S
Want
to send Todd a letter? You can write him here Send
Todd a Question and
his response will be posted along with your question. Please
do not request backstage passes, ask to meet the band, request
autographed items, ask for rides to the airport, free stuff,
stock tips, drumheads, secret recipes, bail bonds, etc. as
Todd is unable to fulfill them. Any
request asking for special favors, autographs, meet and greets
with Styx will not be met with any response. Please
keep your questions to a musical/drumming nature. Thank you!
October 2007
Hey Todd,
I noticed the three Stanbridge snares you have in your vast collection. I myself have been interested in the differences in sound quality between ply and block drums, but, I’ve never really heard any block drums, and definitely not any of Pete’s work. Have you done any recordings where you use one of the Stanbridge drums one a track or two? I’d really like to know if they sound as good as they look (and if they are really worth the hefty price tag). Thanks, Tim.
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Hi Tim,
I consider Pete Stanbridge to be the Stradivarius of snare drum builders. I actually own five of his drums and just placed an order for my sixth, so that should tell you what I think of his drums. His craftsmanship is off the charts and the wood hoops are the finest man has yet to achieve. The cross stick sound is unbelievable. Obviously when considering sound-- head choices, snare wires and tuning are a big part of it. Price wise I think it's more than fair. I'm actually surprised his drums don't cost more considering the one of a kind snare you end up with and I believe they will be worth a lot years from now. Pete is also one of the nicest (and knowledgeable) guys on the planet and works with you through the process. I suggest calling him and discussing a drum before his prices rise due to the declining US dollar.
I used my 14X6.5 Cocobolo/African Blackwood on: "One Way Out"--Styx Big Bang Theory
My 14X 5.5 Ancient Kauri is on "Just Be" from Styx One With Everything CD (studio Version)
My 14X5.25 Cherry/Bubinga on "Cradle Me" (tuned down) from Taylor Mills "Lullagoodbye" CD.
My 14X6.5 Cocobolo/African Blackwood on "Wish Me Well" and "Keep The Saints From Leaving" from Taylor Mils "Lullagoodbye" CD.
I used an Exotic Koa stave with Stanbridge Jatoba hoops on "Center Of Your Heart" from "Lullagoodbye" as well.
The Taylor Mills CD is available at TaylorMillsMusic.com. It's my favorite record I've ever done.
Thanks for your question, Tim. I can't say enough good things about Pete and his gorgeous instruments and I hope you add one to your collection. You won't be disappointed.
Cheers!
Todd
________________________________________________________________
Hello,
My name is Jeremy Cohen, 27 years old, semi-professional drummer living between France and Israel.
I am very sorry to disturb you, but i thought that you and few others drummers could maybe help me a little in my investigations or searches. I made my own search but maybe your opinion will be interesting.
I would like to know what kind of electronics stuff and material i should use in further to experiment this recent approach of drums, such as ''modern drummers'' does by mixing and combine electronics technologies with
acoustic drum set. Yes, i saw on the web site ''www.drummerworld.com'' that many drummers are using informatics and electronics, playing on play backs, loops, samples.
I hope you can help me on that two main questions :
first thing : do you know where i can find some loops, songs (playbacks), in the kind of, like the ones on those modern drummers are playing ? Is there some internet sites where there is some loops like this ? CDs that i can buy? Can you send me some if i pay for them ? Should i create some songs with informatics logiciel as cubase, cakewalk... I hope there is a simpliest way as playbacks or samplorsor grooves machines easy to use (in further to play on sample music of course, like a sample groove basse, or and on my own grooves for example).
As you see i have that kind of questions, but of course you don't need to respond to all of them but just to give me a view of what i should use in that configuration of playing.
second thing : what are the important and basics electronics stuff i should have ? Computer? Groove box ? Sequencer ? Numeric little studio or/and studio pack or studio work station ? Analogic mixer ? Microphones for accoustic drumset ? Audio capture or midi and audio interface (box, table or cable) ? Extension cart (or plug ins) ? Analogic recorder ? Equalizer ? monitors and ear phones? carts or sound moduls like there is in technologie COSM that are inside the modules of Rolland V-drum ? Audio capture (like in Edirol technologies from Roland) ? Producer or studio edition products like Sonar of Cakewalk or Drumatic Loops of Cakewalk products also (in Roland website) ? I don't in which company i have to search exactly?
