choosing between bass drum sizes and snare material

[drummerchick435]

I did an search on this but nothing satisfying came up so...
I trying to decide between a 20X18 kick or a 22X18 kick. Which one will cut through the music best? I play rock (ex. Queen, Switchfoot, Rush type stuff). I don't want a 'thud' sound like the kit I have now. I'm planning on getting an M Birch by the way.
For snares: I want a snare with a pop and a snare with a crack for variety. I planning on splurging on a Black Panther snare and keeping the M Birch snare. So what BP should I buy to satisfy the requirements?

[fourstringdrums]

I did an search on this but nothing satisfying came up so...
I trying to decide between a 20X18 kick or a 22X18 kick. Which one will cut through the music best? I play rock (ex. Queen, Switchfoot, Rush type stuff). I don't want a 'thud' sound like the kit I have now. I'm planning on getting an M Birch by the way.
For snares: I want a snare with a pop and a snare with a crack for variety. I planning on splurging on a Black Panther snare and keeping the M Birch snare. So what BP should I buy to satisfy the requirements?

A 22x18 will be louder and be felt more, although some may argue that a 20" has a range and frequency that will cut through more than a 22". It's really personal preference in sound and feel I think and not worrying so much about which one will cut. I have a 22" now but I appreciate 20"s and have played them on my last 2 sets because of the quicker response and tuning range that you can't quite get on a 22". I also liked the 20" more because I could put the toms down lower. With this set, I got such a great deal that I wasn't going to be picky about size. Either should suit you fine though. As with most drums, heads and tuning matter alot too.

As for the BP, I'd get a 5.5x13 that, would allow you to tune for a nice pop, more than a 14", but still give you tuning range for a nice crack. I'd get a hammered brass one myself, that will cut really well.

[harryconway]

I'd go with a 22" kick. All 3 drummers you listed (groups) play 22" kicks. You're moving up to a much better kit. It's gonna have a lot more sonic versatility. Say "goodby" to thud. "Hello" to boom. As you're keeping the stock snare, the brass 13 makes sense (good call fourstring). Something completely different. Nice to have a wide choice.

[Fat Elvis]

i have both, and the 22" is louder and better for rock, but i personally like the 20". The reason is that i almost always mic at least the kick anyway, the 20" has a better response, better control and does give you that extra room to place the toms whereever you want, as opposed to only places that the kick drum will allow you to place them.

plus, everyone has 22's -- 20's just look cool. Either way, you cant lose -- they both have merit.

[MadJazz]

A 20" plays easier but a 22" is heard better. Do you prefer good feel to good sound? Considering you'll not always be miked, and you also play in louder settings, I'd take a 22".

If you go with 20", why not keep the depth to 16" ?

[drummerchick435]

Thanks. I'm probably going to get the 20". It sounds like a good choice and I also forgot to say that I'm short so the lower I can set my toms the better. A 20" is also cheaper too! I'll also seriously consider the brass BP.

[fourstringdrums]

Thanks. I'm probably going to get the 20". It sounds like a good choice and I also forgot to say that I'm short so the lower I can set my toms the better. A 20" is also cheaper too! I'll also seriously consider the brass BP.

That's why I liked 20", I'm only about 5'4". Even a 10x12 tom over a 22" bass is alittle higher than I'd like. I'm trying that right now with my 22" and it's alittle tough to get used to. Also too, again it came down to response. I felt that the 20" had a bit better response, which helps because I don't have much in the way of foot technique. Though I've found that with the 22" this time around I've made up for it by using some padding (just an Evans EQ pad touching the bottom 2/3rd's of the batter).

[ermghoti]

Good call on the 20", for reasons already stated.

You can buy one of brazillians of Supraphonic 5x14's, and get pretty much whatever sound you'd like out of it. You can find them for about $150 for a non-rare used piece in typical condition.

[xMrJeffx]

OK 100% Sure Go With The 20"!

Jeff

[-tarek-]

You should give a 20x20 kick a try. The pedal response is about as good as a 20x18, but they have as much meat as a 22x18. Gotta love your kick drum meat. When I decide to have a custom kit built down the line, I'm going with 20x20's.

[Madwatch]

I have a 20x20 kick and love it. It sounds huge or small depending on how I muffle it. Its a great size and can handle just about any style.