Having a problem getting my kit set up properly

[Coma Divine]

This is my drumset, minus the lowest rack tom:

http://myspace-547.vo.llnwd.net/00208/74/56/208036547_l.jpg

The tom angles are fixed now, however this is the problem I'm facing. My highest rack tom and the 2nd highest rack tom are perfect. The third rack tom though is my problem. I can't get it flat and aligned with the other 2 unless I raise the other two toms higher then they are right now.

The bottom of the third tom touches the bass drum and even when I align them so that it matches the angle of the other two, the third tom is raised higher then the others and I can't lower it because the bass drum itself is in the way. If I raise all the toms so that I CAN align them, they're too high for me to hit. I was thinking my throne might be the problem since it's broken and I can't raise it any higher, but my leg is bent at a near 90 degree angle when playing the bass drum so I thought my height was correct.

Here's a picture:

http://thejeffmillerexperience.com/example1.jpg
http://thejeffmillerexperience.com/example2.jpg

See the tom is too big to be aligned vertically, so it goes much higher then the other 2.

Do I need just need to raise my throne and then raise everything else accordingly?

[Aaron]

I think you may need to just mount the third and fourth toms from a stand.

[Coma Divine]

But then the bass drum is still preventing the tom from being aligned at the same height. I think...

[aznriceball]

with deep toms like that its difficult to solve without raising the throne. time for a new throne :) and if your legs are a little bit wider than 90 degree bent it might be a little less work on ur ankles and hips

[Coma Divine]

Haha I made a video of what it looks like:

http://thejeffmillerexperience.com/Drumset.wmv

[Coma Divine]

Any throne recommendations then? My friend says the DW Heavy Duty Airlift is good.

[aznriceball]

^those things are awesome. things to try out also are the pork pies, and roc and socs. big dog is incredible if you're in the UK. and PDP 800s are the cheapest you can get where you still have quality :D

[iplaybass9340]

I tried an Airlift this weekend and I didn't like it. It seemed to move to much. But I would definitly second pork pie!

[dumbassdrummer]

You might consider getting another stand for those toms and mounting one or two on the other side, or move that lowest rack tom down to a floor tom position. Four rack toms like that is though to arrange.

[Coma Divine]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Drums/Percussion/Parts/Hardware?sku=440791

That one?

[Josiah]

Wow that just screams 80's metal...


Eh if you want that many toms of that size... that's what you get. Simple as that.

[Coma Divine]

You might consider getting another stand for those toms and mounting one or two on the other side, or move that lowest rack tom down to a floor tom position. Four rack toms like that is though to arrange.

I said in my original that I got rid of the fourth tom.

[Coma Divine]

Haha Josiah we play funk/fusion/hard rock, here is my kit in action:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4727322933811759186&q=Arctic+Groove+Squad&pl=true
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zVnbIPmr5IM

[Maggot Dream]

Try the Roc N Soc Nitro thrones. I have one, it's amazing.

I had the same problem with the throne being broken. The metal was warped and couldn't be adjusted.

Other than that, go with what aznriceball said. Pork Pies are great thrones too.

[drummingducktape]

why get a new seat. make your set have 2 floor toms and put the 13in between the flortoms and hightoms. simple as that?

[aznriceball]

why get a new seat

it's broken and I can't raise it any higher

:wave:

[Josiah]

Haha Josiah we play funk/fusion/hard rock, here is my kit in action:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4727322933811759186&q=Arctic+Groove+Squad&pl=true
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zVnbIPmr5IM

Ok don't take offense but....


S L O W D O W N



Gosh I felt like I just took a hit of crack watchin that stuff....

[drummingducktape]

o ok get a new seat but make the set have 2 floor toms and 2 rack toms. then you would evn be able to put your ride over your bass

[Coma Divine]

Why not just have the 3 racks?

Haha Josiah what do you mean slow down? My playing? Or the song in general?

[Josiah]

Haha I dunno man.. it's just so rushed.


People can play fast, yet be extremelly relaxed. Listen to Death for example. Gene's playing on those albums is absurd.. it's amazing how clean, complex and technical it is. Yet, it's never rushed - in fact often it's got a very heavy feel to it.

