Drum Riser Size

[Pinner]

I need another opinion on the size of my drum riser I am going to build in my basement.
I am only 5'0 and have 4 boom stands and a 6(3 are high toms) piece kit.I have 2 snares and the normal hi hats and double bass pedal. I was thinking 6' x 6' and this would be in the corner.I was told 5.5' would be fine. Would I be fine with 5.5' or 6' or should I go bigger???
Thanks for your input,
Pinner

[Billy Brown]

What are the outside dimensions of your setup?

[Leadfoot]

I'm 6'-4" and my road riser is 6' deep and 7' wide. I play a 4-5 pc, big bass drum off to the right and I wouldn't want it to be any smaller than it is. Measure the size of your setup, then add a 6-8" perimeter if you have the space. Don't cheat yourself out of space behind your throne either, you obviously don't want it right against the edge.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Pinner good to see you. Unless you are changing your setup, I second the motion of measuring the current "footprint" of your set to see what floor space you are currently using. If you are using a plywood panel for the top, those come in 4 x 8 foot sheets. Maybe using this for a starting point would help with the plans. Are you planning on building the platform to be the shape of Homeplate to fit in the corner?

[Pinner]

At this time my kit is not set up Billy.
Thanks so much Leadfoot this will be my first riser.
Johnny thanks and I was told by the person helping me we could use the extra drywall on top of the wood frame but I thought that would be to soft even after I carpet it. The homeplate idea sounds pretty good I guess I better take it downstairs and set it up and then stack it and cover it while building the riser.
Thanks so much this all helps me so much,
Pinner

[GRUNTERSDAD]

I am afraid that stomping on your bass drum pedal would be the demise of the drywall. A four by eight piece of plywood should be cheaper than drywall and will last for ever.

[SkipM]

I recently built a riser for my church. I made it circular so it could be rolled on and off the stage area, and I made the max diameter 1/2" less than the height of the doorway to the stage. After carpeting it, it just fits through the doors. It fits a 10-panel drum shield perfectly, and the drummers like it.

I figured out how to post some pictures of it and the plans I drew up. Look in my albums on this site at http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/album.php?albumid=502

[arthurk1]

10x11 makes a nice one and gives you room for monitors, and to step up onto. I also recommend using removeable legs in 1, 2, and 4 feet heights.

[ChipJohns]

Size of riser is usually determined by the venues you usually play in. If it isn't going to be removed from your basement I would say make it as big as you can practically. How big is your basement?

[masonni]

8 x 8 it a typical size. As far as how high you want it... well I would just make sure you dont' have to duck when you stand up behind your kit.

[DrumEatDrum]

The one in my studio is 8x8.

I admit, it could be smaller. I didn't design mine to ever move, so that won't full your needs.

Years ago I was in a band, and the singer put together a riser of just two 4X8 pieces of thick plywood, held together with a few hinges, and set it on maybe 8 milk crates. The milk crates provided plenty of strength, and it could be moved it easily if it had to be.

[Knatedrums]

Im actually working on plans for my drum riser right now...making it 8 or so feet wide by 8 or so feet deep...so two pieces of MDF. I hate playing on soft carpet...it kills the feel in my pedals...anyone have any ideas for covering it? I thought about the rubber pads like you find in a weight room...but those might be too soft.

[bobdadruma]

Im actually working on plans for my drum riser right now...making it 8 or so feet wide by 8 or so feet deep...so two pieces of MDF. I hate playing on soft carpet...it kills the feel in my pedals...anyone have any ideas for covering it? I thought about the rubber pads like you find in a weight room...but those might be too soft.A thin rubber backed carpet like the kind that you find at the entry to stores and businesses would work well.