So I don't know how and where to begin in further be a ''modern drummer'' ?
In parallel of this i would like also catch me playing by video way in further to present me to the musicians i can meet in my progression as a musician.
So i hope that you have some few advices or any contacts of people that can explain and show me, like a little ''menu'' (with very little descriptions or advices), what to do ? Which are the main different options for us,
drummers ?
ps : sorry for my english. You can keep my mail and answer me when you want in the days are coming or later. Hope to see you soon in Israel or in Paris. Thank you so much AND ALL THE BEST !!!
jeremy.cohen
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Hi Jeremy,
Man, you're asking the wrong guy! I have no info for you regarding your questions. I'm purely an acoustic player and I have not, nor plan to, deal with all the items you've mentioned. As far as I'm concerned, I play the drums and I let engineers be the engineers. I try to work on my musicality, choices, playing the right part, building the song, making it feel good, and trying to make the music exceed beyond the hopes and dreams that the producer/artist had for the project. That's where my attentions are---and should be of any caring drummer/musician. That's the best advice I can give you!
I wish you luck with your career and thanks for your note. Take care--
Todd
Todd,
My name is Aaron and I'm a drummer from Chicago. I've been a HUGE Styx fan all my life and I want to ask you a question. I know you tend to mainly focus on drum set and stuff, but I was wondering if you knew any good intermediate four mallet pieces because you studied at Berklee. Also, I'm having trouble coming up with different beats for my band. Do you have any suggestions on how to come up with various types of beats/what types of music influence your choice of beats? Hope to see you in Chicago for a clinic or concert.
Thanks,
-Aaron S. of Chicago, IL
---------------
Hi Aaron,
I was a drum set major at Berklee so I never touched mallets the whole time (one year) I was there. So I have no recommendations I can give. As far as grooves go, I think there are two factors involved. One is to be aware of all kinds of music, so with lots of listening and learning your vocabulary increases. The most important factor is letting the music dictate your choices. You have to make the correct choice for any given piece of music and not try to "cram in" some idea that may not necessarily work. If you're writing along with your band members you can always develop things together. Sometimes a songwriter will gravitate toward similar feels---hence you're playing in a similar fashion from song to song. Then you really have to rely on your ingenuity to mix things up and give different pieces their own vibe. But always honor the music and try to make correct choices. That's what makes us all unique from one another......it's our choice! (Or the artist/producer's choice)
Thanks for your note and I wish you luck!
Cheers,
Todd
Todd:
I met you at the show in Albuquerque New Mexico when you were there with the Scorpions. I just wanted to thank you for being so cordial with me and my friend. That was our first time to go backstage at a concert and speaking with you was the highlight of our evening. I know you guys were tired after riding on the bus from California, but you put on an awesome show and couldn't have been nicer to us. Good luck on the rest of your tour. Hopefully you will come back to New Mexico and we get a chance to continue our
conversation. Thanks again, Kevin
--------------------------
Hi Kevin,
My pleasure! Thanks for the nice note and I hope all's well with you.
Take care and see you next time--
Todd
Hey Todd,
It is one of those remember me people. My name is Rose Mary and I knew you from that resort that you used to play at with your brothers a long time ago. It is great to see that you are doing so well.
You are one of my success examples that I tell to my 13 year old son.
Best,
Rose Mary (Rzymowski) Milka
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Hey Rose Mary,
Great to hear from you! Sounds like life is good (and busy) for you----that's fantastic! Thanks for your nice note. I really appreciate it and I hope all is just lovely with you and yours.
My best to you and your family---
Todd
Dear Mr. Sucherman,
I grew up knowing Styx as my father was a major fan of Styx. He introduced me to the Caught in the Act live concert video and I never looked back. In fact I was so into Styx that I talked my cousins and one of our best friends into re-creating that show in our back yard on several occasions. We built stages and guitars and yes a drum set out of wood (because no one knew how to play anything) and pretended to be Styx. I was Tommy Shaw. I have since stayed a Styx fan and now have passed on that to my 5 year old Daughter. Anyway, to the point. I am a drummer now I learned form my Father. I have seen a lot of drummers in my day, every song I hear I focus on the drummers as I am sure you can attest. I have to say that you are by far the most phenomenal drummer I have ever heard or seen. I was in Las Vegas NV. Sat Sep 22 07. I was glued. I couldn't wait to watch you play for the first time at that show. You Rule. I haven't played in about two years now and I can't wait to get a set of sticks back in my hands. You have inspired me to work harder and play better, and most of all just keep pounding away, not only on drums but on life. Thanks Todd.
