Legendary drummer Dave Mattacks presented an over two hour clinic at The Wood &Weather Drum Shop in South Hadley, Massachusetts on September 10, 2025. Dave had two Yamaha kits set up – One tuned specifically for live performances – The other for recording studio situations. He also discussed various heads, tuning, and cymbal selection. Dave also referred to his primary influence as English Big Band Drummer – Kenny Clare. Although Dave preferred his own particular tunings, he emphasized, “there are no specific rules as to what is acceptable”. He cited Todd Sucherman, and Simon Phillips as primary examples of drummers who use totally different head and cymbal configurations yet both sound incredible. Dave also mentioned Mitch Mitchell, and John Bonham as having always sounded great regardless of the venue… He said – “Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts were drummers who played for the music, and supported the band. “Drummers like that will always work”.
Throughout the clinic Dave encouraged ongoing questions rather than waiting until the very end. This opened up the dialogue explaining that “all sounds need to be relative” - especially when it comes to the placement of microphones for recording… Mentioning ‘The Who’ producer Glyn Johns’ legendary studio techniques. When in the recording studio environment, Dave suggested using what is known as ‘Rhythmic Acuity’, sub-dividing the click so as not to sound mechanical. “Always be conscious of the time where milli-seconds can make all the difference - be aware of what is going on…”Fit in, don’t cut through the music”.
Dave then spent additional time on snare and bass drum techniques to achieve optimal sound and feel. He used different bass drum beaters while tuning the front head a third higher… “The immediacy of the sound is of primary importance”. He then moved on to his favorite wide-open snare sounds, and the use of thinner smaller cymbals in live performances and the studio environment.
As Dave’s sold-out presentation came to a close I was surprised at how quickly the time had passed. By the large number of questions - those in attendance were thoroughly engaged. I’ve attended clinics in the past where very little information was shared. I’m pleased to say this was not one of them. Dave Mattacks’ performance was so enjoyable that Wood & Weather could have marketed the line ‘A Splendid Time Is Guaranteed For All’ from The Beatles’ Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album.
https://www.davemattacks.com
Dave Mattacks – Total Immersion by David Barsalou
in the February 20, 2014 issue of Not So Modern Drummer
https://www.notsomoderndrummer.com/not-so-modern-drummer/columns/david-barsalou/dave-mattacks-total-immersion
Wood & Weather Drum Shop
110 Main Street
South Hadley, MA 01075
(413)-315-3409
Mon-Tuesday 12PM-5PM
Wed-Thu-Fri-Sat 10AM-5PM
https://woodandweatherdrumshop.com/
info@woodandweatherdrumshop.com
Photo Credit: Steve Smith - Charlie Watts - Dave Mattacks
Courtesy of Jim McGathey and John DeChristopher