Same, at 48 I got my first drum set..Started playing guitar in 1989, for about 2 yrs I only knew Metallica riffs on guitar, lol not full songs just pieces. I think being a guitarist for so long has helped me learn drums a little faster, my sense of timing and rhythm. I last 6 months I got double bass pedal and I’m really enjoying coming up with drum parts that I now write guitar riffs to that, it’s a great thing..Love the drums more everyday!
me too. Ive been playing guitar for 30 yrs, yet I always find myself watching a shit ton of drum videos. But this is pretty cool video...this drum kit is historic
He did an excellent job on the album. There aren’t many crazy fills, etc. but the footwork and syncopation on “Nothing Else Matters” and The Unforgiven” perfectly complement the songs. The engineer also did a perfect job with the mic placement.
@@bmw_m4255 That's NOT "fair". He's 60 years old. These recordings were at the forefront of getting massive recordings on metal records and his skills influenced millions of musicians across the world. To be "fair" you're just someone commenting on a keyboard with typical Lars hate. To be "fair" [insert whiney generic detractor statement here]. Yeah I'm triggered lol you haters will always have an 'out' with statements like this but that doesn't make you right.
People knock Lars on his playing but that man revolutionized offbeat cymbal hits and hitting the cymbals without the snare /base drum combo. Prior to Lars, I never heard another drummer play like that. Are there hundreds of more technically skilled drummers... Yes... But I couldn't see drums played differently on the black album than the way he played it.
Can you just imagine what this video represents for any heavy metal drummer? I wondered what became to that kit all my life! The wait is over. Today is the day. THANK YOU LAUTENAUDIO!
I'm glad you see it that way. It made the hair stand up on my arms. Being in this room with that kit was something else. I must be honest and say it's the best-sounding drum room I've ever been in if you want lively drums.
I happened to visit One on One while they were recording the Black Album, and here's a few things I remember. I remember walking in the control room and there were pieces of 2" tape EVERYWHERE hung on the rear wall with labels of what parts of what song they were from. It looked like some serious tape edits were happening. For example, they would have strips of tape hanging on the wall labelled, "Fills", or "Verse2". things like that. On the wall to the right of the console they had a shrine of hair metal magazine cut-outs of bands like Bon Jovi and Warrant with pictures of dicks pasted over where the microphones would be.. When I walked out into the live room, I immediately noticed the kit had a ton of mics all over it. Maybe 4 mics on each kick drum. D112 Re-20 Sm57 Fet47... That sort of thing. I wish I could remember the exact specifics. The other thing that I noticed was every cymbal had it's own mic. They looked like AKG451eb's... on EVERY cymbal, and there were a lot of them. Every Tom had top and bottom mics. It was a huge amount of microphones. Out in the room was a full PA system with giant sub-woofers (maybe 18") and a whole other console setup to pump the sound of the live drums through the PA back into the room. It was the craziest setup I've ever seen. They'd been there for many months and were almost done with drums at that time. Also in the main room (maybe it was a huge iso booth, but I thought it was part of the room) was a section of half stacks. I definitely remember a Mesa Boogie MkIIc through a Marshall Cab, and a 70's small script Marshall with a 4x12. I also remember a rack with another MkIIc and a bunch of random stuff in it (ADA preamp, FX's) and a JC120. Each cab had an Sm57 and a MD421 on it. I wish I would have paid better attention, but I was just there for a quick visit and didn't really think much of it at the time.
It's an iconic drum sound on an iconic album. The sound of the thunderous toms on Sandman were seared into my 12 year old brain. Chocolate Audio sampled this kit as a BFD E-Drum library, so I can play it whenever I want. An amazing sounding drum kit.
One day I hope to visit this studio. I did not know that AJFA was also recorded there. What a difference in the sound of those two albums to be recorded in the same place. Thanks for this video.
@@slugtoenail-- Doesn't mean the actual studio and rooms aren't there anymore lol. They're actually in the studio in this RUclips upload even though it's not in business anymore
Fact is Tommy Lee was recording the Dr. Feel-good album with Bob rock, and invited Lars in the studio at a chance one day to hear what they had going on....Lars was blown away with what Tommy and Bob had created with Tommy's drums. So Lars kind of decided right there he wanted to really dial in a whole new thing for his drums when he went in to do their new album.Lars found himself talking with Bob Rock some about his ideas and months into it Bob was asked to record their album and also really put the work in to create Lars "drum sound" as he really felt Tommy's sound had just opened up things in the drum world sonically and this became main thing....drums and guitars at peak performance for how they felt was manditory.Bob and Lars had a hard time dialing in things with the kit,that's why all the shellacked hardwood sheets was screwed to the wall so the bounce of things could happen....and the rest as they say is....in the history books!!!
