Hello Gavin!
To get the gushing out of the way ... like many here I consider you to be one of the most talented and tasteful drummers ever. As much as I am in awe of your technique, I *really* love the fact that you exercise it in a musically responsible way, playing just what the song needs. Hats off...
I do have a question, if you don't mind...
I am in the market for a new kit after a few years away from the drums (it's been murder, I tell ya!) and am planning to start a project that will draw stylistically from jazz/fusion with pop sensibilities and the occasional heavy influence. The kit I am currently favoring would be composed like so:
20" kick
10", 8", 13" 15" mounted toms (in that order left to right, 2 up, 2 down)
13" primary snare (medium tuning)
12" secondary piccolo snare (high tuning)
I plan to tune the toms with a medium tension with single-ply coated batters ... do you think the 13" tom would service me well as a floor tom? I am concerned if I go to a 14"/16" combo for the floors that the gap between them and the 10"" rack would be to great...
Given the styles I must cover (and the fact that this will most likely be my only kit for the foreseeable future) it is kind of difficult to keep the kit on the small side and still find a good balance of sounds. What do you think?