What I’ve been doing for years is simply placing whatever required tools I need in a used pencil case. I also keep and a small roll of electrical tape for set lists and emergency dampening. There’s also a sharpie, a few extra drum keys, an extra hi-hat clutch as well as nylon cymbal sleeves and felts. Everything fits easily in either my cymbal bag or snare drum case.
My grandad was a working musician for over 40 years, and when I started taking music seriously at 14, he gave me my very own Leatherman multi tool. He used one himself, and always maintained that every musician should have one. I still have the same one he gave me 20 years later, and it lives in my stickbag. I wouldn’t go anywhere without one
Hey David! Check out Sounds like a drum's Episode 36, Cody demonstrates a method where you can actually use a ruler to tune snare reso heads according to hoop height. That would be a use for the Groovetech ruler Great vid as always, cheers
Ruler - ‘Sounds like a Drum’ did an episode tuning/replacing heads on the snare drum and I remember a ruler being used on the snare side when initially seating that head.
I have the "Pearl" version, but it is branded "CruzTools"... it has saved me many times. But, i'm sold on the Tama one now. The wing nut tool is what we've needed all along for shared kits at rehearsal studios and gigs.
I got the Pearl as a gift and I actually use nearly every tool on it each week. I do a ton of “field repair” on my HS front ensemble and battery each week… it’s nice to have one thing that has it all.
On the road: the wing nut slot alone on the Tama is worthy of buying it. Countless times I've had band mates helping me to set up hardware, stage assistants, shared-drum scenarios, borrowed drum gear, resident drums in some clubs, studios or rehearsal rooms, etc etc, and had problems, even hurting myself trying to unscrew overtight wing nuts. This thing is a huuuuge lifesaver for those on the road. It was the best tool advice I had from a fellow drummer years ago. Just passing it on.
I got the Tama multitool for Christmas once and it's been a staple in my bags ever since. Bailed myself and the school I taught at out of some sticky situations more than once. The wingnut tightener is really a godsend IMO
I have the Meinl one. Neat thing to carry around. I've used it many times on my bike instead of the drums actually. It has been really helpful and reliable so far. The bottle opener sees the most use :v
Hi! Thank you for the video! many use the ruler to check that there is always the same distance between the skin and the edge of the drum and therefore it is pulled evenly. usually it is done only for the resonant of the snare drum
As someone who uses pearl marching drums on a weekly basis I love the pearl multi tool. The sizes for all of the hex keys are perfect for stands and harnesses. The various sizes of Phillipsheads match all the weird ones on my tenors and in general I don't have to worry if I have the tool to fix it. I definitely do agree with you that the tool is a bit of a pain to open up and gets a bit loose in some spot tho
I have that Pearl tool. I don't remember when or why I bought it, but I was just waiting for you to ream it for how hard it is to use lmao. Totally true in my experience too. I think I ended up lubing mine, which helped.
Thank you so much! I have gotten a lot of useful products for my drum set from you. Thank you again for helping me find the right tools for my drum set
I know that on Sounds Like A Drum, they’ve talked about using the ruler method to tune resonant snare heads. Maybe thats Groove Techs way of helping with making sure heads are level on a drum.
I have the pearl tool, it just does just about everything. Every time I need to do something on the large assortment of drums at my school its had the tool for the job. It has a ton of hex keys and I've needed quite a few of them for a couple different bass drum pedals. But the meinl having an interchangeable socket is awesome, and tama looks like the most comfortable grip, and it also has the wingnut slot. I've come across plenty of over tightened wingnuts and that would save that annoying ache in your hand after forcing one loose.
I use the Gibraltar since I figured $10 wasn't really a waste if it was garbage but for my needs of 15-20 shows a year it works. I definitely would want to upgrade if I relied on it more.
If you have a tama kit, YOU HAVE TO GET THE TAMA TOOL. My kit is older so some of the wing nuts and screws need extra love or tightening. The wing nut slot on it is a lifesaver!!!
