Matt Garstka Plays DW

I am officially in love with these drums!
I don't have to make up for a lack of low end with tuning. That low end is already inherent in the wood and shell construction which means I can take the tension up just a hair more and that action certainly changes the way I play.
Video Credit: Ivan Chopik
Engineer & Mixer: Francesco Cameli

[@TroyWright]

And still sounds like you 👌🏻

[@alvarobernales6555]

You gonna have more likes than these likes in this video

[@cdlsam4856]

pearl man～

[@Marta1Buck]

Tone is in the fingers... Wait.. that's foe guitar players

[@lancetothebeat]

True!!!!!!!

[@marcustsouniasofficialdrum9973]

My favourite part is 3:53 mark. He confirms that he is human Definitely agree regarding recording shoot out. You get what you pay for out of the box

[@CHABIEPORTNOY]

His evolution to becoming John Petrucci is almost complete!

[@maj-lenaskagerlund3118]

What are you talking about, Joshuel? Why should he switch to guitar😳? He is outstanding on drums and I don't think he needs to evolve even to another drummer, not to mention to a guitarist!

[@iamtherealzombie]

@@maj-lenaskagerlund3118 I think he means physical appearance?

[@Kin0bii]

@@iamtherealzombie I think so too. Long hair and thicc biceps

[@alvarobernales6555]

But at the same time, so far to reach the look of Charles Manson!

[@stanfordkoch1271]

Lol

[@LukeHollandDrums]

there he is

[@EliPoli64]

hi luke

[@frank0_drums]

there you are

[@lancetothebeat]

Imagine DW's future event... Matt Garstka, Tony Royster, Thomas Pridgen, Eric Moore amd Virgil Donati to name a few.. 🔥🔥🔥

[@erickdromoh]

I like Luke Holland's drumming too

[@lancetothebeat]

@@erickdromoh oh yeah.. Luke's with DW... i forgot.. he can play AAL covers note per note 🔥🔥🔥

[@legalbreadspread7857]

@@lancetothebeat yoooo dont forget Chris turner OAA

[@iTzSquaZZy]

and Thomas Lang damn boi

[@Flodrums26130]

and Matt Greiner boys come on!!

[@A_Flash1992]

crazy thing is, Gartska could literally go WHEREVER TF he wants, and ANY company in existence would be more than proud (and frankly, lucky) for the opportunity to endorse him. Congrats on your new sound(s) Matt! 🔥

[@karleeto19]

facts

[@landonpeckham7752]

Just like how Neil Peart went from company to company. I have a feeling Matt’ll stay with DW for a LONG time though

[@therealvoltage]

@@landonpeckham7752 wasn't Neil sponsored by the same few companies for a while? I don't remember precisely which ones, but I remember seeing the videos his touring kits. I might be completely wrong, though

[@landonpeckham7752]

@@therealvoltage You can only be sponsored by one drum company at a time, one cymbal company at a time, one stick company, and so forth

[@RecordingDrumsWithBrad]

@@therealvoltage Neil Peart started his career using a Slingerland kit. I don't think he actually endorsed the company though. After that he endorsed Tama. Then he endorsed Ludwig. And finally he endorsed DW.

[@Sickdrummermagazine]

Amazing sound... and look.

[@MaXaNoMaLoUs]

Yeah and the drums are pretty sweet too lol🤣

[@StickHits]

Just a note for young drummers out there, drum brand makes up about 5% of your sound if that, anyone that says otherwise is either fooling themselves, or is making money off the concept. Your sound from most important to least important: #1 Playing and technique, #2 Heads and tuning, #3 The space you are playing in, #4 Recording gear, audio engineering skills. #5 Brand of drums. Don't get caught up in thinking you need expensive drums to try and capture the sound you hear on a recorded and heavily manipulated studio track, the biggest mistake I ever made in my drumming career was spending a couple months thinking I could make my drums sound like Enter Sandman in my teenage basement. Most bang for your buck: good quality used cymbals.

