When Simon going AC/DC, Phil Rudd had been using Signature Series rig (Makassar Ebony toms, bass and hardware) and 14X5 COB Gretsch snare drums, with possibly some there brands in the mix. Years ago, I dug up pics of all sorts of snare he used live, some of them looking like flea market finds.
Based on my less than diligent internet scrub early this morning, Simon Wright entered the scene with a similar configuration but added a 10" tom (I guess he just had to make it his own) in the Phonic Plus series in white wrap, and a 14X8" Bubinga Signature snare. Hardware was Phonic with the extension arms instead of booms (why don't they still market those instead of having to order a BA-TB separately) and a Signature HiHat with a pedall I can't identify.
Interestingly looks like Gaff tape AND clip on mufflers on the toms. (It gets even better, later)
Later on, he was using a black wrapped Phonic Plus, with a steel Signature snare. You can see the side view of the same pedal type (I think) with some bizarre rig to keep his foot planted and properly located.
Towards the end of his run with AC/DC he was playing HiLites in the same depths (at least the 14" was square) as the Phonic Plusses. Now, instead of Gaff tape, there were pieces of folded material over a portion of the tom heads (under the hoops) AND those clip on mufflers. Me must have been enamored with the clip on mufflers. Also of note is what I SUSPECT is a Gretsch 14X5 snare drum! From what I can see in the photo, it doesn't seem to be a Sonor and the keys on the table (was there a trade name for those) are both Gretsch.
If anyone has the Modern Drummer magazine with his interview, I sure would love a copy of the pics of his kit. Maybe another angle will show the snare drum.
I have always wondered if AC/DC encourged him to sign with Sonor, if he did it because Phil used them, or if that was his brand of choice.
