Pearl Drums and Hardware
“When it’s time”, 01/13/2025, Porter Ranch, Ca.
I started playing drums at the age of 8 yrs old. Back then, you studied on a pad learning to read and building your hand techniques, I did this for over a year. I was hooked, so much so, that I sold my Star Wars toys in a yard sale, to get the money to buy a snare drum. The drum was a chrome, Pearl snare drum. I studied and played only that snare for almost another year. I sold more toys and got a Pearl Bass Drum (at that time the series of Pearl, was called “Reuther”). The bass drum and snare drum was my full kit for another 6-8 months. Shortly after, I added two toms, the matching Pearl, black diamond “Reuther” series 12” and 14”. Over the next few years, I built up the rest of the kit, all the Pearl, black diamond “Reuther” series drums. Pearl drums were at the start of my playing and now, Pearl Drums has reminded me of the sheer joy of playing. Also, the instrument has renewed the importance that Pearl Drums has played in my development. Pearl Drums have been at the forefront of countless drummer’s (including mine) early stages, to their “grand” stages, for my entire lifetime.
As many in the industry know, while I was recording and touring the world, I was also spent three decades helping several companies to develop new instruments. I was working towards what I thought was the ultimate playing experience. Yet, Pearl had already resolved so many of my questions, challenges and design issues. Pearl has had the answers the entire time, I just was too busy to notice. Here I am at this point in my career, I am blessed that I can play any instruments I wish. I was exposed to the new Pearl RF-1 (Reference One) and the Masterworks series of drums….I was literally speechless. So many of the characteristics of the instrument that I was trying to build, were there, in existence and operating at the highest levels that I’ve played. From the “chamber specific” designs of RF-1 (Reference One), the incredibly effective “R2 Air” mounting system, floating (air Suspension) floor tom legs, locking tension rods, incredible hardware, racks and even positioning markers for snare diameters on the snare stands! Now that I have spent time with these fine instruments, it has confirmed for me, its drum’s versatility to get “My Sound”. I’ve been shocked at how extremely well they translate through the mics and with the band. All of these points demonstrate a company’s commitment to excellence. It’s tough on factory production to have this level of detail. By witnessing Pearl Drums say… “It has to be the best, thats the only reason, it doesn’t matter how difficult it is”….this connects with me at this time, place and approach in my career. I have to play these drums, I must have the brand depth, options and innovations right now, in my playing development. I don’t have another reason, it’s the best reason at this time, I just want the best out there. I’m super happy to come back to Pearl full circle, from the very start of playing the drums. As I reflect on my career, playing the drums has fulfilled every dream (and more) that I ever had. There still a lot more to do but now I can finally agree and say, “When it’s time…. Pearl, is the best reason to play drums”.
Please select "Riders and Current Set-up" for more information
About Zildjian cymbals:
"I have been helping Zildjian with product development for many years but it kicked in pretty heavy with the "Avedis" line. I tested Kerope but Zach (Danziger) was the lead on those." Russ has since been involved in the R&D of "Avedis" and the new "K Custom Special Dry" line. His current set-up includes 14" Avedis hi- hats, 21" “Staccato” ride, 20" “Staccato” ride (Constantinople version) with 4/rivots, 17" A Custom and a prototype 19" Kerope with the K Custom Special Dry “Cluster” Hammering.
You can see Russ' Zildjian set-up in detail under "Riders and Current Set-up"
Remo Drums Heads
I've used Remo drum heads my entire career. I use the Coated Ambassadors on the batter sides and the clear Ambassadors on the resonant sides. I did switch to the 16" having the Coated Ambassador X on it, this head dries the decay just a bit for the bigger drum. The snare head has been the Fiberskyn Diplomat for many years, I love the tone and of course, it is the best head for brushes by far! The bass drum is the Renaissance P3 on the batter side and the custom graphic head on the resonant side (which is a Ambassador weight). I only use felts for muffling the bass drum and I have Remo put small, 1/8th holes at the lugs on the resonant head for venting.
You can see Russ' Remo head set-up in detail under "Riders and Current Set-up"