The Big Kits vs. Small Kits Debate

[bamdrummer]

I personally like a smaller kit, different strokes for different folks. right now i play this:

[kissarmyfreak]

I think just like a lot of things, lots of us just simply "downsize" through the years.
Here is what I had back in 1992.
http://www.sabian.com/temp/setupbuilderexports/2011222_17-44-56-395.jpg

And this what I have now.
http://www.sabian.com/temp/setupbuilderexports/2011222_17-46-39-145.jpg

Just throwing that out there for y'all

[kissarmyfreak]

Here is the set I played back in 1992. Like alot of us here it seems like over the years we just seem to "downsize" So here is my current set.
Plus it's not 2 bass drums It's a 23"x26"
So just a little 80s flash back.

[keep it simple]

Hey guys,
I posted this before in another forum but I think that forum was dead, so here goes!

A few years ago I won a contest for a Mike Portnoy replica drumset. Its the Tama Starclassic black ice mirage acrylic set.

This set really is incredible, but I just dont have the time or the space to play this set anymore so I was thinking about selling. Please PLEASE only SERIOUS buyers, this set is worth a lot of money so no lowball offers. The image I've attached is from the set, I currently have it set up punk style but you can see some of the cymbals and two extra toms on the floor to the left plus the brand new bass drum is still in the box un-opened.

This is the ad from the contest:

The Grand Prize is a complete replica of the drumset used by Mike on disc 2 of the Hudson Music “In Constant Motion DVD, including: Tama “Mirage Black Ice” 20 ̋x22 ̋ bass drum, 7 ̋x8 ̋, 8 ̋x10 ̋ and 9 ̋x12 ̋ rack toms, 12 ̋x14 ̋ and 14 ̋x16 ̋ floor toms, 5 ̋x12 ̋ Steel and 5.5 ̋x14 ̋ Maple “Melody Master” Limited Edition MP Signature snare drums, Iron Cobra double bass drum pedal and hi-hat, RoadPro snare and cymbal and tom stands; Sabian 7 ̋ Radia cup chime, 7 ̋, 9 ̋ and 11 ̋ MP Signature Max Spashes, Low and Mid MP Signature Max Stax, 14 ̋ HHX Groove hi-hats, 16 ̋ HHX Extreme crash, 18 ̋ HHX chinese, 17 ̋ AA medium crash, 19 ̋ HH thin crash, 20 ̋ HH chinese and 22 ̋ HH Rock ride; Remo Pinstripe batter and Ambassador clear resonant heads on toms and bass drum, Coated CS and Ambassador snare heads on snare drums; Pro-Mark #TX420N MP Autograph drumsticks. The total retail value of this kit is over $15,000.


I plan on setting the entire kit up on a white background and taking some professional photos (since I'm a photographer)

The only thing that will decrease value though is that UPS dropped the bass drum and the acrylic is split on the bottom all the way to the wood ring that holds the head on it. I called Tama and they sent me a brand new kick drum (hardware and all) which is awesome but still not part of the original set. The set does come with it though.Nice looking kit, but did the prize include the half a dead zebra in the kick drum, lol?

[Hellwyck]

Nice looking kit, but did the prize include the half a dead zebra in the kick drum, lol?
Depends if he wanted to play some Carcass (sorry)

[paistemage]

corporeal jigsore quandry?

Tools of the trade?

[Pkaneps]

http://sabian.com/temp/setupbuilderexports/2011411_17-57-11-659.jpg

There's mine, and all I really want is another crash.

[drumr_102]

I personally like a smaller kit, different strokes for different folks. right now i play this:

This is my set, but with Zildjians and a splash for fun :)

[Deathmetalconga]

A small kit forces you to do more with less.

A big kit forces you to do less with more.

A medium-size kit ...

[Stalwart_Pandora-Chris]

I use different sizes.
I play smaller kits for fun, and large kits for fun. I love playing with alot of rack toms, I get really creative, on smaller kits I can get around and feel free and have more space aswell as be creative. But these are my setups (I actually use an 18" EFX, not an O-zone. And a 21" Sweet Ride)

I like to experiment with tom sizes too :)
Cheers
Chris

[GSHETTERLEY]

They all have a different feel, bigger kits have "BALLS" and smaller kit have a more relaxed feel. If you wanna play more aggressive styles of music, like Slayer, Dream Theater, and other bands id say a BIG KIT. I Like to have a smaller kit like a 24", 18", 16", and 14", to play Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Cream, The Beatles, and the other band I love:).