[@HadEnough745]

Exactly. Some of the greatest drum recordings were done on very basic, inexpensive kits. Nobody cared about "Royal Ebony" finishes, grains of wood going this way and that way, etc..The goal of DW is to get the Garska fans to run out and plunk down $10K on this kit..LOL..

[@ICE9-x33]

Facts. The only things I really feel I’m getting much better quality on when I drop extra cash are hardware like stands and my pedal.

[@lynnallenyoung6389]

Extremely good advice . Thanks.

[@spankthadrumz]

Actually, tuning ease and the amount of times you'll need to retune the drums are very important too, both in live and studio situations. Tama, Pearl, or even Gretsch, i find those brands way easier and quicker to tune than DW. I guess DW is very high end, but needs a good amount of time to get good at tuning, to get an exceptionnal result, that is for sure. I like the way Garstka's tom are sounding, a bit dampened but still with tone, which is usually not the case with DW as they tend to resonate for ever. So if you want a quick and sturdy drum recording routine, you better go for a kit that is quicker and easier to tune, especially if you don't have the habit of tuning. You can do pretty much anything with a Renown Maple and right choice of heads.

[@drumanddrummer2959]

Matt seems to feel these drums do improve his sound. Something to be said for both the carpenter AND the tools. A DW won’t give you feel or chops but if you vibe with the kit it will help a lot

[@agdrummer2610]

Damn, not gonna lie I'm still more of a Tama fan but, it's not about that. It's about what Matt gets inspired to play behind and if that's DW, then more power to Matt and DW!! I feel like Matt would kill it with a DW purple heart kit tho too. Dude's playing has been on another level.

[@nathandrums0]

Have you ever played a Purple Heart snare or kit? They’re absolutely amazing.

[@agdrummer2610]

@@nathandrums0 I know they are that's why I said Matt would destroy one of those kits.

[@nathandrums0]

@@agdrummer2610 I’d love to own one but don’t have that kind of money! Hahaha. Matt would kill on one for sure.

[@agdrummer2610]

@@nathandrums0 Yeah I don't have that kind of money either bro haha. Someday maybe

[@nathandrums0]

@@agdrummer2610 for sure. I’m honestly considering building a Purple Heart snare at the very least but I have to wait until wood prices go back down as they’ve shot up since the pandemic. I’m not about to pay $300+ for that kinda stuff and build it myself 😂

[@julesdrums6167]

DAMN bro. That's lit af. And plus, your kits are growing in proportion with your muscles, so that's always good. Keep up the nasty work man, you inspire millions.

[@LimpBizkit999]

Matt is ripped now compared to his lesson on Drumeo 💪🏼

[@rbmrd85]

Matt is one of the main reasons i’m became a Tama fan) 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 all the best!

[@samthesung4902]

Come on over, the drums are warm.

[@giovannicolaneri4661]

The thing that I love about this video, is that he's behaving exactly like he's 15 and he's just received his first drum kit, even after all this years and all the achievements.

[@jaenima7686]

Would have never guessed he’d go to two kick drums. Makes sense though for the power and even tonalities for the complex AAL music.

[@user-gh9iw1of2y]

I like Tama drums more, but I guess it doesn't matter what kit you play. You will sound good on any drums.

[@lancetothebeat]

Yes.. when I heard this demo earlier, it's still Matt's identity / sound may it be on Tama or DW.. listen to it again.. damn! 🔥

[@frodowatt4272]

I’m a “DW guy” lol love everything about their kits. But really there is no “wrong” brand

[@JerridFoiles]

Tama and DW bought up patents from Camco drums. That's actually why a lot of hardware designs are the same.

[@lancetothebeat]

@@JerridFoiles this is really interesting. Thanks for sharing. Now we know sir..

[@Merlincat007]

@@matthewgonano636 This.

