Drum transport question!

[enforcerdrummer]

Hello drummers! What's going on. Anyone having difficulty with the open handed drumming technique in MD magazine? But besides that, I've been looking for posts on what you guys use to bring your drums to a gig. Right now I have a Crown Victoria, but I need something better ya know.
I hate SUV's but I have been checking out wagons. Are there any posts on this subject? I going toward jazz, I have no plans on bringing all five of my tom toms any time soon. I'll have to post on the introduction page when I get a chance, so you can see first hand my gear!

Thanks,
Anthony

[harryconway]

I had 3 VW buses, 1969, 1971 and 1972, and pound for pound probably the best drum haulers I ever owned. Don't go very fast but haul a bunch of gear and get fairly good gas mileage. Currently I have a 1994 Cutlass Cruiser wagon.

[Deathmetalconga]

I have used a PT Cruiser for almost 7 years. Amazingly versatile and hauls as much as a larger vehicle. I don't think I could do it with a standard car. Before then I used a small rear-wheel-drive pickup with a shell. I also like those Coopers but I don't know what their capacity is.

Props to you for not getting an SUV. Personally, I think they're the equivalent of driving a giant middle finger.

www.terrasonus.com

[rendezvous_drummer]

Hey CMON I was given a Pathfinder, don't hate the player, hate the game....I feel stupid for saying that, but I do want to get one of those euro vans from VW. Great vehicles.

[nate]

well in a city like london you pretty much have to use cabs. it's a nightmare and pricey. the hard part is getting one at the end of the night....it's horrible waiting in the rain at 3am for a car......but buying a car in london would be worst stilll....

[TitanSound]

Feel your pain Nate. I once played at the Dublin Castle and had to pay a taxi guy 25 quid to take me there and pick me up at the end of the night. Once I got there the promotor said "Oh...dont worry one of the other bands brought thier kit". So I told him in no uncertain terms that if my kit was not used...he would be giving me the cab fare as I was under the impression no one else could bring thier kit.

London and cars do not mix at all. And by the time you have paid petrol, parking and if playing in central London, the congestion charge then it would have been cheaper to get a cab anyway.

[Spence]

Amen brothers, amen!

London is the biggest rip off ever! Flamiing Oyster Card rises again! Since I moved to London the price had almost doubled! Doubled! The service is worse too. A lot worse!

When playing with a band in London I rarely take my kit if possible. It's just too expensive. Especially as I live in the East. We usually hire a van to collect us all. It works out cheaper (not cheap, but cheaper) for everyone not to mention easier at the end of the night. Any van will do. Usual Merc Sprinters are the best.

Any gigs out of London we get a mini tour bus. Table and chairs, tv, etc, with loads of storage in the back. A lot cheaper than one would imagine.

[TitanSound]

Hey Spence,

Dont suppose you could PM details of that could ya? (mini tour bus) as we are thinking of playing out of London a lot in the near future.

[Skacatz]

Chevrolet Suburban.....this thing not only hauls my gear, but will tow a house.

[nate]

Hey Spence,

Dont suppose you could PM details of that could ya? (mini tour bus) as we are thinking of playing out of London a lot in the near future.

and me please.....we should be on the road soon...(what bands are you guys in?)

...a real good cab company we use is Addison Lee, they seem the best price wise and service...but it's still a hard slog...

...if i hear one more driver moan......

[TitanSound]

My current band is "Oddblock" we have just finished a demo and will be hitting the live scence hard over the next few months hopefully. We are always looking for bands to gig with and stuff. Makes the whole process so much easier. And also in the past I have had phonecalls off promotors asking if I know a band that can fill a slot if a band has cancelled at short notice....good too know local bands in that case.

[Auger]

I also like those Coopers but I don't know what their capacity is.
www.terrasonus.com

A friend of mine had one of those (until the supercharger started to eat itself). I think you might have trouble getting both sticks in the back seat: it made my honda civic look like an aircraft carrier. Fun little car, though.

[Leadfoot]

Ford cargo van. I can get everything in there including my folded drum riser that stays put if I don't need it. And please DMC, don't try to turn this thread into a "holier than thou suv's are evil" smug fest. I have two in my driveway, if you don't like it, t.f.b. It is my right as an American do drive whatever I please as long as I have the resources to do so.

