Mounting a single rack Tom - what’s your style?
- Thread starter Duck Tape
- Start date
look.
I go with the Pearl ADP-20 on my crash cymbal stand (pretty low placement), attach a pearl tom arm to it, and use the Pearl optimount to hold the tom in place.
RVC
Active Member
Cool topic! Over the decades, I’ve used all three mounting methods for my 1-up sets, all quite successfully. I never really had a preference back then - whatever seemed most convenient at the time was fine with me. Nowadays, with some self-imposed limitations on my setup, my mounting options are fewer.
For the last several years, I’ve omitted a left side cymbal from my setup. That originally started as satisfying a curiosity after deep-diving into Charlie’s ‘68-‘77 configuration with The Stones. I really enjoy the effect this configuration has had on my playing, and don’t foresee putting a left side cymbal back up anytime soon. That eliminates the cymbal stand-mounted option straight away.
In the past, I’ve owned many sets with bass drum tom mounts. While I was always comfortable enough with them, I never could get them to what I felt was an optimal position for my body type and playing preferences. I prefer a mounting position with the drum a bit further left than most other drummers I know. Also, the fact that none of the three bass drums in my shell bank are equipped with mounts on them leaves me with one option.
The only guaranteed solution for me is the snare stand mounting option. I don’t mind carrying the extra stand and a bit of gaff on my drum rug ensures consistent placement each time. I have run into the snare stand robbing resonance issue before, but solve that easily enough with booty shakers or Gauger FlexFrames, which is what I’m currently running.
For the last several years, I’ve omitted a left side cymbal from my setup. That originally started as satisfying a curiosity after deep-diving into Charlie’s ‘68-‘77 configuration with The Stones. I really enjoy the effect this configuration has had on my playing, and don’t foresee putting a left side cymbal back up anytime soon. That eliminates the cymbal stand-mounted option straight away.
In the past, I’ve owned many sets with bass drum tom mounts. While I was always comfortable enough with them, I never could get them to what I felt was an optimal position for my body type and playing preferences. I prefer a mounting position with the drum a bit further left than most other drummers I know. Also, the fact that none of the three bass drums in my shell bank are equipped with mounts on them leaves me with one option.
The only guaranteed solution for me is the snare stand mounting option. I don’t mind carrying the extra stand and a bit of gaff on my drum rug ensures consistent placement each time. I have run into the snare stand robbing resonance issue before, but solve that easily enough with booty shakers or Gauger FlexFrames, which is what I’m currently running.
Drumolator
Platinum Member
I played a four-piece kit for many years. The last two kits I bought were Mapex Saturns that had no tom mount on the bass drums. When I got the first one, I tried mounting the small tom from a cymbal stand, which I did not like. Then I bought a tom stand, which was too heavy. So on both kits I ended up drilling the bass drums and adding a tom mount. Now I can put the tom over the bass drum where I want it, and the tom arm is much lighter than a tom stand. Peace and goodwill.
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A J
Silver Member
Like many, I’ve tried all the various way to mount a single rack tom. I have an order of preference:
#1 - Bass drum mount. Lighter, faster and usually quickly repeatable due to memory locks.
#2 – Snare stand. Did this for a few years but started to loathe carrying around another snare stand. Flat based stands wobbled too much for me, so I need at least a single braced stand to accomplish the task for my needs. Would do this again if I had too but my current gigging kits all have bass drum tom mounts installed, so it’s unnecessary.
#3 – Combo stand. Could never get both the rack tom and the cymbal into comfortable positions. I did this back in the early 2000’s but quickly abandoned it. It hasn’t been a consideration in my own gear choices since then but recently I’ve been presented with provided backline kits that have this setup which have led to some awkward and uncomfortable playing circumstances. You just deal with it as best you can and move on, but it certainly reinforced my own previous experiences.
I gotta say it, since I didn't see anyone else mention it yet, but there was a 3-month window where I played a single rack tom on a Gibralter rack.It worked like a charm but it completely overkill for the situation. (I had previously used that same rack in a 3 up situation but decided that I wanted to play with a 1 up to try it out. It looked strange as hell with one rack tom but 2 crashes, a ride, 2 splashes and china cymbal all mounted to it.)
Good summary. Most of the time, I think the bass drum mount is the cleanest, quickest and most efficient way to mount a tom. My practice kit is set up like that now. Combo stands work well for me with small 20" kick drums that don't have mounts on them. Snare stands don't allow me to position the tom perfectly.
spelman
Senior Member
Third post.Like many, I’ve tried all the various way to mount a single rack tom. I have an order of preference:
#1 - Bass drum mount. Lighter, faster and usually quickly repeatable due to memory locks.