[@RufMixa247]

The sound quality of those toms is unreal... the one true thing about DW Collector Series kits is that if you, or someone knows how to tune drums in general, those drums always produce a incredible natural tom tone without any dampening with the proper tuning skills. That is also one incredible drum set you have received from DW in exchange of them gaining a beast of a drummer to their artist roster! Congrats!

[@jaydoode15]

Tuning skills? These drums are so high quality they probably tune themselves lol

[@larrytate1657]

That’s why I like Sonor. You can’t really get a bad sound no matter how you tune. And so easy to get a great sound. Imo great drums should be easy to tune and have a wide sweet spot. If they have a very narrow sweet spot…..

[@westinbasinger5022]

Hey if you don't need the old tama hit me up garstka haha. Great playing as always.

[@legalizexit]

such a killer drummerr!! all the best matt even in kitchen pots youll sound sick!! cheers matee and keepgoing inspiring us

[@DestinCastro]

I got my first DW shells about 2 years ago, I’ve been in love ever since.

[@danwoywitka]

Brother!! This is great great news man! This set looks and sounds fantastic. Loving the true double bass setup!! --DW is lucky to have you!

[@mmazone4826]

Congrats to DW for winning a Matt Garstka contract xD

[@williescott5439]

Beautiful kit! I love the natural finish drums as well.

[@gapplebees]

Best drummer of all time. Always a treat to hear you play any drum set.

[@CameronFleury]

Congratulations Matt! Very well deserved. 🤘

[@mattshay9393]

We need a video of you and John Good! This is the best news!

[@neerajsuresh7605]

Am I the only one who jumped on his bed screaming at 0:10 seeing Matt has added a 2nd Bass Drum ?

[@sagelyden]

Yeah bro I'm surprised he didn't talk about that

[@neerajsuresh7605]

Yeahh especially after monomyth 🥵

[@agee23]

Dual 24"s made my junk wiggle for sure lmao

[@adrianfuentes8423]

and he didn't use it in this video, not a single time.

[@jaym4697]

Matt. You're so jacked! You're insane my dude, never stop being the hero. You are such a phenomenal player.

[@PhilZeGerman]

You look like you just painted that thing by biceps-curling the entire kit in a car-wash filled with paint. Also you are one of the most amazing musicians I have ever seen 🙌

[@ragemadness]

The way Matt plays the drums, the sturdy hardware its a MOST.

[@alefejamarino]

Now I know what that hang out with Virgil was all about.

[@blueburnsred]

That's awesome, congrats man! Always been a huge DW fan. NOW TALK ABOUT THE RIDE

[@AlexMicklewright]

The best news i've had all year!

[@C333J]

Congrats bro! I’m super happy for you…love DW ..can’t wait to see and hear live🥰🙏🏼✨

[@krioni86sa]

Congrats on the new gear and the new journey you will discover beyond.

[@MirageLinne]

Yo MG looking hella swole! Amazing style and fluidity in playing. Him and Thomas Pridgen have this energy, power and precision in their playing that blows me away

[@EvanAgee]

Love the double kick setup!

[@JUNKPARLOR]

Nicest drumset ever! Absolutely love the ride cymbal also, hopefully it will be a new signature cymbal!!

[@diafenix]

It is equally mind-blowing and very pleasurable to see/hear you playing Master. Very glad to know you are happy with your sound and DW is a very lucky company.

[@frodowatt4272]

DUUUUUDE!!! I’m so happy you’ve joined the light side!!! I’m a DW lover lol

[@xavierjonez]

I still remember the first time I saw you in the Berklee shed videos like it was yesterday, congrats man can’t wait to see what you do next!

[@chaosoul-seanleeriggs369]

Congratulations Matt! That is awesome!!! Been listening to Monomyth over and over since the release. Cannot wait for the new AAL album as well as future play-throughs, and now with your new kit!

[@ehb-yl4kt]

Wowwww congrats Matt!! So happy for you man!!!!!!

[@mrxzentric333]

This kit is sick af! Matt looks so happy being able to play in this kit.

