boomstick
Silver Member
There are a number reasons why I use small floor toms.
For whatever reason, I prefer the tone of mid-range toms. 12/13/14/15. Higher pitch toms just don't sound good to my ear, and while I dig the growling sound of a nice big floor, I consider my kick drum to be my low end drum. This actually presses me to utilize my kick more, for fills and such, and I like the sound I get out of that. I also use 20" kicks which may be more suitable to this approach.
Second is that I often use a 3-piece setup: Kick, snare, floor. When only one tom is being used, I find a mid-range size to be more versatile. On one 3-piece setup, I use a 15x13 tuned toward the high end. In another, I use a 14x12 tuned toward the low end.
Lastly is portability. I just hate hauling gear, and smaller sized drums are obviously easier to transport.
For whatever reason, I prefer the tone of mid-range toms. 12/13/14/15. Higher pitch toms just don't sound good to my ear, and while I dig the growling sound of a nice big floor, I consider my kick drum to be my low end drum. This actually presses me to utilize my kick more, for fills and such, and I like the sound I get out of that. I also use 20" kicks which may be more suitable to this approach.
Second is that I often use a 3-piece setup: Kick, snare, floor. When only one tom is being used, I find a mid-range size to be more versatile. On one 3-piece setup, I use a 15x13 tuned toward the high end. In another, I use a 14x12 tuned toward the low end.
Lastly is portability. I just hate hauling gear, and smaller sized drums are obviously easier to transport.