The Beatles, one of the most influential and successful bands in the history of popular music, owed a significant part of their sound and success to the iconic drumming of Ringo Starr. As the drummer for the Fab Four, Ringo’s unique style and rhythmic sensibility helped shape the band’s music and define their sound. But have you ever wondered, what drums did Ringo use to create that legendary sound?
A Brief History of Ringo’s Drumming Career
Before we dive into the specifics of Ringo’s drum kits, it’s essential to understand his musical journey and how he developed his signature sound. Born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England, Ringo grew up in a working-class family and was exposed to music from an early age. His love for drumming began at the age of 17, when he received a drum set as a gift from his mother. He started playing with various local bands, including Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, before joining the Beatles in 1962.
As the drummer for the Beatles, Ringo’s role extended beyond just playing drums. He was an integral part of the band’s songwriting process, contributing vocals and co-writing several songs. His drumming style, characterized by his distinctive fills, tom-tom work, and charismatic personality, became an essential element of the Beatles’ sound.
Ringo’s Early Drum Kits: The Ludwig Years
Ringo’s first professional drum kit was a 1957 Ludwig Downbeat Outfit, which he purchased in 1960. This kit consisted of a 20×12 bass drum, 12×8 rack tom, 14×14 floor tom, and a 5.5×14 snare drum. During the early days of the Beatles, Ringo used this kit extensively, and it can be seen in numerous photos and videos from that era.
In 1962, Ringo upgraded to a Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl drum kit, which became synonymous with his image and sound. This kit featured a 22×12 bass drum, 13×9 rack tom, 16×16 floor tom, and a 5×14 snare drum. The Oyster Black Pearl finish, with its distinctive pearl inlay, added a touch of elegance to Ringo’s drumming setup.
The Iconic Ludwig Black Oyster Pearl Kit
The Ludwig Black Oyster Pearl kit, used by Ringo from 1963 to 1964, is perhaps the most iconic drum kit associated with him. This kit, featuring a 22×12 bass drum, 13×9 rack tom, 16×16 floor tom, and a 5×14 snare drum, was used during the Beatles’ rise to fame and can be seen in various photos and videos from that era, including the film “A Hard Day’s Night.”
Ringo’s use of Ludwig drums during the early years of the Beatles had a significant impact on the brand’s popularity. His association with Ludwig helped establish the company as a leading drum manufacturer, and his endorsement played a crucial role in shaping the sound of popular music in the 1960s.
Ringo’s Later Drum Kits: The Slingerland Era
In the mid-1960s, Ringo began to experiment with different drum brands, eventually settling on Slingerland drums. His first Slingerland kit, acquired in 1965, featured a 22×12 bass drum, 13×9 rack tom, 16×16 floor tom, and a 5×14 snare drum. This kit was used during the recording of the Beatles’ groundbreaking album “Rubber Soul.”
Ringo’s Slingerland kits were custom-made to his specifications, with unique features such as a 26×12 bass drum and a 14×10 rack tom. His use of Slingerland drums continued throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, during which he recorded some of the Beatles’ most influential work, including the albums “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Abbey Road.”
Ringo’s Current Drum Setup: A Blend of Old and New
In recent years, Ringo has returned to using Ludwig drums, citing the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. His current drum setup is a custom-made Ludwig Legacy Classic kit, featuring a 22×12 bass drum, 13×9 rack tom, 16×16 floor tom, and a 5×14 snare drum.
Ringo’s current kit is a testament to his ongoing evolution as a drummer. While he still incorporates elements of his classic sound, he has also incorporated modern drumming techniques and technologies into his setup. His use of Ludwig’s proprietary shell design, known as the “Legacy” shell, has enhanced the tone and resonance of his drums, allowing him to continue pushing the boundaries of drumming excellence.
Ringo’s Drumming Philosophy: A Blend of Technicality and Feel
Throughout his career, Ringo has espoused a drumming philosophy that emphasizes feel and groove over technical virtuosity. His playing style, characterized by its simplicity, sensibility, and charm, has influenced generations of drummers.
“I never wanted to be a technical drummer,” Ringo has said in interviews. “I just wanted to play the best I could for the song.” This approach has allowed him to focus on the core elements of drumming, such as rhythm, timing, and dynamics, while still injecting his unique personality into every performance.
Conclusion: Ringo’s Drumming Legacy
Ringo Starr’s drumming legacy extends far beyond the specific drum kits he used throughout his career. His influence on popular music, his contributions to the Beatles’ sound, and his ongoing commitment to drumming excellence have cemented his place as one of the most iconic and beloved drummers in rock history.