[@scott12at]

I got to hear this kit live a couple of months ago and it's a beast - the whole kit sounded amazing, but the toms were the most impressive part for me.

[@gabrielgomer]

Quality, quality and quality! That’s the way it is! Stoked for you man!

[@1lonnieabbott1]

Patiently waiting for Alastair Taylor to compose music for this.

[@erickdromoh]

So impressive, man! Never thought you gonna switch Dw I like nature finishes too that black nickel is sick too 👊🥵👌

[@andyham6094]

Tama all day everyday for me. But I totally get it, after years and years of playing the same gear for all these big name artists who are sponsored and obligated to play only the certain brands they are linked to, sometimes you just need a change and a different sound. A lot of artists end up switching companies because of that exact reason or for more money. But me personally I’ll never get sick of Tama and love that Tama sound. I hope he plays Dw for a while and then goes back to Tama haha cause I’ve had my starclassic bb hyperdrives in molten brown burst for so many years and till this day it puts a smile on my face how perfect these drums are for me. I’ve owned dw collectors before the Tama kit and I was blown away how much more affordable the Starclassics were but just so much better in sound, feel, hardware, everything was better in every way for me personally. Dw is so overpriced

[@paulbudd3661]

Same bro

[@VirgoKing89]

Me too! I have a Tama Starclassic B/B and it’s been over 12 years since I got it. It still plays like a beauty.

[@Rob-pq1bk]

@@VirgoKing89 I've had the walnut/birch starclassic set for about a year and a half now and it's everything I want in a kit. They're made so great

[@VirgoKing89]

@@Rob-pq1bk I believe it!

[@rle440]

Yep, same for me. Proud for Matt.

[@justintullius4099]

Man I've been a Tama player my whole life! I simply adore their sound and quality of their builds, but its hard to deny the sound of DW drums, I myself just recently switched to playing Sonor! Definitely gonna miss him playing on a Tama kit. But hey Matt gets what Matt wants! Lol Good for him!

[@chrisgirth7373]

I'd go Sonor over DW and Tama. Good choice!

[@chad9160]

@@chrisgirth7373 and pearl over all three ;)

[@chrisgirth7373]

@@chad9160 I'd have to respectfully disagree. Dont like the optimount system. I also owned a masters kit and didn't fall in love. I do have a masters snare that I will never get rid of though. Nothing against Pearl as I would probably take them over DW, Ludwig, Gretsch etc but I would take a Sonor or Yamaha over them.

[@pierreg8562]

why did you move to Sonor then? I love Tama and Sonor, i really dislike DW for some reason (i haven't tried one, but never seen a convincing video, this one is another example, the drums have no tones). it's all subjective, i guess all those brands make amazing drums and the hardwares are great (I really love Tama's hardward, and Sonor's too).

[@krandletie1054]

Glad you’re enjoying the new drums. I’m not a pro, but am a lifelong drummer and totally understand the finding something new and being inspired by the sound and feel.

[@aflores2112]

Matt looks like he about to bust out that shirt, sick gains bro!!

[@oantoniosouto]

Sounds amazing and huge! A great increase of sound quality on the toms and floor toms.

[@Artikulo71]

Gorgeous drumset!🎶🎵🎶🥁

[@elliottgates8025]

Your new kit sounds awesome - please don't hurt me

[@surfsavage7514]

Dude ,been crushing an all morning set list of your tunes!!! You make my life feel like I'm shoulder to shoulder with the Spartans at Thermopolis

[@Bcurrie89]

Bro i hollered when you switched to those stacks!! 💪🏾🥁

[@DarkItachi1]

Matt garstka tama artist Swole garstka DW artist

[@sagelyden]

I love DW man this makes me so stoked! More explanation about the new double kick setup please!

