Hi Folks. Just came across this site and it looks great. Has anybody used this system called Ballistic Bass Drums by Joe Stronsick? I got a cassette tape and some materials to read and well...I'm not sure yet.
See, I don't do Double Bass that much but would sure like to be able to have the facility. However, I am totally into improving my feet and the materials say "Play your feet like your hands"..
I listened to the tape (BTW: Greg Bissonette, Walfredo Reyes Sr. and some others endorse this) and heard impressive speed. But...it doesn't sound musical (i.e. locked in) to my ears. This is just my OPINION mind you. On the other hand, Tommy Aldridge and some other greats DO sound musical  - so it's not that my ears aren't enjoying Double Bass. Even Jim Keltner palys a little Double Bass on a CD I have and I love everything he does. Any comments?
He says that there's some secrets regarding technique, setting up pedals, etc. that he has on the video. I'm not trying to get this stuff for free but am trying to get a concept of what it may be (Ex. No springs on pedals??) in gerneral. If anybody here has used it and wants to give me any insight - I'm all ears. If I like what I hear - I'll send hime some dough and start shedding the techniques.

Hey Carn,

The only guy playing the stuff on the audio tape is Joe Stronsick. The 'endorsees' talk on recorded telephone calls saying their spiel.

You do have a good point as far as the usual 4/4 figures verses what I am hearing, as he plays some odd time stuff. Still would feel better about laying out the dough if I heard some real groove stuff with Dbl. Bass figures

I appreciate your input  

cavanman go to.....

www.grantcollins.com

(ok guys, I can hear you all mumbling, "cleary, change the dam record")

and have a listern to musical kick chops on FIVE bass drums. Grant has a few tracks with two kicks aswell....

OH, and Felix, im still not getting a "penny" for this, just incase you supplied me with your usual "two cents" worth  

Thanks to all you guys for your comments.
However I may have written unclearly.
I'm sold on Double Bass being used in a musical way. The cassette tape I mentioned has Joe Stronsick playing double bass patterns and examples. He's killer as far as speed is concerned. What I was trying to say (not very well though ) is that his playing on the tape didn't sound completely "locked in." That's no statement against Dbl. bass playing (and I _will_ check out some of the examples). It's just that he is espousing some new technique which you get to examine and learn only upon buying the video/book/etc. I don't mind paying for it but not if it doesn't totally let you play in the pocket. All the other guys mentioned in these posts achieved their speed somehow. Maybe it's the Ballistic method (or similar) or maybe it's their own thing. What I remember about Tommy Aldridge's clinic is his statement was more of a 'suck in yer gut soldier and practice/exercize yer double bass like a Marine!!' - of course while relaxing! I'm also weighing my foot technique improvement plan more toward hiHat/Bass dr. combination - but with significant improvement in bass drum facility. So this method may be killer. I'm just trying to see if anyone has tried it. Thanks again for all the input so far. Would love to hear more.

I've heard of this tape and it envolves some heel/toe sliding technique...but who knows with alot of practice who needs a tape...get any Halford CD and listen to Bobby Jarzombek smokin' up those pedals..Wow!!!!