David Garibaldi is the long-time drummer for the legendary Tower of Power. The Oakland native Garibaldi first joined the band in 1970. Among the notables he has played with are The Buddy Rich Orchestra, Patti Austin, Jermaine Jackson, Boz Scaggs and a host of others. He also has authored a number of drum instructional books and videos.

We talked to him about sticks, cymbals, touring and, of course, the drums he has used over the years.

"My first drum set was a 1963 Slingerland -- satin flame pearl finish," says Garibaldi. "The first I used in Tower. The only one I owned, I used it on East Bay Grease. Then when we started to make money I bout a Ludwig with a 24 inch bass."

Later he got a call from Rogers Drums who asked if he wanted to become involved with them. At the same time, he became involved with and sponsored by Paiste as well. He says he had a great relationship with Rogers until they went south. At that time he was still working with Paiste. A friend who worked for Sabian was about to change that. He cajoled Garibaldi to give Sabian a chance.

"I agreed to take a look. I was impressed." he says.

This led, ultimately, to Garibaldi's signature cymbals with Sabian.

While he was looking over and playing the various cymbals they had, he hit two 22 inch rides on stands at the same time.

"That was the sound I was looking for" he says. "They came back with a working prototype within half an hour. It was phenomenal."

When I express astonishment at how fast they worked Garibaldi just said. "That is what they do." Garibaldi has crash and hat signature cymbals with Sabian.

He has used Vic Firth sticks since 1992.

Choosing drum sticks is something particular to the individual. There are numerous differences that might seem minor to the non-drummer.

"Weight, balance, length, the tip of the stick -- there are a lot of drum sticks," says Garibaldi "It is very personal: weight, the kind of music you play, how much technique you have."

For marching drum corps drums, you might use heavier sticks with a large tip at the end. For jazz, you might use lighter sticks. And there are myriad sticks for classical drum applications, but there are some things you definitely do NOT want in a drum stick.

"You do not want it to be curved. If the stick is not made properly, it will vibrate, will have a noticeable vibration in your hand." says Garibaldi.

Firth put together 10 sticks and then Garibaldi told them what he liked about eac,h and his signature sticks were designed incorporating the aspects Garibaldi preferred.

In 1982 Garibaldi started working with Yamaha Drums and plays a Yamaha Recording Custom.

"I have used the recording custom since the start, I love the sound. I have a set for tour I have had since 1993. I got it with the release of the signature snare drum." says Garibaldi. "With Yamaha, you can have as much hands on as you want. I was there with ideas. They made it happen in Japan. They would send a prototype."

In addition to playing with Tower of Power, Garibaldi has authored a number of instructional books. I asked what you should get for a kid starting out with drums. I am fond of getting my friends kids interested in the drums.

"There are small versions of drums and there are plenty of great basic instructional materials." says Garibaldi.

To start with all you need is a pair of sticks and a snare drum or a pad. Garibaldi has a three year old son, and he has been learning to play by watching his dad. Nonetheless, Garibaldi says that the small kit he was given has been put away until he thinks the time is right.

"You have to gauge their level of interest. They see it and they want to hit something." he says.

For the more experienced drummer--but one still new to the road -- Garibaldi has a few other tips.

"I guess the big thing is: you want good cases for everything so stuff doesn't get destroyed." he says. "If you are flying you have to have flight cases. Protecting your gear is important."

Bring extra heads, all the basic things and always be ready to repair stuff. Always have two pedals and two snare drums.

"I keep little boxes of springs. My drum tech has a large case with tools, spare parts. We do 150-175 shows a year, so drums are getting set up and torn down a lot." says Garibaldi.

Tower of Power released a live DVD, recorded in Germany, in 2007 and continue to tour widely.