This is one of the best videos I have seen in a very long time and especially about the still highly mysterious recording of the Black album even after 33 years. Even with what was presented in the "A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica" home video from 92 with that footage from this same studio. I had no idea either, according to what one of the guys said here is that Justice was recorded there too? When the Black album came out in 1991, I was 17 years of age and had no idea that it was recorded in the San Fernando Valley where I was living at the time. When the drums were first test played in this video at 3:43, I thought to myself, God that is REALLY nice sounding. If I had a hard rock or heavy metal band together with the right funding and management, my mind is already made up... I would want to record there in that room with that drum kit with those same professionals in this video there to set everything up exactly as was done in this video. Sorry for the ramble everybody but a video like this just for me personally is really not just "entertaining," this is full blown educational. Thank God all of you in this video and who manage this channel do this. God bless you all of you.
...that one in a million combination with that drums...best guitars, best vox, best solos, best guitar sounds, best time, best ....it was just one in a lifetime...
I completely agree. I just don't understand why more drummers don't use Gretsch live. Their endorsee list has always been spotty at best. Tama and DW have been shitting all over them in that department for YEARS. This is coming from a guy who saved for years to buy a square badge kit in 2001, which I still own and play.
@@totigerus I could be wrong, but Tama and DW have always struck me as being more "road worthy" than Gretsch. Maybe that's a marketing thing as well, and not based in any reality, but if true, I figure any decision made on the live aspect you mention also has to take into consideration the rigors of touring and the wear and tear not only on the drums themselves, but also the stands and mounts (since both will usually come from the same manufacturer in the case of endorsements).
@@fleatactical7390 Gretsch hardware was notoriously horrible. Tama’s hardware was always a big marketing/selling point for them. Perfect for metal with all those heavy cymbals high up. Gretsch never went down any big marketing push until more recently.
new old dream unlocked. I rented the year and a half in the life of Metallica tape out of my local blockbuster with my best friend from middle school. We both decided to dedicate our lives to music in whichever way possible. Seeing this is awesome. Genuinely awesome. Thank you for making this video. Also, it’s very joyful knowing so many people feel a similar way, judging by the comments. This would make a great gathering at a pub!
I watched those Year and a Half tapes like 1000 times when I was younger. They really inspired me at the time. Really nice to see this in more details. This past year I got to meet Lars in SF for the first time and told him how much he inspired me during the Black album times and how much watching the tapes helped push me in a certain direction.
It really is hard to put into words just how much that documentary (tape 1 especially) means to guys like us, doesn’t it! I was 12 when I saw this doc as a two part VHS set at Sam Goody in the mall. I begged my mom for the 18 bucks to buy it and it literally changed my life from that day forward.
I’ve heard the gene hoglan used the same set gar used on peace sells a black gretsch, not sure if it’s the drum doctors kit. Charlie benante also used a gretsch on the first few Anthrax records.
If RUclips wasn't around this video would t exist and all we would have is year and a half.. I'm almost disappointed that some of the mystery behind it is out.... That's what made it even better I think.. i would mimic what i seen in those videos for recording in the 90s ... Cool video
I would be nice to acknowledge that the high rack toms are on Gauger RIMS mounts, which was one of the first suspension/isolation mounts for toms. (tom arm was not connected to the drum shell) These were available to retro fit to any kit and are not a gretch product. They were sadly put out of business by Chinese copys and drum companies producing there own versions in house. I don't know if TAMA ever offered these as an option
Surprised it's still in top condition. I don't care how good the guy maintains his gear, rentals get beat on, and they're, what, probably 40 years old now? And being in California, I'm shocked they haven't been stolen.
@@fleatactical7390 Ross said he stopped renting them out a long time ago once he realized how valuable they became, and due to cost to insure them and possibility of getting damaged or stolen. They are pretty much in the Drum Doctors private collection now, so pretty cool that we got to see them back in the room one more time.
@@OneOnOneRecording Ahhh, OK, thanks for the info. I originally assumed that would be the case, again, given the fact that they still look so good, and well, are still in his possession. LOL But I also have to imagine that a few other folks got to play on them before he came to that realization. And I doubt they realized it.
@@fleatactical7390 you're probably right about that one, at least in parts. Like Ross said it was kind of a hybrid kit, with kicks from one set and toms from another. Not sure exactly when it was retired.
The Black Album has some of the best Drum and Bass tones I have ever heard. Such a great production. And I didn't know that the drums for Justice and The Black Album were recorded in the same studio.
