Drummers. 1 rack tom, 2, or more?

banderson · Post by **banderson** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 12:40 pm

No matter how hard I try I cant escape the 1 rack tom and one or two(depending on space) floor tom set up.

I always experiment with different set ups including two rack toms....But always fall back to the 1 rack tom. I said "rack" alot. For me I think its because using 1 places the ride cymbal in a real convenient spot.

Any other thoughts or opinions?

Tegamal · Post by **Tegamal** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 1:18 pm

Our current drummer uses 2 rack & 1 floor (would use 2 floors, but doesn't have the room on the riser).

Our "drummer" before that used 4 rack, 2 floor, 2 bass, ect (we think he was compensating for something...)

ToonaRockGuy · Post by **ToonaRockGuy** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 1:24 pm

Different configurations force different ideas. My kit is the classic "metal" configuration of 2 kicks, 2 racks, 2 floors. I've been changing things around to try new ideas. Right now, It's set up with the rack toms reversed, and a floor tom to my right, and one to my left. Kind of an amidextrous thing. You have to push yourself to change things, if you want to come into the new ideas.

4_the_pocket · Post by **4_the_pocket** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 1:32 pm

Love me some goooood drum topics

This question comes up a lot on the drummer forums I frequent.

First, its most important to play a setup that is comfortable for the player.

I play 1, 2 or 3 up depending on the need or what the situation calls for. Im just as comfortable on one as I am the others. Each setup does inspire me to play differently to a point.

Its my opinion any drummer worth his salt should be able to tear it up on any kit....whether it be a basic 4 piece or a 10 piece. My current gig is best suited for a 1 up, 1 down setup. I havent done it in years and Im really diggin it.

banderson · Post by **banderson** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 1:40 pm

ToonaRockGuy wrote:You have to push yourself to change things

I definitely agree! There are tons of different methods. Thats part of the reason drums rule so much!

banderson · Post by **banderson** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 1:50 pm

4_the_pocket wrote:My current gig is best suited for a 1 up, 1 down setup. I havent done it in years and Im really diggin it.

One benefit that set up has is that it is a quick/easy set up compared to others.

DrumAndDestroy · Post by **DrumAndDestroy** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 4:33 pm

i have the most fun on a very basic kit. less is more for me.

riksylvania · Post by **riksylvania** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 6:59 pm

I've always had the theory that the amount of pieces a drummer has is inversely proportionate to their skill level. there are a few exceptions......

RobTheDrummer · Post by **RobTheDrummer** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 7:12 pm

It's all personal preference. There is no right or wrong, there is only what you are comfortable with!

KyleMayket · Post by **KyleMayket** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 7:45 pm

I run 4 up 1 down (from 10" to 16") just for the variety, the lows are tuned low and the highs are tuned very high.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:29 pm

Anybody know a drummer who uses just a kick/snare/hat/crash/ride setup? And who chooses finesse over volume?
So rare... I could use a guy like that.--->JMS

witchhunt · Post by **witchhunt** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:33 pm

You need to contact The Stray Cats.

Killjingle · Post by **Killjingle** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:34 pm

I know a guy who uses 1 kick; snare, no rack toms, 1 floor tom

hes our drummer and I love it...

Hawk · Post by **Hawk** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:40 pm

I find that the more drums and cymbals I have set up, the easier it is to play. You can play the same fill, but hit different voices (orchestrate) (drum or cymbal) each time and it sounds like a different fill. After all, you can strike anywhere and you're going to hit something.

I used to play 4 up and one down back in the day. The ride was (22") within easy reach between tom 3 & 4. What I notice is that even playing my kit with one up, and the ride inserted where a tom would be, my elbow is essentially in the same place. But the position of my fore arm is changed. So playing high or low really makes no difference as far as riding a cymbal.

Another point about the 2 up thing. Some put the 2 over the kick and some offset them to the (while sitting at the kit) left of the kick.

Right now I'm playing 2 up 1 down. I prefer the 2 up over the kick drum. And the ride to the right (and towards me) of the 2nd tom.

I don't mind playing 1 up and 1 down, but I always miss having two up. I believe playing 1 up and 1 down makes me think harder. Challenges me to be more creative.

THEM BONES · Post by **THEM BONES** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:58 pm

Awesome topic! I've always used 1 rack, one floor and the ride smack in the middle - It's just so much more convenient for me and especially if you got back and shoulder issues. I don't have to reach for anything.

I was actually thinking of adding a tom or two but they'd have to go before the first rack. The ride is staying where it is!!

dbdrummer89 · Post by **dbdrummer89** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 9:27 pm

I use a three up one down with one kick drum. I've tried setting it up as a four piece before...it was nice but I didn't quite get the appeal of having the ride in place of where the tom "should" go. It was easy access and all, but everything is in easy reach above my floor tom too. To each his own I guess.

