Our drummer quit after "creative differences". The problem is that we practice at his house and he has a PA and all that stuff. Any tips or anything for getting a new drummer and continuing on?
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Drummer Just Quit
- Thread starter antwon deserter
- Start date
My drummer used to be a big, heavy-set dude, kinda like the drummer for Prince when his band was 'New Power Generation'. When you are large and in control, you can do whatever you want.
Consider it a life learning lesson. It is not worth having him around 'cause he has the PA or mics or rehearsal space. This is misusing him. There is a difference between using someone (for drum/talent skills) and misusing them (for a desperate resource). He will not give 110% & be into the group because he is no longer a member.
Respect his wishes and part ways or all of you could be misrable. Be there, done that.
Consider it a life learning lesson. It is not worth having him around 'cause he has the PA or mics or rehearsal space. This is misusing him. There is a difference between using someone (for drum/talent skills) and misusing them (for a desperate resource). He will not give 110% & be into the group because he is no longer a member.
Respect his wishes and part ways or all of you could be misrable. Be there, done that.
How about having a discussion with the drummer to discuss what his "creative differences" are and can his ideas be incorporated in the band?
Worth a shot even if to learn something about the situation even if he won't get the band back together.
FWI, not a having a rehearsal space and a PA are probably are more important at this point than not having a drummer. Even if you get a new drummer, where will you rehearse and who will be spending their cash on a P.A?
You need three things ... a PA, a practice space, and a drummer. Do not advertise, as I see so many do, "drummer with PA and practice space wanted". 
You need three things ... a PA, a practice space, and a drummer. Do not advertise, as I see so many do, "drummer with PA and practice space wanted".
+1. Three separate things. Don't expect to find a clone of the old drummer.
Somebody clean out their basement or garage or whatever till you find a better practice space.
There are a couple of routes you could go on a PA. One would be to invest in a full system for performance, which could easily run you a thousand bucks or more. Disadvantage is cost, advantage is you are then set and ready to perform.
Another route would be to buy a cheap PA just for practice -- it needn't have a lot of power or big speakers, just enough so that vocals can be heard. There are Fender all-in-one sets for maybe $400 or so. Advantage is cost; disadvantage is that you still need to think about what to do for a PA when you're getting out to put on shows; will there be a house PA, will you rent one, will you have to start all over buying a full PA?
As for finding a drummer - the usual methods; craigslist ads, ask around the local music stores if the staff or teachers know anyone suitable, go to open mics and chat up anyone drumming at them.
You can always pay to rehearse in a studio, they often come equipped with a PA/backline/drumset. The drummer you will have to find yourself, though.
that sucks, my drummer got a D.U.I. last night..... lost his license for a year i think..... I'm kinda in the same boat as you....
At first I thought to write, "tough to lose an integral part of the band" when i read on to PA and practice room.
Tips: Get on it; and get on it now. Find a new drummer, auditioning him in a local rehearse studio that you expect to equally share the costs...etc.
First, look for a place to rehearse. Then try to find a drummer. You can always rent a PA with a soundman until you can afford you purchase your own.
Sorry to hear it, pal. That's a lot to lose all at once. But, hey, you don't have to have a huge PA. You don't have to mic anything but vocals. That's the way my blues band works. My other two bands have full PAs, but it's not necessary at small venues. Think about where you can rehearse first, and then you all will need to put your heads together about getting a PA. Hey, I've even played two shows with some buds where we used an acoustic guitar amp for the PA. Two mics for two vocals, and the dang thing sounded great. We were a three-piece, bass, drums, and guitar. The guitar player did most of the singing. Then, another group I've played with had two 12"/horn speakers on poles with a tiny board. Sounded great. You can buy stuff online and make small payments. If you all split the cost you can get more than you think.
Hey, make darn sure no one else is likely to quit first before you do anything. Good luck.
Hey, make darn sure no one else is likely to quit first before you do anything. Good luck.
I see you're in the Seattle area. There are places you can rent out with PA included. I've used Evolution Studios in Bellevue before and it was great. $15.00 per hour in 2 hour slots. Rooms come with drums, bass & guitar amp as well as PA. An added bonus for you is it's right next door to Don Bennett drum studios. Drummer are in & out all the time. Great place for an ad. Good luck.
Exactly, unless your famous with a couple of hits under your belt none of has any creativeness to be different about. He quit.
Replacing drummers is no fun and not easy. Find out why he quit, then move on.
I say find out why he quit because you want to avoid whatever it was with the next drummer.
How long was this guy with your band?
Sorry if this comes across as blunt.. First off, get together with the rest of the band and figure out what you will do for the pa situation. I'd recommend one of you make the investment, especially the singer(s). 2nd, learn to rehearse without a full soundstage.. Acoustics or acoustic volume levels in any living room is all you really need to work out arrangements and parts. Rehearse at rehearsal, practice on your own.. Third, find out what the drummer you lost was upset about...
Did you all listen to him and treat him as a full member?
Did you all leave the setup, moving and teardown of the pa to him alone?
Fourth, find yourself a drummer and line up some subs to cover in the mean-time..
Rinse & Repeat
Did you all listen to him and treat him as a full member?
Did you all leave the setup, moving and teardown of the pa to him alone?
Fourth, find yourself a drummer and line up some subs to cover in the mean-time..
Rinse & Repeat