I use the TAMA tool and I do really like it never had to use anything bar the drum key on it though. Also thank you David for telling me what that space in the TAMA tool did I honestly had no idea it was for over tight wingnuts.
I have the Tama multi-tool. Came with my pedals. Very useful especially if you’re constantly setting up and tearing down a rack system. Also the most ergonomic.
the ruler on the groovetech is for measuring the distence between your drum head and the hight of the rim. Lots of drum techs use this to make sure the drum head is evenly seated around the drum. I see this mostly in studios where the tech or engineer is just trying to be as precise as possible.
I got the Tama one free when I got my Speed Cobra pedal. Never used it, but it's always in my stick bag, so it's good to know it's useful if needed. If I was going to buy one though, the Meinl one would likely be the one I'd choose at it's more compact and appears to be well engineered.
I followed the advice of a video I saw a few years ago and built a drum/bass/guitar tackle box. The top lid area has strings, screwdrivers, Allen keys, pens, knives, markers, a flashlight, string winders, drum keys, spare in-ears, and some other stuff. The trays have pretty much all spare parts I'd need for drum shells, pedals, and hardware. The box was inexpensive and compact, and a lot of the parts and tools came with the respective instruments, so I didn't have to make TOO many purchases after the fact
I did that too but use it as a case for my pedal since I took the trays out. All the other spares/tools/etc just get thrown in. Saved myself (and others) more than a few gigs.
the little ruler on the Gibraltar tool could come in handy for determining your spring setting before maintainance to get it back together the way it was. Okay I am manufacturing reasons right now... xD
I've got a tool that looks identical to the Pearl (Cruztool) but has an extra hex instead of a #0 phillips. I think they're made by a Chinese supplier that'll just brand it to whatever a company wants.
Currently own the Groovetech, love it (it's also useful for occasional guitar maintenance) but I may have to look I to the Tama for on the go, while the Groovetech stays at home
I have one of the old Ludwig Sta-Set tools (wingbolt turner/hex wrench/drum key/flat-tip screwdriver) that I got when I was a kid, STILL HAVE IT thirty-someodd years later. I have several multi-tools and other things in my stick bag and emergency tacklebox, but that old Sta-Set is still worth its weight in... well, whatever they're made of. (I think it's chromed pot metal, honestly.)
I recently bought a leather stick bag @ a second hand shop & one of those tools was in the side pouch. They are listed on Reverb for $50, so I made off like a bandit on that deal!
Thanks for the rundown. It is immediately clear to me that the Tama is the one to go with. As a guitarist I've gigged a lot with multi Allen wrenches in the same form factor as the other five tools in your rundown. They work in a pinch but they are always frustratingly fiddly and nowhere near the stability or comfort of a dedicated T handle wrench. I would never want to do any drum head tuning or def replacement with one of those fold-out tools. Tama's design is the only one that looks like it would be either efficient or comfortable on the gig times six or eight lugs.
i can imagine, just buying a bike multitool and putting on a bit with 4 side things would work fine and also be a bit cheaper, but u have to have the right tools and also have the knowledge to modify it so u can use it the best way
I used to have the Pearl one, definitely more on it than I ever needed but the most useful tool was definitely the phillips head(s). Unfortunately the thing got confiscated going through security at the airport and I've never bothered getting another one. I feel like an allen key set and small screwdriver set would work just fine. It's not like you need them all the time. Drum key is always on my keyring and it doubles as a bottle opener so I'm pretty well sorted ;)
I have a Multitool by a company called Cruz Tools. Thing is great. similar in design to the pearl. besides a drum key, it has afew different screw drivers and allin keys. great for what i need. Definitely want to try it out on guitars at some point. I always thought i didn't needed a multi tool because i always keep a drum key on my carabiner with my house keys. Boy was i wrong
Video idea! You should buy a pearl roadshow or Gretch energy or some cheap kit, and make it sound awesome with like new heads and cymbals. Would actually like to honestly hear some remo vintage heads but you do you my dude:)
maybe a ruler will help for drum head tension, (measuring the depth from head to rim??) also to line up exact size adjustment for double pedals etc...? dunno...
