Geared Up: Dutch Drummer Koen Herfst Discusses His TAMA Starphonic Aluminium Snare Drum

For those new to Dutch drummer Koen Herfst, he’s one hell of a skinsman. Over the past 15 years, his ability to artfully smash the crap out of his drums has lead to work with artists as diverse as DJ Armin Van Buuren, Epica, After Forever and Dew-Scented. His sound and style are both unique and versatile and year over year, he only continues to excel. With his debut solo effort, Back to Balance, out as of October 23rd, we were fortunate to grab some time with Herfst who, in turn, shared some thoughts on his TAMA Starphonic aluminium snare drum.

What one piece of gear do you use to obtain your signature sound?
Herfst: That has to be my TAMA Starphonic aluminium snare drum!

What about it makes it so important to you?
Herfst: It is reliable and works in all kinds of tuning. Really low, medium, high or really high, it just always works!

How was this gear used during the recording of your latest album?
Herfst: I recorded almost all tracks with this snare drum in various tunings.

Do you have a backup for this gear, if so, what?
Herfst: I always have a backup snare on tour and in the studio I can choose between 20 snare drums. Still, this one is my absolute fav!

How long have you had it, how do you use it, would you ever change it?
Herfst: I’ve had the snare for 3 years now, use it A LOT but I’m always up for change and trying out new things!

Give us your best “gear goes wrong” story.
Herfst: Once in Beirut, Libanon, I did a drum solo with Armin van Buuren in front of 10.000 people. I had a rising stage, so no helping hands if something went wrong. And that’s when one of the floor tom brackets of the rental drum kit broke… and of course I had to keep playing with the steel of the floor tom grinding against my bare knee for 6 minutes. Needed some ice after that!

Check out the song “Mastermind” here.