Lightweight but stable hardware.

[GMFrancis]

Here’s a question I’ve wanted to ask for awhile. I gig and rehearse a couple of times a week and I always use my own kit. I’m also in my mid 60’s now and humping one large hardware case around is out of the question. So I use 3 hardware cases , 2 of which have wheels . Great in a car park or a hallway, not so much going up a fire escape….
I started off with DW 9000 series but got rid of it all because of the weight involved. I then got the 6000 series because they were lighter and I liked the vintage look. However I found them hard to place when setting up the kit especially with mic stands around the kit. I bought a DW 6000UL set and they were a disaster as I use big cymbals and have a some very heavy brass snares. So they went the journey and I’ve now got DW7000 series which I feel are sturdy but still a bit heavy with 2 snare stands and 4 cymbal stands etc in the mix.
Ive looked at the Yamaha Crosstown stuff and while it’s light and well made, I just don’t like the look.
I interested in what hardware other older guys use. I don’t think I’m in a minority wanting lighter weight , sturdy stands ? I’m positive if a company came up with the right stuff it would sell. Or maybe there is a company out there doing it?

 

["poppies"]

It's unfortunately just basic physics; lightweight stuff is by definition not going to be as "sturdy" as heavier stuff. I've found the Tama Classic stands are the best middle ground for me, they're light enough to not be exhausting to lug around, but sturdy enough for me to moderately bash somewhat big/heavy instruments.

 

[Tubwompus]

Nose around on the ‘Verb and the ‘Bay and see if there’s any of the old Tama Mercury stuff. I wouldn’t mount both a tom AND a cymbal simultaneously on one, but big, heavy cymbals? No sweat whatever. I like the Mercury hihat and snare stands quite a bit, as well. The stuff’s kinda like a modernized version of the old-school Ludwig Atlas stuff. The old Atlas stuff’s vintage now so prices are climbing.

 

[varatrodder]

Tama Stage Master single braced stands are the way to go. They are well built, very study, and weigh about the same as the regular DW 6000 stands. Plus they are very affordable.

HARDWARE | TAMA Drums

Find a great collection of HARDWARE at TAMA Drums. TAMA offers Drum Kits, Snare Drums, Original Percussion, Hardware, Microphone Stands and Sticks, plus drum accessories like bags, cases and practice goods.

www.tama.com

 

[bpaluzzi]

I’m a big fan of the new Ludwig Classic stuff. It’s not as light as the lightest stuff out there, but it’s very sturdy. It’s flat based, but there’s a bit of angle adjustment in the tripods that allows for overlapping, plus the two-position feet for even more clearance.

 

[BruceOrl]

I use Pearls BC150S with my kit. They are also very affordable and stable.

Pearl BC150S

 

[GretschMan61]

I have three lightweight hardware packs .My favourite being the Tama Vlassics series . The bag that comes with it is nice and has room for extra stands ( like the Tama Classic tom stand and another classic cymbal stand).

My second favourite is the Yamaha Crosstown hardware pack . I use this for outdoor gigs as the tripods are sturdier in the wind .

I have a DW Ultralite pack but it doesn’t get a lot of use . I find it a bit flimsy compared to the Tama and Yamaha lightweight offerings .

 

[RogersLudwig]

I like the new Rogers hardware. I have the cymbal and snare stands.

 

[SKSMITH]

I have DW6000 and never had any issues whatsoever with it.

 

[owr]

Anyone have a link for the spreadsheet or list of cymbal stands and their weights? We collectively put one together years ago. I'd love to see that again and expanded upon. For example, beyond just weight it would be nice to see consolidated information on how wide the foot print of each stand is. If I was a high end drum shop that carried all this hardware I'd put it together and make it available on my website (hint hint). It sure would inspire me to buy something - that's what I call good service.

 

[varatrodder]

I like the new Rogers hardware. I have the cymbal and snare stands.

I have the hi hat stand and I love it. Light weight, but very sturdy.

 

[Jhouse86]

I have the ludwig flat based hardware. It's all wonderful stuff. Minimal footprint, and sturdy. Cymbal stands, hi hat stand and snare stand all perform very well. I believe the newer snare stand comes with a much more adjustable basket than its predecessor. The smallest cymbal I have is a 17, most are 18-22 crashes and some 24 rides. These stands have 0 issues with bigger brass.

 

[bpaluzzi]

Anyone have a link for the spreadsheet or list of cymbal stands and their weights? We collectively put one together years ago. I'd love to see that again and expanded upon. For example, beyond just weight it would be nice to see consolidated information on how wide the foot print of each stand is. If I was a high end drum shop that carried all this hardware I'd put it together and make it available on my website (hint hint). It sure would inspire me to buy something - that's what I call good service.

