John Bonham, the legendary drummer of Led Zeppelin, is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time. His powerful and dynamic drumming style not only defined the sound of Led Zeppelin but also had a profound influence on generations of drummers to come. A crucial element in Bonham’s distinct sound was the drum kit he used throughout his career. In this article, we’ll take an in – depth look at the drum kit that was an extension of Bonham’s musical genius.
The Ludwig Connection
Introduction to Ludwig Drums
Ludwig is a renowned name in the world of drums, with a long history of producing high – quality percussion instruments. The company was founded in 1909 by William F. Ludwig Sr. in Chicago, USA. From the early days, Ludwig focused on innovation and craftsmanship, and it quickly became a favorite among drummers across different musical genres. By the time John Bonham entered the scene, Ludwig had already established itself as a leading brand, known for its durability, excellent sound, and iconic designs.
How Bonham Started Using Ludwig Drums
Bonham’s journey with Ludwig drums began during Led Zeppelin’s first US tour in December 1968. His friend Carmine Appice, the drummer of the band Vanilla Fudge, recommended Ludwig drums to him. After trying them out, Bonham was immediately impressed and decided to make Ludwig his drum kit of choice for the rest of his career. This decision would prove to be a game – changer, as the Ludwig kit perfectly complemented Bonham’s powerful playing style.
Bonham’s Ludwig Drum Kit Configuration
Bass Drum
Bonham used a 26 – inch diameter Ludwig bass drum. The large size of the bass drum was crucial in producing the thunderous low – end sound that became his trademark. The 26 – inch bass drum has a deeper resonance compared to smaller – sized bass drums. When Bonham struck it with his powerful foot technique, it created a booming sound that could be felt as well as heard. This deep, earth – shaking sound was a fundamental part of Led Zeppelin’s heavy – hitting sound, especially in songs like “When the Levee Breaks,” where the bass drum hits drive the song’s rhythm with an almost earthquake – like force.
Snare Drum
For his snare drum, Bonham favored the Ludwig Super – Sensitive Snare. This snare drum is known for its versatility and bright, cutting sound. The Super – Sensitive Snare has a unique design with a triple – flanged hoop and a die – cast bottom hoop. These hoops contribute to the snare’s ability to produce a sharp, articulate sound that can cut through a mix of instruments. Bonham’s aggressive playing style required a snare drum that could handle his powerful strikes without losing its tone. The Ludwig Super – Sensitive Snare was up to the task, and its sound can be clearly heard in hits like “Whole Lotta Love,” where the snare’s sharp cracks add to the song’s energetic and driving rhythm.
Tom – Toms
Bonham’s drum kit included a set of tom – toms that added depth and complexity to his sound. He typically used a 13 – inch rack tom and a 16 – inch floor tom. The 13 – inch rack tom provided a bright, mid – range sound, while the 16 – inch floor tom added a warmer, lower – mid – range tone. The combination of these two tom – toms allowed Bonham to create rich, multi – layered drum fills. For example, in the song “Kashmir,” the tom – tom patterns Bonham plays add a sense of grandeur and build tension throughout the song. The different sizes of the tom – toms gave him a wide range of tones to work with, enabling him to create dynamic and engaging drum parts.
Cymbals Used by Bonham
Zildjian Cymbals
Bonham used a variety of Zildjian cymbals, which are among the most respected cymbal brands in the world. Zildjian has been in the cymbal – making business since 1623, and their cymbals are known for their high quality and distinct sounds.
Hi – Hat Cymbals
Bonham’s hi – hat setup consisted of Zildjian cymbals. The hi – hat is an essential part of a drummer’s setup, used for keeping time and adding accents. Bonham’s hi – hat playing was characterized by its tight and precise rhythm. The Zildjian hi – hat cymbals he used were able to produce a clear, articulate chick sound when closed and a washier, open sound when opened wide. This allowed him to create a wide range of rhythmic textures, from the driving, syncopated rhythms in “Immigrant Song” to the more laid – back, groovy patterns in some of Led Zeppelin’s blues – influenced tracks.
