Backbeats-Dead Center or Rim Shots?

[kenshireen1]

I hear so many tunes and due to compression and EQ I cannot differentiate whether it is a center hit accent or a rim shot.
Personally, if I am not playing in a large venue I prefer the sound of a center hit. I find it more rounder sounding... the RS cuts through more
but I still prefer the feel and sound of the other.

Thoughts

 

[Erik]

I'm in the habit of rim shots and have been consciously working on center hits. I like both sounds, but I'm working on stroke control and bringing my volume down.

 

[AtlantaDrumGuy]

Just depends on the song. If it’s loud or requires more energy, then I may use rim shots. I don’t think it’s needed on everything.

 

[dtk]

I prefer center hits and RS for accents or 'seasoning'

 

[backtodrum]

Dead Center for me Rim Shots are for accents used sparingly...

 

[cplueard]

Personal playing/originals groups/most recording - Rimshots
Everything else depends on the venue, but since I'm not doing much of outdoor cover gigs it's almost entirely center hits for cover/smaller groups and specific recordings.

 

[noreastbob]

I like center shots on mellow ballads but use a lot of rim shots on driving hard charging grooves. I just love the "corky" conk (sound, not substance, or seafood) flavor of RSs and how you can flavor the tone by moving the tip to and from the rim. I also use them in combo. As in a shuffle where the swinging is all tip and the 2 and 4 are rim shots. Or when playing triplets with the downbeats played by right hand and bass with the left hand adding the two lighter strokes... but the second stroke is a rim shot, giving an interesting accent and feel.
So..."yes", I guess.

 

[Hop]

I prefer the rim shot to bring more of the rim/snare body into the sound.
However, I think a critical point is not to overpower the RS and play it as a accent/mega accent every hit. Controlled volume is the key!

 

[thejohnlec]

I like rimshots for accents and effect, while playing backbeats center or slightly off center with no rim 99% of the time. I've found that consistent rimshots over the course of the evening or event can really wear on the listeners' and my band mates' hearing. Kinda like piano or guitar, where the majority of your time is spent mid-instrument supporting the song while venturing off in the higher octaves for some spice and effect.

Plus my drumsticks last forever

 

[hefty]

I grew up thinking rimshots were solely for accents and so on but have come full circle to being pro-rimshot for backbeats. I feel like rimshots add body to the sound and of course give a higher volume ceiling if needed. Also, it's possible to rimshot a backbeat without adding much volume, just by playing softer and/or only adding a tad of rim to the stroke. Below a certain volume level though they no longer work.

 

[Trilock_Gurtu]

Both, depends on the musical context. I do prefer playing rim shot backbeats, though...just feels good. Plus I like the sound of the drum opening up.

 

[Grooovepig]

Rock and Top40 (for me) = RIMSHOTS

Watch Todd break it down @ 4:03.

 

[audiochurch]

yes

 

[jptrickster]

I usually start the night with center hits then migrate to RS by the end of the nite. However with that being said a rimshot can be played at low volume as well , it’s all about stick control

 

[Bongo Brad]

The leader last night told me he liked the way I hit rim shots during a break down to generate more excitement. I didn't even realize I switched it up.

 

[KarlHelmeste]

Dead center. But rimshots happen.

 

[cornelius]

Mostly rimshots - I've learned to play them quietly and loudly. It's not really about volume, but a character to the sound that I'm looking for, no matter the tuning...

 

[MrDrums2112]

Probably 90% rim shots for me. Just habit. I can play the rim shots quietly as well.

 

[Fat Drummer]

I'm with Mr. Drums completely... I play quit rim shots all the time. I like dead center when I need that sound but I prefer the tone of the rim.

 

[hefty]

Enough said...