The groovetech looks like the one i have for guitar. The ruler makes sense for that. I need to look if that socket wrench on it is actually a drum key.
I have bought at least 3 drum multi tools and none of the keys worked on them and I never found a screw any of the allen wrenches worked on. Maybe I'm just unlucky but I have abandoned trying to use one of these
Funny how that kinda reflects what i think of each companies. Tama being bulky and expensive but pro-feeling, Gibraltar being affordable garbage, Pearl having non-grippy metal... If DW made one, it would have half the tools, cost 89$ and weigh 40 pounds but could survive hell.
I'm not really a drummer, but this video is great for me. I wanted to throw in a small kit for any drummer I happen to play with. One of these multitools would be perfect. Any other suggestions?
Whats one tool you ALWAYS bring to a gig? (other than a drum key lol)
tools for rest of the band, because they always forget.
TAPE. Different kinds in different colors.
an adjustable wrench, for I need it to set up a vintage Ludwig tom mount
I bring a toolbox
Our bass player
I just want an rdavidr signature drum multi tool that you design
Leatherman w/ a drum key
I love the @projectfarm approach to this video!
What I’ve been doing for years is simply placing whatever required tools I need in a used pencil case. I also keep and a small roll of electrical tape for set lists and emergency dampening. There’s also a sharpie, a few extra drum keys, an extra hi-hat clutch as well as nylon cymbal sleeves and felts.
Everything fits easily in either my cymbal bag or snare drum case.
i must respect they put a beer opener in the multitools, they know their customers quite well.
Should've included a pipe as well
I was going to mention the bottle opener as well!
My grandad was a working musician for over 40 years, and when I started taking music seriously at 14, he gave me my very own Leatherman multi tool. He used one himself, and always maintained that every musician should have one.
I still have the same one he gave me 20 years later, and it lives in my stickbag.
I wouldn’t go anywhere without one
Drum manufacturers & marketing …..
Always a Good Day when Dave Posts :)
Hey David!
Check out Sounds like a drum's Episode 36, Cody demonstrates a method where you can actually use a ruler to tune snare reso heads according to hoop height.
That would be a use for the Groovetech ruler
Great vid as always, cheers
Guess you’ll need to buy 2. One for the ruler and one for the key 😝
Ruler - ‘Sounds like a Drum’ did an episode tuning/replacing heads on the snare drum and I remember a ruler being used on the snare side when initially seating that head.
Excellent review! Comparative reviews of engineered items are definitely a strength of yours.
I have the "Pearl" version, but it is branded "CruzTools"... it has saved me many times. But, i'm sold on the Tama one now. The wing nut tool is what we've needed all along for shared kits at rehearsal studios and gigs.
I got the Pearl as a gift and I actually use nearly every tool on it each week. I do a ton of “field repair” on my HS front ensemble and battery each week… it’s nice to have one thing that has it all.
On the road: the wing nut slot alone on the Tama is worthy of buying it. Countless times I've had band mates helping me to set up hardware, stage assistants, shared-drum scenarios, borrowed drum gear, resident drums in some clubs, studios or rehearsal rooms, etc etc, and had problems, even hurting myself trying to unscrew overtight wing nuts. This thing is a huuuuge lifesaver for those on the road. It was the best tool advice I had from a fellow drummer years ago. Just passing it on.
"As a user of drums and tools"
No, David... You aren't a user.
You are a *master* 😳💥
I got the Tama multitool for Christmas once and it's been a staple in my bags ever since. Bailed myself and the school I taught at out of some sticky situations more than once. The wingnut tightener is really a godsend IMO
I have the grove tech multitool and it’s the best! Helps me adjust anything I need on my electric kit and acoustic kit!
Great review! I use the Pearl one and have zero complaints with it.
