[UPSTROKE]

I guess you could compare 2 bass drums to 2 16" floor toms tuned differently. If you played a simple but driving pattern across both of them the sound that came out would be more interesting & more complex sounding than if you played the same thing on 1 floor tom. When some guy named Neil Peart went back to a single bass, I started asking myself some questions.
1. As much as I love these things, how much do they really contribute??
2. How much more space do they take up on a stage that in most cases is pretty small anyway??
3. Are these 2 bass drums more about--can you see me now--or are they really about the music we're playing??
4. In the real world of playing a gig. How much am I really using the 2nd bass??
5. Am I focusing more on my job of laying down a good groove for the band or am I thinking about when I can dazzle them with my double bass licks??
We each play different kinds of music. We each play different styles. We all want to be good drummers. Many of us want to make a living at it.. Some of us want to go beyond that. Just don't forget what your job as a drummer is. Lay down the beat first. The music stores love to sell us these big expensive drum kits.