Microphone

According to Jeff Ocheltree (Bonham's drum tech in 1977 & 1979), the Showco concert-sound company used Shure Professional Series SM57 microphones to mic up everything from the timpani, to the bass drum (one mic at the front side, and another placed near the beater on the back). The Vistalite and stainless steel drum kits were also miked-up using this mic.

Many more details can be found in Welch & Nicholls' amazing book - 'John Bonham A Thunder Of Drums' Which you really ought to own!

If you have any other info on the equipment Bonham used, or have noticed mistakes - please contact me