I have the Meinl one. Neat thing to carry around. I've used it many times on my bike instead of the drums actually. It has been really helpful and reliable so far. The bottle opener sees the most use :v
Thanks, amigo! You dropped this video just in right time! I was looking for good multi tool, and now I know what do I want. Thanks again!
Great Vid! Didn't even know all those companies had these now so very useful And fun to watch...Thanks!
Hi! Thank you for the video! many use the ruler to check that there is always the same distance between the skin and the edge of the drum and therefore it is pulled evenly. usually it is done only for the resonant of the snare drum
As someone who uses pearl marching drums on a weekly basis I love the pearl multi tool. The sizes for all of the hex keys are perfect for stands and harnesses. The various sizes of Phillipsheads match all the weird ones on my tenors and in general I don't have to worry if I have the tool to fix it. I definitely do agree with you that the tool is a bit of a pain to open up and gets a bit loose in some spot tho
I have that Pearl tool. I don't remember when or why I bought it, but I was just waiting for you to ream it for how hard it is to use lmao. Totally true in my experience too. I think I ended up lubing mine, which helped.
4:07 I love that you opened a twist off haha
Thank you so much! I have gotten a lot of useful products for my drum set from you. Thank you again for helping me find the right tools for my drum set
I know that on Sounds Like A Drum, they’ve talked about using the ruler method to tune resonant snare heads. Maybe thats Groove Techs way of helping with making sure heads are level on a drum.
I have the pearl tool, it just does just about everything. Every time I need to do something on the large assortment of drums at my school its had the tool for the job. It has a ton of hex keys and I've needed quite a few of them for a couple different bass drum pedals. But the meinl having an interchangeable socket is awesome, and tama looks like the most comfortable grip, and it also has the wingnut slot. I've come across plenty of over tightened wingnuts and that would save that annoying ache in your hand after forcing one loose.
The ruler on the groovetech is clutch for helping with finding the exact size drum screw or tensioner I need on the fly when in doubt
Love my Tama. That wing nut loosener has come in handy more than once
I use the Gibraltar since I figured $10 wasn't really a waste if it was garbage but for my needs of 15-20 shows a year
it works. I definitely would want to upgrade if I relied on it more.
I like my pearl toll but I like all the points made. Nicely done as always
Could you do a video about essential actual tools to be carried when gigging.
like this? ua-cam.com/video/FcJcyUkUd8M/v-deo.html
I'm proud to own the Pearl Multi Tool!
I have a Zildjian multi tool which was discontinued a long time ago. It came with a pouch that has a belt loop. Works great.
Moongel Scrapers is a helluva band name. Just sayin'....😃
I have the Tama and it’s definitely designed for their pedals. If you play Tama pedals it’s worth the investment.
Thanks for the video. I was wondering what to buy my son for Christmas. This will be on the list.
I find my Pearl tool incredibly useful. Im also often lending it to other band members and our sound engineer!
If you have a tama kit, YOU HAVE TO GET THE TAMA TOOL. My kit is older so some of the wing nuts and screws need extra love or tightening. The wing nut slot on it is a lifesaver!!!
I use the TAMA tool and I do really like it never had to use anything bar the drum key on it though. Also thank you David for telling me what that space in the TAMA tool did I honestly had no idea it was for over tight wingnuts.
I have the Tama multi-tool. Came with my pedals. Very useful especially if you’re constantly setting up and tearing down a rack system. Also the most ergonomic.
(in my opinion)
the ruler on the groovetech is for measuring the distence between your drum head and the hight of the rim. Lots of drum techs use this to make sure the drum head is evenly seated around the drum. I see this mostly in studios where the tech or engineer is just trying to be as precise as possible.
Hey, that was a twist cap, you don't even need a multi-tool! ;)
🤫
Thanks for such a great video. If I ever need a multi tool ....now I will know exactly which one to buy. Cheers. Btw love your channel
the ruler is for getting the bottom and top mics exactly the same distance from the snare heads, for maximum phase alignment.