[@arnoldhagen8577]

I can't help, but notice just how ripped he is now. Damn Matt, this covid season has been treating you well and worked you up. Oh yeah, great playing as always :)))

[@cjg786]

Hah I was just reading these comments wondering if anybody else noticed Matt’s definitely been doing some fitness training. He’s jacked!. Great player, great guy

[@mikeevangelista1177]

My favourite looking veneer and your kit has some beautiful looking grain to it wow and that entire kit cymbals and all just sounded incredible

[@Gifthoarse]

Amazing drum kit to go along with an amazing drummer.

[@greggsy4564]

Congrats! What a great sounding kit

[@zertnoy7550]

Natural finish is top! Like the one of luke holland....beatiful and astonishing!

[@stevejordan1354]

Congratulations, Matt- you deserve it.

[@seanbessette6517]

quite a surprise, but if you're happy we're happy! sounds fantastic! all the best matt-

[@ARDrummer]

Beautiful kit! Congrats

[@KevinCorkran]

DAMN WASN'T EXPECTING THIS AT ALL

[@ricohorton]

That is a beautiful natural finish.

[@quadruplchin]

Flexin’ the gunz for the thumbnail… 💪🤘

[@JerridFoiles]

When I saw the Facebook post that linked me here I was like, "he's playing DW now, isn't he...?" DWs are great if you can afford them. I have a Tama budget though. LOL

[@thatdrummeroz654]

For real. I'm on that Tama budget too. 🥁🎵

[@VirgoKing89]

Damn you’re not playing Tama anymore!? It’s a shame because they are the absolute best IMO. This DW kit sounds incredible though and your playing is insane as always! I hope you continue to play Meinl cymbals, they suit your playing style perfectly. 👍🏽🙌🏽🔥🔥🔥

[@StevesSwift]

I think Meinl cymbals sound like trash cans tbh. But I agree, they suit Matts style so well

[@TacoCrisma]

@@StevesSwift trendy trash cans.

[@BionicleSaurus]

@@TacoCrisma In my experience those "trendy trash cans" sound better for recording than the typical overly loud/bright cymbals that tend to dominate a mix.

[@TacoCrisma]

@@BionicleSaurus if cymbals are dominating a mix that is less about the cymbal and more about the engineer/mastering process.

[@StevesSwift]

@@BionicleSaurus Bad mic placement would be the problem in every circumstance if cymbals are too loud in a mix.

[@johnstacy6075]

Kit sounds fantastic!

[@markrubinchik6062]

Matt Garstka is becoming the Total Package now. Not only has he had the ridiculous chops for years, but now he's been hitting the Gym, getting bigger, growing his hair out, so now he has the "Look" that could get him on some seriously high profile Rock Act, which will result in a much higher profile for him, playing some STADIUM GIGS, which DW would absolutely love! He's following the Glen Sobel model of the ultimate combination of having the Chops AND The Look! The Music Business is the Entertainment Business, after all. If Matt can get a gig with a super high profile Act, as a Full Member of the Band, not just a Sideman, that would be The Dream. I think 2022 is going to be an epic year for Garstka's career! The drums look gorgeous, and sound beautiful!

[@motopolak]

Yooooooo. Did not expect you to become part of the DW fam! Congrats!

[@demonicsweaters]

Amazing drumming. Kit sounds great, dry and tight, fits your playing perfectly.

[@arunavaghosh5912]

When legend meets a legendary thing 😍❤❤❤

[@legalbreadspread7857]

the grand master has embraced the double bass drum set up. now we get to see ourselves do the stank face multiplied by a million

[@adriancollins9771]

I don’t even know what to say !!! Lol your playing with pure excitement !!!!!!!!

[@mrmusic21]

Great drums for a great drummer. Congrats Matt.

[@CaptainBlueSam]

Wow that was unexpected! I actually just got my first DW kit this week, and I switched from Tama!

[@AviDuder]

Matt is such an awesome guy. wish I could thank him (and the rest of the band of course) personally for the countless hours of entertainment. I guess now is my chance - The show in Tel Aviv a few years ago was such an amazing experience! and I'm so excieted to hear the new stuff :)

[@christianolivera8019]

Congratulations!! The royal ebony is beautiful!

