As a professional drummer, Jeff Ocheltree has had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in the music industry. With his expertise and experience, he has gained a wealth of knowledge on how to get the best sound out of drums. In this article, we will delve into five lessons that can be learned from Jeff Ocheltree's approach to drum tech.
Lesson 1: The Importance of Drum Tuning
Jeff Ocheltree emphasizes the importance of proper drum tuning in achieving a great sound. He believes that tuning is the foundation of a good drum sound, and that it's essential to take the time to get it right. Ocheltree's approach to tuning involves using a combination of techniques, including the use of a drum key, a tuning app, and his own ears.
"Drum tuning is an art, not a science," Ocheltree explains. "You can use all the technology in the world, but at the end of the day, it's about how the drum sounds to your ear."
[Image: https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/85-drum-tuning-techniques.png, onerror="this.src='https://cdn.geupap.com/images/85-drum-tuning-techniques.jpg'", alt="Drum Tuning Techniques", onclick="openModal(this)"]
Lesson 2: Choosing the Right Drumheads
Ocheltree also stresses the importance of choosing the right drumheads for the job. He believes that the type of drumhead used can greatly affect the sound of the drum, and that it's essential to experiment with different types to find the one that works best.
"The right drumhead can make all the difference in the world," Ocheltree says. "It's like the difference between a good pair of shoes and a bad pair of shoes. If you're wearing the wrong shoes, you're not going to sound good, no matter how hard you try."
[Image: https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/42-drumhead-types.png, onerror="this.src='https://cdn.geupap.com/images/42-drumhead-types.jpg'", alt="Drumhead Types", onclick="openModal(this)"]
Lesson 3: The Art of Microphone Placement
When it comes to capturing the sound of the drums, Ocheltree believes that microphone placement is an art form. He emphasizes the importance of experimenting with different microphone placements to find the one that works best for the specific sound you're trying to achieve.
"Microphone placement is like a puzzle," Ocheltree explains. "You have to find the right combination of microphones and placements to get the sound you want."
[Image: https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/19-microphone-placement-techniques.png, onerror="this.src='https://cdn.geupap.com/images/19-microphone-placement-techniques.jpg'", alt="Microphone Placement Techniques", onclick="openModal(this)"]
Lesson 4: The Importance of Drum Maintenance
Ocheltree also stresses the importance of regular drum maintenance in keeping your drums sounding their best. He believes that regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent problems and ensure that your drums continue to sound great over time.
"Drum maintenance is like car maintenance," Ocheltree says. "If you don't take care of your car, it's going to break down. Same thing with your drums. If you don't take care of them, they're going to sound bad."
[Image: https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/67-drum-maintenance-tips.png, onerror="this.src='https://cdn.geupap.com/images/67-drum-maintenance-tips.jpg'", alt="Drum Maintenance Tips", onclick="openModal(this)"]
Lesson 5: The Power of Experimentation
Finally, Ocheltree emphasizes the importance of experimentation in finding the right sound. He believes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to drum tech, and that the best way to find the sound you want is to experiment with different techniques and approaches.
"The best way to find the sound you want is to experiment," Ocheltree says. "Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works. That's how you learn and grow as a drummer and a drum tech."
[Image: https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/31-experimental-drumming-techniques.png, onerror="this.src='https://cdn.geupap.com/images/31-experimental-drumming-techniques.jpg'", alt="Experimental Drumming Techniques", onclick="openModal(this)"]
In conclusion, Jeff Ocheltree's approach to drum tech offers a wealth of knowledge and insights for drummers and drum techs alike. By emphasizing the importance of drum tuning, choosing the right drumheads, microphone placement, drum maintenance, and experimentation, Ocheltree provides a comprehensive guide to getting the best sound out of your drums.
We encourage you to share your own experiences and insights in the comments below. Have you worked with Jeff Ocheltree or learned from his approach to drum tech? Share your story and help us continue the conversation!
What is the most important thing to consider when tuning drums?
+According to Jeff Ocheltree, the most important thing to consider when tuning drums is the pitch of the drum. He believes that the pitch of the drum should be in harmony with the rest of the kit.
What type of drumheads does Jeff Ocheltree recommend?
+Jeff Ocheltree recommends using high-quality drumheads that are designed for the specific type of music you are playing. He believes that the right drumheads can make a big difference in the sound of the drums.
How often should I clean and maintain my drums?
+Jeff Ocheltree recommends cleaning and maintaining your drums regularly to keep them sounding their best. He suggests cleaning the drums after every use and performing more thorough maintenance every few months.