I was MC at a band comp last night, and whilst on stage introducing one of the acts i was checking out the kit of this punk band that was playing.

The drummer had the worst kit ever, all the drums were different colours, and different brands. His cymbals were split and one cymbal he must have made himself because it was made of cat food cans (seriously).

How did it sound?  I would think that cat food cans would be small and sound a bit tinny.  Seriously, he may have mismatched drums for a good sound.  

I totally agree, its the craftsman, not the tools but a great craftsman is better at selecting which tools to use for a particular job than an apprentice.  

well then its defintely the player and not the gear  


well, if they sound like crap (or nothing) thats too bad, good effort though  

yall know greg keplinger? hes got a rep as a tech and snare builder/designer for ayotte, and is a killer free jazz player, mostly around here in seattle.  anyway, he's been trying his hand lately at making cymbals.  a friend has a 20" he made.  its just sheet steel cut into a circle.  the center heated and hammered into a bell.  and about 6 lines of hammer marks going from the bell to the edge (like spider legs) nothing fancy by anymeans.  ive explained this thing to many a drummer and the general reaction is "ewww ... really? ... bet it sounds like crap." and while its not the most musical of instruments, youd be surprised.  so ive learned to give everything a whack before i judge it unworthy.

There's nothing wrong with mixing different types of drums together though.