I couldn't agree more with you. Late last night I began digging through U-Tube for that Wipeout recording (and didn't see it yet but had a heck of an in-home concert.) It's interesting--I've read Leon quoted about that grip, recollect Krupa had a strange grip as well. AND ... early on, Mel used only one bass drum and had a far smaller kit. Then came a point in time when suddenly his kit was larger and there were two foot pedal drums. I didn't pay close attention to the videos (I was TRYING to work) but would guess the change came in the late '60's when he departed the group. I can't tell from the videos on You Tube but guarantee from their concerts (as all we fanatics know ) he certainly used both bass drums not just for a tone differential but keeping a different time on each. Later near the NASA 25th Anniversary album it seemed electronic drum pads appeared. The man, certainly had rhythm.