[Skacatz]

Ditto to Leadfoot on that last post..

[Spreggy]

I have a Caravan and an Explorer, both do well. I've worked with getting a 5 pc kit in a car, and it's do-able, but a larger vehicle is so much easier. Anything with a popping rear gate and some storage room should do just fine. Hatchbacks like VW rabbit style are good too.

[Almuric]

Chrysler Town and Country van. Seats come out and can fit in one kiddo plus my huge kit. My only beef about SUVs is that the guard-rails in the USA were not built for them. Too low. Hear about rides flipping over them alot. Would love a Caddie Escolade (sp?).
But a Dodge Magnum Hemi would do nicely.

[Deathmetalconga]

Ford cargo van. I can get everything in there including my folded drum riser that stays put if I don't need it. And please DMC, don't try to turn this thread into a "holier than thou suv's are evil" smug fest. I have two in my driveway, if you don't like it, t.f.b. It is my right as an American do drive whatever I please as long as I have the resources to do so.

Yes, it is certainly your right to drive whatever your wish as long as there are the resources to do so. And it's my right to say whatever I want about it, too. So if you drive a Chevy Subdivision of Ford GlobalWarmer, more power to you. I just think it's goofy and selfish - and entirely your God-given right.

www.terrasonus.com

[Deathmetalconga]

Chrysler Town and Country van. Seats come out and can fit in one kiddo plus my huge kit.
But a Dodge Magnum Hemi would do nicely.

I would really like one of those Dodge Magnum station wagons. I used to think station wagons looked dumb until I saw one of those. It seems like they'd hold a lot, too. The modern equivalent of the station wagon is the minivan. We have a Dodge Caravan minivan and I sometimes take that to gigs but it's so gigantic it's a pain to park. It will hold my kit AND a few kids!

www.terrasonus.com

[Skacatz]

Thank you.....I agree

[Leadfoot]

Yes, it is certainly your right to drive whatever your wish as long as there are the resources to do so. And it's my right to say whatever I want about it, too. So if you drive a Chevy Subdivision of Ford GlobalWarmer, more power to you. I just think it's goofy and selfish - and entirely your God-given right.

www.terrasonus.com

Yes, and they both have remote starters so I can warm them up from the house so I don't have to freeze my capitalist piggy toes off in the morning. Sheesh, you environmentalist whackos are a constant source of amusement to me.

[Deathmetalconga]

Yes, and they both have remote starters so I can warm them up from the house so I don't have to freeze my capitalist piggy toes off in the morning. Sheesh, you environmentalist whackos are a constant source of amusement to me.

I guess it's better to be an environmentalist wacko than an anti-environment wacko.

Really, though, no one who owns a car is an environmentalist wacko. I own two cars, as a matter of fact. I drink Big Gulps, eat factory-farmed animals, pay my taxes (not eligible for the SUV tax break) and purchase drum equipment made by child slaves in China. I'm about as mainstream a citizen as you can get. I do recycle and ride my bike to work, which some people might consider radical and anti-American.

But if you tell me you start both your SUVs before you go to bed and leave them idling all night so they are warm in the morning, I'm gonna scream!

www.terrasonus.com

[Leadfoot]

I guess it's better to be an environmentalist wacko than an anti-environment wacko.

Really, though, no one who owns a car is an environmentalist wacko. I own two cars, as a matter of fact. I drink Big Gulps, eat factory-farmed animals, pay my taxes (not eligible for the SUV tax break) and purchase drum equipment made by child slaves in China. I'm about as mainstream a citizen as you can get. I do recycle and ride my bike to work, which some people might consider radical and anti-American.

But if you tell me you start both your SUVs before you go to bed and leave them idling all night so they are warm in the morning, I'm gonna scream!

www.terrasonus.com

Certainly not, for that would be wasteful!

[SOGdrummer]

Enough SUV bashing...I use my Toyota Highlander for most of the hauling of my kit...can fit the 5 piece kit in cases, a hardshell hardware kit (actually used to be a hard wheeled case that held a "convention" display for a company I used to work for...great if you can find one! Holds all the stands, mounts, etc.), cymbal bag, 2-3 guitars, keyboard and some mike stands! Oh yeah, me and one other band member.

