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Reggae

Reggae music is konwn for its rich culture and signature sound. This jamaican genre evolved in the 1970s and has been popular ever since. Let‘s find out how you can recreate a reggae drum sound on modern drum sets!

First Setup

Sonor Prolite

12“ and 14“ toms with Remo Powerstroke 3 clear and no reso heads, low tuning and muffling
22“ kick drum with Remo Powerstroke 3 clear and no reso head, low tuning and muffling
14“ Cotton Wood snare with Remo controlled Sound clear, high tuning and no muffling

Second Setup

Mapex Saturn

12, 14“ toms with Remo Controlled Sound clear and no reso heads, low tuning and muffling
20“ kick drum with Evans EMAD clear and no reso head, low tuning and muffling
14“ snare with Remo Powerstroke 77 coated, medium tuning and muffling
12“ snare with Evans G1 clear, high tuning and no muffling

Both setups were completed with some bright Sabian cymbals.

In our case, the first setup works better with the classic One Drop reggae groove, while the second setup is more versatile because of the two snares. Because of this, the second setup works better with a more backbeat-oriented reggae groove: the Rockers groove.

Reggae drum sound covers both extremely high tuning on the snares and extremely low tuning on the toms and kick drum. In either of the two extremes, it becomes less important which drum you use. The sound depends more on drum head choice and muffling. Now, remove the reso heads from your drums and see if you can get a reggae sound out of your drums. You will have lots of fun.