Geared Up: Royal Thunder Drummer Evan Diprima on His Dunnett Classic Titanium Snare Drum

Atlanta, GA’s ripping rockers, Royal Thunder, issued their latest twelve-track album, Wick, via Spinefarm Records on April 7th, 2017 (buy your copy here). Loaded with more of the band’s doomy and stoner-worthy rock/metal, we wanted to learn more about what makes their music tick. We connected via email with drummer Evan Diprima who talked gear and why he loves his Dunnett Classic Titanium snare drum!

What one piece of gear do you use to obtain your signature sound?
Evan Diprima: My most used piece of gear is my Dunnett Classic Titanium 6.5×14in snare drum.

What about it makes it so important to you?
Diprima: This is a drum that I wanted for years, I was finally able to pick it up about 5 years ago. It has been my primary snare both live and in studio ever since. It holds sentimental value, my baby. It means so much to me due to the fact that it has seen so much now over the years and never lets me down. The badges broke and now say “Dunne” instead of “Dunnett”, so it is unique to me and I can spot it out if any one steals it!

How was this gear used during the recording of your latest album?
Diprima: It was used on the majority of WlCK and most all of the previous album Crooked Doors. With a variety of heads used on the tracks (mainly remo coated emperors but we also used black suede emperors for a thuddier, more dampened tone as heard on ‘Wick’)

What are the major pros and cons?
Diprima: Pros – An extremely wide tuning range, sensitivity, durability, and consistency. It has a very dark tone overall but still manages to cut through the mix in a live setting. I can literally get ANY sound out of this drum that I desire. Cons – none.

Do you have a backup for this gear, if so, what?
Diprima: Right now my back up is a C&C beaded aluminum 6.5x14in snare drum. It is basically their version of the classic acrolite. A good, all around, beefy sounding rock drum with high versatility.

Give us your best “gear goes wrong” story.
Diprima: Ha! This has to be kick pedal beaters breaking during the set. Last time we were in Little Rock my beater snapped in half so I had to play an entire tune with no kick drum. Work with what you got right? This is why I always have a back up pedal on stage.

Check out the band’s video for their song “Sinking Chair”