Cool to hear such a close approximation of what the raw kit probably sounded like back in the day before the samples were added in for sweetening. Just a great sounding drum kit in a great sounding room. Can’t go wrong!
A lot of bands rent gear that is meant more for studio recording, and different than their touring live gear. I definitely knew it wasn’t a Tama kit he recorded on. Because it looked nothing like his other kits
Aw man this is so cool! The actual kit that lars played for the black album, that snare is ridiculous and those toms are like thunder! The sound bob rock and the rest of the black album sound engineers produced from that kit will never be surpassed imo. Undoubtedly the best drum sound ever created for any album ever!!
@@xrt7874 I agree, but they are two totally different albums in terms of production. Simply put, the Black album drums would have sounded stupid on ...And Justice, and vice-versa.
This is so great. I have spent hours of my life trying to imagine what it would be like in that room with those drums. This is probably the closest I’ll get. Finally all the little questions answered (except the long standing snare sample debate)
@@mtaco111 interesting. I’d love to gain any more info on this. Just curious of course. I know there is a ‘snare sample’ track on the multitrack notes but that’s it. Never knew if it was just a sample for reference when tuning or for single replacements or if it was every hit on every track. Also heard stories about a boss delay being used to trigger the samples. All just rumors though. Now we have this new fancy sample to talk about!
@@cy2112cy Roland sde300 delay, delaying the snare track off the sync head of the tape machine to get the triggered sample snare in time with the real snare on repro head if that makes any sense to you. the sample may have been printed to a track during the mixing session
That´s unbeliavable, at least. I´m crazy about the black album and searched a lot for the drums and cymbals used in that album, but found just some videos from the actual recording. Now this. Amazing. Can´t tank you enough, guys.
Such a great sounding kit! Didn't realize how big the toms were. Massive! I just bought the Snare Mic and it's one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. Fantastic mic! Next on the list are Tom Mics. Thanks for creating these videos. Very educational!
One comment the heads on the toms were Remo clear Pinstripe with the ring and two ply material during some of the sessions. Theres several video recordings showing this. Here the heads appear to be clear type. just one obsevation i made as a drummer
They commented about Justice and Black album being recorded in the same room, but the huge difference in drum sound. That’s probably due to not turning up the room mics on Justice.
Great vid! Was fun to watch the Nothing Else Matters video afterwards. You can see Mike and the Black Album drums! So cool! Nice to connect the dots all these years later. I've always been a fan of music videos which had clips of the band in studio, however NEM might be my favorite. Thank you Drum Doctors and LautenAudio!
INSANE sound. Lmao.. that great Gretsch sound. I never knew it about this album. I switched to Gretsch USA Brooklyn a few years ago btw. It makes perfect sense. Those drums have massive character.
That Tama Bell Brass snare annihilates. Also did so with Nirvana Nevermind too. Wouldn't have been surprised if Dave Grohl didn't also have a stack of heads by the end of the Nevermind session. Best snare to record with if you can get a hold of one. Sweetwater sells a reissue but still way expensive though. Love to have one.
Can we PLEASE get a Blood Sugar Sex Magik drums video?!?! I'm in the process of trying to recreate Chad's setup and I would love to know all the specs and details. I know he was using Gretsch drums, 2 or 3 different snares, Paiste and Zildjian cymbals, but I don't know what models (dark, sweet, thin, heavy, etc.) PLEASE HELP.
This is awesome. I don't remember to watch a 19 minutes video on youtube in a while. Everytime I see a video with 10 minutes, most of the time, after 2 minutes I'm bored. After 19 minutes of seeing this, I was like "it has already finished?"
I recall reading somewhere, years ago, that Metallica had the drum room ceiling raised during the Black Album sessions. Dream Theater recorded their Awake album there a few years later and the tones on that one are arguably some of their best.
what a gem! thank you for making this video. super exciting to see this stuff! i love the sound of the drums but to me the china takes the cake. never have i heard a china cymbal that sounds more complete
11:56 "I am diggin' it, and I'm trying to talk myself out of it." BRO I had the exact same thought process. I was thinking about how to best route the bottom one through the Sub-Aux when you said that 😂😂
the BLACK ALBUM does have one of the best drum sounds ever, just pure thunder.
