The Most Versatile Drum Sizes

[drumflyer]

I’ve really come to love the 20,12,14 size for my gigs. (Cover band everything from STP to Johnny Cash and all in between!). Some times I add a 16 floor Tom to the kit for more bottom but I find myself doing the Buddy Rich thing and use it as a table to hold stuff. Sizes are very versatile and the bass drums I use have beta 52 May mic systems installed and the things sound like cannons. I don’t feel the need for anything bigger as far as a bass drum goes! Sound guy likes my DW collectors kit as opposed to the DW Performance kit but I only use the Collectors kit for inside gigs.

 

[GMFrancis]

I'd agree with this. If I only had one set for jazz and contemporary, I'd use these sizes. I have 3 kits with 20" bass drums.

Same here. 3 kits all 20/12/14. I think they are the perfect all round sizes that work in any situation just my opinion.

 

[shilohjim]

A few years ago I bought a Pearl Wood Fiberglass in 20-12-14. Even though it's one of my cheapest kits, it pretty much excels in every situation. I did modify the bass drum bearing edges. I feel I could pretty much sell off everything else and just play this as my one and only kit.

 

[Jhouse86]

I'm partial to 22,13,16 and find they can cover just about anything. I think the 22, 13, 16 covers the high better than the 20, 12, 14 covers the low. If I had to choose one kit, it would be 22, 13, 16.

 

[CherryClassic]

I play Classic Country. When I purchased a new CM Ludwig kit, I wasn't too sure what I wanted. I like 2 up one down and ended up with 10, 12 and 16 with a 20 bass. I love then all, the 10 and 12 can be tuned high and low the 16 is just nice at all tunings however I have this feeling I could have done just as well with a 14-floor tom. Having only little experience with 14's at the time I went with the 16. The 14 would have been better for packing that's for sure.

For versatility I could do without to 10, the 12 would work well covering that void.

sherm

 

[shuffle]

What works for me is a 12 or 13,15 or 16" fltm and 20 or 22.
I never use my 10.
It holds my TV up! Lol

 

[JDA]

head diameters are one thing

depths are another..
that's where it can get real interesting.

 

[JDA]

I never use my 10.
It holds my TV up! Lol

(try it..) 10 goes to the right of the 12; like a piano scale..on up. to the right.
(and if you add 8" then 6" you'll have to remove your main Ride cymbal ; )\
like Billy Cobham not like Billy Cobham

 

[shuffle]

(try it..) 10 goes to the right of the 12; like a piano scale..on up. to the right.
(and if you add 8" then 6" you'll have to remove your main Ride cymbal ; )\
like Billy Cobham not like Billy Cobham

I don't care for 10s.
Thanks for the encouragement, JDA.

 

[JDA]

I don't care for 10s.

"They're just a note!"
(problem comes when assumption is they're a main (1st tom) note. and I agree(they're not) but "off to side" they can be (melodic) fun 1 : )