[Cameo]

I Like to have a smaller kit like a 24", 18", 16", and 14", to play Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Cream, The Beatles, and the other band I love:).
Saller size in number of toms, not smaller sizes... ;)

[Metronome]

That minimalist stuff gets lost on me. I've only ever seen hipsters play 3pc kits. I'd play a minimum 5pc anywhere. Convenient, but not at the expense of entertaining the crowd a little more.

This is my setup:
http://www.calgaryunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Setup1.jpg

[NPYYZ]

I learned to play on an old 4 piece Ludwig kit back in 1974. I had the kit for 3 years then I started to get into bands like Rush, Emerson Lake and Palmer, early Genesis, bands that had drummers that used multi tom fills. So I saved my money up and bought my first large kit. 2-24 kick drums 6,8,10,12, 14,16,18, toms , a snare 4 crashes 2 pang cymbals and a couple splashes. That was in 1977, from that point on I have always preferred a large kit , it gives me more sounds, more options, and it is just what I feel comfortable playing.

Now I play a kit with 2-22kicks, 8,10,12,14,16 toms snare, mini timbale, bongos ,several cymbals and a gong. It's all on a rack , easy and quick to set up and break down. It fits me, my style of playing, that's why I play it. I can play just as well on a five piece kit , but I'd be missing some sounds that I am used to having. It's all a matter of personal choice.

[Scopata]

I'm into smaller kits. I think they look a lot nicer and are more comfortable to play. I guess it is just a matter of opinion

[sticks4drums]

I have to agree with NPYYZ, Big kits look better, are more fun to play, have more sounds at your disposal, don't limit you in any way unless you have a small vehicle :) IMHO!

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa440/Sticks4drums/Large%20pics%20of%20my%20Saturn%20Kit/1068.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa440/Sticks4drums/Large%20pics%20of%20my%20Saturn%20Kit/1109.jpg

[Kenny Allyn]

Big kits look better, are more fun to play, have more sounds at your disposal, don't limit you in any way unless you have a small vehicle :) IMHO!


OR maybe if you have to play in a tiny corner ... as in this shot taken at a little bar we play about two blocks from the old SUN studio in Memphis.

Sonor Safari kit, with hats a ride and one crash ... the right tool for the job at hand, and it does it well ...

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k220/kennyallyn/Kennys%20Instruments/Safarigig.jpg

BIG kits do look cool in the right setting, and would look kinda out of place in others IMHO :)

[sticks4drums]

I was going to say "and where you have to set up" :) They probably wouldn't want me playing my music there anyway. You can always make a big kit smaller, but you can't make a small kit bigger. I know. That has been said a thousand times before. It is true though. Good point though buddy. :)

[NPYYZ]

Very Nice kit Sticks. I've got a cargo van so transporting the kit is not problem for me. :)

[NPYYZ]

OR maybe if you have to play in a tiny corner ... as in this shot taken at a little bar we play about two blocks from the old SUN studio in Memphis.

Sonor Safari kit, with hats a ride and one crash ... the right tool for the job at hand, and it does it well ...

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k220/kennyallyn/Kennys%20Instruments/Safarigig.jpg

BIG kits do look cool in the right setting, and would look kinda out of place in others IMHO :)

I agree in that small space a smaller kit is required, however I won't take those gigs anymore. If I can't use my complete kit, I'm not interested in the gig.

[dantheman]

All in all, I think it comes down to what you are comfortable with. I believe most of us have started young playing drums and go thru that stage where you want the biggest, loudest set in 5the neighborhood. But as you get older and mature as a player, you realize that "less is more" in the terms that we are there as drummers to keep time and support the other players in the band. As I got older I went from a 6 or 7 pc. kit to a 4 or 5 pc kit depending on the gig. If you play locally, and are a pro or semi pro, it makes sense to go to a smaller kit. Obviously if you land the drum chair with rush you will need a bigger kit. But for the majority of us, I would say we play 4 or 5 pc kits. I prefer a 4 pc kit because of ride cynbal placement. Over the years (I am 50 now) I cannot remember too many songs I could not cover at a gig because my kit was not big enough.

[Crazy8s]

I have had very large kits in the past, 1 very large kit anyway; 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16 toms, 2x 22s, 2x snares and a set of rotos with a dozen cymbals and cowbells and wood blocks and all that... A black Mapex Mars kit back in 1992.... (HEY! I was really diggin Terry Bozzio!)


Nowadays, I will usually play with just 2 toms and 1 ride, 1 crash and 1 china and 1 hats. I have more drums than this, and I will tinker with different set ups, but the core of my playing is 4 piece kit.

I find that it takes a bit more savvy, forethought, creativity, and tact to do more with fewer drums and cymbals.

As for big kits = smaller pps or vice-versa...I don't know about any of that. Size 12 feets yo! :) LOL!

[sticks4drums]

Thats it. You nailed it. I don't like to think, that is why I have a 14 piece kit. :)

We just saw 7 great drummers that were creating pretty cool things on a really big kit. Would be really tough to pull off what they did on a 4 or 5 piece. Plus they are so darn fun. As long as you don't have to move them around. :)

[Dr_Watso]

I find that it takes a bit more savvy, forethought, creativity, and tact to do more with fewer drums and cymbals.


For me, that's also key. When I have fewer options of kit pieces, I'm much more creative with what I do have, and I get better at getting more sounds from less. I feel more free, and focused on the music, and more importantly the spaces between the notes I do play. When I have 6 toms, it's kinda easy to just roll down them. When I have 2, I have to think about what will sound cool and use the other parts of the kit for some fresh sounds in the mix. Sometimes I'll cut down to just 1 tom, and then I notice that my creativity and use of the snare improves...

At the same time, not everyone has to have my same "less is more" focus when they play the drums either. Every approach is valid for it's own merits, and it's just a matter of what you like and have fun with.

[Kenny Allyn]

If I can't use my complete kit, I'm not interested in the gig.

Well you know, that's cool ...

A lot comes down to how many gigs there are and the logistics, such as parking, load in and load out time, etc:

All the guys I play with are pro-level and all to a man pack lean, the genre is "Americana" roots/blues, old school R&B and such.
The venues are usually smaller downtown blues halls to outdoor patios and such. Some of the guys play two 3 hour plus gigs a day
at different venues. These guys know that it's gotta be pretty much a one cart deal, as sometimes the parking garage and venues
may be as much as two blocks away! On a warm night there may be as many as 20 venues going at once, in the two block district.

Any BIG gear in this environment, as cool as it is at a big show (and it is) would be like bringing a jackhammer when you need an icepick



Here is what it looks like ...

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k220/kennyallyn/misc/BealeStreet-tonemapped.jpg

[sticks4drums]

Point taken. :) I guess it comes down to many factors. Style of music, venue, parking, audience. I guess the best answer is be flexible. If I was doing it all the time for a living, and had to carry my own, then I would probably be down to a smaller gigging kit for out and about, and a monster for home.

[Pass.of.E.r.a.]

That minimalist stuff gets lost on me. I've only ever seen hipsters play 3pc kits. I'd play a minimum 5pc anywhere. Convenient, but not at the expense of entertaining the crowd a little more.

That's pretty harsh. I'm definitely not a hipster and I certainly play a 3 Piece. Adding another tom or two will not be any more entertaining to the crowd...

However, mega-monster kits such as Sticks4Drums' kit will definitely entertain the crowd but that because it's more than just a 5 piece. :)

For me, when ever I go to use a tom in a fill or something, my instinct is to go to the right not up. And since I don't rely only on toms for fills, having more than 1 isn't necessary.

-Joanthan

[DeanOdgers]

When i first started getting lessons i asked my teacher about kit sizes and such and he said
that when he runs out of possibilities on a four piece kit then he will get more drums.
I took that on board, ten years later and i still rock a four piece
the lack of drums and cymbals for me makes me think more creatively than thinking ill just hit this crash this time, oh ill use my second floor tom etc.
Smaller kits make you understand how powerful dynamics space and rhythmic groupings can be.

[sticks4drums]

That's pretty harsh. I'm definitely not a hipster and I certainly play a 3 Piece. Adding another tom or two will not be any more entertaining to the crowd...

However, mega-monster kits such as Sticks4Drums' kit will definitely entertain the crowd but that because it's more than just a 5 piece. :)

For me, when ever I go to use a tom in a fill or something, my instinct is to go to the right not up. And since I don't rely only on toms for fills, having more than 1 isn't necessary.

