What drum kit did Roger Taylor use on Bohemian Rhapsody?

Roger Taylor used a Ludwig Super Classic drum kit during the recording of 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. This kit was known for its warm, resonant tone that contributed to the song's massive drum sound.

What microphones were used to record Queen Bohemian Rhapsody drums?

The drums were recorded using Neumann U67 and AKG C12 microphones. A combination of close mics and room mics was used to capture both the detail of individual drums and the natural room ambience.

What is the Glyn Johns method used on Bohemian Rhapsody?

The Glyn Johns method is a drum recording technique that uses minimal microphones to capture a balanced, natural kit sound with strong stereo imaging. It involves precise placement of overhead mics at equal distances from the snare drum.

Where was Bohemian Rhapsody recorded?

The song was recorded at multiple studios including Sarm Studios, Roundhouse Studios, Scorpio Sound, and Rockfield Studios. This multi-studio approach contributed to the complex, layered sound of the final recording.

How to get Roger Taylor drum sound?

Use a Ludwig kit or similar vintage-style drums, combine close and room mics, apply the Glyn Johns technique, and use minimal compression to preserve natural dynamics. The key is balancing intimate drum detail with spacious room ambience.

drums from "bohemian rhapsody" by queen

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Tone Profile

The drum sound is characterized by its massive, roomy, and slightly muffled quality, contributing to the song's epic and dramatic atmosphere. It's a sound that's both powerful and controlled, providing a solid foundation for the complex arrangement.

Shop This Rig

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Ludwig Super Classic(instrument)
Neumann U67(microphone)
AKG C12(mic)

The Story

Roger Taylor's drum sound on 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was recorded at multiple studios including Sarm, Roundhouse, Scorpio Sound, and Rockfield Studios. The kit was a Ludwig Super Classic, recorded with a combination of close and room mics including Neumann U67 and AKG C12 microphones. Producer Roy Thomas Baker and engineer Mike Stone achieved the massive, roomy sound through careful microphone placement and the use of the Glyn Johns recording technique.

Production Credits

Producer: Roy Thomas Baker

Engineer: Mike Stone

Recorded at: Sarm Studios, Roundhouse Studios, Scorpio Sound, Rockfield Studios

Signal Chain

Instrument: Ludwig Super ClassicShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U67Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Ludwig Super Classic drum kit, or a similar vintage kit known for its warm and resonant tone.
Use a combination of close mics (such as Neumann U67 on snare and toms) and room mics (such as AKG C12) to capture both the detail and the ambience of the kit.
Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot for your room.
Consider using the Glyn Johns method for an authentic vintage drum sound.
Use compression sparingly to maintain the natural dynamics of the kit.
Add a touch of reverb to enhance the room ambience, but be careful not to overdo it.
EQ the drums to taste, but aim for a balanced and natural sound.

Original Gear

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Ludwig Super ClassicShop on Reverb(drums)
Neumann U67Shop on Reverb(mic)
AKG C12Shop on Reverb(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Ludwig Classic MapleShop on Reverb$1,200-$2,000

Alternative to: Ludwig Super Classic drum kit

Modern Ludwig kit with similar shell construction and warm, resonant tone characteristics of the vintage Super Classic

Slate Digital VMS ML-1 with U67 modelingShop on Reverb$999

Alternative to: Neumann U67 microphone

Modeling microphone system that recreates the U67's tube warmth and character used on Taylor's close mics

AKG C414 XLSShop on Reverb$1,099

Alternative to: AKG C12 microphone

Modern successor to the C12 with similar large-diaphragm characteristics for room miking

UAD Neve 1073 CollectionPlugin Boutique$299

Alternative to: Glyn Johns recording technique and vintage console

Emulates the EQ and preamp character of vintage consoles used during the Bohemian Rhapsody sessions

Eventide TverbPlugin Boutique$179

Alternative to: Studio room ambience

Recreates the natural room reverb and spatial characteristics of the multiple studios used

Sources

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drums from “bohemian rhapsody” by queen | ToneDB