8x12 or 9x12 Tom

[CherryClassic]

I’ve noticed there are a number of you that seem to prefer an 8x12 rack tom rather than a 9x12 rack tom and I would like to know your reasons why. I’ve also noticed most of the those kits are one up and one down; is that the reason?

At some point in time I would like to have a new all maple kit and my choices are 7x8 at a later time, 8x10, 9x12 and probably 16x16 FT with 14x20 bass.

My supplier thinks I should get the 8” depth rather than a 9” depth for the 12” tom. After reading the thread about drum depths I’m thinking the 9” depth would have an edge over the 8” for more body and resonance.

What are your thoughts?

sherm

 

[PerfectImposter]

8" will be more focused and I find them easier to tune. 8x12 is my favourite rack tom size.

 

[fun2drum]

I like 8x12 just because that's what I consider a proper depth. Lame reason, I know. I wouldn't let it be a deal killer on a 9x12 tom that sounded great, though.

 

[psalty]

Hey, CC,

in order to avoid the question you are raising, I maintain two 12 toms for my main kit - x8 and x10 - for playing different genres of music.

All else being equal, shallower toms are brighter with strong high pitch attack and sustain, often associated with jazz but certainly audible in vintage R&B recordings. Deeper toms give a deeper attack and accentuate lower bass frequencies and low pitch sustain (which might well be interpreted as more body, but not necessarily as more resonance) more appropriate for some types of rock.

Ideally, try one or the other out before you commit to buying. There is no right answer except in your ear. I don't think you'll get more resonance from one depth or the other, but the quality of resonance will surely be different. An x9 may well be the better choice for you, given the stated concern in your question.

 

[RyanR]

How do you like to tune? If you like a fatter sound, go with the 9". Another reason to go with the 9" is that the smaller drums should have the higher pitches covered.... so you'll likely be after a lower tuning 12 anyway.

Personally, I don't like drums smaller than a 12". I like tuning an 8x12 high.... probably where others would tune a 10" or 8" tom. But the fashion these days seems to be smaller drums tuned low rather than bigger drums tuned high.

-Ryan

 

[Paulie123]

I own both. I like both, for different reasons. I really like how the 12x8 allows you to position it that little bit lower. I really like the sound of my 12x9, a bit more than my 12x8. I should note that my 12x8 is all maple, my 12x9 is maple/mahogany, so that probably plays a factor in the sound as well and why I like it more as well.

 

[Bun Carlos]

I'm using a 9x12 Legacy tom.
I like 8x12's and 9x13"s.
The 9x12 is kinda like the best of both worlds for me.

 

[The_Amazin_Bazin]

I like shallower depths because I find I can get more attack out of them. If I'm using a backline kit, I have no preference.

 

[MrDrums2112]

I have an 8x12 and a 9x13. Both drums are pretty versatile I think, and both can be tuned high or low. I'm not really sure you'll be able to tell too much of a difference, but as Bun said, a 9x12 may give you the best of both worlds. If that's the size you want, go for it. When I had my N&C kit done a few years back, I was struggling with the bass drum size. Until then, I had played an 18x22 for years. Everyone told me to go 14x20 (which is a GREAT kick drum size), but I just wanted something a little more punchy and full, so I went with a 16x20. I'm glad I went with my gut there, as it really does sound the way I wanted it to.

Good luck!

 

[zenghost]

In my experience, a single inch difference in depth can really be negligible from a sonic perspective and tuning - your experience/mileage may vary. I prefer a 8" depth for mounting over a 20" bass drum - that is the primary consideration - a 9x12 was just a bit too deep for me when it came to mounting height. I have a 7x12 that sounds great (looks a bit odd to me, but sounds great). Obviously going from a 9x12 to a 7x12 makes the sonic differences a bit more apparent, the shallow depth speaks a bit more quickly.

 

[charlesm]

Have had both. The 8 was slightly punchier and the 9 was slightly fuller, as one would expect, but the differences were so minute to me as to be inconsequential. If you're talking about a true "power tom" (10x12 and deeper) then the sonic differences become more apparent.

However, 8x12 wins for positioning versatility. That's where the slight difference has more impact.

 

[rondrums51]

8 X 12 all the way. I've always found that longer depth drums have a blurry attack. It's because there's more air moving around in the shell chamber. I suppose it creates more volume or whatever, but I don't like them for my type of music.

I know that a lot of rock drummers use deeper toms. But they hit so hard, it doesn't matter.

As to 16', 18', and longer bass drums, don't get me started. I frigging hate them. But that's just me. I don't play rock music. Play what you want! But remember to consider how your drums sound to the audience.

 

[psalty]

As to 16', 18', and longer bass drums, don't get me started. I frigging hate them.

You sound kind of like a self-starter there, rondrums.

 

[A J]

After owning three different 12" toms: 8x12, 9x12, 10x12 the one I actually kept (and still own) is the 9x12. It sounded the best of the three. Yeah, they were all different brands and models, so that might have had something to do with it.

 

[Chunkaway]

I prefer the 8X12 simply due to how they are easier to place above the bass drum.

 

[gwbasley]

Man have we ever been down this road before...and it always ends the same way...we all throw out our opinions based on what we, individually, like or are accustomed to. Many moons ago, before there were multitudes of different shell designs, bearing edges, rims, lugs, and lets not forget the wide range of heads we have today...way back then when they could have made them any size that they wanted to, it seem as though the drummakers all came to the same conclusion, that 8 X 12 was the best dimension for that drum...there has got to be something to that!

 

[cornelius]

8x12
9x12’s are ugly, hard to position, and do not tune up as easily...

 

[repete]

I prefer 8" because it's easier (for me) to put in a playable position. On my larger size kit I ordered an 8 x 13 for the same reason

 

[wayne]

8x12..hands down. No matter the make, that size tunes up easiest and can go anywhere. Just something about that mathematically I believe.

 

[xipa4]

Both 8x12 and 9x12,depending on situations and genres....