Floor tom compromise on a brand new kit

[Drumprof]

I would probably get the 16x14. Wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me. Still a great sounding drum and not a big enough factor that would be a regrettable compromise.
Agree with Rich on the heritage build.
I wouldn’t want center lugs. That I wouldn’t compromise on, but that’s just me.

 

[JazzDrumGuy]

The only 14x16 I have is a bass drum (converted Renown FT!) and is killer.

With that said, what is your budget, what other sizes are the drums, ever played a 14x16 and if so, your feelings on it? If it's your dream kit, is $ an object? How much more would a 16x16 be vs. the kit as is?
What is the finish, in the hopes you can maybe find the 16x16 vs. order it. I don't see the appeal of a 14x16 and 16x16 double FT setup. Can you go 14x14 for now to get u thru?

Not a simple query......

 

[Steech]

BUY the kit.

 

[UptownShakedown]

Some images of the kit. Doesn’t look like a playboy style kit to me. I wouldn't say “dream kit” because instruments come and go but would definitely be the home studio recording kit that I baby and use something else to gig with.

 

[Tama CW]

I once had side by side 80's Tama Superstar 16 floor toms. One a standard 16x16 and the other a cut down 13x16. The 13x16 was the better sounding drum.
I've always felt that 16x16 floor toms were a bit "too far" in tone from 8x12 and 9x13 mounted toms. A 14x16 is a better choice imo. And if you're going with 10/12 inch toms
the difference to a 16 FT is even bigger. The 14x16 is sort of the half way point between 14x14 and 16x16.....sort of like a 15x15.

Your dream kit after a 40 week wait could get damaged in shipping, or some other problem like finish issues that's you'll be fighting over for weeks. I'd rather have some close up photos and description of something that is in hand and I can fully assess now with close up photos and a thorough description of any flaws........a bird in the hand.

 

[K.O.]

I have a couple 14x16 floor toms (Ludwig Element SE and Gretsch Renown). While I prefer the look of a "square" sized floor tom I don't find that much difference in sound between the two depths, nor tuning (not that I'm so great at tuning any drum).

If I were in your situation I'd probably buy the set that's ready to go and see how the tom in question works out. Worst case you end up ordering a 16x16 replacement from Gretsch and then sell off the shallower version...or convert it into a micro bass drum.

 

[Rich K.]

Guessing, in this case, the Heritage build means the tom mounts directly mounted to the toms. A friend of mine that works at Gretsch tells they prefer that build and they don't hear any difference from the suspension mounts.

 

[doubleroll]

Purchased my Gretsch kit in 18x22, 14x14, 8x12 config and later added a 16x16 floor. While I have always had square floor toms I would think 14x16 would not be a big difference at least the ones I have played. Never had an issue tuning a 16x16 or other square Toms to be honest…I guess it depends on how quickly you want or need the kit. For example, I waited a year for my Sonor and ordered it with 14 and 16 square floors…

 

[brhythm]

What's the difference in price? I don't think I'd be able to hear much of a difference.

I've been in the same situation you are. I had money saved to buy a Ludwig Classic Maple. I was going to order a 20" kick with a 12" rack and 15" floor--something to cover both rock/blues and jazz bases. Then WFL Kurt came along selling a Classic Maple in the right color, 22" kick with 10" and 12" racks and 14" and 16" floors. AND matching snare and canister throne. Same price. Do I get the bigger kit, but with a rock and roll size bass drum that most likely won't cut it for jazz?
I bought the kit, and over the years have added a 18" and a 20" bass, and an 8" too. So now I've got quite the shell bank going: 8/10/12, 14/16, and 18/20/22.

Anyone got a gold sparkle 13"?

 

[dingaling]

I’d don’t think there’s much of any difference in the 2” at that size. I personally would prefer 14” deep.

 

[drumsforme]

I would prefer the 14x16" as well- better response and easier to tune. I have that size on my Brooklyn kit.

 

[goodcat1337]

Me personally, I'd go ahead and get the one from Reverb. That 2" depth isn't a big issue to me, but waiting half a year and probably longer would drive me crazy. But, at the same time, you technically aren't getting the "exact" set up you want. So yo have to weigh the time it will take against the small difference 2" makes.

 

[DamnSingerAlsoDrums]

I have a 16x14 on my Sonor Vintage and that drum is not any less deep sounding than any other of my 16x16s. Once mic'ed, whatever difference there was is virtually irrelevent.

It is a little bit punchier and "faster" though. Like a bunch of folks have already said: a 16x14 wouldn't be an obstacle for me getting a killer kit NOW instead of waiting a loooooong period for something that makes, at best, a marginal difference.

 

[pedro navahas]

The kit on reverb is really cool, and won’t they give you 15% off?

 

[varatrodder]

I would consider a 14x16 an upgrade over a 16x16.

 

[DrummBumm89]

100% get in stock if you enjoy the color.
The OCD would have to be pretty high to have buyers remorse on floor tom depth.
To me, floor tom depth is the least important as it doesn't take up more stage space (like a bass drum), doesn't change tom height (like a rack tom over a bass drum), and sound difference is minimal at best.

 

[dsop]

I won't get square drums anymore. I'd go for the 14" deep one.

 

[RyanLovesDrums]

I have both the 14 x 14 and 16 x 16 USA custom Tom’s. Right now I’m just using the 14 x 14 set up with the 8x12 rack and having fun with that. I don’t see why a 14 x 16 would be worse than a 16 x 16 if that’s your only floor Tom. Maybe you can order the 14 x 14 and 16 x 16 and sell the 14 x 16 when you get them.

 

[foxy_shazamtastic]

Some images of the kit. Doesn’t look like a playboy style kit to me. I wouldn't say “dream kit” because instruments come and go but would definitely be the home studio recording kit that I baby and use something else to gig with.

Oh baby! I love that finish too. Might be what I order some day.

 

[JazzDrumGuy]

What a gorgeous kit!!! No way I could wait 40 weeks! It's pricey, though....