-Joanthan
Heck, I just close my eyes and swing, I am sure to hit something. :)

[sticks4drums]

That's pretty harsh. I'm definitely not a hipster and I certainly play a 3 Piece. Adding another tom or two will not be any more entertaining to the crowd...

However, mega-monster kits such as Sticks4Drums' kit will definitely entertain the crowd but that because it's more than just a 5 piece. :)

For me, when ever I go to use a tom in a fill or something, my instinct is to go to the right not up. And since I don't rely only on toms for fills, having more than 1 isn't necessary.

-Joanthan
It is funny how we are all so different on the same instrument. Keyboard and piano players have the same amount of keys, guitar and bass players for the most part have the same amount of strings. Drummers, have all different amount of things to hit. It makes for some great diversity.

You say you reach right, I reach up left than across. I could actually live with one floor. The 15 in the first position is the one I love and use by far the most.

[asdkix3]

BIG KITS!
this is my monster
http://community.sabian.com/temp/setupbuilderexports/20111228_12-46-7-133.jpg

[2bsticks]

With me lately it's been a 4 piece kit with a ride, 3 crashes and an effects cymbal hi hats. I also downsized my car from a caravan to scion xb. I stopped taking my rack and now use single braced stands. Part of it is age related and wanting a quick setup and breakdown. I am playing oldies 50's 70's and some Country and the 4 piece kit does the trick, besides I really enjoy playing it.

Not that will never take out the whole kit again but for now it's the way to go for me.

[jayabaluan]

great drums and good looking onces...............

[KarlCrafton]

Some interesting comments lately.

I used to have the attitude of "if I can't use MY kit...", I didn't really want to do the gig, but I don't have that anymore.
Just had so many festival, or back line shows that were cool gigs to have, that it doesn't matter to me anymore. If I have my pedal and snare I can be comfortable on whatever.
Of course, I prefer my kit over anything else, but one more floor tom, or whatever isn't going to make any difference to anyone but me.

There's been a couple times at large venues, opening for a national, where I've used my kit, but there wasn't enough inputs left to mic everything (left side floor tom or whatever), so, even though I might have been comfortable with my surroundings (as far as things in place), I didn't use everything because if I hit something without a mic on it, no one was gonna hear it anyway.

I like to see slightly larger or interesting kits at shows.
It depends on the band for the size of the kit, but to me, it shows the drummer has some interest in their band/situation/craft etc... if a kit is a little more personal for the person using it up on stage.
Someone showing up with a dusty, POS kit, or if it has dented to crap heads, I pretty much know the listening isn't going to be very enjoyable.

[Lunar Satellite Brian]

More drums=more possibilities

Case closed.

[BillBachman]

I think that big & small or both good and serve different purposes. More colors can allow for more musical possibilities, while fewer colors can make you play much more dynamically and creatively to create the interest.

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

More drums=more possibilities

Case closed.

More drums = more drums.

Now, you can close your case.

[Mad About Drums]

I think that big & small or both good and serve different purposes. More colors can allow for more musical possibilities, while fewer colors can make you play much more dynamically and creatively to create the interest.

I agree Bill, but you don't necessary need a large kit to display more "colors" in the music, Brian Blade is the perfect example: small kit, infinite color spectrum.... :-)

[Taye-Dyed]

I use a small kit because my current musical situation and the small stages we mostly play do not allow me to go big. I not only play a small kit but also small sizes: 20" kick, 8" and 10" toms. I have only recently added a second rack tom - for a long time, I just had a 10". I am probably the only drummer here who does not use a floor tom. Due to space constraints I started leaving my floor tom at home and then I got used to not having it so I have kept it in storage.

My cymbal selection is small as well: 14" hi-hats, 16" crash, 18" crash/ride and 20" ride. I have no need for a splash or china, but if my musical situation changes, I am open to adding those. I do have some percussion pieces on my kit: cowbell, two blocks and bar chimes. The are neatly attached to my hi-hat stand so do not take up any extra room.

With this small kit, I can set up and break down in 10 minutes. Also, since I am my own roadie/drum tech, it is easy on my back!

As for the debate, I would have to say "to each his/her own." Not a very exciting contribution to this debate, but it is a matter of want/need/taste/musical and financial ability. If you are able to make great music with a 3-piece or 15-piece kit, more power to you.

Here is my entire setup:

[burn-4]

If money, set-up space and set-up time were infinite then I would have a decent size kit- 2 snare, left side FT and 4 toms, with loads of cymbals too!
More often than not this is not the case so small kit it is for travelling gigs!

