EC2 SST vs G2 tom batters for Sonor SQ2s

ProgDrumGod · #1 (**permalink**) 01-24-2011, 07:17 PM

These drums are a work of art.

Before I get to the point of this thread, here's a quick rundown of my kit.

Sonor SQ2s - Makassar Ebony high-gloss veneer (exterior), Makassar Ebony semi-gloss interior, with gold hardware.

Thin Maple Toms - 8x7, 10x8, and 12x9
Medium Maple Floor Toms - 15x13, and 18x16
Heavy Bass Drum - 22x18

Tama Artwood Snare 14x5 - soon to replaced by an Ocheltree Bronze Snare (14x6.5)

Sonor 600 Series Hi-Hat (2-legged) and snare stands
Sonor 600 Series Gold Plated Tom arms

Pearl Demon Drive Double Pedals

Pearl DR503C - Curved Drum Rack with CH2000S cymbal arms

Zildjian Cymbals soon to be replaced by the Paistes Singnatures and 2002s that I am ordering.

Current sticks are Promark 2B Oaks.

Just got these drums last week (4 month wait); however, they came with Sonor 2-ply stock-heads (top and bottom).

So let's talk heads.......

Being a pro-drummer, I understand the whole "do what sounds good to you philosophy", so I am not interested in any remarks telling me that what sounds good to one person, may not sound good to the other, etc., etc., etc. I get it....... I've been playing a long time. And let's dispense with the "why don't you buy each head and try them on" idea. No time or patience.....I am merely curious to see what your first instinct would be!

The purpose of this thread is to stimulate discussion....so here we go....

My playing style is heavy/progressive/experimental. I hit hard, so 2-plys are a must. In fact, you can hear instramental snippets of our music at LANA on Myspace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

Favorite drummers include Steve Smith, Benny Greb, Gavin Harrison, Marco Minneman, and Danny Carey.

I have settled on G1s for my resonant tom heads; however, I am back and fourth between EC2 SSTs and G2s for my batters.

I realize that it may be a crapshoot finding someone who also plays SQ2 maples, that into the same style of music.

I am looking for great tone and projection/cut from the rack toms; however, I am not interested in my floor toms rumbling too much. In fact, I prefer a fat, defined pitch between my 15 and 18 inch - while maintaining good bottom end and projection.

My only concern with the EC2 SSTs is that I may not get the true value of the the sound of this superleague kit, due to it's dampening properities. I am wondering if a kit of this caliber should even consider EC2 SSTs, or I I would be better off trying G2s first and dampening with them moongels or E-Rings (namely the floor toms), if necessary.

Based on this information, which heads would you pick for tom batters - EC2 SSTs or G2s, and would you go clear or coated?

Looking forward to your responses, and reasons!

ProgDrumGod

butter · #2 (**permalink**) 01-24-2011, 10:51 PM

Sounds like a nice kit you've got.

First off, Danny Carey uses EC2 SSTs. Tool is pretty Prog, especially in the drum department, so judging by your username, I thought this would be a good thing to bring up.

Anyway, I have a set of EC2 SSTs and I don't much care for them. I like Remo Pinstripes better, but more than those, I like G2s. I have never used a coated head in my life, so my vote goes the the G2 Clears.

I have recently become a nonbeliever in double ply heads, but I have yet to decide whether I will use double or single ply on my kit until sound really becomes important to me in recording applications, as double ply lasts longer. Single ply heads sound much better, though slightly harder to tune. I would recommend trying some Aquarian Studio X heads, but if you want to stick with double ply, again, G2 is a win in my book.

Good luck and happy drumming
butter

Gus · #3 (**permalink**) 01-25-2011, 04:41 PM

BTBAM's drummer uses EC2 SST heads for his toms and his set up is similar.

1986Tama · #4 (**permalink**) 01-29-2011, 02:27 PM

First- beautiful finish! Sonor was doing exotic finishes before just about everyone else and they have mastered it.

EC2 sst's do work well for prog. Problem is, depending on the size of the prog kit, you may prefer a more open sound on smaller toms. The ec2' sst's are great for controlling bigger drums, at the expense of a little attack. I have always liked the sound of g2 clears on smaller toms for a more open and melodic attack.

Also, the SQ2's have such a nice resonance, I'd hate to damp it if not needed. I can always add moongel to g2's, but can't "open up" ec2's. (Not sure if I have seen any prog players use coated).

Anyway, I have a prog kit, and use g2 on my 6/8/10/12 and ec2 sst on my 13/14/16/18. It capitalizes on the drum sizes better. I want the small toms to speak as small toms, not try to damp down or sound deeper.

ProgDrumGod · #5 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 07:07 PM

Thanks everyone for your responses so far.

I'm thinking of trying G2 clears for batters on the rack toms, and EC2 SST clears for the floor toms.

While i am big on cosistency between head companies (Evans vs Remo vs Aquarian), I'm wondering if it is a common practice to use a different style of head between tom and floor tom batters.

Thoughts anyone?

**Der Trommler** · #6 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011, 07:55 AM

Personally I wouldn't mix them like that because the toms would end up with two different tonal qualities. When I fill using the toms I want them to have a consistant sound. You are going to hear a big difference between the upper and lowers.

Now that said, this may be exactly what you are trying to do.

**Tainojim** · #7 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011, 11:08 AM

I like my kit betterer than yours. But I could relate to what Der is saying.

**Der Trommler** · #8 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011, 10:33 AM

Thats because mine is firewood compared to yours!

**Tainojim** · #9 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011, 10:40 AM

Don't tempt me brother, it's been freakin cold here in the North East lately.

I need a BMW ( Big Mexican Woman) to give me heat during the winter and shade during the summer.