I did this recently, comparing the new Ludwig Classic w/ DW Ultralight and a mix of Yamaha 700/900

Ludwig Hardware 2022 - Atlas Hardware

The hi-hat cup seat is different? How so? Before it was adjusted with a drum key screw. Now you rotate the entire cup to tilt it

www.drumforum.org

 

[Gunnellett]

Anyone have a link for the spreadsheet or list of cymbal stands and their weights? We collectively put one together years ago. I'd love to see that again and expanded upon. For example, beyond just weight it would be nice to see consolidated information on how wide the foot print of each stand is. If I was a high end drum shop that carried all this hardware I'd put it together and make it available on my website (hint hint). It sure would inspire me to buy something - that's what I call good service.

I found that thread to be very useful. I also thought it was a "sticky" at one time. If it wasn't a sticky, it should be.

 

[flatwins]

All Yamaha Crosstown for me. Some of the best drum $ I’ve ever spent. No concerns over the appearance of it.

Here it is in action yesterday.

 

[owr]

Thank you! I missed that thread somehow the first time around. Amazing that even the light weight ludwig stands are still 2x the dw ultralight.

I did this recently, comparing the new Ludwig Classic w/ DW Ultralight and a mix of Yamaha 700/900

Ludwig Hardware 2022 - Atlas Hardware

The hi-hat cup seat is different? How so? Before it was adjusted with a drum key screw. Now you rotate the entire cup to tilt it

www.drumforum.org

 

[owr]

Just to add my own 2 cents, I've used Canopus for years, love the hi hat and snare stands, but the straight cymbal stands have almost all given out in the welding between the sections. The tilters are also pretty terrible. I'll be replacing these soon, just haven't motivated yet.

My most recent find in the quest to lighten up the hardware bag is this new Gibraltar throne:

Gibraltar Airtech Skinny Top Drum Throne - Single Braced

Single-braced Drum Throne with Mesh Web Seat and Spindle Height Adjustment

www.sweetwater.com

Jess had one at his shop in NYC (the old Maxwell's) and I was amazed how comfortable it was. The base is not that light weight, but at least its single braced. After lugging around a sound seat retro to every 90 minute rehearsal I'm attracted to the idea of a throne top that is small and low profile. I ordered one from Jess, it should be here next week.

 

[Rick Jones1]

It's unfortunately just basic physics; lightweight stuff is by definition not going to be as "sturdy" as heavier stuff. I've found the Tama Classic stands are the best middle ground for me, they're light enough to not be exhausting to lug around, but sturdy enough for me to moderately bash somewhat big/heavy instruments.

I also use the Tama Classic stands. It also comes with a hardware bag if you order the 4-piece set. I put my throne strand and legs to my floor tom in the bag.

 

[bpaluzzi]

Just to add my own 2 cents, I've used Canopus for years, love the hi hat and snare stands, but the straight cymbal stands have almost all given out in the welding between the sections. The tilters are also pretty terrible. I'll be replacing these soon, just haven't motivated yet.

My most recent find in the quest to lighten up the hardware bag is this new Gibraltar throne:

Gibraltar Airtech Skinny Top Drum Throne - Single Braced

Single-braced Drum Throne with Mesh Web Seat and Spindle Height Adjustment

www.sweetwater.com

Jess had one at his shop in NYC (the old Maxwell's) and I was amazed how comfortable it was. The base is not that light weight, but at least its single braced. After lugging around a sound seat retro to every 90 minute rehearsal I'm attracted to the idea of a throne top that is small and low profile. I ordered one from Jess, it should be here next week.

I’ve got two of these. Really nice. The Rogers swan leg throne is a bit lighter, but not as comfortable IMO. The Yamaha 750 is lighter still, but not a threaded spindle - it’s a straight tube w/ memory lock setup.

Did some measurements before adding the two Gibraltars. Will need to update this list:

Light Thrones

I do not care that my throne is heavy. I'm taking the time and effort to make sure my ass doesn't get chapped or sore during a gig. I can just reduce my set by a couple of cymbals, maybe I don't need toms...But I want my PorkPie throne!

www.drumforum.org

 

[David Hunter]

Anyone have a link for the spreadsheet or list of cymbal stands and their weights? We collectively put one together years ago. I'd love to see that again and expanded upon. For example, beyond just weight it would be nice to see consolidated information on how wide the foot print of each stand is. If I was a high end drum shop that carried all this hardware I'd put it together and make it available on my website (hint hint). It sure would inspire me to buy something - that's what I call good service.

Here's the hardware weights spreadsheet thread created by @hefty:

Hardware weights spreadsheet

Recently I weighed all of my pieces of hardware and entered the info into a spreadsheet. I know this has been done before, but other more comprehensive lists like this were somewhat suspect. I'd like to make a new one.... So, if you're so inclined, send along your own weights and we can build...

www.drumforum.org