As we reflect on Ringo’s drumming journey, it becomes clear that his choice of drum kits was just one aspect of his overall creative vision. His ability to adapt, innovate, and push boundaries has inspired countless drummers and musicians, ensuring that his legacy will continue to resonate with future generations of music lovers.
| Drum Kit | Year | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Ludwig Downbeat Outfit | 1960 | 20×12 bass drum, 12×8 rack tom, 14×14 floor tom, 5.5×14 snare drum |
| Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl | 1962 | 22×12 bass drum, 13×9 rack tom, 16×16 floor tom, 5×14 snare drum |
| Ludwig Black Oyster Pearl | 1963-1964 | 22×12 bass drum, 13×9 rack tom, 16×16 floor tom, 5×14 snare drum |
| Slingerland | 1965 | 22×12 bass drum, 13×9 rack tom, 16×16 floor tom, 5×14 snare drum |
| Ludwig Legacy Classic | Current | 22×12 bass drum, 13×9 rack tom, 16×16 floor tom, 5×14 snare drum |
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Ringo Starr’s drumming career, highlighting the various drum kits he used throughout his iconic career with the Beatles. From his early days with Ludwig to his later experiments with Slingerland, and finally, his current Ludwig setup, Ringo’s drumming journey is a testament to his innovative spirit and commitment to excellence.
What kind of drums did Ringo Starr play when he was with the Beatles?
Ringo Starr played a Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl drum kit during his time with the Beatles. This iconic drum kit was a key component of the Beatles’ sound and image, and it remains one of the most recognizable drum kits in rock music. Ringo’s Ludwig kit consisted of a 22″ bass drum, 12″ tom-tom, 13″ floor tom, and a 14″ snare drum.
The Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl drum kit was not only an important part of Ringo’s sound, but it also played a significant role in shaping the Beatles’ music and style. The kit’s distinctive tone and look have been emulated by countless drummers over the years, and it continues to be an iconic symbol of Ringo Starr and the Beatles.
Why did Ringo Starr choose to play Ludwig drums?
Ringo Starr chose to play Ludwig drums because of their reputation for quality and tone. In the early 1960s, Ludwig was one of the most respected drum manufacturers in the world, and many professional drummers played their drums. Ringo was particularly drawn to the warm, rich tone of Ludwig drums, which he felt suited his playing style and the Beatles’ music.
Ringo’s decision to play Ludwig drums was also influenced by his admiration for American jazz drummers like Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, who played Ludwig drums. By choosing Ludwig, Ringo was able to tap into the rich heritage of American jazz drumming and add his own unique sound to the Beatles’ music.
What was Ringo Starr’s drumming style?
Ringo Starr’s drumming style was characterized by his distinctive “fill” playing, where he would play a series of rapid-fire notes on the snare drum to add texture and excitement to the Beatles’ songs. Ringo’s fills were often simple but effective, and they helped to drive the Beatles’ music forward with energy and momentum.
Ringo’s drumming style was also influenced by his background in rock and roll and skiffle music. He was a strong believer in the power of the backbeat, and he often emphasized the second and fourth beats in a bar to give the Beatles’ songs a more primal, energetic feel.
How did Ringo Starr develop his drumming skills?
Ringo Starr developed his drumming skills through a combination of formal lessons and informal practice. As a young boy, he took drum lessons from a local music teacher in Liverpool, where he learned the basics of drumming technique and music theory.
However, Ringo’s real education came from playing in bands and experimenting with different techniques and styles. He was a tireless practitioner, and he spent countless hours rehearsing and perfecting his craft. Ringo’s dedication and perseverance paid off, and he eventually developed a unique and influential drumming style that helped to shape the Beatles’ sound.
What was Ringo Starr’s most famous drumming performance?
Ringo Starr’s most famous drumming performance is probably his iconic solo on the Beatles’ 1964 song “Tomorrow Never Knows.” This groundbreaking song featured a mesmerizing drum pattern that Ringo played on a tambourine, with the use of tape loops and other studio effects to create a hypnotic, psychedelic sound.
Ringo’s drumming on “Tomorrow Never Knows” was a game-changer, and it helped to push the boundaries of what was possible on the drums. His innovative playing style and use of percussion instruments added a new level of depth and complexity to the Beatles’ music, and influenced generations of drummers to come.
What is Ringo Starr’s legacy as a drummer?
Ringo Starr’s legacy as a drummer is immense, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative drummers in rock music. He was a key component of the Beatles’ sound and style, and his drumming played a major role in shaping the course of popular music.
Ringo’s influence can be heard in the playing of countless drummers who followed in his footsteps, from classic rock giants like Led Zeppelin and The Who to modern drummers like Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins. Ringo’s innovative spirit, technical mastery, and unique sense of style have made him a beloved and respected figure in the world of drumming.
What is Ringo Starr doing now?
Ringo Starr is still active in the music world, and continues to tour and record with his All-Starr Band. He has also released several solo albums in recent years, featuring a mix of new material and reworked Beatles classics.
In addition to his music, Ringo has also been involved in various charitable and artistic pursuits. He is a dedicated advocate for peace and love, and has worked with various organizations to promote these values. Ringo has also explored his creative side through photography and art, and has published several books of his work.