Drum racks?

[therealdrummr30]

Hi, I've been debating whether or not to get a drum rack since its christmas time and i could get a good deal on one. I've seen all over the boards that people say they're hard to set up for gigs and a hassle but I'd like to know why. It seems like it would be much easier, is it just becuase everyone drives small cars now and days or what? Settings up the rack and dropping in the boom arms seems a LOT easier than having to position all the cymbal stands with the legs facing the right direction and angling everything right. So I would just like a little more in depth description of why most people dislike racks, aside from looks.

[Tim]

well a lot of it depends on the venue youre playing at. taking a whole side of the rack into a small place isnt exactly teh easiest thign to do. Here in my town we have a small venue and people with racks have to set up the rack on stage they cant do it before hand simply because you cant really move it anywhere because of its size. Ive seen in bigger places where they just keep the whole side of the rack doen then peice the 3 sides together and thats it. It really depends. Also if you do decide to get a rack....memory locks are your friend.

[therealdrummr30]

Well, if your transporting your set, or rather, if i was transporting my set, i would take all the cymbals off and probably the stands/arms attached to the rack so it would be roughly the same size as my bass drum. I just can't see where the big problem is with racks.

[Tim]

Well, if your transporting your set, or rather, if i was transporting my set, i would take all the cymbals off and probably the stands/arms attached to the rack so it would be roughly the same size as my bass drum. I just can't see where the big problem is with racks.

its preference really. some people like em some people dont. some thing just arent for people and racks just arent for me. I dont have a big enough kit for a rack so it would be quite pointless on my part. if i had a big kit that needed a rack then yeah id might get one but ill never have a kit that big, i dont want a big kit liek that.

[TAMA_Tom]

I used to fit a full rack- and a Tama 10piece double bass set in my 92 plymouth laser. The rack made it so easy to take down and up again and to travel.
I myself am getting a new rack- hopefully by years end. Its the only way to go with a decent sized kit.

[White]

I dont like the look of drum racks, I used to but now for some reason I dont, Im gonna regret the day were I ahve to own one haha

[Senseless Apprentice]

I haven't moved my rack yet....But it seems like it would be really quick for shows, for instance, you could set up your whole set in the backstage area before you go on. Then have a buddy help you carry the main rack on. Put the bass drum in. Attatch your pedals, put in the hi-hat, and your done! It's way fast. And equip yourself with some nice memory locks, and your backstage setup becomes 10x as fast! I personally think racks are sexy. I have a PDP super rack.

[crolfe1]

We'll lets face it- stands and racks are both equally priced when you're going to outfit your kit, so when it comes down to it is it going to be a rack or a stand?

In favor of independent stands-
You can EASILY convert your set up around to ANY way you like it.
With stands they can go near, or far, or anywhere in between, with the rack you're fixed to how far your drums and cymbals can be placed.
With a rack, the length of the bars is fixed and using a rack on a 4 piece kit really is un-warranted/looks horrible.
Stands look much better
You're using a HH and snare stand anyway, so why not just stick with all stands?
When it comes time to upgrade or time to sell off some drum items, stands are easier to sell/hold their value better then various rack parts.

[Tim]

that is so true crolfe. Racks you still have to buy all the clamps and all the other stuff you need, so it is about the same price. im a stand man. :D

[crolfe1]

^^^ Yeah I had priced out a rack from gibralter to outfit my kit when I redid my hardware setup and found out for a few $$ more I could get ALL DW 9000. Easy choice there...

Sad when a metal clamp and a boom arm run up as much as a 5700 series boom stand.

[Double Bass Jim]

Im a 100% stand guy.

Yes i've had plenty of experience with rack systems, I HATE the things!

[crolfe1]

Yeah, racks best belong on the ladies, not on drums.

[Tim]

Yeah, racks best belong on the ladies, not on drums.

:chug:

[Caleb3221]

I have a rack. I also use stands, always, when gigging with a smaller kit. First, to set up a rack, you essentially set up 4 stands(the posts) and then level them all out. I can fit my whole 4 piece kit, plus 5 cymbals, on 2 stands(3including hh stand). Much less space, less to carry, and quicker to set up. I think I would close to triple my footprint on stage when playing a small kit if I brought out the full rack.

I own the rack because I do OWN a rather large kit. If I were to take a larger kit out, I would probably use the rack because it does get to a point where a rack is faster, such as when you are setting up 9 drums and 11 cymbals like I have.