There's the key... pads. His "recording space" was non-existent in the tiny room Ed had at the time of 1984, so the best "sound" he could get was Simmons pads, a real snare and real cymbals. Ugh... I know.
Honestly, as much has I love his drumming and have been a fan, the only decent drum sound he ever had that matched his skill was F.U.C.K and Van Halen III and that's partly because Andy Johns (ex. Led Zeppelin) was placing the mics. Balance was OK and VHII, WaCF, Fair Warning and Diver Down were passable, but honestly I don't think Donn Landee has any clue how to get a really good drum sound. Carboard box 70's crappola.
K... so here's a creative way to derail a trollish EVH post... talk about the drummer.
:cool2: