Steve Gadd Uses WHAT Kind of Cymbals?

Join us as Jim and Tyler discuss the cymbals that Steve Gadd uses, hear samples of them in the room and get a fun history lesson on some the different choices he makes on choosing his cymbals.

[scottmoyer]

BTW Steve used 2 Zildjian 17" & 18" "C R A C K E D " crash cymbals plus a brand new 21" Zildjian "R O C K" Ride on the AJA recording session recorded in 1977 at the Producer's Workshop in Hollywood. He used 14" Zildjian Hi Hats. I was the head of the Drum Department at SIR and delivered the drums [ a set of Ludwig Red Sparkle] that day for that iconic session. I am the only one who knows exactly what he used on that session because over the years nobody remembers a thing about the drums used least of all Steve and partially the engineer, Bill Schnee, who mentioned that he thought it was a rented set in an interview he did with Rick Beato. I documented the entire set, their sizes, the specific Remo drum heads, Steve;s personal choice of cymbals and even the way he set up his sheet music to see the entire score. Plus, I tuned the drums low [ for a rich /fat/ resonate sound] in 4ths before I left SIR making sure that the drums were tuned before they were to be played. As I was leaving after helping Steve set up the drums, Beatle producer, George Martin, was just coming in the studio's front door.

[dennishritz]

In an interview for Zildjian, Steve said he chose the Orchestral Ride, partly due to he found out Elvin Jones used that type of cymbal as a ride.

[earldrum]

The quest for Gadd’s cymbals continues. Great video Jim!

[UWB]

Great video ! Whenever I’ve auditioned Zildjians in a music store they never sounded like this. They were always odd-sounding, which is why I started playing Paiste cymbals. They’re all I use now.

[kvmalley]

I’ve been on 15” Zildjian and Sabian high hats for quite some time, I just recently went to a bottom cymbal on top again, I used to do that many years ago! They’re heavier Meinl rock type hats and sound great! I also played my recent acquisition, a 20” K Custom Dry Ride, and have to listen back to the tape from today. But I think it may be what I’ve been looking for, for quite some time! Gadd’s cymbals will always sound unique to him, cause it’s not WHAT you play but, who’s playing it! Great job converting that guys, the most interesting thing was the orchestral ride!

[chromebull]

I clicked on this video to see what Steve Gadd's cymbals are but I will definitely be checking out your music. May the Lord bless you and keep you

[tmaddrummer]

Thanks and Blessings Y'all. First timer here and sub.

[davidcurtis]

GREAT VIDEO! Wow those Cymbals sound incredible! Amazed about the Hi-Hats and that 18 dark thin K wow!

[philwelch]

I want that exact sounding hihats! Those are just magical! In fact I want the entire set! But alas, i cannot afford to buy a set like these! Thanks for sharing!

[RalphOnofrio]

My 20"' K.brilliant is an Orchestra ride....My favorite ride....1985.

[gretchman]

Love Steve Gadd content. Love shout outs to Stan and Jerry.

[smithshaven]

Great great great video Jim! Love these in depth Gadd gear discussions. Can't get enough of them! You're my Go-to Gadd insight guy! Make more! How about Steve Gadd drumsticks from the beginning of his custom stick journey... from Yamaha's Special Hickory Steve Gadd Model, to the Promark Gadd 737SG, to the Firth incarnations over the years? I have new in the plastic unopened Yamaha models. Really like to know about Steve's custom made accessory tables on both sides of him live, that his tech made for him. HOW ABOUT Gadd's tips on how he got EVANS hydraulics tuned the way he did... that you've seemed to recreate in your previous video? Thanks Jim!

[markrushton]

I remember when his Signature snare was released and everyone seemed to be buying one. Only it wasn't what you expected. Prob great for a session but not for live work for most of us. Is that cymbal with the chunks cut out of it included?

[billolert]

So Steve designed the K Custom Sessions and kind of just abandoned them?

[blueavadis]

Great video !
I really like KCons, I have a few of them and they are really nice.

[flopasen]

i always found his hi hats to be light and clean, but they're actually a sizzling crash and a bottom on top 😂

[adambloodfist]

Oh man, those Constantinople's my ears are in heaven.

[JalenRawley]

This video might singlehandedly bring back the rivet craze of the late 70s/early 80s!

[lawrenceyolles]

are you able to get the weights of the cymbals you show here please? love those k cons and the 16" session crash. great work guys!

[batouttahell]

I believe Steve used a 14 inch thin crash for years with 4 rivets.Think he has 4 Rivets in his 16 now too.Just wonder why 4 rivets and why the placement (I think) are so close together?