[audiotech]

I just use what the venue justifies.

Dennis

[yamaharec]

I’d like have happy medium in between having enough drums to fill my needs but more in cymbals than just the basics.Having that said If had chose between small kit vs a big kit!!I’d say a big kit min 7pcs to whatever suits the gig.
I like play HARD/METAL/PROG Rock

I have currently an old 1980 Yamaha Recording Custom its in 10,12,13,14 toms ,14 snare,22 kick.Cymbals are Sabian 14”Pargons HiHat, 16”AA Medium Crash,15”AA X X-Plosion Crash,17” AA Metal Crash, 19”AAX X-treme China ,9” Vault Max Splash,10”AAX Splash,8” AA Splash
20” B8 Ride(Its a temp) I found a 22” Signature Tri-Zone Cymbal I fell in love with next pay check I’ll be mine!!
I’d love have at the very least a 16”floor tom some day?Trouble is finding the same year,model & color?
My wish list in Cymbals:
17”HHX X-Treme China
22”Pargon Ride
18” HHX X-Xplosion Crash
20”Pargon Crash
Lets face it!!Money is one biggest Problems for me.Next is time & space to play it!!!My dream kit is an Ayotte Custom (I’m Canadian) 2nd choice a DW Collector kit

6/49 anyone!!!

[_Leviathan_]

I've been playing what I call a 4 by 4 (Four piece, single bass drum kit, 4 cymbals) for over a year, and have never found it limiting in the least. I've played a four piece with hi-hats, crash, and ride and found that a little too limiting, and played a 3 piece (no rack tom!) with four cymbals and found that too restricting. But with four drums, hats, ride, crash, and china, I get everything I need. I played a five minute solo on a 4 by 4 in the summer and had people literally bowing down and worshiping. I love playing a smaller set, but have no problem with large kits, as long as the person doesn't mind the extra expense and lugging time!

At the end of the day, it ain't the drums... it's the drummer.

[kissarmyfreak]

More drums = more drums.

Now, you can close your case.

So glad we finally got that case closed.

[toddy]

small kits, because mike portnoy is a douche.

[sticks4drums]

small kits, because mike portnoy is a douche.Isn't it past your bed time?

[toddy]

Isn't it past your bed time?

nah dude, making a tune atm. i'll make sure to keep an eye on the clock though.

[Drumolator]

More drums=more possibilities

Case closed.

Yep! There is more possibility that I would overplay, more possibility that I would play something stupid. I use four drums and four cymbals, five if I use a China.

Play a huge kit. Play a small kit. Be yourself. Drum on!

[Dr_Watso]

That minimalist stuff gets lost on me. I've only ever seen hipsters play 3pc kits. I'd play a minimum 5pc anywhere. Convenient, but not at the expense of entertaining the crowd a little more.


Please take no offense, but the way I look at it, if the crowd needs more entertainment, then I'd blame the music itself more than the number of things on a drum kit.

[toddy]

Please take no offense, but the way I look at it, if the crowd needs more entertainment, then I'd blame the music itself more than the number of things on a drum kit.

agreed. i am wary of just how far i should take my opinion on this big vs small thing as;

a) i don't want to hurt anybodys feelings
b) i don't want an argument
c) i don't want to upset bernhard and get banned

so i'll just say this; if you can't lay down an interesting beat with a kick, snare & hats then you don't need a bigger kit, you need to practice more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FX_84iWPLU

[drummerboyfitz]

Small Kit! I've been playing a three piece kit for the last 4 years in all types of situations. I mainly use a 14' snare (that I built myself), a 12X12 Peace tom (that one was $10) and currently using a Pearl Export 22" kick (free). The snare is made from a Remo Buffalo Drum with some snare wires screwed into it and then taped onto the head. Dry, dry,dry! No annoying overtones and no snare buzz from ambient sound. The tom was a steal - ten bucks at a thrift store. The kick was a freebie! I use a 20" Sabian ride cymbal that I literally found in the gutter, and Zildjian 14" hi-hats. I've played this set up with my prog rock band, my heavy metal band, a jazz improv project, my Fleetwood Mac cover band, a hip hop band... I could go on. Point being, I've never felt like I'm lacking anything palette wise. Drummers frequently ask me "How do you do that?" and I reply, "Practice."