Yes, but it's too loud at times in certain songs (Struggle within is an example)
@@trendmassacre8423no
Maybe. But south of heaven is even away better
I’m a guitar player for 30+ years, but I swear I enjoy watching drum videos more 😂
Totally agree, the same here! I even subscribed to Drumeo. Love the drums! :)
Same, at 48 I got my first drum set..Started playing guitar in 1989, for about 2 yrs I only knew Metallica riffs on guitar, lol not full songs just pieces. I think being a guitarist for so long has helped me learn drums a little faster, my sense of timing and rhythm. I last 6 months I got double bass pedal and I’m really enjoying coming up with drum parts that I now write guitar riffs to that, it’s a great thing..Love the drums more everyday!
me too. Ive been playing guitar for 30 yrs, yet I always find myself watching a shit ton of drum videos. But this is pretty cool video...this drum kit is historic
I'm at 40 years on the guitar and I'm still crazy fascinated by seeing these types of drum vids...
Ditto
Lars gets so much grief for his drumming but he's an icon. This album is ingrained in me and will always be in my top albums ever.
to be fair he is not currently a good drummer.
He did an excellent job on the album. There aren’t many crazy fills, etc. but the footwork and syncopation on “Nothing Else Matters” and The Unforgiven” perfectly complement the songs. The engineer also did a perfect job with the mic placement.
@@bmw_m4255 That's NOT "fair". He's 60 years old. These recordings were at the forefront of getting massive recordings on metal records and his skills influenced millions of musicians across the world. To be "fair" you're just someone commenting on a keyboard with typical Lars hate. To be "fair" [insert whiney generic detractor statement here]. Yeah I'm triggered lol you haters will always have an 'out' with statements like this but that doesn't make you right.
How did this not turn out to be a drum library. Some of the best sounding drums I've heard
Exactly what i was thinking.
They did it for the BFD 3 software
It sounds fine and all, but so generic
@@tome4285you seem nice 😊
@@tome4285 I don't think I've ever heard a record with black album drum sounds since the black album.
People knock Lars on his playing but that man revolutionized offbeat cymbal hits and hitting the cymbals without the snare /base drum combo. Prior to Lars, I never heard another drummer play like that. Are there hundreds of more technically skilled drummers... Yes... But I couldn't see drums played differently on the black album than the way he played it.
No Lars, no Metallica. Simple as that. His importance in the band goes so far beyond his drumming skills alone that
his playing is almost secondary.
His tendency to hit crashes on the upbeat with the snare is definitely a signature thing that everyone copied after.
I wore my video player OUT watching a year and a half documentary now to see this i have goosebumps!!!! One of the many reasons I play drums!!!!
Many of us had that doc on repeat!
Can you just imagine what this video represents for any heavy metal drummer?
I wondered what became to that kit all my life!
The wait is over. Today is the day.
THANK YOU LAUTENAUDIO!
Glad we could be a part of that!!
I'm glad you see it that way. It made the hair stand up on my arms. Being in this room with that kit was something else. I must be honest and say it's the best-sounding drum room I've ever been in if you want lively drums.
@@LautenAudio I love my Lauten snare mic man!
@@isaacleedrums we are so glad!! Thank you for being part of the family!
@@LautenAudiodo you know where this kit has been all that time?
Can’t believe the studio looks EXACTLY the same as it did in 91!!
other than new floors, new fabric on the clouds, and different curtains, the live room itself hasn't changed. Don't mess with a good thing, right?
I happened to visit One on One while they were recording the Black Album, and here's a few things I remember.
I remember walking in the control room and there were pieces of 2" tape EVERYWHERE hung on the rear wall with labels of what parts of what song they were from. It looked like some serious tape edits were happening. For example, they would have strips of tape hanging on the wall labelled, "Fills", or "Verse2". things like that.
On the wall to the right of the console they had a shrine of hair metal magazine cut-outs of bands like Bon Jovi and Warrant with pictures of dicks pasted over where the microphones would be..
When I walked out into the live room, I immediately noticed the kit had a ton of mics all over it. Maybe 4 mics on each kick drum. D112 Re-20 Sm57 Fet47... That sort of thing. I wish I could remember the exact specifics. The other thing that I noticed was every cymbal had it's own mic. They looked like AKG451eb's... on EVERY cymbal, and there were a lot of them. Every Tom had top and bottom mics. It was a huge amount of microphones. Out in the room was a full PA system with giant sub-woofers (maybe 18") and a whole other console setup to pump the sound of the live drums through the PA back into the room. It was the craziest setup I've ever seen. They'd been there for many months and were almost done with drums at that time.
Also in the main room (maybe it was a huge iso booth, but I thought it was part of the room) was a section of half stacks. I definitely remember a Mesa Boogie MkIIc through a Marshall Cab, and a 70's small script Marshall with a 4x12. I also remember a rack with another MkIIc and a bunch of random stuff in it (ADA preamp, FX's) and a JC120. Each cab had an Sm57 and a MD421 on it. I wish I would have paid better attention, but I was just there for a quick visit and didn't really think much of it at the time.
good stuff, thanks for the comments!