[@ChevyS10Blazer]

Those DW MCD pedals are the absolude best pedals ive ever played on. So smooth and sturdy.

[@andys3035]

Are the footboards slippery? The look like they could be being all metal.

[@ChevyS10Blazer]

@@andys3035 it is slippery, but I got used to it pretty quicky. Personally, the smooth foot board really helped with my doubles. Not having your feet stuck to the pedals (because of grip) can help sometimes. I borrowed the double pedal version from my friend for a couple weeks. Drumming is just a hobby for me, so investing $1000+ just on the pedal is just not a smart thing to do for me.

[@andys3035]

@@ChevyS10Blazer Good to know. I saw they are $1000. That's really expensive and DW's are typically the most expensive kits on the market, which is why I don't have one. I've played on them and they are really nice. BTW, I use a Trick Dominator which are nice and about $400 cheaper than the DW's.

[@JoeLackey]

At 0:12, he should've turned around, pointed, and said, "And that news is that we're thrilled to have a newly carpeted stairway in our studio. It's been a long time coming. We've lost a lot of men along the way. But their blood, sweat, and tears were not in vain. We can now access the 2nd floor bathroom, and we couldn't have done it without you all. Thank you for your support, and stay tuned for another announcement coming soon concerning access to the 3rd floor bathroom."

[@mitchmaule6517]

Keeping the mistake was a work of genius

[@AmidaTong]

That fill between the toms and stacks @ 2:19 is awesome!

[@THEEBlackAnime]

Sounding good! 💪🏾

[@anubhavak6797]

Congratulations Matt Garstka 🔥🙌🏻

[@Poisonjam7]

Not that surprising that you switched to DW, but the double bass drums certainly ARE surprising. Was the new Animals album recorded on these?

[@abouttimebrewing3215]

Welcome to the DW family!

[@ThePoorBoy]

For years I didn't think DW's own factory shells really sounded all that great (the Keller years were pretty good though back in the early days of DW), but they've been sounding incredible to my ears over the last couple of years. I've always been big on tone, especially with toms, and I'm finally hearing some genuine tonality out of their shells. Beautiful kit!

[@drummingninja1065]

Keeping those gains going I see. And joining DW. This is awesome.

[@kaduhangar]

a wonderful kit for an amazing drummer. You deserve too much.

[@baboslorinc2619]

I really like how humble he is to Tama, intentionally not saying a bad thing about them. Keep up the good work, you are a huge inspiration! 😍

[@andydanielfonsecagarcia2274]

Man you have a great talent.

[@tanzomcd]

Truly in a league all his own. He could improve any group, any genre, and still always sound amazing solo. Great pickup @DW

[@joshuajuaire8757]

Hi Matt I love your Vic Firth Drumstick

[@evilwarnings2419]

Matt's biceps and the tie dye outfit diminish his abilities as a drummer. What a beast in every sense.

[@johnkyle8546]

Meinl Cymbals + DW drums = 🖤🔥

[@justinreynolds3935]

Congrats on the new hook up. Killer player. People switch companies not usually based on sound but deals and advertising etc. also Dw is available worldwide so if he needs something he can get it no problem. However these drums sound a bit dry. His sound would sound great on buckets and can lids.!! DW is really trying to get the ultimate roster list. Probly offered him a great deal.

[@drummusician]

I know people who switch companies as a business deal. Mine was purely sound and look. I deserve to play the absolute best drums, would sell myself short of that

[@justinreynolds3935]

Well you deserve the best. Of course personal preference is first and foremost. Either way congrats man. You have really paved the way for tech playing last few years. You definitely have your own style and sound. DW do record great though. See more dubs in studios then anything else

[@felixmartinmusic]

looking strong dude!

[@dancawar1765]

Congrats. Looks amazing.