What drum kit did Charlie Watts use on Sympathy for the Devil?

Charlie Watts used a Ludwig drum kit for the recording, though the exact configuration hasn't been definitively documented. Ludwig was his preferred brand throughout much of the Rolling Stones' career, and the sound on the track reflects the warm, open character typical of Ludwig shells from that era.

Where was Sympathy for the Devil drums recorded?

The drums were recorded at Olympic Studios in London with producer Jimmy Miller and engineer Glyn Johns. Olympic Studios was known for its excellent natural reverb and spacious live rooms, which contributed significantly to the open, ambient drum sound on the track.

How to get Charlie Watts drum sound on Sympathy for the Devil?

Focus on capturing a live, open drum sound with natural room ambience rather than heavily processed close-miked drums. Use loose tuning, minimal dampening, and room microphones to capture the kit's natural resonance and the space around it.

What microphones were used on Sympathy for the Devil drums?

Neumann U67 microphones were among those used in the recording setup, likely as overheads or room mics. The exact microphone configuration hasn't been fully documented, but the sound suggests a combination of close mics and room mics to capture both detail and ambience.

Why do the drums sound so loose on Sympathy for the Devil?

The loose, open drum sound was intentional and fits the song's samba-rock groove and extended jam-like structure. The recording captured the live energy of the performance, with natural drum resonance and room acoustics rather than tight, controlled modern drum sounds.

drums from "sympathy for the devil" by the rolling stones

sympathy for the devil

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Tone Profile

The drum sound is characterized by its raw, energetic, and slightly chaotic nature, fitting perfectly within the song's samba-rock vibe. It's a live, open sound with plenty of room ambience and a driving rhythm.

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Ludwig Drum Kit(instrument)
Neumann U67(microphone)

The Story

Charlie Watts' drums on "Sympathy for the Devil" were recorded at Olympic Studios in London with producer Jimmy Miller and engineer Glyn Johns. The track was captured live in the studio using a Ludwig drum kit, likely with Neumann U67 microphones among others in the setup. The sound reflects the song's extended recording process, which famously involved multiple takes and arrangements before arriving at the final samba-rock groove.

Production Credits

Producer: Jimmy Miller

Engineer: Glyn Johns

Recorded at: Olympic Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Ludwig Drum KitShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U67Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Use a vintage-style Ludwig drum kit with a focus on open tuning for the snare and toms.
Capture the drum sound in a live room with some natural reverberation.
Experiment with microphone placement to find a balance between close-mic clarity and room ambience.
Avoid heavy compression or excessive processing to maintain the natural, dynamic feel of the performance.
Focus on capturing the energy and feel of the performance, rather than aiming for pristine sonic perfection.

Original Gear

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Ludwig Drum KitShop on Reverb(drums)
Neumann U67Shop on Reverb(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Ludwig Classic Maple FAB ConfigurationShop on Reverb$800-$1200

Alternative to: Ludwig drum kit

Provides the warm, open Ludwig tone that Charlie Watts preferred, with shells that respond well to the loose, ambient tuning style of the original

Warm Audio WA-67Shop on Reverb$900-$1000

Alternative to: Neumann U67 microphone

Tube condenser that captures the smooth, vintage character of the U67 for overhead or room miking of the kit

Lexicon PCM Native Reverb BundlePlugin Boutique$300-$400

Alternative to: Olympic Studios room sound

Includes vintage hall and room algorithms that can recreate the natural ambience of classic 1960s recording studios

UAD Helios Type 69 Preamp CollectionPlugin Boutique$300-$350

Alternative to: Vintage recording console

Emulates the Helios console preamps used at Olympic Studios, adding the subtle saturation and character of the original signal path

Slate Digital VMS ML-1 with CLA MixHubPlugin Boutique$400-$500

Alternative to: 1960s studio monitoring

Allows monitoring through vintage console emulations to make mixing decisions that match the era's aesthetic

Sources

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drums from “sympathy for the devil” by the rolling stones | ToneDB