If I use the minivan with the seats out I can fit all the above, a marshall stack, PA subwoofer, two pa speakers, pa rack, stands, cables, etc.

I recently rented a 5X8 enclosed trailer from UHaul...$18.95 for the night, fit all the equipment and was towable behind the Toyota!!!

Not worth taking the seats out of the van for $18.95!!!! Plus, doesn't beat up the interior of the vehicle.

[somedrummer]

I use a Toyota T100 with a camper shell and bed liner so as to avoid any scratches while sliding the drums in and out. Easy as can be, really.

As for the little debate going on... I just have to say, good riddance.

Oh, and another funny thing, my mom's Ford Excursion gets the same gas mileage as my truck... 17 MPG. Funny, wouldn't you say?

[drummerchick435]

I also have a question about drum transport. How can I safely transport my drums to a camp 8 hours away without having to buy cases or bags?

[enforcerdrummer]

Thanks for all of your posts in such a short period of time! I didn't mean to start a SUV war. I prefer staying low to the ground and my drum teacher has a SUV. Anyhow, I have been pondering and thinking about the Dodge Magnum. I drove one from Enterprise rent-a-car in August (with the 3.5 liter) and it drove so awesome.

I see so many great ones for sale but they are at dealers used miles away. I'm so sick of car problems I would rather buy one new but brand new for the 3.5 is like 26K $$$. Carmax is opening in February around me, maybe they can get me one. If I owned an SUV though, I would prefer the ESC option. (Electronic stability control) Thanks and remember all...drum on!

[Corey]

I use my Toyota T100 with all my hardware and cymbals inside the truck and sometimes a tom or two if it will fit it. Im going to buy some hard cases for the drums soon but for now I just use big thick blankets and tiedowns to keep everything safe in the back. I drive extra careful when I have everything back there.

[Mendozart]

I use a 1990 Toyota 4Runner, it works great. The middle seats fold down and I have plenty of room. The thing is when I use the Toyota, my wife drives my BMW, which I'm not too fond of. So one day, I grabbed my 16x24 bass drum and lo and behold, it fits through the back door. So, I've used both cars, except now I picked up a DW set which has an 18x24 bass drum and I think I'm s--- out of luck with the BMW with this kit. Oh well.

[Spence]

Hey Spence,

Dont suppose you could PM details of that could ya? (mini tour bus) as we are thinking of playing out of London a lot in the near future.

and me please.....we should be on the road soon...(what bands are you guys in?)

...a real good cab company we use is Addison Lee, they seem the best price wise and service...but it's still a hard slog...

...if i hear one more driver moan......

I'm on it. I didn't book it you see. But I'm trying to find out.

And I'm currently not in a gigging band. Was in band called The Colony, but kind of left due to injury.

[harryconway]

I also have a question about drum transport. How can I safely transport my drums to a camp 8 hours away without having to buy cases or bags?
Pack lots of towels and clothing on and around them. Then drive slow and safe.

[Deathmetalconga]

Pack lots of towels and clothing on and around them. Then drive slow and safe.

Also try scrounging up some cardboard boxes - just make sure to securely tape the bottom so it doesn't open up when lifted and drop the drum.

If you have the cardboard, utility knife, measuring tape, straightedge, pencil and string, you could make your own cheapo cases. Measure the circumference and diameter and depth of the drums and cut out rectangles and circles as needed, then use duct tape to hold things together. Put a tack in the cardboard, tie a string around it equal to the radius of the drum and use that to make perfect circles. Maybe even add rectangular tabs here and there for added strength.

I wouldn't use it for touring, but it would be cheap and serve the purpose for a while. Since you are home schooled, tell your mom it's a geometry project!

drummerchick, what sort of gig do you have?

www.terrasonus.com

[drummerchick435]

Also try scrounging up some cardboard boxes - just make sure to securely tape the bottom so it doesn't open up when lifted and drop the drum.