That said, changing the setup around every now and again is pretty fun

RobTheDrummer · Post by **RobTheDrummer** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 10:42 pm

I currently have two up, one down. Will have two down again when I get some legs for my floor tom. Sometimes it's refreshing to simplify and play a 4 piece. Makes you think about playing differently.

banderson · Post by **banderson** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 11:51 pm

Thanks for all the comments and outlooks dudes! I have a Gregg Bissonette DVD and he talks about drummers having a knack for getting together and discussing drum techniques, set ups, styles, products ect....

I notice sometimes that some of you guys around here get together and discuss drums and new products. I may have to attend one sometime. Its cool to keep learning.

RobTheDrummer · Post by **RobTheDrummer** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 11:52 pm

banderson wrote:Thanks for all the comments and outlooks dudes! I have a Gregg Bissonette DVD and he talks about drummers having a knack for getting together and discussing drum techniques, set ups, styles, products ect....

I notice sometimes that some of you guys around here get together and discuss drums and new products. I may have to attend one sometime. Its cool to keep learning.

Lets set one up. Where do you live at? How about a drummer get together next thursday? Anyone?

Hawk · Post by **Hawk** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 12:53 am

I'll throw out a little secret here.

When we went to see Danny Gottlieb at Juniata College. We were telling Danny about our drummers get togethers. He suggested we get hold of his teacher, Joe morello. He gave Ed Murvine Joe Morello's phone number.

Ed has been in touch with Joe. He will come here for a clinic for $1000 plus hotel expenses. Ed and I have been talking to Chad Herzog and Jim Latten at Juniata College. Ed also talked to Dale's Drum Shop from Harrisburg. Dale's may be interested in doing some sponsoring. Joe is a DW player (I think).

So between all of us, we are hoping to have Joe come to central PA !

We MIGHT be able to do something in conjunction with Juniata College, Dale's and our local drummers. Keep your fingers crossed. And thank Ed for pursuing it.

Tegamal · Post by **Tegamal** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 2:29 am

Killjingle wrote:I know a guy who uses 1 kick; snare, no rack toms, 1 floor tom

hes our drummer and I love it...

I can't believe how good he sounds, too. He's incredibly talented.

On the other hand, you got this:

http://www.tama.com/bsm (check out the gallery)

RobTheDrummer · Post by **RobTheDrummer** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 3:35 am

Tegamal wrote:
Killjingle wrote:I know a guy who uses 1 kick; snare, no rack toms, 1 floor tom

hes our drummer and I love it...
I can't believe how good he sounds, too. He's incredibly talented.

On the other hand, you got this:

http://www.tama.com/bsm (check out the gallery)

I love Portnoy, but I would not wanna be a part of his crew.

CCdrums · Post by **CCdrums** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 4:00 am

I'm a minimalist and have been going between two basic set ups. Currently, I just play 1 up and 1 down on my DW kit. On my Yamaha kit (which I sold) I played 2 up and 1 down. On my vintage Bonham kit, it's 1 up and 2 down. I played the 2 up and 1 down set up with the 2 rack toms mounted on a stand and off to my left a bit so I could place my ride in a more comfortable spot. Since I got the Bonham kit with larger drums (14/16/18 toms and a 26" kick) and playing it at gigs where we aren't miked, I have it tuned to be very loud and powerful. It's very big and full sounding and now I have become less fond of playing smaller drums like the 10" tom I had. It just sounds so small acoustically.... but great recorded or miked up. But, at the end of the day I still revert back to my basic set up of 1 rack tom and 1 floor tom for most everything I play. Just my personal preference that I feel suits my style best.

RobTheDrummer · Post by **RobTheDrummer** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 4:36 am

Clint, I'd love to get together someday and just bullshit about drums. That would be awesome.

4_the_pocket · Post by **4_the_pocket** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 1:33 pm

riksylvania wrote:I've always had the theory that the amount of pieces a drummer has is inversely proportionate to their skill level. there are a few exceptions......

Only a guitar player would say something like that - ha ha ha! So much for a theory

CCdrums wrote:I'm a minimalist and have been going between two basic set ups. Currently, I just play 1 up and 1 down on my DW kit. On my Yamaha kit (which I sold) I played 2 up and 1 down. On my vintage Bonham kit, it's 1 up and 2 down. I played the 2 up and 1 down set up with the 2 rack toms mounted on a stand and off to my left a bit so I could place my ride in a more comfortable spot. Since I got the Bonham kit with larger drums (14/16/18 toms and a 26" kick) and playing it at gigs where we aren't miked, I have it tuned to be very loud and powerful. It's very big and full sounding and now I have become less fond of playing smaller drums like the 10" tom I had. It just sounds so small acoustically.... but great recorded or miked up. But, at the end of the day I still revert back to my basic set up of 1 rack tom and 1 floor tom for most everything I play. Just my personal preference that I feel suits my style best.

Ahhhh....you got em! And you didnt send pics??? Cant wait to hear about them Clint.

Rob, I got to hang out for an afternoon with Clint about a month or so ago. Awesome time. We tweaked my kit, ate some grilled chicken and I got to play his Bonham kit. 26" bass drum =

whoa....who kicked me in the gut.