The big game changer for me was when I was told "The bass drum is not the centre of the kit" Set up the snare where its natural and comfortable. Then the bass drum and hi hat where the pedals fit naturally in line with the feet, then the toms last. The method worked for me. Make the kit fit you not the other way round.
I have used this set up for the past 20 years. Just feels very natural to play.
1992 Pearl MLX Masters series by Kevin Frost, on Flickr
The floor tom is in the same place that it would be if the kit were a double bass drum setup.Does anyone find it hard to reach the floor tom in these setups? It looks to be a long way around and slightly behind the playing position in some of these photos.
Does anyone find it hard to reach the floor tom in these setups? It looks to be a long way around and slightly behind the playing position in some of these photos.
Does anyone find it hard to reach the floor tom in these setups? It looks to be a long way around and slightly behind the playing position in some of these photos.
right, it's the same placement as in a four piece kit. If you're not comfortable with the spacing with a four piece, then you won't be comfortable with offset toms.The floor tom is in the same place that it would be if the kit were a double bass drum setup.
I leave my bass drum facing straight ahead so the floor tom sits farther forward.
The advantage is the toms are not offset, they are actually centered.
The traditional mounting two toms on the bass drum requires twisting of the back to play them. I'd consider THAT offset and not centered.
What tom/cymbal stand are you using in the top setup?