#2 – Snare stand. Did this for a few years but started to loathe carrying around another snare stand. Flat based stands wobbled too much for me, so I need at least a single braced stand to accomplish the task for my needs. Would do this again if I had too but my current gigging kits all have bass drum tom mounts installed, so it’s unnecessary.
#3 – Combo stand. Could never get both the rack tom and the cymbal into comfortable positions. I did this back in the early 2000’s but quickly abandoned it. It hasn’t been a consideration in my own gear choices since then but recently I’ve been presented with provided backline kits that have this setup which have led to some awkward and uncomfortable playing circumstances. You just deal with it as best you can and move on, but it certainly reinforced my own previous experiences.
I gotta say it, since I didn't see anyone else mention it yet, but there was a 3-month window where I played a single rack tom on a Gibralter rack.
John B
Junior Member
For me almost exclusively a bass drum mounted tom. But the placement of the tom mount on the bass drum is a huge factor. And the design of the tom holder (if using two toms) is also a consideration (I find Sonor's double tom mount to be the worst design of all). Some old vintage kits just have the mounting plates in odd places. Rogers and Slingerland come to mind as the most egregious examples. Either too close to batter head for me or off to far the left.
The idea of mounting the tom on a stand is just a total pain for me. That requires an extra stand, and it better be heavier one to accommodate the offset weight of the hanging tom. Sure, I can then do a stand attachment for the cymbal, but then I've got some multi-clamped monstrosity to deal with.
The only kit I have that doesn't have a tom mount on the bass drum is the Whitney kit I use for playing out but that's a completely different animal. The system allows me to get the rack tom in a position that I sometimes use that wouldn't be possible with a bass drum mounted tom.
The idea of mounting the tom on a stand is just a total pain for me. That requires an extra stand, and it better be heavier one to accommodate the offset weight of the hanging tom. Sure, I can then do a stand attachment for the cymbal, but then I've got some multi-clamped monstrosity to deal with.
The only kit I have that doesn't have a tom mount on the bass drum is the Whitney kit I use for playing out but that's a completely different animal. The system allows me to get the rack tom in a position that I sometimes use that wouldn't be possible with a bass drum mounted tom.
Attachments
Rattlin' Bones
Gold Member
When buying a kit to gig with, a rack tom mounted on kick is mandatory for me. And memory locks. Just insert into kick, put tom on L-arm, and done in like 10 seconds. With a snare stand it requires fiddling, it's never the same position, more fiddling, PITA at gigs compared to mounting on kick drum. For a practice kit that never leaves the house it's fine, but never for gig kit for me.
jda
Diamond Member
"the 60s knew"
yea I know I Know... there isn't today an "App for Wrench"...
when I use this set the tom post it seems weighs more than the whole set
(My fault for having the Rail drilled off in 1976 but it's the heaviest part of the set ..the big lug 14 being a close second
yea I know I Know... there isn't today an "App for Wrench"...
when I use this set the tom post it seems weighs more than the whole set
(My fault for having the Rail drilled off in 1976 but it's the heaviest part of the set ..the big lug 14 being a close second
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John B
Junior Member
1976! That's the year I started playing! Wow. I commend you on still having a kit for that long. Wasn't that the year that Slingerland had a Coca-Cola can wrap as an option?"the 60s knew"
View attachment 150721View attachment 150722View attachment 150723
yea I know I Know... there isn't today an "App for Wrench"...
when I use this set the tom post it seems weighs more than the whole set
(My fault for having the Rail drilled off in 1976 but it's the heaviest part of the set ..the big lug 14 being a close second
View attachment 150724View attachment 150725
"you've come a long way..
View attachment 150729
baby" +/-
jda
Diamond Member
possibly and maybe the Blue Jean finish too
I have pictures of the summer day in 75 I brought that set home.
Dig. I paid a "biker out in the woods" he wouldn't let me in his house just brought the drums and a trapcase out to his little porch- 20/12/14/and a brass born together. I paid him his asking price $180 bucks and split.
Came home took pictures and placed a "$300" sign on them - as if I was a big wheeler-dealer (ha..
who knew.
Yep still have them and they haven't aged a bit
-->
very little maintenence needed
Round head 1966 RB's
bass drum sounds "like a parade" toms and snare with fiberskyns
sound like motown and Elvin all at once
I'll be playing them next gig the 12th
otherwise they stay in bags and never need tuned
Gretsch are like that
I had another RB set I found in 79 (for $330) sold in 2000
Found another 1966 just recently (the Aquas) 2023 in Monroeville Guitar Center
Bought a new Gretsch in 2010.