I was there for the entire recording and do not recall any sub-woofers on the session. on a few other bands they were used such as Heart, and Bonham
It's an iconic drum sound on an iconic album.
The sound of the thunderous toms on Sandman were seared into my 12 year old brain.
Chocolate Audio sampled this kit as a BFD E-Drum library, so I can play it whenever I want. An amazing sounding drum kit.
"I wouldn't ask you to do a drum roll if your arm fell off" - James Hetfield
Gold...
Great days
"You wanna hear it with vocals? Go sing it" - James Hetfield
LOL. I love that line from Papa Het. I never forgot it.
You have to ‘bleep’ swear words on your own channel?? Grow some balls.
Great sounds all around and fun to see/hear that kit. Major props to Gunnar on the drumming!
🤘Gunnar rocked it!
One day I hope to visit this studio. I did not know that AJFA was also recorded there. What a difference in the sound of those two albums to be recorded in the same place. Thanks for this video.
I’m just glad to see One on One is still around!🙌🏻
We are too!
After all these years Ihad no idea it did but thank the gods it does! It should always be around! Incredible studio and that floor is incredible!
This part!
Interesting. I thought it closed down over a decade ago?
@@slugtoenail-- Doesn't mean the actual studio and rooms aren't there anymore lol. They're actually in the studio in this RUclips upload even though it's not in business anymore
Fact is Tommy Lee was recording the Dr. Feel-good album with Bob rock, and invited Lars in the studio at a chance one day to hear what they had going on....Lars was blown away with what Tommy and Bob had created with Tommy's drums.
So Lars kind of decided right there he wanted to really dial in a whole new thing for his drums when he went in to do their new album.Lars found himself talking with Bob Rock some about his ideas and months into it Bob was asked to record their album and also really put the work in to create Lars "drum sound" as he really felt Tommy's sound had just opened up things in the drum world sonically and this became main thing....drums and guitars at peak performance for how they felt was manditory.Bob and Lars had a hard time dialing in things with the kit,that's why all the shellacked hardwood sheets was screwed to the wall so the bounce of things could happen....and the rest as they say is....in the history books!!!
I wonder how much lars/bob ever tried to get that sound from a Tama before asking a hire company for drums?
@@krusher74 I've always wondered that too
This is one of the best videos I have seen in a very long time and especially about the still highly mysterious recording of the Black album even after 33 years. Even with what was presented in the "A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica" home video from 92 with that footage from this same studio. I had no idea either, according to what one of the guys said here is that Justice was recorded there too? When the Black album came out in 1991, I was 17 years of age and had no idea that it was recorded in the San Fernando Valley where I was living at the time.
When the drums were first test played in this video at 3:43, I thought to myself, God that is REALLY nice sounding. If I had a hard rock or heavy metal band together with the right funding and management, my mind is already made up... I would want to record there in that room with that drum kit with those same professionals in this video there to set everything up exactly as was done in this video. Sorry for the ramble everybody but a video like this just for me personally is really not just "entertaining," this is full blown educational. Thank God all of you in this video and who manage this channel do this. God bless you all of you.
...that one in a million combination with that drums...best guitars, best vox, best solos, best guitar sounds, best time, best ....it was just one in a lifetime...
That snare is like a phone book to the face!
Yep! Thank you may I have another
Nice. How would you describe the St Anger snare? :)
Bell brass is also the nevermind snare
Lars doesn't know shit about tuning a snare. Clack clack.
@@IshadaKatzteilov did you not se russ garfield there??
We all thought it was TAMA. That great GRETSCH sound is real. Great video!
@@designercaolho Yeah I was actually curious to see that pair of Sabian AA hats, but they're not there sadly...
@@designercaolho I remember the “Nothing Else Matters” video and seeing the drum kit but still thought it was a Tama. Great video!
He used the same floor toms and bass drums for Load/Reload, but with Tama rack toms.
There is also the ludwig snare drum on Ride and Master.
I thought it was widely known that it was gretsch…. ?
@@snapascrew Gretsch is widely known to be used in the studios, yes. But Lars is a Mega endorser with Tama so one would think he’d use only Tama.
INSANE DRUM SOUND
This is tremendous. Absolutely iconic kit that contributed to an iconic album. All us metal drummers have dreamed of playing that kit. Monster sound.
Gunnar is my favorite drummer and I grew up on the Black Album era. This is absolutely amazing.
Cheers. This was very special for me!
As a fan of Metallica, and having not watched the documentary in years, this is just awesome! Love it
Gretsch always getting it done in the studio.