Now you should just take all the tools you like off the frames and try to Frankenstein the perfect set together.
I carry a leatherman wave with a bit kit in my stick bag.
I got the Tama one free when I got my Speed Cobra pedal. Never used it, but it's always in my stick bag, so it's good to know it's useful if needed.
If I was going to buy one though, the Meinl one would likely be the one I'd choose at it's more compact and appears to be well engineered.
I wish leatherman would make a drum multi-tool. Basically I just want a wave with a drum key fold out haha.
I followed the advice of a video I saw a few years ago and built a drum/bass/guitar tackle box. The top lid area has strings, screwdrivers, Allen keys, pens, knives, markers, a flashlight, string winders, drum keys, spare in-ears, and some other stuff. The trays have pretty much all spare parts I'd need for drum shells, pedals, and hardware. The box was inexpensive and compact, and a lot of the parts and tools came with the respective instruments, so I didn't have to make TOO many purchases after the fact
I did that too but use it as a case for my pedal since I took the trays out. All the other spares/tools/etc just get thrown in. Saved myself (and others) more than a few gigs.
I have the Pearl .. it’s difficult to navigate but it’s helped out a lot in a pinch
I can’t wait until you release your tutorial on how to play 10 Hours of Silence on the drums
the little ruler on the Gibraltar tool could come in handy for determining your spring setting before maintainance to get it back together the way it was. Okay I am manufacturing reasons right now... xD
Excellent, as usual..! 👍
I've got a tool that looks identical to the Pearl (Cruztool) but has an extra hex instead of a #0 phillips. I think they're made by a Chinese supplier that'll just brand it to whatever a company wants.
Currently own the Groovetech, love it (it's also useful for occasional guitar maintenance) but I may have to look I to the Tama for on the go, while the Groovetech stays at home
Can you make a video about all the stuff you are using when you grease, oil and basically taking care of your drums? Thanks!
The ruler could be used to measure tension rods?? In case you need a specific length?
Was thinking the same thing, or the ruler can also measure the width of a tom arm or L arm case it needs to be replaced
I have one of the old Ludwig Sta-Set tools (wingbolt turner/hex wrench/drum key/flat-tip screwdriver) that I got when I was a kid, STILL HAVE IT thirty-someodd years later. I have several multi-tools and other things in my stick bag and emergency tacklebox, but that old Sta-Set is still worth its weight in... well, whatever they're made of. (I think it's chromed pot metal, honestly.)
I recently bought a leather stick bag @ a second hand shop & one of those tools was in the side pouch. They are listed on Reverb for $50, so I made off like a bandit on that deal!
talented to make such an interesting video out of such a banal subject - very entertaining and helpful
I think the ruler can be for some sort of tuning method I’ve seen on sounds like a drum where they use one to make sure the hoop is sitting evenly
The two dislikes are from Gibraltar and PDP.
Thanks for the rundown. It is immediately clear to me that the Tama is the one to go with. As a guitarist I've gigged a lot with multi Allen wrenches in the same form factor as the other five tools in your rundown. They work in a pinch but they are always frustratingly fiddly and nowhere near the stability or comfort of a dedicated T handle wrench. I would never want to do any drum head tuning or def replacement with one of those fold-out tools. Tama's design is the only one that looks like it would be either efficient or comfortable on the gig times six or eight lugs.
i can imagine, just buying a bike multitool and putting on a bit with 4 side things would work fine and also be a bit cheaper, but u have to have the right tools and also have the knowledge to modify it so u can use it the best way
I have the Pearl for home use & the Tama for gigs because as we both know Tama stands are the only way to go
The pearl’s smaller drivers have come in handy for fixing eyeglasses and small pocketknife screws
I used to have the Pearl one, definitely more on it than I ever needed but the most useful tool was definitely the phillips head(s). Unfortunately the thing got confiscated going through security at the airport and I've never bothered getting another one.
