OK. So we’ve confirmed the dates for this upcoming performance. We’ve learned all the music. Now we have to organize the logistics of the equipment. You’ll probably have to find out, “Does the venue/studio have its own backline? Or shall we rent a drum kit? Or do I need to bring my own gear to the gig”? Then, according to the music, I will decide on drum sound options. The kick drum size, and its tuning. The amount of toms, and their sizes. Coated Ambassadors vs. Clear Pinstripes? A metal or wood snare drum? How about a side snare drum turned off and cranked like a timbale, or deep and chunky? Which cymbals would work well, and how many? Maybe an extra mounted hi hat would be cool. Double-pedal? Are there mounted percussion elements that would add to the music, such as tambourines, cowbells, roto-toms, more cowbells? Of course, we’ll need a gong bass drum. Trashy cymbal effects and cymbal stacks are en vogue. And so are treated drumheads with elements like car keys, jingles, splash cymbals, drum wallets, BigFatSnares, and Keplinger metal creations. Should I add a few electronic trigger pads and trigger pedals? Maybe I could use some alternate stick choices like brushes, rods, maracas, or jingle sticks. Maybe a song would sound better if I left the drumset altogether, and only played cajón, or marching snare, or pandeiro. Will we be on in-ear monitors? Will there be computer tracks? Will I be asked to run them?

Here’s an example of a sample drum rider that I would send to a rental company:

Brendan Buckley: Drum Rider (Shelby Lynne 2015 U.S. Tour)

DW (Jazz, Classic, or Collectors Maple series):
– 14”x22” bass drum (hole in front head, with pillow inside)
– 9”x13” rack tom (on snare stand)
– 16”x16” floor tom (on 3 legs)
– 6”x14” black nickel snare drum
– 5”x13” titanium snare drum

DW Hardware:
– cymbal boom stands (x5)
– snare drum stands (x3)
– hi hat stand
– DW5002 double pedal (x2)
– throne

Sabian Cymbals:
– 15” Artisan hi hats (or HHX)
– 22” Artisan ride cymbal (or HHX)
– 18” Artisan crash (or Evolution)
– 19” Evolution crash (or HHX)
– 19” HHX Extreme crash
– 8” splash

Remo Drumheads:
– Coated Ambassadors on all tops
– Clear Ambassadors on all bottoms
– Powerstroke 3 on bass drum batter side

Vic Firth sticks:
– 5A wood tips
– T1 Timpani mallets
– Heritage wire brushes

LP:
– mounted cyclops tambourine
– shaker

Accessories:
– drum rug
– gaff tape
– drum key
– towel
– water
– miniature electric fan