I completely agree. I just don't understand why more drummers don't use Gretsch live. Their endorsee list has always been spotty at best. Tama and DW have been shitting all over them in that department for YEARS. This is coming from a guy who saved for years to buy a square badge kit in 2001, which I still own and play.
True, no matter is Vinnie...
@@totigerus I could be wrong, but Tama and DW have always struck me as being more "road worthy" than Gretsch. Maybe that's a marketing thing as well, and not based in any reality, but if true, I figure any decision made on the live aspect you mention also has to take into consideration the rigors of touring and the wear and tear not only on the drums themselves, but also the stands and mounts (since both will usually come from the same manufacturer in the case of endorsements).
wait, they only use toms! bass drums are Doctors and snare is Tama.
@@fleatactical7390 Gretsch hardware was notoriously horrible. Tama’s hardware was always a big marketing/selling point for them. Perfect for metal with all those heavy cymbals high up. Gretsch never went down any big marketing push until more recently.
new old dream unlocked. I rented the year and a half in the life of Metallica tape out of my local blockbuster with my best friend from middle school. We both decided to dedicate our lives to music in whichever way possible. Seeing this is awesome. Genuinely awesome. Thank you for making this video.
Also, it’s very joyful knowing so many people feel a similar way, judging by the comments. This would make a great gathering at a pub!
What is this "blockbuster" of which you speak..?
🤨🧐😀
The drums, the room, the studio. OMG
Right?! So good!
I read the video description and i got goosebumps. Beautiful video. Thanks for doing this! A very important piece of music history!
We are so glad you enjoyed it!
I watched those Year and a Half tapes like 1000 times when I was younger. They really inspired me at the time. Really nice to see this in more details.
This past year I got to meet Lars in SF for the first time and told him how much he inspired me during the Black album times and how much watching the tapes helped push me in a certain direction.
It really is hard to put into words just how much that documentary (tape 1 especially) means to guys like us, doesn’t it!
I was 12 when I saw this doc as a two part VHS set at Sam Goody in the mall. I begged my mom for the 18 bucks to buy it and it literally changed my life from that day forward.
Wow! Thank you so much for this! I've heard some rumors that Gar Samuelson used the same Gretsch kit when recording Peace Sells!
I’ve heard the gene hoglan used the same set gar used on peace sells a black gretsch, not sure if it’s the drum doctors kit. Charlie benante also used a gretsch on the first few Anthrax records.
If RUclips wasn't around this video would t exist and all we would have is year and a half.. I'm almost disappointed that some of the mystery behind it is out.... That's what made it even better I think.. i would mimic what i seen in those videos for recording in the 90s ... Cool video
I would be nice to acknowledge that the high rack toms are on Gauger RIMS mounts, which was one of the first suspension/isolation mounts for toms. (tom arm was not connected to the drum shell) These were available to retro fit to any kit and are not a gretch product. They were sadly put out of business by Chinese copys and drum companies producing there own versions in house. I don't know if TAMA ever offered these as an option
This kit, as a Metallica fan, is a childhood memory, my 8 years old soundtrack sounds with "Black Album".
This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen (and heard) The actual kit???? OMG
We are so glad you liked it!
I bought a bell brass because of this legendary kit. Nice to see a video dedicated to it! Thanks!
The mics used in this video are so good you could hear dude scratching his beard hair by hair 😂😂😂😂😂
One on One studios is recognized as one of the best for sound quality when it comes to drums.
Those drums sound amazing! Drums are my favorite musical instrument!
That kit is so incredibly iconic. It’s basically priceless at this point.. just to be in the presence of it would be amazing!
Surprised it's still in top condition. I don't care how good the guy maintains his gear, rentals get beat on, and they're, what, probably 40 years old now? And being in California, I'm shocked they haven't been stolen.
@@fleatactical7390 Ross said he stopped renting them out a long time ago once he realized how valuable they became, and due to cost to insure them and possibility of getting damaged or stolen. They are pretty much in the Drum Doctors private collection now, so pretty cool that we got to see them back in the room one more time.
What they said ☝
@@OneOnOneRecording Ahhh, OK, thanks for the info. I originally assumed that would be the case, again, given the fact that they still look so good, and well, are still in his possession. LOL
But I also have to imagine that a few other folks got to play on them before he came to that realization. And I doubt they realized it.
@@fleatactical7390 you're probably right about that one, at least in parts. Like Ross said it was kind of a hybrid kit, with kicks from one set and toms from another. Not sure exactly when it was retired.
I would kill for a vst drum library of this entire kit in that room. The toms and that bell brass snare are amazing.
