Silly Fools' drummer explains why he switches his percussion tools for each new album

Trakun "Tor" Bai-ngern loves experimenting with the intricate and subtle sound qualities produced by different drum kits. That's why the Silly Fools percussionist's living room looks a little crowded right now - it's home to a Noble & Cooley, a Spaun, and a Pearl.

"They're all high-end drum kits, custom-made in America and used for the most part in recording," says Tor, who replaced the Fools' original drummer in 1999. "I want to achieve the same sound quality as international drummers."

Before ordering a kit from DrumTech Centre, he visits www.DrummerWorld.com and searches for what instruments the world's best are using. His first custom-made kit, manufactured by Noble & Cooley, was a black-rimmed yellow number made of maple wood that cost him more than Bt200,000.

"It gives off a melodious sound. Yellow is bright and striking - great for me as I suffer from red/green colour blindness. I bought it to record our 'Juicy' album."

In mid-2006, the 35-year-old paid Bt300,000-plus for a blue Spaun acrylic and wood hybrid with a shell thickness of more than 20 ply.

"I wanted more resonance and not the warm tone that wood gives, which is why I opted for a hybrid. I used the kit on our English-language album, 'Mini', released on the Sanamluang label," he says.

His latest is a green and white drum kit by Pearl, which cost Bt400,000.

"The reinforcement ring gives a larger, thicker sound that supports heavy bass and guitar."

In addition to his drum sets, Tor is also the proud owner of eight custom-made snares by  Orange County valued at more than Bt100,000, plus a Ludwig Black Beauty snare from 1970 worth Bt35,000.

His drum sets are plain, lacking the flamboyant patterns that have become synonymous with several famous musicians.

"Really cool options and patterns tend to be expensive," he complains. "But, hey, they all have the Silly Fools' logo."

xtra

Trakun's tale

>> Tor's first love wasn't drums but bass.

>> He started his career playing Carabao covers with school band Mai Kwad.

>> His favourite drummer is John Bonham of Led Zeppelin.