Gear Breakdown: The Genius of The Rolling Stones’ “Get Off Of My Cloud”

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Charlie Watts wasn’t a drummer who demanded attention, but he always earned it.

In The Rolling Stones’ “Get Off Of My Cloud,” he anchors the chaos with a relentless backbeat that’s deceptively simple but full of nuance. The kind of part that makes you nod your head without realizing it. That’s Charlie; no frills, no fills, just groove.

In this video, Drumeo’s Brandon Toews digs deep into the mind of Watts, dissecting his iconic drum part and performing it on a setup inspired by Charlie’s legendary aesthetic and tone.

This Gear Breakdown takes a closer look at the kit, snare and cymbals that bring this tribute to life.

🥁 Drum Kit

To capture that unmistakable vintage tone, Brandon used a Gretsch USA Custom kit in a sleek Nitron Black finish. While Charlie played several kits over the years — often Ludwig or Gretsch — this setup channels the sound and spirit of those early Stones sessions.

• 22” x 16” Bass Drum
• 12” x 9” Rack Tom
• 16” x 16” Floor Tom

🛒 Gretsch USA Custom Kit (Europe)

The bass drum gives just enough punch without overpowering the mix, while the toms sing with warm, controlled resonance — a must for replicating Charlie’s subtle dynamic shifts.

💥 Snare Drum

One of the most important elements of Charlie Watts’ sound is the snare — and for this video, Brandon used a vintage Gretsch Chrome Over Brass 4160 snare drum (14” x 5”).

This model is known for its dry, crisp articulation — perfect for Charlie’s laid-back, almost jazz-informed approach to rock drumming. Every backbeat snaps, but never shouts. If you’re chasing that same vibe, a modern brass snare with a similar depth and shell composition will get you close.

Gretsch Drums USA Bell Brass Snare Drum – 5 x 14-inch (Europe)

🛎️ Cymbals

Charlie wasn’t known for massive cymbal setups — just the right tools for the job. For this tribute, Brandon used Istanbul Agop Traditional Series cymbals to recreate Charlie’s smoky, washy tones. These cymbals respond beautifully to light touch and deliver complex, vintage-style character.

Sweetwater doesn’t carry the Istanbul AGOP cymbals, but offers alternative Turkish, Meinl, and Zildjian cymbals to achieve a similar sound. Thomann (Europe) does have the line, so those are linked below.

• 14” Traditional Medium Hi-Hats (Europe)– Crisp and articulate with a touch of warmth.
• 16” Traditional Thin Crash (Europe)– Opens up fast, perfect for quick accents.
• 18” Traditional Flat Ride (Europe)– No bell, just mellow wash and subtle stick definition — great for jazz-influenced grooves.
• 18” Traditional China (Flares Up) (Europe)– A nod to the unexpected textures Charlie sometimes added live.
• 20” Traditional Swish (Europe)– Smoky, trashy, and oh-so-retro — this one drips with Stones energy.

The Verdict

Charlie Watts’ brilliance was never about speed or flash — it was about feel. The ability to drive a song forward without ever getting in the way. This kit, with its warm tones and responsive cymbals, honors that legacy with every note.

If you’re chasing that same tasteful pocket, take inspiration from Charlie’s musicality — and maybe a few of these gear choices. And if you’re looking for ways to work on your own groove and time, try locking in with the Drumeo QuietKick — a low-volume kick practice pad that lets you develop your feel without disturbing the neighbors.

You can find everything mentioned in this Gear Breakdown at Sweetwater or Thomann if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and click the link to try Drumeo, free for 7 Days.

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Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers, coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited by Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking for inspiration, education, and support to take your playing to the next level? Join the Drumeo community today!