WHY did you build such a massive set?

 

Quote – I did not design & build this set to just play TO MUSIC, but TO MAKE MUSIC WITH!

Back in the 70’s I played drums and sound effects during the live performances of a 16 member artistic performing group like “Cirque du Soleil”.

I am a student of sounds. Different sounds project powerful acoustic pressures into the atmosphere. I use what I have, my God given gifting, talents and a plethora of sounds for Worship and Warfare.  As an Agent of Rhythm I built my set to be one of a kind.  

It features all quality drums and cymbals combining different makes and models. That makes it very unique allowing the combination of sounds to be fresh and innovative.  I have always been a pioneer and not a settler.

This is the Largest Drum Set in the World and is unrivaled.   813 pieces is his current world record.

This is not a special event setup but my normal everyday kit.  I did not build it to be the largest set in the world…it just is.  I have been using over 50 drums & 50 cymbals on my set since the early 90’s.  My current practice drum set is 100+ pieces when the big one is in their cases and ready to roll.  The big set weighs 7500 lbs all cased up.

I am not using electronic triggers at this time.  I like the digital world and all the cool sounds and rhythms that can be produced today. And looping sounds is cool for sure, but full out flesh and blood playing is where I’m at.  The electric drums out today are outstanding, I do not always just want to take another person’s sound and make my music.  I want to make my sounds and have music flow from that as well.

Playing acoustic drums have helped to keep my originality engaged and my reference to virgin sounds true.  They breathe more deeply and their true projection is more accurate.  Colliding Acoustic Sounds Waves are so important.  And with acoustic drums….It also keeps my tuning skills up to par.  

It also allows me to be creative and unlimited in my expression through my instrument.   It is too easy to go brain dead in the digital world.  You must be an innovator, yet not sacrifice what’s real and what’s right when it comes to live sound!

It all has its place.  And I appreciate it all.  But in my heart, I want to personally strike the drums & move the air to create an original sound and God moments that may linger for a lifetime.

From Your Perspective… WHAT is the Purpose of All This?

When I have played, we have seen people touched, healed and blessed.  

Music creates an atmosphere and it sets moods.  Music can make you happy or it can make you sad.  It is also a place to escape to.  It is one of the most powerful means of communication that there is.  My set has a great vocabulary and much can be said through it or I just go sit in the middle of it and pray!

How did you get your hands on the World’s Largest Gong?

This 7ft Symphonic Gong was custom made exclusively for Mark Temperato Ministries by Paiste in East Germany in 1996.  It is hung 18ft in the air directly behind my drum set. I play it with large gong mallets, sticks, brushes and many different types of playing rods.  

If hit too hard and too long (never in the center with large mallets) it has the capability of disintegrating your internal organs.  

This came out in the conversation I had with Erik Paiste back in 1996 as we discussed the pro’s and con’s of having the largest gong in the world made.  And Erik knows his stuff. I once played it with my huge gong mallets way too hard for 1 minute nonstop.  And even with custom ear plugs and my vision was blurry on and off for about two weeks.  It does not go just around you, but through you as well.  It is to be respected for sure. The sound is out of this world!

Why do You use Stands and not a Rack Mount System?

I do have 2 custom racks on the set.  I designed this set with more stands because I felt it was more versatile for my application and I could fit more drums and cymbals with only a ½ in. space between them.  I like the whole massive chrome root look thing as well.  There is a lot of upkeep for sure…but I enjoy it very much…it is all part of the Worship for me.  It is a labor of love.  

How can you even play a drum set this big?

I have been playing and building large drum sets since the 70’s.  I have a knack of where and how.  God gave me this creative ability.  

I also use an “adjustable 150db” Nathan Air Chime K5HL Train Horn.  I have an air line inside my set.  That baby moves some air.

My main foot pedal is the Pearl P-3002D Demon Drive Eliminator Double Pedal.  I also use a Pearl P-2002C double’s on a LP Red block with matching Hi Hat stand.  I also use a DW 9000 remote Hi Hat stand and many other extended Pearl pedals that run other bass drums and stuff.

Can you reach it all and is it truly playable?

My set is all customized for my long reach so I can stay seated on my DW 9000 Air Lift Drum Throne w/back rest.  My throne is 26in high.  

To be a “Official Guinness Record” holder, all the pieces must be hit from the drum throne or from a standing position.  With the exception of 6 bells at the very back, I can absolutely reach it all from a seated position.  

Why do you mix Different Brands of Drums and Cymbals?

I prefer combining different brands because they LOOK & SOUND like no other drum set that I have seen or heard.  I have over 100 different companies on my set.  There is a lot of symbolism in the way I built this set as well.  You do not have to be mega talented or perfect to be used in a great way.   

I use a 5inch splash and also a 27 inch china on my set. They both are special and both have their purpose.  On my set they are both valuable.  Just like in life…God has a purpose for every person.  We are all valuable!

I could have built the largest drum set in the world with all the finest quality drums available.  There are always the “Rolls Royce” brands of drums that are beautifully made with exquisite workmanship. They are a pleasure to play, but that was not my purpose.

