretch it and compress it where needed. I then got maple re-rings from Precision drum company. After scraping the inside of the shell, I glued them in and beveled them to match the existing bearing edge and angle. Worked like a charm. Made the drum 10 times better too. Very crisp. Very sensitive. I wish they were not fusion depths on the Tom's, but that was the rage then. Standard depth I would prefer now, just like all the cats we HAD to copy back on the day. No worries. They will come back into vogue. Just wait. Do not alter. That's a note to myself!

[@rickdior]

Hi Yes they are maple customs from the mid 90's. Not sure why I said absolute. Great drums!

[@Uzziel_lay_drums]

Mr. Rick id like to humble ask you a question. Which snare would you consider more versatile in base of your opinion. WFL Ray Mckenley and or 90's Maple Custom 5.5x14-6.5x14 . Thank you for your time

[@rickdior]

Hi The yamaha drum would be more versatile. The 902 has a particular sound with its mahogany shell that does not work for everything.

[@Uzziel_lay_drums]

​@@rickdiorThank you for your advise and time. Really appreciate it.

[@thedoctoronelove]

1st Gretsch kit wins! Sounds like Elvin!

[@caferrara]

Wow, the Sonor blows the others away. Care to sell?

[@dannygoodchild7568]

Rick, do you install the Gauger Rims or have somebody do it ?

[@rickdior]

I always install those myself. Its very simple.

[@caferrara]

Rick, what rim mount system did you use? Where can I buy it?

[@rickdior]

That's just a regular old rims mount system from the 90's. There are better ones available now.

[@danlozza]

Believe it or not, I believe I've read that the Donor Safari is made from birch, albeit probably cheat/quality birch (probably some poplar or basswood plies in there). I had some I hugged for years with. The one caviar I found is that the small bass drum transferred alit of energy back into my foot an heel (I would be sore after 2-3 hr gigs). Other than that, you really can't beat them for the $$. Same drums with a 20" bass drum would be perfect all around....jmo.

[@danlozza]

Sonor...damn auto-correct!

[@danlozza]

Wow auto correct is awful, just translated me into swedish...the point remains however.

[@paulysci925]

The one he has is a newer safari kit and is made of basswood the previous 2 generations of sonor safari kits were birch or cheaper maple depending on which generation it was.

[@m.vonhollen6673]

Not the “one caviar” but the “one caveat”. Also “gigged for years” or “lugged around for years”, not “hugged for years”.

[@jake7945]

Hey Rick, real nice. At 46:41 are you playing in 6/8 with 6 on the floor and hats closed on 1,3 &5?

[@rickdior]

That's in cut time, Baion pattern on BD, upbeat splashes on the hi-hat

[@jake7945]

@@rickdior Thanks for the info!

[@charlesfarran1717]

Is the stereo mic ok for live performances? Love your videos.

[@rickdior]

Yes, it works well live.

[@powbobs]

That mic, AKG C24, costs $25,000 - 30,000. Holy crap!

[@rickdior]

I have had that mic for 25 years and it was much cheaper than that when I purchased it.

[@powbobs]

@@rickdior Age has it’s advantages. Nice investment.

[@supmet2]

It was a toss up between the Maple Custom Yamaha and Sonor Phonic.

[@kevinrodriguez1907]

What is that Chinese with rivets?

[@kevinrodriguez1907]

I saw the description, I left the coment the same minute I heard it with a big smile on my face , awesome drums my friend I see you and see my future haha I enjoyed all these drums im 27 but im old in spirit so I get your emotion lol new sub 🤘

[@Djentstructer]

33:48

[@derekfelix9794]

Hi, Rick. I am the manager at Chops Percussion. We haven't sold the Chaffee muffler since it was discontinued in 2018, so I don't know if you can amend that in the video or not. We really appreciate the plug, but unfortunately, we can no longer get that item. The Remo muffler that they created with Dave Weckl may be a great alternative. Thanks!

[@rickdior]

Sorry about that Derek. I looked online and thats what came up. Its too late too change it but hopefully you will be able to offer another solution to those who call you up. Rick