Time Signatures: How often do you use them?

Honestly, I love when bands use different time signatures. Though, the band has to be good enough to put it in a spot to where it does not really sound too weird but yet, noticeable. I think some good examples of this would be Dream Theater or Between the Buried and Me, both have incredible drummers who can work within weird time signatures and can still make it sound good.

In my own experience, I have not used different time signatures too often. I would love to practice them more but I have trouble coming up with catchy beats within different time signatures.

How often do you use different time signatures? How do you come up with catchy beats if so?

Drummer Inspiration: Who made you want to play drums?

I would have to say that Nicko McBrain from Iron Maiden was probably my biggest influence into the rock scene. From there, I went to Jaska from Children of Bodom to Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater and finally to Blake Richardson from Between the Buried and Me. Those being my biggest influences of course, I could name many more but I think those drummers appear most in my style.

Which Drummers got you started?

Bass Drum Pedals: Which is best?

I own a DW5000 and I have encountered very little problems with it. I have also owned it for about 3 years and have never had to send it in. I have heard a lot about Iron Cobra pedals but I have never actually owned one. I have also heard a lot abut Axis pedals, but again, I have never owned one.

I would really like to know what people prefer and why, not only for speed but for technicality too.

Which cymbals do you prefer?

Personally, I have grown to like Sabian cymbals a lot. I owned the B8 pack as my first set of cymbals and they were ok, but when I upgraded to the AAX series I fell in love with the sound. I have purchased an 8" and a 10" AAX and I could not be happier with the small splash sound. I also have a 16" AAX and I have intentions of buying many more of these cymbals.

Which cymbals would you recommend?

Drums: Which company offers the best drums at cheapest price?

In my experience, I have found to like Mapex drums a lot. not only are they MUCH cheaper than most high end kits, they are original and have great hardware settings. I own a 7 piece Saturn Mapex kit which includes 5 toms (8" 10" 12" 14" 16") a snare (14" by 5.5") and a bass drum (22 by 18") and I cannot be any happier with it. The bass drum is strong and punchy (with a pillow) all the toms are wonderfully tuned and have amazing ranges (due to the new innovated wood, maple and walnut) and the snare is ok, but I would probably replace it if I had the money. This whole kit, including a black panther snare, cost my about $2400.00 which is not bad at all compared to brands like Tama in my opinion.

I would like to know if there is anyone out there who owns any kind of kit and why you think it might be better than other companies.