Mike’s Gear

Mike uses different drum kit configurations for different situations. 

His current broadcasting/recording studio kit is here.

As he came up with different drum kit possibilities over the years, he practiced to develop the necessary skills to play each kit. The biggest change he made was in configuring a totally ambidextrous set up that he brought to the stage in 1995. There is big a difference between setting up pedals and things to hit and truly playing ambidextrously. Mike is not ambidextrous, but has learned to play both right and left handed while mixing the two.  This is important to know about him because every change he made was based in his not being able to express the musical ideas he wanted to without the skills to do so, or the proper equipment.

“I want my relationships to be a win/win situation.  I think that goes a long way because in times of real need, all my companies have provided the goods. I appreciate that, so I work hard to promote what I use and give constant feedback on gear. They’ve all often helped me make gear adjustment decisions. Likewise, I come up with ideas based on need and necessity and that often turns out to yield a new product for them. I want the connection to feel like a family one. These relations are very, very important to me.”

Mike has developed many, many, many ground breaking products with his companies. His kit and style are so unique, that the companies had to make gear to accomodate his musical visions.

In the video below, Mike speaks about some of his endorsement companies, unique gear ideas and uses, but he also explains why he choses what he does. Note that Mike used his prior signature drum stick and not his current “Wicked Piston” model.

Footage below is from Mike’s studio only up until 2018.