You can get the drums. And the Bob Rock expansion for tune tracks is almost identical to.
I tripped across this video and am sooo incredibly happy I did.. I lived my early teen years through Metallica.. what a fuckin amazing kit…
The Black Album has some of the best Drum and Bass tones I have ever heard. Such a great production. And I didn't know that the drums for Justice and The Black Album were recorded in the same studio.
Great stuff, guys!
Thanks, Glenn!!
Gunbuns living out scores of drummer's dreams! Also note uncredited cameo of Blair Sinta.
Yes! We have another video posted today with Blair as well!!
@@LautenAudio I noticed after. Great videos!
Cool to hear such a close approximation of what the raw kit probably sounded like back in the day before the samples were added in for sweetening. Just a great sounding drum kit in a great sounding room. Can’t go wrong!
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a dream come true getting to play these iconic drums in the same studio!! Unreal!! 🤘🏼
This is coolest video I’ve found on you tube this year, love it
That's a huge compliment. Thank you!
@@LautenAudio pleasure to watch
This answered so many age old questions ive had all my career, thank you!
I'd always assumed that Lars owned the kit that was played. Had no idea it was a rental
He brought his kit for the St. Anger sessions
happens all the time in the studio.
A lot of bands rent gear that is meant more for studio recording, and different than their touring live gear. I definitely knew it wasn’t a Tama kit he recorded on. Because it looked nothing like his other kits
@@robbiemoore5608😂😂😂😂😂
Aw man this is so cool! The actual kit that lars played for the black album, that snare is ridiculous and those toms are like thunder! The sound bob rock and the rest of the black album sound engineers produced from that kit will never be surpassed imo.
Undoubtedly the best drum sound ever created for any album ever!!
I think Justice drum sound is miles better and it was recorded in the same studio room with Tama drumkit.
@@xrt7874 I agree, but they are two totally different albums in terms of production. Simply put, the Black album drums would have sounded stupid on ...And Justice, and vice-versa.
@@fleatactical7390 you guys need an ear check asap.
according to Bob Rock that was Dr Feelgood
@@xrt7874 you guys have bad ears. end of story.
Awesome video, never thought watching something like this, thanks for sharing
Thank you for such a gem of a upload!!!! This is why RUclips is the best platform.
We are so glad you enjoyed it!
Those drum sounds on the black album are the bench mark for me. I love them so much. I’d kill to record there on that kit.
This Gretsch kit in this room...Can't get any better!
The amount of glee and pride Mike Tacci has is palpable.. this is so cool😭
Mike is awesome.
This is so great. I have spent hours of my life trying to imagine what it would be like in that room with those drums. This is probably the closest I’ll get. Finally all the little questions answered (except the long standing snare sample debate)
What's the long-standing debate?
@@LautenAudio if they were used or not. And if so how and to what extent.
Bob always used his snare sample called St.John which was made at Little Mountian in the loading bay, in Vancouver
@@mtaco111 interesting. I’d love to gain any more info on this. Just curious of course. I know there is a ‘snare sample’ track on the multitrack notes but that’s it. Never knew if it was just a sample for reference when tuning or for single replacements or if it was every hit on every track. Also heard stories about a boss delay being used to trigger the samples. All just rumors though. Now we have this new fancy sample to talk about!
@@cy2112cy Roland sde300 delay, delaying the snare track off the sync head of the tape machine to get the triggered sample snare in time with the real snare on repro head if that makes any sense to you. the sample may have been printed to a track during the mixing session
That´s unbeliavable, at least. I´m crazy about the black album and searched a lot for the drums and cymbals used in that album, but found just some videos from the actual recording. Now this. Amazing. Can´t tank you enough, guys.
We are so glad you enjoyed it!
This video gave me chills before it even started. Literally ICONIC🔥🔥🔥🔥
Oh that sounds so damn good!.!
Such a great sounding kit! Didn't realize how big the toms were. Massive! I just bought the Snare Mic and it's one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. Fantastic mic! Next on the list are Tom Mics. Thanks for creating these videos. Very educational!
We are so glad you like it! Welcome to the family!!
Love it!! Thank you!! :)@@LautenAudio
One comment the heads on the toms were Remo clear Pinstripe with the ring and two ply material during some of the sessions. Theres several video recordings showing this. Here the heads appear to be clear type. just one obsevation i made as a drummer
I wondered this video 25 years ago...thank you
They commented about Justice and Black album being recorded in the same room, but the huge difference in drum sound. That’s probably due to not turning up the room mics on Justice.
And 20 sheets of shellac coated plywood hanging from the walls
“10 days before we hit record.”