J. Kirk
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Hey J Kirk,
Thank you very much. I appreciate your sentiments and I'm flattered that you enjoyed my playing so much. Thanks!!! And get those sticks back in your hands. Why not? If it gives you pleasure, release, enjoyment, you should always be playing. I'm glad if I had anything to do with your return to the instrument.
Thanks again and come check us out next time we swing through town.
Keep playing!
Todd
Hi, Todd,
I just wanted to say thanks from my husband and I for the awesome show tonight. It was well worth the wait of 6 1/2 years to see you all again and this time I appreciated your drumming even more after learning more about you since the last show.
I especially want to thank you, Tommy, and Ricky for signing the photo as you were leaving on the bus. We were sorry that you couldn't stop for a bit, but there's a lot of traveling ahead, so we appreciated the photo that you gave the security guard for us.
Thanks again, and take care. Hopefully, one of these days we'll get to travel elsewhere to see you guys, so it won't be so long between shows.
Jo (aka Jazz)
-------------
Hi Jo,
Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you had fun at the show and I'm happy that the pictures made it to you. And thanks for sending those reviews along to me.
OK. Hope to see you next time, and hopefully it won't be so long until we come back!
Take care,
Todd
Hi Todd,
I am a proud owner of the 21st Century Live CD/DVD, as well as many other Styx CDs. I have been a fan of the group ever since I bought the Styx II album on vinyl in '73. I've had the honor of seeing Styx multiple times in Vermont and New York. Do you possibly remember the 2003 (or 2004?) Champlain Valley Fair in Essex, VT when it rained halfway through the outdoor show? It could have been a real bummer but the group kept on rocking and turned it into a night I'll never, ever forget. Your drums consistently sound incredible both live and in the studio. What methods do you use to tune your drums and how often do you have to replace the heads? Do you try to tune them to specific notes? Also, I'm from the old school where drummers used to remove the bottom head from the toms and front head of the bass drum but I note that you keep them on. Does this give a better tonal quality?
Thank you for continuing the Styx legend!
Rocky Harlow
Currently stationed in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
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Hi Rocky,
Thanks for your note and for your compliments. Thanks! I get a fresh set of heads for every show. Bottom heads are crucial for maximum tone and resonance. They're called resonant heads! The bottoms are slightly higher in pitch than the tops. Both sides are tuned evenly lug to lug. With the bottom heads a bit tighter the drum has a nice "dip" when struck. I go for pure fundamental tone with as much ring as possible. I use clear Remo Ambassadors top and bottom of all the toms---always. I don't tune to specific notes but rather to where the drum sings. Good drums have a wider tuning range and you just have to find out where the drums want to "live" pitch wise.
Thank you for your service and stay safe over there, Rocky!!!!!
Todd
Dear Todd,
HUGH fan of yours, in fact, you're my favorite drummer. I was wondering if you could tell me who are some of your idols and inspirations in drumming. Also, who are some of your favorite drummers.
Thanks Todd, also, I got the Taylor's new CD, it sounded great!
- A Friend
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Hi "A Friend",
Thanks for getting Taylor's record and I hope you like it. Forgive me here but I'm just trying to save my fingers a bit-----but I make a list of "Who's your favorite drummers" about every 2 months for the past seven years. If you go back one or possibly two months in the "past Dear Todds" you will find a list of drummers who have been important to me. Thanks for doing the looking and saving me from making my 30th list of the same guys!
Cheers--
Todd
Hey Todd- or whoever reads Todd's email!
My 11 year old drummer is of course a huge fan as am I. He is taking lessons at the Birmingham Percussion center here in Alabama. Unfortunately, when Styx rolled into town, You had a clinic at another music store (Art's) and we missed you.
