PRODUCT CLOSE-U P

Firchie Snare

by Rick Van Horn

Yeah, it looks a little weird. But this unusual drum also offers some genuine innova- tions and unique performance qualities.

The Firchie is the brainchild of drummer/designer Ivan Firchie. It combines a free-floating, seamless alu- minum shell (which I'll touch on later) and a rotational tensioning system simi- For the time being, Firchie only killer rimshots—no matter what the lar to that of a RotoTom. The concept is come with a 4 1/2"-deep shell. (A piccolo head tension. that once the heads are lug-tuned evenly model is being experimented with.) The There are a wide range of finishes to a medium tension, the entire drum thin, one-piece aluminum shell features available on Firchie drums, from brass can then be rotated on its stand to pro- specially rounded bearing edges for the and chrome to a variety of colors. The portionally increase or decrease the ten- , and a unique contour. While drums I examined looked wonderful. A sion of both the top and bottom the shell sits squarely within the hoop of thicker aluminum shell will soon be heads—thus raising or lowering the the bottom head, it tapers so as to be available as an option, and wooden shells pitch of the drum. The sound of the over 1" smaller in diameter than the top are under development. drum can literally be changed from that head. That means that the top head One potential problem with this drum of a piccolo to that of a 10"-deep drum extends beyond the edge of the shell over is its size: The works of the rotational (or anywhere in between) in seconds. 1/2" all the way around—in much the tuning system sit beneath the drum According to the manufacturers, this same way that or gong bass itself—making the entire assembly about eliminates the need for several snare drum heads extend beyond their shells. 9" deep. This requires a snare stand that drums in a studio situation, and makes Along with the "free-floating" nature of can accommodate deep-shelled drums. the drum extremely versatile for use on a the shell, this top-head extension con- (Since different snare stands have bas- live gig. tributes to the resonance of the kets that clamp on at different angles, To add to the versatility of the drum, it drum—which I found to be consider- Ivan Firchie has thoughtfully provided is equipped with a strainer and throw-off able. In fact, between the metallic sound points on the frame for snare-basket at each end of the snares. (These strain- of the shell and the timpanic head clamping at two different levels.) The ers are attached to the lower "rim," not arrangement, the Firchie had almost too extra depth will also require an appropri- to the drumshell.) By adjusting the ten- much resonance. In an attempt to ate bag or case. That bag or case should sion of each strainer differently, one can address this problem, Firchie ships the be heavy-duty, by the way, because the achieve three separate snare sounds by drum with a Legacy head (which drum weighs a little over 15 pounds. virtue of using either one—or both—of has characteristics somewhere between A second problem is acoustic in the strainers. (Of course, both can be an Ambassador and a Fiberskyn 2.) But I nature: The drum features single-ten- released for a tom sound.) The drum don't think the head alone does the job. sion tuning. That is, both the individual had a definite sweet spot in terms of Unless you are a big fan of the classic tuning lugs and the rotational tensioning snare response; it wanted to be hit right Alex snare drum sound, you'll system tighten both the top and bottom in the center. Off-center impact resulted probably want to muffle this drum down heads at the same time. I found myself in significantly less snare sound and a lot a bit. But to be fair, the resonance gave wondering what would happen if I could more head/shell ring. the drum tremendous projection and lower the pitch of the batter head with- out sacrificing the crispness of snare fiddled a bit with the snares at each dif- versatility and quality performance from a response I'd get if the bottom head ferent head tension. It was like having a single instrument. Prices vary with the remained tight. But this might be nit- rack full of sampled snare drum finish: An all-chrome (shell and hard- picking, considering the variables of sounds—without the hassle of triggers, ware) drum lists for $800; a custom-color head tension and snare adjustment that interfaces, sound sources, and amps! I shell with all-black hardware goes for were available to work with. also had the added benefit of being able $910. Other finish combinations fall in I took the drum out on several gigs, and to change any aspect of the drum sound I between. While these prices sound a little enjoyed tweaking it from song to song to wanted as I was playing it. Try doing that steep, remember that one Firchie drum achieve the optimum snare sound for with a programmed sample! can create dozens of snare drum sounds. each. On funky tunes with lots of busy When I first saw the Firchie drum, I Firchie is a new company, so if your deal- syncopations I kicked it up into piccolo was inclined to dismiss it as a gimmick, er has no information, contact the makers range; on power ballads and disco dance but after working with it I've been com- at 2 World Trade Center, Suite 2210, New tunes I dropped it down for a big-as-a- pletely converted. It's an extremely useful York, NY 10048, (212) 321-3210. barn backbeat. For additional variety, I tool for any drummer who appreciates Drumslinger Double Pedal And Extended Rack Bags

by Rick Van Horn

Designer-at-large Bob Gatzen and handle, and a clip-on shoulder strap, and The 50" length of the bag should be Tough Traveler, Ltd. have once again col- it has a nifty double zipper connected by enough to carry most standard lengths of laborated on some specialty bags offered a pull strap for easy access to the bag's drum-rack tubing, but (in typical Gatzen under the Drumslinger brand. This contents. It isn't particularly padded, but fashion) the possibility of using longer time, they've come up with bags to han- you don't really need to be too worried components has been accounted for. A dle double pedals and drum about damage to metal bass drum pedals special 12" extension sleeve pops out of rack components. due to impact. The compactness of the one side of the bag, increasing the overall bag and its ergonomic design are its best length to 62". This sleeve tucks back into Double Pedal Gig Bag features. It sells for $112. the bag and is secured by a Velcro strap This compact (20" x 10" x 7") cordura so it isn't flapping around loose if it isn't bag is designed so that the two halves of Extended Hardware/Rack Bag needed. Even when longer items are fit- a double pedal can nest one atop the This 50" x 14" cordura bag is designed ted into the bag, the cinch straps bundle other, with their pedals reversed. A to contain extended hardware (like everything together neatly and make the padded "tongue" slips between the two straight stands and booms at full height) bag easy to carry. The suggested list halves to prevent scratching, inner pock- or drum rack components. It features price is $112. If your dealer doesn't stock ets are provided for the axle, a drumkey, double cinch straps (to securely bundle Drumslinger bags, contact Tough Trav- allen wrenches, and other small para- the contents into a more solid mass) and eler, Ltd., 1012 State St., Schenectady, phernalia, and a special strap secures the a handle specially designed to make car- NY 12307, (518) 377-8526. beater rods on the primary pedal. The rying heavy items more comfortable. A bag is fitted with top handles, an end padded shoulder strap is also provided.