Keep in mind the drums and cymbals have NO VOICE until YOU give it to them.  YOU ARE THE INSTRUMENT!

How do you decide which drums stay and which drums go?

I am not always looking for a brand name but how they are networked within my set to see what new sounds and appearance they may add.

I may try many different cymbals or drums before it becomes part of my Arsenal of Sounds. I still use one 12” Zildjian crash that I have had over 40 years.  It still has a great sound.  I have some Ludwig bongo’s on my set I got in 1968. For these old faithfull’s that are still doing their job, I use them and keep them looking their best.

Now….If I only wanted my set to be only Chromatic, I would have created that. The chromatic/diatonic drum setups out there today are very cool.  

(Chromatic meaning  to include every semitone and Diatonic meaning to include only notes that are included in a major or minor scale or key).

Why Do You Use Only “ONE” Bass Drum?

I do have 6 bass drums on my set.  I planned 10 BUT I designed my set around one main bass drum for a very important reason.  I only use one bass drum on my main set because there is only “ONE GOD” and only One Way to get to Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ.

On my main 16’ x 16’ x 36” stage/riser I also have two 22” North “Blood Gun” Bass Drums that flare out to 24” and are out in front on each side for single application with extended pedals.  There is nothing on my set up that does not have a purpose.

Why is Your Drum Set Mainly Black and White?

I use the black and white color scheme to show there is no middle ground in life or as a Christian.  Life is really black or white.  

The 5 Red North Drums on the back rack serve as the backbone on the rear side of my set.  I kept these LOUD unique 70’s horn shaped drums their original color RED for a purpose. To me they are a reminder that we are only redeemed by the Blood of Jesus Christ and faith in Him!

What Kind of Sticks Do You Use?

I am currently using Vic Firth 5BN & 5AN Extremes.  I also have used Zildjian, Regal Tip and Pro Mark sticks.  I was dipping my sticks for grip back in the 80’s.  These days I use Zildjian stick wax.  My drum solo’s can last up to 45 minutes so the grip is important for me.  I also use brushes, mallets and hot rods of all sizes.

I have bought thousand’s of pairs of sticks since I went pro in 1968.   I am very precise about the weight of my sticks.  I always roll them and weigh them before I buy them.  If they feel right…wow…then I am more precise in my playing and that makes for more speed.   I am now looking forward to having my own stick designed & named after me.

How long does it take to put together the largest drum set in the world?

It takes a crew of 4, 25+ hours to set it up and 25+ hours to take it down. We can also equip it with 30 microphones for volume and presence.  I do my own drum tech’ing.  

We are working on a plan for a faster setup and take down, but like a good meal…you just can’t rush the process.   We are looking into having 22-25 flight type cases made in 4 colors.   This change alone will save 10hrs on the set up.

We are also working on putting video feeds throughout the set so people can get a good look on the inside while I play.  We hope to have a revolving stage made so the set can be seen for all sides. 

All the equipment is transported in a wall to wall carpeted custom 48ft Tractor Trailer and each piece has its own case and compartment for the road. I have 6 large wheeled cases with custom tubing to hold many stands. The 7ft gong has its own insulated aluminum crates.  

Where do you draw your inspiration from, and how do you inspire others?

We have all learned something from other drummers. Whether we are self taught or have learned through professional tutoring, there is so much YET to be learned. Love what you do and be true to who you are on your instrument.

As God’s drummer, I play drums as an expression of my love, passion and calling for my Lord and Savor Jesus Christ.  I play for an audience of ONE, everyone else just gets the overflow!  I have played for Him exclusively since 1978.

For me it is not about “whose better” but to whom “we belong”. I have had drummers tell me that they have never seen somebody play so fast while producing different melodic themes, rhythms and moods.

My drum solos are spontaneous and I do not gear them around the top player’s newest grooves & wow’s.  That’s what they do and it is very cool.  BUT…I play for a different reason for I am that different drummer.  I like to create and explore atmospheres of sound from other parts of my set.

I use my huge kit mainly for doing solo’s based on Worshiping God or for direct warfare against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Do you have any advice for aspiring drummers out there?

You are an original. Don’t be a copy. Find your niche. No one can be better that you…because you’re the only you there is…lol.  Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else.

Stay teachable!  We “don’t know” what we “don’t know”.  Practice does not make perfect, it makes permanent.  Perfect practice makes perfect.  In other words, it is difficult to break bad habits we’ve learned through poor practice procedures.  We all must learn proper stick technique, rudiments, timing, body posture, warm up, breathing, be in shape along with lots of rehearsal. 

Be encouraged!  Your existence is evidence that this generation needs something that your life contains.  Follow the grain in your own wood. 

Never let another person tell you that something cannot be done.  God may have been waiting centuries for you to come along so that you could do the impossible for Him.  “It’s hard to fit in when you’re Born to stand out”  

Hang in there and never, ever quit.  There is a process and it is designed to develop the muscles you will need to sustain the weight of your destiny! Sometimes it takes 30 years to be an overnight success.  

In a world where you can be anything…BE YOURSELF!

Remember – The mighty oak tree is just a nut that held its ground.  Go ahead make History…which for me is sharing HIS-story!