In this Drumeo Live session, Brandon Toews sits down with Eric Harland \u2014 one of the most creative drummers of his generation and a true innovator in modern jazz. Known for his deep musicality, fearless improvisation, and ability to navigate any musical landscape, Eric opens up about his influences, creative process, and the unique choices that shape his sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between conversations, Eric brings it all to life with jaw-dropping performances of \u201cTravelers\u201d (Aaron Parks)<\/strong>, \u201cCircuits\u201d (Chris Potter)<\/strong>, \u201cHuman Nature\u201d (Michael Jackson)<\/strong>, and more. His approach blends tradition with exploration, making him a guiding light for aspiring jazz drummers who want to expand beyond the ordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s explore the Kit<\/a>, Snares<\/a>, Cymbals<\/a> and Heads<\/a> Eric uses in this Gear Breakdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maple Hybrid shells deliver warmth, focus, and a balanced note that translates across low and high dynamics. The compact 20\u00d715 bass drum provides a fast response and an open low-end that sits beautifully in modern jazz, fusion, and freer textures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\uded2 Yamaha\u00a0Absolute Hybrid Maple<\/a> (Europe<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Running a pair of 14\u00d75.5 Yamaha maple snares gives Eric quick access to contrasting voices. One can live in an articulate, crisp tuning for ghost-note clarity, while the second can be set a touch lower for a rounder response. Swapping between them allows instant changes in color during a tune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\uded2 Yamaha\u00a0Tour Custom Snare Drum<\/a> (Europe<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eric\u2019s cymbal palette leans into complex, musical overtones with a wide dynamic ceiling. Prototype pieces give him unique bells, crash swells, and ride articulation that encourage interaction with the band in real time. Expect quick stick definition at soft volumes and controlled wash when he opens up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zildjian \u201cPrototype\u201d cymbals are not available for public purchase. These are one-off or limited experimental designs developed by Zildjian\u2019s master cymbalsmiths, often tailored for specific artists like Eric Harland. Prototypes allow drummers to test new alloys, weights, hammering styles, and tonal profiles before Zildjian decides whether to release them as part of their production line<\/p>\n\n\n\n That means you won\u2019t find these exact cymbals in stores \u2014 they are unique to Eric\u2019s setup. If you want to capture a similar sound, Zildjian\u2019s K Constantinople<\/a> (Europe<\/a>) and K Custom<\/a> (Europe<\/a>) series offer comparable dark, complex, and expressive tones that work beautifully in modern jazz contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ambassadors offer a classic single-ply feel, ideal for touch and tone. They respond instantly to small changes in stick height and position, which is perfect for comping, brush work, and nuanced melodic tom phrasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\uded2 Remo Ambassador Heads<\/a> (Europe<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are shedding soft touch, finger control, or fast doubles without waking the neighbors, try the Drumeo QuietPad<\/a>. The double-sided surface lets you alternate between a snare-like rebound and a quieter, softer feel that is perfect for jazz comping patterns, off-beat accents, and control studies between rehearsals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why this setup works:<\/strong> Eric\u2019s rig is compact, musical, and highly reactive. The hybrid shells and Ambassador heads keep the tone open and expressive, the dual snares provide instant color changes, and the prototype cymbals reward dynamics and conversation with the band.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find everything mentioned in this Gear Breakdown at Sweetwater<\/a> or Thomann<\/a> if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and click the link to try Drumeo, free for 7 Days.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\ud83e\udd41 The Kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Yamaha Maple Hybrid (Autumn Red)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udca5 The Snares<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Two 14\u00d75.5 snare drums<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udece\ufe0f The Cymbals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Zildjian Prototype cymbals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\ud83e\udd41 The Heads<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remo Ambassador heads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPractice Pick: Quiet Dynamics Anywhere<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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