Anyway- I am trying to find a poster of you either playing or just sitting at your set- like the one on your website. Not looking for any freebies, but want a nice print to frame and hang in his room. Is there any online store that I can find any posters or prints?
We really enjoy your skill and LOVE the quakecam on the Youth orchestra DVD. He has it memorized!
Thanks
Jeff and (Ryan 11 yr old ) Weaver
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Hi Jeff and Ryan,
Sorry you missed the clinic----there were posters and cards free at the event. No company has made a poster solely of me, but Pearl has a poster with about 8 or 10 drummers and I'm included in that one. I would contact Pearl and see how you could obtain a copy. I'm not sure what else to suggest!
Thanks a lot and I wish your son luck with his studies.
Take care!
Todd
Dear Todd,
I am a huge fan and I wanted you to know I can play every Styx Song that you can, but not as good as you can, I will never be as good as you. I can even play the Styx melody. But I would love to meet you one day so please let me no the next time you are coming to Alabama.
See ya,
Ryan
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Hey Ryan,
You must be Ryan from the last note!
Well, good for you! Keep up with your studies, work hard, and remember to have fun.
Keep playing!
Todd
Dear Todd:
I am sure you are inundated by similar request as this one I am sending - however, I am still hopeful that this email will actually reach you and that you will respond.
My step son; Matthew, (16 yrs old) picked up drum sticks a few months back and fell in love with them. He is a not one of those that fits in with the “in” crowd – in fact he’s never been into sports or anything – so when this drum passion clicked we were excited.. Long story short is that I got him a trainer at Sam Ash - within 2 months they told us that they cannot teach him anymore because he was already better then the instructors that were teaching him.. My kid beats on the drums for hours and hours – all he says is he wants to learn more and play with the best. Your name has popped up more than once, so I am reaching out to you.
Where do I go? I live in south Florida (Ft. Lauderdale) .. I want him to continue to learn and further this gift he has.. Can you please point me in the right direction of where or whom I should be talking too?
I will fly him out to where ever you are at any time to meet with you if you would be willing to listen to him play and give us direction.
Kindest regards,
Jeremy
-----------------------
Hi Jeremy,
I have to address something right off the bat. I question the judgment of the staff at Sam Ash for sending him off as you say. Not wanting to sound skeptical, but I've never heard of such a thing. We all take lessons. Look at a guy like Steve Smith (who's a legend and a master of all styles) and he seeks out teachers and new ideas all the time. Something strikes me as incredibly wrong regarding the experience with his teachers. Can he play all styles? Does he know various song forms? Can he play jazz? Brushes? Trade 4s and 8's? Can he play for the song? Can he play brushes? Latin feels? I could go on and on. Frankly, either your son is Buddy Rich reborn or the staff at the store is, dare I say, pathetic. Also (and honestly, I don't want to sound like I'm taking you to task because I'm not) "beating on the drums for hours and hours"....well, it's not a sport. It's music and art! You can be fast and loud but that doesn't mean you can interact with other musicians and make music.
I'm not the guy to go to, really. You need to find him other teachers in your area and see what they say. Get him to play with other musicians. Have him sit in somewhere and see what they say. No one "knows it all", it's just a preposterous notion. He obviously has a certain skill level and it's time to find other sources, teachers, and inspiration to get him to the next level. It's a never ending quest to improve and make the best musical choices on the instrument. You can spend a lifetime studying and never scratch the surface of all there is to know.
Try talking to people at every music store and drum shop in South Florida. I appreciate your support of your son's endeavors and I encourage you to stick with it and give him all the nurturing support he needs!
Keep it up and I wish you both luck--
Todd
Todd,
It has been a while since I have written, since America's Greatest didn't make it to Buffalo this year. A financial kick in the groin by the IRS made it impossible for me to travel anywhere close to see you guys this year (WHAAAAH). I did manage to see Tommy and Jack, in buffalo this year and it was a great show...but no todd....anyhow...to my question...in your opinion, how do you feel you were accepted by Def Lep Fans...and a request for the new album...a self indulgent monster song with a mentally crippling drum opening appropriate for sports teams to play while they are taking the field....I figured i would tell you as '"Write a self indulgent monster song with a mentally crippling drum opening appropriate for sports teams to play while they are taking the field" wouldn't fit on one on my flip signs. Alan Parsons has had enough play...and if any band could pull it off its you guys...oh and on last thing...A while ago you mentioned a back problem starting when you stepped off a curb that comes and goes...That sounds like a Sacroiliac joint problem...sometimes if you put your hand on the inside of one knee and the same elbow on the inside of the other knee and squeeze your knees together hard, you can fix it yourself...didn't stay at a holiday in express, I'm a PT. If it doesn't work, the technique wont hurt anything. Just thought I would pass that along. Well, here's hoping you guys find yourself in Buffalo soon. Stay well.
