Drum Sizes - please help

[blue7]

I'm looking to buy the most versatile sized set - for jazz, rock, funk:

Thinking about 22x16, 10x8, 12x10, 14x14. How does this sound?

I read somewhere that shorter guys should get a 20" bass instead - is this true? I am 5'5".

Thanks!!!

[Ozzy Biz]

A standard fusion sized kit like you mentioned should get you just about anywhere. But it's all personal. You might like the feel of a 20" kick more, or find a 14" floor seems a little lacking.

As for the height, it doesn't matter really. I'm 6' and I like the height I can put toms over a 20" kick, but I still use a 22". From what I remember, Harry Conway is pretty short too but he packs a 26" kick.

Biz

[Porker69]

Joey Jordison uses 22" kicks and he's 5'5" and when I used to play on my uncle's kit w/ a 22" kick when I was 6 or so and I was like 4' something and worked out.

[mofle]

I you are going to play jazz, you should go with the 20'' The 20'' will work just fine for rock and funk as well, if you use the right head.
I think the 20 10 12 14 setup would be the most versatile, if you get an emad ( or something, but keep it clear!) for rock, and maybe something like a coated ambassador, or something for jazz. That would work out the best IMO.

[syaoran05]

i dont know about the compatibility of drum sizes and how they go, but the best sounding kit ive ever played was 22-14-8-10-16. but personally i'd change the 22 to a 20, so that makes a 20-14-8-10-16 [14 is the snare.]

[Drummer Karl]

mhhh, the bass drum size is actually not a matter of body size. I`ve got a 22" for my main kit (with it I play mainly Jazz) but for my second kit (which I use actually as a versatile kit for every style) I got a 20" bass drum. As some people here said, you might like the 20" more. 20" is an awesome size, sounds great for almost every style. Can sound so punchy for Rock but with other tuning and heads also so mellow and boomy for Jazz.

and as for the toms: I like the sizes a lot. These tom depths can create nice balanced power and volume.
But it is also a matter of wood and company...what wood and brand do you wanna choose?

Karl

[Madwatch]

I dont really think it matters how tall you are. I would say just try as many different sizes as you can to find what works for you. I myself have both a 20x20 kick and a 28x20 kick and I am 5.11. Those sizes are my 2 favorites , with a 24 or 26 in a distant 3rd. My least favorite is a 22in kick , but thats just me. The 20x20 is more punchy than a 22 to my ears and it still has some boom to it. To me a 20 kick is a great all round size for many styles.
My main toms are 10x8 , 12x9 , 14x12 and 16x14 and very versatile.

Good luck!!

[harryconway]

As for the height, it doesn't matter really. I'm 6' and I like the height I can put toms over a 20" kick, but I still use a 22". From what I remember, Harry Conway is pretty short too but he packs a 26" kick.

Biz
I like to refer to myself as "vertically challenged", but hey, 5' 6" is what it is. And yes, I drive a 26x14. Standard sizes used to be (this is 50's and 60's thinking) 20x14, 12x8 and 14x14 were considered "jazz" or "bebop" and 22x14, 13x9 and 16x16 were "rock" sizes. Now, anything goes. But a 22" kick is probably the most common size.

[macmarkus]

for a five-piece-set i'd take maple light or medium wood ... 22x18 bass, 10x8 and 12x9 toms, a 16x14 floortom, and a 14x6 snare.

2ct :)

[d.c.drummer]

i hink as long as you are not doing any thing hard core those sizes are perfect. a punchy bass. and some toms that can tune up or tunbe down. i get the boom out of my 14" tom

[groove meister]

i may be late posting, but i find the size of my kit perfect for this type of music -
20" bass, 8" tom, 10" tom, 14" floor tom
Give it a go, it works well for me!

[MadJazz]

I you are going to play jazz, you should go with the 20'' The 20'' will work just fine for rock and funk as well, if you use the right head.
I think the 20 10 12 14 setup would be the most versatile, if you get an emad ( or something, but keep it clear!) for rock, and maybe something like a coated ambassador, or something for jazz. That would work out the best IMO.

I was going to say the same. 20" BD with emad (batter) and coated EQ3 (reso) would fit better with jazz and funk. For batters: coated G1 or coated EC1 on all toms and snare. Clear G1 as reso (hazy for snare). Let's roll!

[cornelius]

I use two toms, but if I was to play a 5 piece, I'd go 14x20, 7x8, 8x12, 13x15. That would be a funky drum kit.