Ninja Drummist - Official web site of session drummer and teacher Lewis Partridge. Free Drum Lessons, Drum Rudiments and Other Educational Resources.

I am not currently endorsed by any drum / cymbal companies. But I would gladly welcome a sponsorship deal with any manufacturer. Please get in contact!

This page is intended to be more of an insight to the equipment I use and recommend rather than a drum gear advert.

I always encourage other drummers to find the instruments that feel and sound best to them as well as offer them my experiences, having played many different types of drums and cymbals over the years. Experimentation is the key and despite having my preferences, I think all drum / cymbal companies etc are great in their own way.

I had my previous acoustic kit for 12 years, which is quite a long time. Though I gig quite regularly, I take very good care of my gear. I advise gigging drummers to get a good set of hard cases for their drums and cymbals to avoid damaging their precious instrument. Take care of your kit and it will take care of you!

Remember to wear ear protection as your ears are the most valuable instrument you have!

The following is a detailed list of my current instruments and other gear.

This is the kit I use most of the time and with my band New Groove Formation. I've been a fan of the classic 4 piece set up for years now as I like the creativity playing a smaller kit gives me, the position of the ride suits my playing better and, of course, its easier to carry around and fit into smaller venues.

Drums: Tama Starclassic Performer B/B (Indigo Sparkle Burst)

• 22" x 18" Bass Drum
• 14" x 5.5" Snare Drum
• 10" x 8" Tom
• 16" x 14" Floor Tom

Cymbals: Zildjian / Pearl

1. 13" Zildjian Quick Beat Hi Hats
2. 18" Zildjian K Dark Crash
3. 4.5" Bell Cymbal*
4. 20" Pearl Ride**
5. 16" Sabian HHX Evolution Ozone Crash
6. 10" Zildjian K Splash
7. 14" Zildjian K Mini China

Hardware: Tama

• HP900P Iron Cobra Single Pedal (Power Glide)
• Tama HH805N Iron Cobra Velo Glide Hi Hat Stand
• HS700WN Roadpro Snare Stand
• HC33BS Stage Master Boom Cymbal Stands (x3)
• MCA53 Cymbal Attachment Clamp

Drum Heads: Remo

• Coated Ambassador Snare Head
• Clear Pinstripes on Toms and Bass

Accessories:

• Roc N Soc Throne
• Le Blond Hardcases
• Baskey Drum Mat
• Kickport
• Evans EQPAD EQ Bass Drum Pad
• Gibraltar SC-BUMP Rubber Drum Bumper
• Vic Firth SIH1 Stereo Isolation Headphones

* This bell cymbal was originally an old Zildjian Ride Cymbal that had split around the bell. I had to smooth down the edges to make it playable but it is the most unusual cymbal I've ever heard. I usually have it upside down on top of my 18" Crash.

** I've had this old Pearl ride cymbal since my first proper kit. I've thought about replacing it with a nice Zildjian to match the rest but I have yet to find one that sounds better than this old Pearl cymbal. (I have heard a rumour that Sabian were making cymbals for Pearl at the time this cymbal was made so perhaps that's why it sounds so nice)

Despite preferring the smaller setup these days, I occasionally bring the whole lot if the gig requires.

Tama Starclassic Performer B/B (Indigo Sparkle Burst)

• 22" x 18" Bass Drum
• 14" x 5.5" Snare Drum
• 10" x 8" Tom
• 12" x 9" Tom
• 16" x 14" Floor Tom

Cymbals: Zildjian / Pearl

(See Regular Drum Kit above)

Hardware: Tama

(See Regular Drum Kit above)

I spend most of my practice time on my practice drum kit. It has been a work in progress for a few years trying to mimic the size and shape of my acoustic kit.

You can view a video tour of my practicing equipment and details on my practice routine in my drum practice log.

I also use a variety of other practicing equipment as listed below:

Practice Kit:

• DW Go Anywhere Practice Kit (White 8" and 10" pads plus bass drum pad)
• Vic Firth 12" Double Sided Practice Pad
• Electronic Piezo Cymbals x 2 (made by my dad out of thick rubber carpet type material)*
• Electronic Hi Hat Pedal (also made by my dad)*

Other Practicing Equipment:

• Rtom Moongel Workout Pad
• Vic Firth Silencer Stereo Headphones
• Korg Beatlab Metronome
• ACS Ear Plugs

Pedals: Tama

(See Regular Drum Kit above)

* My Dad and I were experimenting with piezo sensors and making our own electronic drum kit years ago. I do not really use the electronic side anymore but I still use the cymbal pads and hi hat pedal that my Dad made in my practice kit.

I use Regal Tip 5AX Drum Sticks and Hickory Handled Brushes.

I also have a set of Zildjian 2B drum sticks for heavier workouts.