When I listen or watch your band.. it's like snortin coke man. That stuff is so rushed, it feels rushed, it is rushed... it's like nobody can wait to get to the next note. ya dig?


As a side suggestion. Perhaps just take it down to 2 or 3 toms.... see what happens.

[Siamese Dreams]

Haha Josiah we play funk/fusion/hard rock, here is my kit in action:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4727322933811759186&q=Arctic+Groove+Squad&pl=true
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zVnbIPmr5IM


Wow, I love ya'lls stuff. That's excellent....your bassist is real good and you are real creative with those fills! Awesome solo's for the guitar. How old are ya'll? If you wanna check out my "band's" songs you can. I say "band" because right now we dont have a bassist or vocals.:( We're 14 and it was all recorded through a ****ty comp. mic so bear with me.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=508382

Thanks and great job!,
Jimmy

[drummingducktape]

Why not just have the 3 racks?

Haha Josiah what do you mean slow down? My playing? Or the song in general?
because then you wouldnt have the 13" tom problem maybe?

[Coma Divine]

Thanks RHCP.

Gene Hoglan plays great and very relaxed, but you have to keep in mind I'm nowhere near as good as him, though I'm sure you knew that already. :p

[ThugsRook]

whats all the whinning about? its only a 22" bassdrum and a 13" tom. thats not big stuff at all.

work on it, youll find the perfect setup for it.


TIP: possition the trouble tom first.

another TIP: tom stands pwn bass mounts :p

[Cocaberry]

Haha Josiah we play funk/fusion/hard rock, here is my kit in action:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4727322933811759186&q=Arctic+Groove+Squad&pl=true
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zVnbIPmr5IM

In the video from Youtube it does sound very rushed and too "busy." Your bassist is doing alot, same with your guitarist and you. Someone needs to cut back some cause it seems like it clashes. The video from google was better.

I didn't really see you use all your toms in any of these songs. You mostly just used the first 2 rack toms when you used toms. If you aren't gonna use those extra ones often (or at all) you don't need them.

Maybe try cutting down your toms to 2 racks and a floor. Then you won't have these space problems.

[keaton_86]

No offesense dude but your fills really didnt fit the music. Sure its cool to show off, but it sounds like crap when its not done at the right time.

[Kainen]

mmm hmmm, I agree about the rushed feeling and fills not going with the tunes. It seems like your just playing 16th note rolls in each measure, or every other measure. try playing some grooves in place of them.

[Coma Divine]

I was playing a lot of fills but I feel a lot of them are necessary. It's supposed to be a flashy, fast paced song all the way through. We made it to be played at our school's talent show coming up.

[Cocaberry]

If "flashy" was what you were trying to achieve you totally struck out on that one. You need to cut back on the fills until you can execute them cleanly. And even then cut back. Play what fits the music not what fits your agenda.

As far as "fast paced" goes I guess you could say it was fast paced in a rushed sort of way.

How long have you been playing? You might not even be ready for a show yet.

No offense or anything. I'm just telling you what I'm thinking.

[Coma Divine]

If "flashy" was what you were trying to achieve you totally struck out on that one. You need to cut back on the fills until you can execute them cleanly. And even then cut back. Play what fits the music not what fits your agenda.

As far as "fast paced" goes I guess you could say it was fast paced in a rushed sort of way.

How long have you been playing? You might not even be ready for a show yet.

No offense or anything. I'm just telling you what I'm thinking.

So flashy = less fills?

Doesn't make much sense. I've been playing for 6 years and I've played many shows, but I don't recall anyone to critique my playing. No offense though, right?:rolleyes:

[TTTSNB]

PSh, those toms aren't THAT big, 8,10,12,14,16 right? just get the 8,10,12 at the height you want, and put the 14 at the same height- you don't have anything else in the way by that point. As for what Josiah said, I personally think your playing is quite sweet, not on the level of the greats, but very unique and different. For one thing, try playing a little more behind the beat, to relax things a little bit, and then establish sections a little more so each individual player gets to spread their wings a little bit, so say- bass solos, and you and the guitarist comp, then the guitarist solos, you and the bassist comp, then you solo, while the guitarist and bassist comp, followed by a burst of insanity, etc.

