Well part of my reasoning is my age, I'm 60, and in the rare occasion that I gig I'd like something that can fit in the back seat of my Acura, then there's the space considerations onstage. and finally, I just think a 12 inch tom just looks better with a "20 than an "18 (yes it's a silly reason, but that's just me)
There is Art, it's called the "make it 14" deep & move on" ratio So long as it's a decent drum, works perfectly on all sizes.So I answered my own question heck no there is no magical ratio that fits all diameters.
LOL I was hoping you'd chime in Andy. In "my mind" I would think it's like Goldilock's too small or too big problematic-has to be just right which is apparently 14in LOL. Given the nature of a bass drum I wondered if depth is that big a deal compared to more tone toms? I've been wary of shallow toms but recently I've playing with a 12X5 snare as a tom (it's the crappy Pearl RT POD snare I put an Evan EC reverse Dot snare head on it- sounds awesome as tom-or at least better a tom than snare LOL-mabye trying to make a silk purse from a sow's ear ) which surprised me it's so shallow-it's louder and more tone than my 10X8 tom. Did you ever build really shallow tom shells?There is Art, it's called the "make it 14" deep & move on" ratio So long as it's a decent drum, works perfectly on all sizes.
Seriously though, I first started making 20" x 12" bass drums in 2012, simply because experimentation showed it to offer a valid useable / versatile delivery in a fairly compact size. Granted, it was a specific construction that teased the most shell contribution to help it along, nevertheless, it's a size I like a lot.
So wood species or lay up aren't versatile but specific construction and size choice are? Hmmm.There is Art, it's called the "make it 14" deep & move on" ratio So long as it's a decent drum, works perfectly on all sizes.
Seriously though, I first started making 20" x 12" bass drums in 2012, simply because experimentation showed it to offer a valid useable / versatile delivery in a fairly compact size. Granted, it was a specific construction that teased the most shell contribution to help it along, nevertheless, it's a size I like a lot. 22" x 12" works well too, but 24" x 12" starts to lose out for me if versatility is a consideration, as does 18" x 12 at the other end of the spectrum.
Nothing larger than 10" diameter generally, but I did build one extremely thin (3mm stave walnut) set with 14" x 8" tom & 18" x 14" floor tom. Spectacular and very individual sounding set. This video with no EQ / audio manipulationDid you ever build really shallow tom shells?
I'm not sure I've ever said that, or at least, not without specific context. Variations in construction & species can absolutely feed into a drum's characteristic in terms of individuality of delivery (I think the above example in this post amply displays that), but that doesn't mean the drums aren't versatile, just arguably better suited to certain playing situations. Drum size however, and to a lesser extent depth, does usually have a more notable affect on delivery.So wood species or lay up aren't versatile but specific construction and size choice are? Hmmm.
Ah, ok, thanks Pete. I took it as a loose quote from me - sorry.No, I didn't mean you said it , just that there are conflicting comments on all of this stuff. you know drums aren't versatile people are , etc etc. I have bass drums from 18" to 26" I think that's the best way to be versatile sound wise.