Devin-the sign guy
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Hey Devin,
Thanks for the tip---the back has been pretty good lately I'm happy to say. Anyway, I think we were received quite well by the Lepp fans. Fantastic really. It was a great run and I only wish our set was longer but it was a great summer. The Lepp boys are a great bunch of guys--every one of them! As far a s a new record.....I'm waiting and waiting. I sure hope we get to work on one soon.
OK. Thanks for the note and I wish you well!
Cheers,
Todd
Todd:
Hello! Just checked out the pics of your amazing new Pearl Masterworks kit! Would love to see some better pics then the ones on the Pearl Forum if possible! Wanted to know what prompted you to add the gong bass drum and the aux snare? Also curious if the inner plies of bubinga make much of a sonic difference? Looking forward to seeing the new kit (and you) live in NY in January of 08!
Pat
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Hi Pat,
Thanks for the note and I'm glad you dig the kit. My camera on the road is a little Canon from '03 and the pics get a little distorted on the forum for some reason, so for now that's the best I can do! Sorry. I've hoisted my 20" bass drum at home onto a tom stand as it has the tom mounts in the top of the drum. So I've had a big bass drum back there at home for a while now. I guess I've always wanted one and the 20x14 Gong Drum is shaking the room. It's a lot of fun and adds an extra "umph" musically. I'm not sure how much the Bubinga effects the sound but more it's a matter of the thick shells with the rounded bearing edges. The drums are very warm and round with a strong fundamental note. Very easy to tune. Upon receiving the kit an astonishing realization occurred. We used ONE set of heads for THREE shows. That has NEVER happened in 12 years! I blow through a set of heads every night. My tech and I are amazed. We thing the thick shell/round bearing edge somehow preserves the heads. There's no other way to view it. The heads were still singing and relatively undented---and sounded fresh--three days later. I've never experienced this and again, my tech and I are astounded. These drums are a joy to play and Pearl nailed my design to a tee. I'm more than thrilled. Oh, as far as the 12" snare, that will be added on whenever we do a new studio record. It will make it's debut on my DVD that I start in November.
Thanks again for your question, and take care!
Todd
Hey Todd,
I read on the Styx site that you have got a new kit. I wanna see it BAD!!! Can't wait. You last kit was just beautiful and I am sure the new one is also. 35,000 huh? Holy @#$%. So ummmm what do you plan on doing with your old touring kit(s)? I'd definatly buy one if it was for sale. Keep up the excellent job you do. You are my Idol!!! Hope to see you at another clinic sometime soon. Never gets old!!! We may get some tickets for the Dells Show but it is kinda a long drive. Maybe Waukeegan.
Jeremy
Sheboygan, WI
P.S. I was serious about the purchase :)
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Hi Jeremy,
Tommy may have been a bit over the top when he wrote that, but I suppose the list price of everything I have on the drum riser is in that neighborhood. And it would cost you around that to buy the other one---so not sure how serious you are! But I sell nothing and the old Masterworks kit is in storage as our "B" rig for when we do fly dates or leap frog.
You can see a few pics at Pearldrum.com, drummer's forum, Masterworks section, TS drums thread pages 1 & 3. There you go!
Thanks again for the note and for your support--
Take care!
Todd
Hi Todd!
My name is Frank and first I'm sorry for my English, I'm not very good. My question is, do you have drum book or a drum video of you. Just let me no if it's possible, and what a drummer you are. Sorry again . Thanks Todd
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Hi Frank,
I'll be starting my DVD project in November with Altitude Digital in Austin. I'm very excited about it and I imagine it will be out in the spring of next year. Please keep an eye out for it!