[Deathmetalconga]

I wonder if keyboardists have these similar discussions: Do you use a 2 1/2 octave keyboard and why, vs. a 5 or 8 octave keyboard.

I have a feeling most keyboardists, like most drummers, play mid-sized kits of 5 to 8 pieces.

[wildbill]

The better drummer you are, the less drums you need.

Big sets can look pretty neat, but an artist can keep your interest with only one drum.

[audiotech]

The better drummer you are, the less drums you need.

Big sets can look pretty neat, but an artist can keep your interest with only one drum.

Then there would be no such thing as "drum sets", lol.

Dennis

[sticks4drums]

I can just see Neil Peart trying to play 2112 on one drum. Or Danny Carey, or Mike Portnoy, or, you get the idea. They have lots of drums, and are pretty good drummers. Does that mean they would be even better on a single drum?

[Alexp1401]

I have to agree with NPYYZ, Big kits look better, are more fun to play, have more sounds at your disposal, don't limit you in any way unless you have a small vehicle :) IMHO!

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa440/Sticks4drums/Large%20pics%20of%20my%20Saturn%20Kit/1068.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa440/Sticks4drums/Large%20pics%20of%20my%20Saturn%20Kit/1109.jpg


I knew that seeing this thread you would have posted this somewhere, you and your massive kits.

[sticks4drums]

OK. Who is that???????

[sticks4drums]

At least it wasn't me this time. :)

[topgun2021]

If I know I will be touching a drum/ cymbal/cowbell one or more times, I will set it up.

[Deathmetalconga]

The better drummer you are, the less drums you need.

Big sets can look pretty neat, but an artist can keep your interest with only one drum.

The better drummer you are, the more drums you can use well.

Yes, a good artist can keep your interest with just one drum - but a good artist can also keep your interest with 10 drums.

[Deathmetalconga]

I can just see Neil Peart trying to play 2112 on one drum. Or Danny Carey, or Mike Portnoy, or, you get the idea. They have lots of drums, and are pretty good drummers. Does that mean they would be even better on a single drum?

"Yes, because they would have had to be more creative."

Anything you can play on a large set, you can play on a small set. The reverse is not always true.

[sticks4drums]

"Yes, because they would have had to be more creative."

Anything you can play on a large set, you can play on a small set. The reverse is not always true.
Sorry buddy. Disagree. You try playing RUSH, Dream Theater with a four piece and I will know very soon you do not have enough drums to pull it off. Unless you want all the fills to sound the same.

[caddywumpus]

If I know I will be touching a drum/ cymbal/cowbell one or more times, I will set it up.

If I touch a drum/cymbal/cowbell only one time during a show, I seriously consider if it's worth bringing it or not.

...that's one of the plights of playing musicals. Usually, that item that you play only once in the whole 1-3 hour show is critical. Luckily, the show runs for a couple of weeks, and you only need to set it up once, though. :)

[wildbill]

The better drummer you are, the more drums you can use well.

Yes, a good artist can keep your interest with just one drum - but a good artist can also keep your interest with 10 drums.



Agreed.





(my message is too short - 20 characters needed, so here they are)

[minorchords]

My kit back in the day grew all the time. It became a burden to me. Although I admit I liked having a set that looked like the Portnoys of the world at that time.

I play on my cousin's drum set right now which is a little bigger than mine used to me. As I am beginning to take drumming seriously again (I had a two year hiatus), I have a new desire for a 5 piece set. I will still have my high octobans when that time comes, but I just feel it is time for me to focus on the building from the ground up again both in my playing and set up.

If I get any more toms, it would one higher as I love the sound of high 8in toms. Cymbals, now that is another story. To me, the more cymbals the better!

[Cambotiger]

Sorry buddy. Disagree. You try playing RUSH, Dream Theater with a four piece and I will know very soon you do not have enough drums to pull it off. Unless you want all the fills to sound the same.

I agree with what sticks4drums said... Why put limits on the fills that could be played? I'd choose a 5 or 6 piece over a 3 piece any day...

1990 Yamaha Power Tour Customs: 12, 13, 16, 18, and 22 w/14 inch brass snare. 2 rides (Zildjian K & Ping), 2 crash (Zildjian Rock crash & A Custom), and 2 hi-hat sets (Zildjian New Beats & K Dark)

[Pollyanna]

I agree with what sticks4drums said... Why put limits on the fills that could be played?

If a player can afford it ... and is prepared to do all the lugging, setup and maintenance (or pay someone to do it) ... and there's plenty of room on stage ... and the band likes it ...

then a big kit is just fine.

[wildbill]

I was just messin' with you guys. Ya - I've seen a lot of discussions like this about # of keyboards too.
There's always some 'wise-guy' who says a good player only needs one, just to stir up the hornet's nest.
Big kit/small kit - either one's just fine with me. Mine have always been 5 piece with a lot of add-ons.

[drummerboyfitz]

Big kits are a lot of fun. Who wouldn't love them? Sometimes I play gigs where I just don't want to bring my drums and use whatever's there. I always find it educational to play someone else's set. All that being said, my 3 piece kit always fascinates me. I can do anything on that kit that I can do on a monster kit - except change the pitch of the tom. Smaller kits force me into an economical playing style that depends far more on expression and nuance than crash-bang-boom. 20 minute snare solos? Yup. Sounds great.

[kissarmyfreak]

Ive played both though the years. Each have thier own + & thier own -.

Here are my two extremes.

1 a 1992 Pearl world series.
8x8,8x10,10x10,10,12,12x13 mounted toms
14x14,16x16,18x16 floor toms
(2) 22x18 bass drums
14x12 marching snare
6x12,6x14,6x16,6x18 octotoms
W/ 3 Sabian AAs & 8 Zildjian As


Now
10x8,12x10 toms
16x16,16x18 floor toms
22x26 Bass
14x 6 1/2 snare
W/ 9 Saluda Earthworks

[sticks4drums]

Ive played both though the years. Each have thier own + & thier own -.

Here are my two extremes.

1 a 1992 Pearl world series.
8x8,8x10,10x10,10,12,12x13 mounted toms
14x14,16x16,18x16 floor toms
(2) 22x18 bass drums
14x12 marching snare
6x12,6x14,6x16,6x18 octotoms
W/ 3 Sabian AAs & 8 Zildjian As


Now
10x8,12x10 toms
16x16,16x18 floor toms
22x26 Bass
14x 6 1/2 snare
W/ 9 Saluda Earthworks
You need to put the Pearl monster on the crazy tom angle thread! :)

[AndyMC]

I find it often comes down to how loud a project is to how many drums are preferred.

In a jazz piece you have all those wonderfully low dynamics that totally change the character of a drum.

Try that in an arena rock band and no one would ever hear it, so you need more drums to make up for the lost ranges of your other drums.

Still both large and small kits are great, and really are different monsters. The only thing worse than a bad drummer on a big kit, is a bad drummer on a small kit. Bad drummers sound bad, good drummers sound good and the kit makes very little difference.

[Push]

Bad drummers sound bad, good drummers sound good and the kit makes very little difference.

More true words could not have been written.

[sticks4drums]

Ya, but what about me? I am an average drummer on a big kit! :)

Good points there Andy. Someone recently thought I should be a great drummer, because I had a big kit. I just like big kits. I love toms! :)

[kissarmyfreak]

You need to put the Pearl monster on the crazy tom angle thread! :)

Ya think so there Sticks?

At the time I was just going for something almost like Nicko McBrain

[sticks4drums]

Ya think so there Sticks?

At the time I was just going for something almost like Nicko McBrain
It's cool! So where is it now?

[topgun2021]

You can spend the big bucks on a large kit when you have the money and just not use some drums to create a small kit.

You have to spend spend time finding other drums that match (if you like having matching drums) and money to get the drum, which may be a pain if you are financially hurting at that point and time.

[kissarmyfreak]

It's cool! So where is it now?

I sold it up in Vermont a lot of years ago

[wagonwagon13]

4 piece.... it's gotta be a four piece.

[caddywumpus]

You can spend the big bucks on a large kit when you have the money and just not use some drums to create a small kit.

You have to spend spend time finding other drums that match (if you like having matching drums) and money to get the drum, which may be a pain if you are financially hurting at that point and time.

I bought my first pro-level kit (DW in 10/12/14/16/22 configuration) with this same idea: I could use whichever toms I felt fit the music better, and however many of them I needed. I have yet to come across a situation where I NEED more than a rack tom and a floor tom. Heck, I have yet to play a gig where my 12/14/20 setup wouldn't suffice. But, then again, I don't intend to play in a Rush or Dream Theatre cover band any time soon...