What drum kit did Phil Selway use on Jigsaw Falling into Place?

Phil Selway used a Ludwig drum kit during the In Rainbows recording sessions. The specific model configuration hasn't been detailed in interviews, but Ludwig kits were Selway's preference during this era for their controlled resonance and tight sound.

What microphones were used to record Radiohead drums on In Rainbows?

The drum recording used a combination of Neumann U47 tube condensers, Shure SM57 dynamics on snare and toms, and an AKG D112 on the kick drum. This multi-mic setup captured both the direct punch and the ambient character of the drums.

How to get Phil Selway's drum sound on Jigsaw Falling into Place?

Focus on close-miking techniques with quality dynamic and condenser mics, then apply fast compression (1176-style) to enhance punch and tightness. The key is balancing the direct drum sound with controlled room ambience and using compression to glue the kit together.

What studio was Jigsaw Falling into Place recorded at?

The song was recorded at Rak Studios in London during the In Rainbows sessions. The well-treated studio environment contributed to the controlled, focused drum sound by minimizing unwanted reflections while maintaining musical ambience.

Who produced the drum sound on Radiohead In Rainbows?

Nigel Godrich produced and engineered the In Rainbows album, including the drum sounds. Godrich has been Radiohead's longtime collaborator and is known for his precise, detailed approach to drum recording and mixing.

drums from "jigsaw falling into place" by radiohead

jigsaw falling into place

radiohead

drums

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

The drums have a tight, punchy sound with a slightly compressed and warm character. The overall vibe is energetic and driving, complementing the song's dynamic rhythm.

Shop This Rig

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Ludwig Drum Kit(instrument)
Neumann U47(microphone)
Shure SM57(mic)
AKG D112(mic)
Urei 1176(compressor)

The Story

The drum sound on "Jigsaw Falling into Place" was recorded during Radiohead's In Rainbows sessions at Rak Studios in London, produced and engineered by Nigel Godrich. The recording used a combination of close-miking techniques with high-end microphones including Neumann U47s, Shure SM57s, and an AKG D112 on the kick drum to capture Phil Selway's Ludwig drum kit. Compression, likely from a Urei 1176, was applied to enhance the tight, punchy character that drives the song's energetic rhythm.

Production Credits

Producer: Nigel Godrich

Engineer: Nigel Godrich

Recorded at: Rak Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Ludwig Drum KitShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U47Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Ludwig drum kit or a similar kit with a focus on tight and controlled resonance.
Use a combination of close-miking techniques with dynamic and condenser microphones to capture the individual drum sounds.
Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot for each drum.
Apply compression to the individual drum tracks to enhance punch and sustain.
Use EQ to shape the tonal balance of the drums, focusing on clarity and definition.
Consider using a gate to reduce unwanted noise and tighten up the drum sounds.
Blend the individual drum tracks together to create a cohesive and balanced drum mix.

Original Gear

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Substitutions & Recommendations

Warm Audio WA-47Shop on Reverb$900-$1000

Alternative to: Neumann U47 tube condenser microphone

Recreation of the U47's warm tube tone and smooth frequency response that captured the drum overheads and room sound

Shure SM57Shop on Reverb$100-$130

Alternative to: Shure SM57 dynamic microphone

Still manufactured and identical to the original used on snare and toms for that direct, punchy sound

Audio-Technica ATM250DEShop on Reverb$200-$250

Alternative to: AKG D112 kick drum microphone

Hypercardioid dynamic mic designed for kick drums with similar low-end response and attack characteristics

Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter CollectionPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Urei 1176 compressor

Exact digital recreation of the 1176's fast attack and musical compression that tightened the drum sound

Ludwig Classic Maple Fab KitShop on Reverb$800-$1200

Alternative to: Ludwig drum kit

Current Ludwig maple shells provide the controlled resonance and tight sound similar to the original kit used

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!

TONEDB...

drums from “jigsaw falling into place” by radiohead | ToneDB