I feel like an allen key set and small screwdriver set would work just fine. It's not like you need them all the time. Drum key is always on my keyring and it doubles as a bottle opener so I'm pretty well sorted ;)
Why the **** would those airport goons confiscate a drum multitool? There's no blade on it. Oh, right, they make up rules & their kid needed one...
Be nice to include a ratchet for tuning congas and timbales. Maybe some scissors to cut tape
I use the Pearl. It's fine. I have found myself needing something in a pinch and it had it. Plus, beer.
I have a Multitool by a company called Cruz Tools. Thing is great. similar in design to the pearl. besides a drum key, it has afew different screw drivers and allin keys. great for what i need. Definitely want to try it out on guitars at some point. I always thought i didn't needed a multi tool because i always keep a drum key on my carabiner with my house keys. Boy was i wrong
I think a rdavidr brand multi tool would be a great standard for drummers. That would make so much sense
I didn't even remember drum multitools were a thing 🤣
I own the Tama multitool. Saved my ass a few times
I'm happy with my drill and craftsman 200 piece socket and hex kit. but I'd buy the pearl since the one big hey will adjust my pearl hardware.
Video idea! You should buy a pearl roadshow or Gretch energy or some cheap kit, and make it sound awesome with like new heads and cymbals. Would actually like to honestly hear some remo vintage heads but you do you my dude:)
maybe a ruler will help for drum head tension, (measuring the depth from head to rim??) also to line up exact size adjustment for double pedals etc...? dunno...
1 shot for every time David says "Tool"
2 shots for every time he says "Tools"
8 shots if you see Maynard in the video anywhere.
Thank you so much for this video
The ruler is used for the snare side, on the snare drum.
I have a Cruzetools multi bit that's great. Very similar to the Pearl.
I think some drummers are actually still using the ruler method for tuning or evenly seating the heads. The small ruler may be for that?
The groovetech looks like the one i have for guitar. The ruler makes sense for that. I need to look if that socket wrench on it is actually a drum key.
you can tune your drums using a ruller. I do cary one in my snare bag ;)
I have bought at least 3 drum multi tools and none of the keys worked on them and I never found a screw any of the allen wrenches worked on. Maybe I'm just unlucky but I have abandoned trying to use one of these
rulers are handy for tuning snare side heads.
Funny how that kinda reflects what i think of each companies. Tama being bulky and expensive but pro-feeling, Gibraltar being affordable garbage, Pearl having non-grippy metal...
If DW made one, it would have half the tools, cost 89$ and weigh 40 pounds but could survive hell.
The Groovetech comes up on Amazon as Cruz Tools same?
Love my Pearl multi tool. Keep it in the gig bag just in case and it has saved my ass so many times, even my guitar player's ass too.
@rdavidr I figured out what that strange bar on the Pearl multi tool is used for... unscrewing tight wingnuts
I'd probably prefer the Tama, because I appear to have superhuman strength when tightening wing nuts. Only when tightening though...
exactly! too many times did I have to use the notorious two sticks method because I would tighten the wing nuts until dead.
Wing bolt slot on the Tama? Great for those of us playing backline kits
thank you for the video!
I'm not really a drummer, but this video is great for me. I wanted to throw in a small kit for any drummer I happen to play with. One of these multitools would be perfect. Any other suggestions?
Some people use the ruler to check the height of the the rim. Another way to check everything with the tension. Sounds like a drum guy use a ruler
Carabiner for the win!!
The ruler is usefull to measure, the distance from head to rims, this is a usefull tool for hard to tune drums with bad lugs that arent smooth etc…
Tiny little ruler for getting the perfect hi hat spacing!
What size hex would you have on the PDP tool if you put one of the bits in backwards?
1/4" I just checked and theyre too long to fit in when you flip them. I guess you also would have a 1/4" nut driver if you dont use any tool in it.
This could he a really good series bro, just reviewing tools from different companies.
Excelente trabalho