Crash Cymbals
Bonham used Zildjian crash cymbals to add explosive accents to his drumming. Crash cymbals are designed to produce a loud, sharp sound when struck. Bonham’s use of crash cymbals was often dramatic, adding an extra punch to his fills and solos. In songs like “The Ocean,” the well – timed crashes of his Zildjian cymbals punctuate the song’s energetic rhythm, enhancing the overall impact of the music. The crash cymbals he used had a bright, cutting sound that could easily stand out in the midst of Led Zeppelin’s full – sounding arrangements.
Ride Cymbal
The ride cymbal is another crucial cymbal in a drummer’s setup, often used for maintaining a steady rhythm while providing a shimmering background texture. Bonham used a Zildjian ride cymbal that had a rich, full sound. His ride cymbal work was characterized by a steady, flowing rhythm, with occasional accents that added interest to the overall drum pattern. In songs like “Good Times Bad Times,” the ride cymbal provides a consistent, driving rhythm that holds the song together, while Bonham’s occasional accents on the ride add subtle variations and keep the listener engaged.
Other Accessories and Modifications
Drumsticks
Bonham was known for using extremely long and heavy drumsticks, which he affectionately referred to as “trees.” His choice of drumsticks was in line with his powerful playing style. The heavier sticks allowed him to generate more force when striking the drums, resulting in a louder and more impactful sound. These thick drumsticks were not easy to handle for the average drummer, but Bonham’s incredible strength and technique enabled him to use them to their full potential, further enhancing the power and intensity of his drumming.
Customizations to the Drum Kit
While Bonham mainly used off – the – shelf Ludwig drums and Zildjian cymbals, he also made some customizations to his kit. He was known to experiment with different drumheads to achieve the exact sound he wanted. For example, he might have used thicker drumheads on the bass drum to get a more focused and powerful sound. Additionally, he may have adjusted the tuning of his drums in unique ways. Bonham’s tuning preferences were likely influenced by the specific requirements of Led Zeppelin’s music. He would tune his drums to work well in the context of the band’s overall sound, ensuring that his drums complemented Jimmy Page’s guitar work, Robert Plant’s vocals, and John Paul Jones’s bass and keyboard playing.
The Impact of Bonham’s Drum Kit on His Sound
Creating the Led Zeppelin Sound
Bonham’s choice of drum kit was integral to creating the signature Led Zeppelin sound. The combination of the large – sized Ludwig bass drum, the sharp – sounding Ludwig Super – Sensitive Snare, the versatile tom – toms, and the Zildjian cymbals all worked together to produce a rich, full, and powerful sound. His drum kit provided the rhythmic backbone for Led Zeppelin’s music, whether it was the hard – hitting rock anthems like “Rock and Roll” or the more complex, progressive tracks like “Achilles Last Stand.” The thunderous bass drum, the cutting snare, and the explosive cymbal crashes all contributed to the band’s larger – than – life sound, making Led Zeppelin’s music instantly recognizable.
Influence on Future Drummers
Bonham’s drum kit setup and playing style had a profound influence on future generations of drummers. His use of a large bass drum inspired many drummers to seek out bigger – sized bass drums to achieve a more powerful low – end sound. The way he used the Ludwig Super – Sensitive Snare to create sharp, articulate cracks influenced how drummers approach snare drum playing, emphasizing the importance of a well – chosen snare drum and proper technique. His creative use of tom – toms and cymbals also served as a model for drummers looking to add complexity and dynamics to their playing. Many modern drummers, whether in rock, metal, or other genres, still look to Bonham’s drum kit setup and playing as a source of inspiration for creating their own unique sounds.
Conclusion
John Bonham’s drum kit was more than just a collection of instruments; it was an essential part of his musical identity. The Ludwig drums and Zildjian cymbals he used, along with his customizations and choice of accessories, allowed him to create a sound that was both powerful and dynamic. His drum kit setup not only defined the sound of Led Zeppelin but also left an indelible mark on the world of drumming. Even today, decades after his untimely passing, Bonham’s influence can still be heard in the playing of countless drummers, and his choice of drum kit remains an iconic example of how the right equipment can enhance a drummer’s artistry. Whether you’re a die – hard Led Zeppelin fan or a drummer looking for inspiration, understanding Bonham’s drum kit is a fascinating journey into the heart of rock drumming history.
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