Great vid! Was fun to watch the Nothing Else Matters video afterwards. You can see Mike and the Black Album drums! So cool! Nice to connect the dots all these years later. I've always been a fan of music videos which had clips of the band in studio, however NEM might be my favorite. Thank you Drum Doctors and LautenAudio!
We are so glad you enjoyed it!
Best drumming sound ever! Loved this!
I feel like micing the toms top and bottom would sound insane live on stage
It would probably be a nightmare on a stage if there were wedges, but it's amazing in the studio!
i love that they took the smaller floor tom, flipped the heads, and hung it from 1 floor tom leg mount. LOL It works!
Yeah that was a shock!
INSANE sound. Lmao.. that great Gretsch sound. I never knew it about this album. I switched to Gretsch USA Brooklyn a few years ago btw. It makes perfect sense. Those drums have massive character.
Doesn’t sound the same at all
@@MrJayArt indeed. That was not my point. Usa custom is unique :) However I mean all the usa lines
are fantastic that great Gretsch sound.
I just set up my big 8" studio monitors after treating my room and this kit is about the biggest sounding drums I've heard in my life. Will check out!
Damn i wish i got to play those what the hell it still sounds fresh all these years later
The drum sound they get with just the X/Y mics at 15:09 reminds me of the drum sound on the "Creatures Of The Night" album by Kiss.
You legends actually did it
I knew METALLICA was recorded with Gretch... some little details in the "Nothing Else Matters" video revealed this. But now I have confirmation!

AMAZING sounding kit awesome video 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
That Tama Bell Brass snare annihilates. Also did so with Nirvana Nevermind too. Wouldn't have been surprised if Dave Grohl didn't also have a stack of heads by the end of the Nevermind session. Best snare to record with if you can get a hold of one. Sweetwater sells a reissue but still way expensive though. Love to have one.
Can we PLEASE get a Blood Sugar Sex Magik drums video?!?! I'm in the process of trying to recreate Chad's setup and I would love to know all the specs and details. I know he was using Gretsch drums, 2 or 3 different snares, Paiste and Zildjian cymbals, but I don't know what models (dark, sweet, thin, heavy, etc.) PLEASE HELP.
The exact same kit..?! Wow... historic
Exact same one! Exact same studio too
This is awesome. I don't remember to watch a 19 minutes video on youtube in a while. Everytime I see a video with 10 minutes, most of the time, after 2 minutes I'm bored. After 19 minutes of seeing this, I was like "it has already finished?"
cannot believe AJFA was recorded at the same place / kit...
This video came at the right time for me. Thanks Lauten Audio. It also amazes me how much Metallicas work is dissected
Wow what awesome sounding kit !
Hey, Mike Tacci!! He recorded my drums for Buenas Noches Rose in Spain, and he did an amazing job. Great guy, greetings!!
Thank you!
Yep, I second a sample library here! It's awesome that kit is in use and not in a museum.
That snare just sounds exceptional
Oh wow that's a insane sound its sounds like the recording
Well this is certainly the most awesome drum related content I’ve always wanted to see! Thank you!
We are so glad you enjoyed it!
I recall reading somewhere, years ago, that Metallica had the drum room ceiling raised during the Black Album sessions.
Dream Theater recorded their Awake album there a few years later and the tones on that one are arguably some of their best.
That was for later albums at the former Record Plant in Sausalito, CA, near San Francisco. That studio is also being revived!
They had just removed the absorption panels hung from the ceiling in One On One
I have one of the replica black album tour Artstar II kits, wish I could get it into a studio like this just to hear what it's really capable of lol
I have the same overheads in spaced pair... such good misc!
Thank you for being part of the family
HISTORY RIGHT THERE!!
what a gem! thank you for making this video. super exciting to see this stuff! i love the sound of the drums but to me the china takes the cake. never have i heard a china cymbal that sounds more complete
You can learn SOOOOOO much by watching a Year and a half in the life of Metallica. Goes more over Guitars and Vocals than drums, but it shows some.
It was a life-changing doc for many of us.
Gotta love old Gretch drum kits, they’ve always sounded phenomenal.
this history revealed! thanks Lautenaudio!
11:56 "I am diggin' it, and I'm trying to talk myself out of it." BRO I had the exact same thought process. I was thinking about how to best route the bottom one through the Sub-Aux when you said that 😂😂
How the hell is that fourth tom hanging lol it´s so massive
I own a big Gretsch USA Custom kit from this era. It definitely has a magic tone, especially the toms.
HOLY CRAP!!! Was not ready for this when I woke up. I’m done with the internet today before y’all take all my money.
😂
This is amazing. Thanks!
More than just amazing! 💯