Christoph Schneider, the drummer behind Rammstein and their thunderous sound, recently opened up in a conversation with DW Drums, offering advice that cuts deeper than just technique. For those just picking up their sticks, his message is simple: stop obsessing over gear.
Too many beginners, he says, get caught up in what kit they should buy, or which brand will make them “sound right.” It’s understandable. The music world, especially online, is full of flashy setups and endless reviews. But Schneider’s been around long enough to know that real growth doesn’t come from the price tag on your snare. It comes from the time you spend actually playing it.
He started with gear that, by most standards, was far from ideal. Some of it was cheap, some of it damaged. Still, it didn’t stop him. In fact, it probably helped because it forced him to pay attention to what really mattered: feel, timing, and understanding how to connect with the instrument.
He’s not saying gear doesn’t matter at all. Of course it does. Sound is part of the equation. But in those early stages, chasing the perfect setup can become a distraction. A kind of procrastination, even. What makes a performance great isn’t whether the cymbals are top-of-the-line — it’s how you use them. How you carry the rhythm. How you listen.
Christoph Schneider emphasized that musicality always comes first. A good drummer with a basic kit can still deliver something powerful. On the other hand, someone focused on collecting the newest gear might end up missing what really gives a song its soul.
And this is coming from a guy who’s played the biggest stages in the world, surrounded by the best equipment imaginable. Yet his core belief hasn’t changed: great sound lives in the hands, not in the hardware.
He also spoke about style — how it’s something you develop, not buy. Hours spent getting to know your instrument, your timing, your dynamic range — that’s where individuality shows up. Not in a brand name, not in endorsements.
His message goes beyond drumming. It’s something any musician can hold onto. In a scene that sometimes prizes appearances over substance, Schneider’s advice lands with a kind of quiet honesty: focus on your playing. Let the rest come when it’s time.
