How do I choose between metal and wood?

Gersh: In the studio, the song will tell me, or the producer [laughs]. Depending on tempo and what kind of guitars are being used, big heavy Les Pauls need the crack and ring of a 6 1/2” metal snare to cut through, but on a loop, I love a small wood snare.

I take a lot of things into consideration, like the room. Some studios make wood sound better than others and some put the perfect amount of crunch and crack on metal. I like bigger wood snares on ballads. Metal snares are more aggresive by nature.

The key of the song is also important. You don’t want things to fight sounds down the line when you’re mixing the record.

Are there some muffling techniques I should know about?

Gersh: This opens a massive drummer debate because there are so many personal choices here.

White board tape or duct tape is one technique, but please don’t put duct tape on your drums.

I have used everything from moon gel, to sheets of paper, to little pieces of cut-up heads, either taped or floating on the heads. Whatever method works for you, remember smaller steps make a big difference. Don’t overdo it.

Back in the day, they used to tape a wallet to the snare. I’m glad that’s over.

Should I mic my snare top and bottom?

Gersh: YES! I would always use top and bottom mikes. I have seen some elaborate miking in my day. If you’re working with a producer, let them do their process. If you picked them for their sound, let them get it.

Do die-cast hoops make a difference?

Gersh: YES! It’ll give it more crack, but the weight can close up the drum a little bit.

How should I adjust my snare wires?

Gersh: First off, pick between 20 and 40-strand wires. I like 20s on a 5x14”, 40s on a 6 1/2x14”.

Try not to adjust them too tight. The looser you get, the more snarey they will be.

What is the optimal snare head combination?

Gersh: Are there any other heads than Remo? I have used them for 25 years. My favorite for a snare is a CS Batter Black Dot white coated on top and a hazy Ambassador on the bottom. If you want more ring, use a white coated Ambassador on top.

On toms, I like white coated Ambassadors on top, clear Ambassadors on the bottom. If you have a 16” or 18” floor that goes on forever, try an Emperor clear on the bottom. Sometimes you heavy hitters need to use Emperors on top, I understand... Go easy, Turbo.

Is there anything I can do about my lug rods loosening?

Gersh: Lug locks are great for that.

How many snares do I need to have in my arsenal?

Gersh: Well, I have 100, but any drummer should have two matching pairs of snares for live. A wood 6 1/2”, a wood 5”, a metal 6 1/2”, a metal 5” and some sort of piccolo snare at least.
Try different types of woods and metals. DW offers many types of shells and they all sound different. It’s a great way to create your own personality for your band and be effective in the studio. More is better.

What’s the fastest land animal?

Gersh: An ex-girlfriend moving on to her next boyfriend is the fastest. Most often to someone you know!