3 up and 1 down ....or....just one floor....

[fusssion]

This may be the wrong forum....if so, please move it for me....thanks....

OK...as you can see in my signature ...my link shows my kit w/ a 2 up 2 down config which Iv'e been playing for about 8 months, and I have grown to like it, since I've always played w/ one floor tom.

Recently....I"ve changed my set up because we're doing a short-set show and I've dropped a cymbal and a drum (14") to downsize (for ease and quickness of set-up and tear-down)....ANYHOW......

I've realized ...going back to one floor tom ( 10-12-16 for this show setup) that I really DO PREFER one floor tom.....it's that 'everything right in front of you" thing I like I guess.

Also, I'm seeing recently, a lot of 3 up 1 down set ups...and after this show I'll go back to the full 6 piece.....and because of the sizes of the drums, go w/ the 2 and 2.....but made me think....maybe I could have my 12x14 custom chopped down to a 10x14 and put it above the bass in a 3 + 1 ..........

Thoughts on 3 and 1 ....or .....at the end of the day....like anything in drumming...is it all personal preference?!

[Deathmetalconga]

I have never much cared for two-down setups, maybe because I'm too old and stiff at 42 to reach around like that. Also, because I play open (left hand ride and hats), my focus is on the left-hand side of the kit and a second floor tom would be forgotten.

Even my current floor tom is suspended and is at the same angle as my rack toms - it's really just another rack tom, just lower than the others.

[Jeremy]

3 up 1 down does look like it'd be easy to play around on, especially for rolls. My personal preference is 1 up 2 down because i like the low end and my ride in the perfect spot. It's really up to you, though i wouldn't get a 14 x 10. i've never heard a 14" tom sound good with less than 12" depth.
that's down to the sound you like, but i definitely wouldn't go cutting a drum or getting a new one just to try out a set up. check it out, if you like it, then maybe cut your drum down, just make sure you get a good guy to recut bearing edges.
Also, don't be afraid to try new set-ups, it usually doesn't take much time and always changes the way you play.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

I would echo what DMG said, about age etc., but I also have space issues and right now I have 4 up and 1 down. Not my preference but will have to do for now.

[lawacker]

One up (10), ride in close, three down,(12,14,16) I'm 55 and I can still reach them all. Mostly I'm on the 10 ,12, snare and ride. Sometime the 14. The 16 is great for sheet music, coffee, maracas,claves ect... You have to make it work for yourself. Good luck.

[Ozzy Biz]

I couldn't do that; I find a 14" a little lacking in bottom end to be used as a floor, let alone a 12".

[Mendozart]

I really like playing the 3 up 1 down set, even though I now have an 18" floor tom that I'm putting legs on. I might even go with a left side floor in addition to the right.
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10348&d=1170016621

[Fat Elvis]

i have a 2 up/2 down on my DW and a 2 up and one down on my starclassic -- i also find that i dont like 2 floor toms. I do like things all in front of me -- although i do play my 2 up configuration offset. I would explore maybe cutting this down if you feel you need the 6 piece -- for me, i think i will just nopt bring my 14" floor tom when I gig the DW.

[larlev]

I have been thinking of building a 14 rack tom instead of a floor....my back isn't what it used to be, and twisting around is harder today than it was 10 years ago

I watch the Bobby Jarzombek video all the time...and everything is right there close....I like the idea of this setup

[Skitch]

I play several different ways:


One of my kits is for my personal use only and rarely gets changed - 8, 10, 12, toms then a 15" rack where the floor tom would normally go and a 14" rack to the left of my hi hats. This could also be easily changed to two rack (14 and 15") on the right side of my kit.
For all of my retro gigs, I use the 10, 12 (on the bass drum) and 15 rack tom (again where the floor tom would go).
Sometimes, I will go for a four piece for expendiency, space and for idiots who think they should tell me that the above option is too big! Funny, I never tell them that 5 string basses are for overcompensators.



Mike

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

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=drummermikemccraw
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=78564594