So I have three (and a half 16/12 Red Glass RB) Gretsch sets total 3 snares and some Ludwig snares
They last like Packards
my Dad's brand.
He was right
So am I
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Mr Farkle
Well-known Member
Right now, I use the bass drum mount for convenience, but it‘s not ideal because I like the bass drum pretty far away from me.
I don’t like the cymbal stand method because, for stability, the legs need to be spread out far and that interferes with other things. Also, one leg needs to run in the direction of the tom and sometimes that means it runs into the bass drum. Just too much stuff on the floor, and it’s still a little tippy feeling.
If I do ever use the snare stand method again, I’m going to get a snare stand with a ball joint so it’s easier to get the right angle. I guess I’m particular about the angle.
I don’t like the cymbal stand method because, for stability, the legs need to be spread out far and that interferes with other things. Also, one leg needs to run in the direction of the tom and sometimes that means it runs into the bass drum. Just too much stuff on the floor, and it’s still a little tippy feeling.
If I do ever use the snare stand method again, I’m going to get a snare stand with a ball joint so it’s easier to get the right angle. I guess I’m particular about the angle.
John B
Junior Member
That is an absolutely beautiful kit. Out of the 50 or so kits I've owned, I've never owned a Gretsch. Red Oyster is one of my favorite wraps.possibly and maybe the Blue Jean finish too
I have pictures of the summer day in 75 I brought that set home.
Dig. I paid a "biker out in the woods" he wouldn't let me in his house just brought the drums and a trapcase out to his little porch- 20/12/14/and a brass born together. I paid him his asking price $180 bucks and split.
Came home took pictures and placed a "$300" sign on them - as if I was a big wheeler-dealer (ha..
who knew.
Yep still have them and they haven't aged a bit
-->
View attachment 150730
very little maintenence needed
Round head 1966 RB's
bass drum sounds "like a parade" toms and snare with fiberskyns
sound like motown and Elvin all at once
I'll be playing them next gig the 12th
otherwise they stay in bags and never need tuned
Gretsch are like that
I had another RB set I found in 79 (for $330) sold in 2000
Found another 1966 just recently (the Aquas) 2023 in Monroeville Guitar Center
Bought a new Gretsch in 2010.
So I have three Gretsch sets total 3 snares and some Ludwig snares
They last like Packards
my Dad's brand.
He was right
So am I
View attachment 150731
And yes to the Levi's Jean Denim Slingerland. I had a friend who found and bought a kit in the early 80's. It got lots of laughs. Along with his fur covered drums.
To me?..your rails are the aesthetic of cool. They just give a 4 piece that double cool factor."the 60s knew"
View attachment 150721View attachment 150722View attachment 150723
yea I know I Know... there isn't today an "App for Wrench"...
when I use this set the tom post it seems weighs more than the whole set
(My fault for having the Rail drilled off in 1976 but it's the heaviest part of the set ..the big lug 14 being a close second
View attachment 150724View attachment 150725
"you've come a long way..
View attachment 150729
baby" +/-
plaid sabbath
Active Member
I use both methods. Depends on which kit I’m playing. For my 20” kick I like the bass drum mount.
I like using a snare stand with my 24” kick.
I like using a snare stand with my 24” kick.
Top is Simon Kirke..bottom is Charlie or Dino.
JimmyM
Diamond Member
I was using a cheap flimsy snare stand that actually worked well for me:
I recently added a second rack and bought an INDe no drill rail mount and a couple BR2’s to replace the old school brackets.
I like it a lot better than a stand. I’m about to bust it down to a 1 up again and I’ll be using the INDe. It’s so much easier to set up consistently with it.
I recently added a second rack and bought an INDe no drill rail mount and a couple BR2’s to replace the old school brackets.
I like it a lot better than a stand. I’m about to bust it down to a 1 up again and I’ll be using the INDe. It’s so much easier to set up consistently with it.
Iristone
Silver Member
My previous kit had a rail mount on the bass drum. It allows for more flexible positioning of my main crash cymbal, since the tom won't move along with it.
Generally I prefer to play (at least) a pair of toms, and I've found the flexibility of a rail mount doesn't warrant its hassle of setting up. So my next drum will probably have a pipe mount.
Generally I prefer to play (at least) a pair of toms, and I've found the flexibility of a rail mount doesn't warrant its hassle of setting up. So my next drum will probably have a pipe mount.
JimmyM
Diamond Member
If I could have found one for the cowbell holder that wasn’t some thrown together monstrosity or expensive and inadequate, it would have been a double tom holder instead. The rail mount was the only thing that would work and not require drilling. Luckily it’s working out fine.