Thanks for your question, Frank!
Todd
Hey Todd!
Almost 5 years later, a couple of grand spent on kits and a few lessons, and a lot of late night “you need to stop playing and go to bed” comments by me, I’m pleased to say my son is now a soon to be paid drummer for a band just signed by Tooth and Nail Records. Thanks for that small token given to Scott back in 2003
My note to you back then that ended up on your website:
______________________________________________________
1/13/03
Todd,
Thanks for taking the time out and helping make my son's 13th Birthday a memorable one in Lake Tahoe! It was very nice of you and Taylor to allow Scotty to take a picture with you before the show. It was his first Styx concert and he totally enjoyed the whole experience. He was blow away when he noticed you and I exchanging gestures on how you were going to give him one of your sticks after the show (nice toss and a nice catch by him). He asked me to say thanks. I have a great relationship with my kids, but dude, you helped make me make life long memories for him that night. Not because your with a famous band, but you took the time and showed a little kid that the band is not what makes you and that "nice" is still OK to be. i.e., unlike some of the other bands our youth watch and listen to.
Now, can I ask you to pay for drum lessons...LOL.... He said later that night " Dad, I could REALLY feel the music when they were playing............could I take drum or guitar lessons?"
Just like that commercial says: Room at Caesars Lake Tahoe: $120.00. Front row seats at a Styx concert:$180.00. Drum lessons: Thousands. The hug of thanks from your son: PRICELESS
Thanks!
Carpe Diem!
Jeffery Gallagher
===================================
Hi Jeffery,
I'm sorry that you'll have to spend thousands on lessons----think of it as an investment! No, really. Thanks for your nice heartfelt note. It was my pleasure and I'm happy that it was a memorable time for you and your son. I'm thrilled if I had anything to do with it. Give him my regards and wish him luck with whatever musical endeavor he chooses!
Take care, and I'll see you guys somewhere down the road. Thanks again for your sentiments.
Todd
---------------------------(2007 answer)
Hi Jeffrey,
Thanks for sharing that with me. That's great news indeed! Give him my best and tell him to work hard and keep a level head. This is where the game begins. Also, he should keep his eye on his money!
OK. Thanks again and my best to the both of you.
Todd
Hello Todd,
I went to the show at usana in salt lake on sep. 7th. It was great unfortunately, i was not in the first couple rows but i was going insane, Styx has always been my favorite band since i was like 10 when i found my dad's Grand Illusion CD.
Anyway, my question was do you know if you will tour again next year and if so, you should do a just Styx concert somewhere near Utah like in Colorado or Idaho or Wyoming.
STYX RULES!
Carson
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Hi Carson,
I'm sure we'll be back in your area next year. Just keep an eye out and come see us again. Thanks a lot for your note and take care!
Todd
Todd:
We will be at the show tonight and looking forward to seeing your drumming skills. Hope to get some drum Styx after the show (look for DRUM STYX sign if you get this email in time). Loved the drum room at the house and have done the same except for the “inner room”. Best to you and the whole band.
Sincerely,
Kurt L. Anderson
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Hey Kurt,
Hope you had fun at the gig!
Thanks--
Todd
Hi Todd my name is Ryan and I have a few short questions for you.
1. What happened to the medley? A few friends of mine have been to a few shows recently and the medley has been absent from the set. Where did it go?
2. How did you come up with your addition to crystal ball? It is the part right before the guitar solo.
3. I have stumbled onto a I tunes live session from you guys. I was just wondering why was that done and if it's worth purchasing.
4. I understand why come sail away/grand illusion were cut from the CYO but why can't find my way home? I don't think that deserved to be cut.
Okay that's it for me please come back to Massachusetts soon. Hey how about you guys play at fenway? That would be awesome.
--------------------
HI Ryan,
I have very simple answers to your questions, so here they are in numeric order!
1. The Medley has been retired......simple as that. It had a 3 year run, over 300 performances.
2. Whatever I play there just developed. No big how or why. It's just what I heard in my head.
3. You need permission for a synch license when you put sound music to picture (DVD). Steve Winwood would not give his permission for a synch license It was not our call---it was his and it was disappointing.
4. Fenway might be a little big for us. But it sure would be cool.
Take care--
Todd
