Derek Mixon's Drum Setup: Gear, Cymbals, And More

Hey there, drum enthusiasts! Ever wondered about the secrets behind the incredible sound of Derek Mixon? Well, today, we’re diving deep into the specifics of Derek Mixon's drum setup. From the drums themselves to the cymbals, hardware, and everything in between, we’ll explore what makes his sound so unique and captivating. Whether you're a seasoned drummer or just starting out, understanding his setup can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own drumming journey.

The Heart of the Kit: Drums

Let's kick things off with the core of any drum setup: the drums themselves. Derek Mixon is known for his versatile playing style, which means his choice of drums needs to be equally adaptable. Typically, drummers like Derek opt for high-quality kits that offer a balanced tone and can handle various musical genres. While specific models may vary depending on the gig or recording session, understanding the general characteristics can help you appreciate the nuances of his sound.

Drum Sizes and Configuration: A standard drum kit usually includes a bass drum, snare drum, and several tom drums. Derek's setup often features a 22-inch bass drum, providing a solid and punchy foundation for his grooves. The snare drum, typically 14 inches in diameter, is crucial for those crisp backbeats and intricate fills. As for toms, he might use a combination of rack toms (10 and 12 inches) and floor toms (16 inches), allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities and creative expression. The specific depths of these drums also play a significant role in their overall sound, influencing resonance and sustain.

Drum Brands and Materials: Many professional drummers have preferred brands, and Derek Mixon is no exception. While he may experiment with different brands and models, he likely gravitates towards those known for their quality craftsmanship and sound. Drum shells can be made from various materials, including maple, birch, and mahogany. Maple is often favored for its warm and balanced tone, making it a versatile choice for different musical styles. Birch, on the other hand, tends to offer a brighter and more focused sound, which can be ideal for cutting through a mix. Mahogany provides a warmer and rounder tone, often preferred in genres like jazz and vintage rock. The choice of drum material significantly impacts the overall sonic character of the kit.

Drumheads: Don't underestimate the importance of drumheads! They play a massive role in shaping the sound of each drum. Different types of drumheads offer varying levels of sustain, attack, and dampening. For the snare drum, a coated head is common, providing a controlled and articulate sound. Clear heads are often used on toms for a brighter and more resonant tone, while dampened heads can help control unwanted overtones and create a more focused sound. Experimenting with different drumheads is a great way to fine-tune your drum sound and achieve the desired sonic characteristics.

The Shimmer and Crash: Cymbals

Next up, let's talk about cymbals – the shimmering, crashing, and expressive voices of the drum kit. Cymbals add color, texture, and dynamics to the overall sound, and choosing the right ones can significantly enhance a drummer's musicality. Derek Mixon, like many top drummers, likely has a selection of cymbals to suit different musical situations. Here’s a breakdown of what you might typically find in his setup:

Hi-Hats: The hi-hats are the rhythmic heartbeat of the drum kit, providing a consistent pulse and adding subtle nuances to the groove. Drummers like Derek often use 14-inch hi-hats, offering a balance of crispness and warmth. The weight and thickness of the hi-hat cymbals affect their sound, with heavier cymbals producing a louder and more defined sound, while lighter cymbals offer a more delicate and nuanced tone. Different hi-hat techniques, such as open and closed hi-hats, splashes, and accents, add depth and complexity to the drumming.

Crash Cymbals: Crash cymbals are used to mark accents, emphasize musical phrases, and add dramatic impact. Derek likely has a variety of crash cymbals in different sizes and weights, each offering a unique sonic character. A typical setup might include 16-inch, 18-inch, and even 20-inch crash cymbals. Thinner cymbals tend to be more responsive and have a faster decay, while thicker cymbals offer more sustain and a louder volume. The choice of crash cymbals depends on the musical style and the desired level of impact.

Ride Cymbal: The ride cymbal is a versatile cymbal used for creating sustained rhythmic patterns and adding shimmering textures. Drummers often use a 20-inch or 22-inch ride cymbal, providing a balance of sustain and articulation. The ride cymbal can be played in various ways, including using the bell for a clear and cutting sound or playing on the bow for a washier and more sustained tone. Different ride cymbal techniques, such as ride patterns, cymbal swells, and accents, can add depth and interest to the drumming.

Specialty Cymbals: In addition to the standard hi-hats, crash cymbals, and ride cymbal, Derek might also incorporate specialty cymbals into his setup. These could include splash cymbals (small, thin cymbals used for quick accents), china cymbals (cymbals with a distinctive trashy sound), and effects cymbals (such as stack cymbals or cymbal stacks). These specialty cymbals add unique sonic textures and colors to the overall drum sound, allowing for greater creative expression.

Hardware and Accessories

Of course, a drum kit is more than just drums and cymbals; it also relies on sturdy and reliable hardware to hold everything together. The quality of the hardware can significantly impact the playability and stability of the kit. Here’s a look at the essential hardware components you'd find in Derek Mixon's setup:

Drum Pedals: The bass drum pedal is a crucial piece of hardware that allows the drummer to control the bass drum. High-quality drum pedals offer smooth and responsive action, allowing for precise control and effortless playing. Drummers often have personal preferences when it comes to pedal settings, such as spring tension, beater angle, and footboard height. The hi-hat stand is another essential piece of hardware, allowing the drummer to control the hi-hat cymbals. A good hi-hat stand should be sturdy and responsive, allowing for smooth and precise hi-hat playing.

Drum Thrones: A comfortable and supportive drum throne is essential for long practice sessions and performances. Drummers often choose thrones with adjustable height and padding to ensure proper posture and comfort. Some drummers prefer round thrones, while others prefer saddle-style thrones, depending on their personal preferences. A good drum throne can help prevent fatigue and promote better playing technique.

Stands and Mounts: Cymbal stands are used to position and support the cymbals, while tom mounts are used to attach the toms to the bass drum or cymbal stands. Sturdy and adjustable stands and mounts are essential for ensuring the stability and positioning of the drums and cymbals. Drummers often use a combination of boom stands (stands with adjustable arms) and straight stands (stands with fixed height) to achieve the desired cymbal placement. Memory locks can be used to mark the position of the stands, making setup quicker and easier.

Fine-Tuning the Sound: Dampening and More

Achieving the perfect drum sound often involves more than just choosing the right gear; it also requires fine-tuning and dampening techniques. Dampening helps control unwanted overtones and resonance, resulting in a more focused and controlled sound. Here are some common dampening techniques that drummers use:

Drum Dampeners: Drum dampeners are small devices that attach to the drumheads to control overtones and resonance. These can include gel dampeners, such as Moongel, or ring dampeners, which are placed around the edge of the drumhead. The amount of dampening can be adjusted to achieve the desired level of control.

Tape and Other Methods: Some drummers use tape, such as gaffer tape, to dampen the drumheads. Tape can be applied to the underside or the top of the drumhead to control overtones. Other methods include using wallets or cloths to dampen the drumheads, providing a more organic and adjustable dampening solution.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Own Sound

So, there you have it – a glimpse into the world of Derek Mixon's drum setup. While having the same gear as your favorite drummer won't instantly make you sound like them, understanding their choices can provide valuable insights into crafting your own unique sound. Experiment with different drums, cymbals, hardware, and dampening techniques to discover what works best for you. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and express yourself through your playing. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and keep drumming!

Hopefully, this deep dive into Derek Mixon's drum setup has been helpful and inspiring. Whether you’re tweaking your current kit or planning a new setup, remember that the journey to finding your perfect sound is an ongoing adventure. Happy drumming, guys!