If you have the cardboard, utility knife, measuring tape, straightedge, pencil and string, you could make your own cheapo cases. Measure the circumference and diameter and depth of the drums and cut out rectangles and circles as needed, then use duct tape to hold things together. Put a tack in the cardboard, tie a string around it equal to the radius of the drum and use that to make perfect circles. Maybe even add rectangular tabs here and there for added strength.

I wouldn't use it for touring, but it would be cheap and serve the purpose for a while. Since you are home schooled, tell your mom it's a geometry project!

drummerchick, what sort of gig do you have?

www.terrasonus.com

Thanks! I'll do that...well try. I'm getting a new drum kit so I'm gonna save the boxes.
I'm going to a music camp. I'm going to record a cd, make a music video, and give two concerts with my assigned band. I hope my band is good. I can't wait but I'm also a little nervous because I've never been to camp by my self before.
K

[Deathmetalconga]

Thanks! I'll do that...well try. I'm getting a new drum kit so I'm gonna save the boxes.
I'm going to a music camp. I'm going to record a cd, make a music video, and give two concerts with my assigned band. I hope my band is good. I can't wait but I'm also a little nervous because I've never been to camp by my self before.
K

Sounds like a great adventure!

www.terrasonus.com

[Loge]

Some of these smaller hatchback cars have remarkable storage space with the rear seats folded down. Although I've got a small pickup (Ranger - no top), I can easily fit all my gear (5 piece, cymbals, mics and stands and a 12 channel board) in the back of my Acura RSX and still have a passenger seat. Good on the gas too (Civic platform). I think the capacity is something like 17 cubic feet. Still can see out the center rearview mirror.

[enforcerdrummer]

I recently rented a 2006 Hyundai Sonata and for the heck of it, I decided to see how many of my drums would fit in it. Well it's good! I fit my 22 inch bass drum, 16 inch floor tom, 12 inch and 13 inch toms, snare, stands, roc/soc throne, and cymbal bag in the car. But wait there's more, I still had room for a front seat passenger.

Check out the Hyundai's!

[sio_13]

oddly enough i can fit my enire kit in my 97 acura integra 2dr hatchback-lay the back seats down and its like a truck bed. no room for much else tho, which can be a problem sometimes if i'm havin to take my recording rig or some pa stuff. a rolling hardware case is a must- i got the one shaped like a coffin. gets some weird looks in a studio tho

[beefythedrummer]

oddly enough i can fit my enire kit in my 97 acura integra 2dr hatchback-lay the back seats down and its like a truck bed. no room for much else tho, which can be a problem sometimes if i'm havin to take my recording rig or some pa stuff. a rolling hardware case is a must- i got the one shaped like a coffin. gets some weird looks in a studio tho

I've had to fit my set(standard 4 piece w/ 4 cymbals, hi hats, and all the hardware) into my old 92 Mitsubishi Eclipse before. The hatch almost didn't close all the way, but I got everything in there lol. Now though, I usually drive around our little ford ranger and it gets the job done well. The only thing is I can't take my stuff anywhere if it rains.

[fijjibo]

The other week I managed to fit my kit into a Nissan Micra.

I was well chuffed....,

lol

[JCM]

That is some feat! Was the Micra able to move at the required speed?

[enforcerdrummer]

Hey beefy! Why don't you get a truck cap on your truck. Check out sites like capworld.com. Then you can bring your drums in any weather! I used to own a 1998 Ranger but I sold it:( Actually, the truck had issues so I'm glad I did. :)

[Jeremy Bender]

A 1994 Buick Roadmaster station wagon (think Chevy Chase vacation) 20 mpg and holds a ton of stuff. Can't wait to replace the genuine-imitation wood paneling soon !

[Porker69]

Amazingly I can fit my entire 5 piece into my 1983 Mercedes 240D, we bought it from my dad's family for $1200 and it gets 30mpg, not a bad deal.

[Skitch]

Hey CMON I was given a Pathfinder, don't hate the player, hate the game....I feel stupid for saying that, but I do want to get one of those euro vans from VW. Great vehicles.


Pick-up with a camper shell; easy to get stuff in and out of. I feel that I am one of the few people who need such a vehicle.



Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw