I didn't know how to comment alongside the pics, so here goes;
1. This is how I set my double pedals at home on the practice pad; 14 inches between each pedal, just enough for a snare drum. Plus I can get my hats nice and close. I used to play with the snare pulled really close to me so this wasn't possible then.
2. My revelation; Sitting with a slight downward angle on the thighs. I used to think that I did this but to be honest I never checked in a mirror or took a picture. Until today. Now I have raised my seat and my body is much happier.
3. Snare drum height/pitch. A nice, maybe 10-15 degree pitch towards me, good for playing rimshots. The middle of the snare is about as high as my belly button.
As you can see, the bottom of the snare is near the top of the bass drum. The snare stand was maxed out and I had to put the legs in a bit to get it where it was comfortable. Anyone else find that snare stands are too small?? 4 shows distance to bass drum
4. Roughly 8 inches between snare/hats. I used to play solely open-handed and had them much much lower. I now play mixed crossed and open and 8 seems a good compromise.
5. Floor tom same height as snare and back a bit. Nice and comfy if I just swivel my torso.
6. THE RACK TOM! Finally I got him where I need him. Basically as close as poss to the snare horizontally, quite a pitch on it and about 6-7 inches above the snare. I realise this is quite high comparatively to other drums but it seems to fit my body well.
7. Oh, just to show the snare is close to the BD.
8. Final arial view. Added crash and ride. Crash is nice and close as I like to choke it a lot. Also a bit more to the left than usual as I play it mostly open (left) handed. Ride is as far into the BD as I could get it. Any tips on getting it more in the middle:? In hindsight it is a bit too close to me; might get in the way when moving between rack and floor.
9./10/11 Final behind/front/side views. Look at that ride stand boom! Need a longer one
So, I am super happy with the set up, so thank you for getting me to take pics; it has forced me to analyse the drum setup and now I have things (after 6 years!) where my body needs them to be.
The question is now; how to replicate this quickly when I turn up to the band practice space next week? and every week after? And on random stages using house kits? The mind boggles!
Oh, and I have an audition next week for a band. Super excited!
Cheers
Andy