Most versatile tom sizes, 4 tom setup.

Tom sizes are personal taste. That said, there's a reason

12 13 16

10 12 14 (16)

and more current

10 12 16

are standard preselected configurations.



Other things are normal too, but you asked for most versatile so.




I use a very boring and typical 10, 12, 14, 16, 22, what I guess they call "fusion" sizes these days. To me, when doing a wide selection of pop music it's sometimes like having two 5-piece kits in one.


With head selection and tuning you can get close to the other extreme of the spectrum as well. Some like big drums tuned high and some like small drums tuned low. Want deeper tone? Use thicker heads. Want brigher tone? Use thinner heads.
 
I am using 10, 12, and 14 but have used 8, 10, 12, 14 and 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and all combinations of those sizes.
Depths are all over the place depending on brand.
 
If I were ever to run four toms I would use 10 X 8, 13 X 9, 15 X 13, 16 X 16.
I was surprised how much I liked the 10/13/16 set up back in the 90's.
I'd add the 15" tom as one more voice.
 
For two toms I prefer 13/16; for three, 12/14/16; for four, 10/12/14/16.
 
I like the idea of 10x7, 13X9 (the 13 is pretty versatile of tuning in either 12 or 14 in pitch ranges) , and 16X16. So you can use the 10 and pair it with either the 13 or 16 -if you just wanted two toms. The 13/16 is great paired together too though. I've grown really fond of the 10 in tom so I'd like to have one for the mix.
 
8-10-13-16 or 10-12-14-16. I kind of like the spread of the 8 to 16 inch toms, but not everyone loves the little 8.
 
I've tried my best to like the "new" standard 10 12 16. I don't like much. Really prefer the old 12 13 16 to which I sometimes add a 10". I like to have the 12 in front and the 16 on my right.
I would have the possibility I would definitely go 12x8 13x9 16 18.
 
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I'm a 2 floor guy so I go it's either 12/14/16 or 12/16/18.

Either are a comfortable set up for me. Both kits are set up for different sounds so horses for courses.
 
I like 10 (x 8), 12 (x 9), 14 (x 12), and a 16 (x 14).

I think 8" toms and 18" toms are great, but they aren't that versatile IMO.

I don't like odd-sized toms (13's, 15's, etc.). But, I do like a good 13" snare from time to time. :)
 
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I used an 8x9, 10x9, 15x14 and 18x16 setup for a long time and loved it. Very distinct pitch differences and a wide range from smallest to largest.

By tuning the 10" and 15" up or down I could make the drums suitable for just about any playing style, from latin or jazz stuff to progressive metal.
 
I don't like the 12 to 16 jump in toms.
9x13/16x16/16x18
8x10/9x12/12x14/14x16

See that I'm not the only one !
Worst being jumping from the 10 to the 16" ; when the 10 is in front. Way too high. When I play a "new standard" 10 12 16 ; I tend to "bend" my movements to avoid the 10".
 
I don't think it's a hard and fast rule as others appear to suggest.

For me, it's down to the fundamental of the shell. Thick shell = higher pitch, Thin shell = lower pitch

For example on my yamaha stage custom I go for 10,12,16

On my Sonor Prolite 10,12,14

14" Prolite floor toms are easily big enough for my application.

So I would go for shell sizes commensurate with the shell thickness
 
13 mounted and 16 and 18 floors. Pearl Reference Pure Nat. Maple
 
I like the 122" small tom, a 176 inch mid tom, a 230" small floor tom and a 367" large floor tom.

To me they are my most versatile sizes.

I'm glad my drums are versatile. They can play any style of music...even without me! *sarcasm*

People, drums aren't versatile, it's the drummer that is versatile.

I'll keep saying it until it sticks.
 
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