Sorry, but I don't really appreciate your response. Of course I googled "how to mic drums" and many variations on that basic question, and you know what you get--more references than anyone could ever wade through, and the references are suspect for several reasons:
1. they all seem to be about recording drums, and I don't know if that has any relation to what we are trying to do--live sound through a PA.
2. most of the references recommend using a huge number of microphones (two mics for the snare drum alone???) that would cost more than all the band's other equipment combined (and of course those references are often produced by microphone companies which are in the business of selling microphones)
3. Google queries about using fewer microphones all seem to be about recording (again, I don't know if that also applies to live sound).
The link you added is more helpful, but again, that seems to be about recording the drums.
So, l will rephrase my question a little more specifically: Can anyone point my son and I toward some good references for how to mic up drums for good live sound? Some further information:
1. google searches on the topic have proved less than helpful for reasons described above
2. we are interested in live sound--not recording
3. the music his band plays is blues, early rock (like Elvis), and classic rock (yes, it is a band of 15 year old kids that plays music that is often older than their parents)
4. the drum kit is 5 piece (sometimes 4)
5. we normally have access to a kick drum mic, and up to 4 shure 57 microphones
6.although we have access to these 5 mics, if there is a way to get by with fewer, I'm all ears (I like simplicity.)
7. I am willing to spend some money to by equipment, but at this point I'm not willing to drop a couple K on all different kinds of microphones, stands, clips, etc.
8. resources do not have to be from the web--I actually prefer a good reference book
Thank you.