[CasB]

The fills don;t make the song flashy, the whole drumming should make it flashy...

[keaton_86]

Yeah, just groove the **** out of that song. Its got a funky base line, now get an awesome groove going on and it should be sorted.

[styler]

just raise your toms. stupid n00bs telling people flatter is better.

[Loyton]

HOLD ON A ****ING SECOND!

You are the arctic groove squad? You gotta be ****ing kidding me! Hahaha..... I found your band on myspace a while ago, and I was a big ****ing fan! You guys totally ****ing own!


At least I think it was you, might not have been. I think I posted prematurely. Did you have a myspace that was a bass/drum combo?

-edit three no I dont think it was you :(


Sweet friggin stuff though.

[ThugsRook]

just raise your toms. stupid n00bs telling people flatter is better.
flatter is better, Nico :p

[Coma Divine]

HOLD ON A ****ING SECOND!

You are the arctic groove squad? You gotta be ****ing kidding me! Hahaha..... I found your band on myspace a while ago, and I was a big ****ing fan! You guys totally ****ing own!


At least I think it was you, might not have been. I think I posted prematurely. Did you have a myspace that was a bass/drum combo?

-edit three no I dont think it was you :(


Sweet friggin stuff though.

That was us. :)
http://www.myspace.com/arcticgroovesquad

[Loyton]

Yesssssss..... Consider me a fan.

Fallopian tunes is KILLER.

[White]

Mount it to your cymbal stand. I had the same problem, so i set mine up as Buddy Rich Style. It was really comphy for me.

[Coma Divine]

Yesssssss..... Consider me a fan.

Fallopian tunes is KILLER.

We added our guitaris to that song as well, I'll post a recording up sometime soon.

[GhostGrooveMike]

dude where'd your ride go? And umm put your fourth tom as a floor tom It'll look better. O and seems your toms have dead syndrom in the vids. Tune em up so they have a pitch

[Panopticon]

HOLD ON A ****ING SECOND!

You are the arctic groove squad? You gotta be ****ing kidding me! Hahaha..... I found your band on myspace a while ago, and I was a big ****ing fan! You guys totally ****ing own!


At least I think it was you, might not have been. I think I posted prematurely. Did you have a myspace that was a bass/drum combo?

-edit three no I dont think it was you :(


Sweet friggin stuff though.

WHAT?!! YOU IMPOSTER!!!...I'm the one that made a thread wondering who's band it was!!! No one replied:upset:

http://musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445171

[MagicMedicine]

I think the problem is because that 14 inch tom is usually used as a hanging floor tom, not a rack tom. Then mix that with extreme tom angles like that and things can get difficult. Trying flatter tom angles (not flat, just not as steep as those, they look to be 45 degrees)

http://www.dwdrums.com/showroom/images/lacquer/Tequila-Sunrise.jpg

sortof like this kit, If i had that many toms they would be about that flat, but for alot of people they would have trouble avoiding hitting the rims. but even if u want to keep your current tom angles, I would suggest removing that large angled tom all together, or mounting it as a floortom and using a setup like this.

http://www.dwdrums.com/showroom/images/vge/Movingue.jpg


-----------------------EDIT-------------------------

I watched your videos, you guys are pretty good. I think you are a good drummer, but your fills seem to lack creativity. It seems that your just doing rolls on the snare/toms every chance you get, you need to start using every possible sound u can get out of EVERY drum or cymbal in your fills, rests too. I think the main problem would be because you have so many toms that uv never been forced to groove with your fills. I have a suggestion, but its only a suggestion. Try playing your kit for 2 weeks with only a floor tom, and a rack tom (a 4 piece kit). and not having all those toms to roll across will force the creativity out of you. I do that sometimes, then I will add my 2nd floor tom back on after a month, and then my 2nd rack tom a week or two later, and anything new that I'v come up with while only using two toms, i can now expand onto all 4 of my toms.

Dont take any of that as bashing, like I said, i think your a good drummer. I think the only think u need to work on right now is fill.

[styler]

flatter is better, Nico :p
stupid noobs.

[Double Bass Jim]

If "flashy" was what you were trying to achieve you totally struck out on that one. You need to cut back on the fills until you can execute them cleanly. And even then cut back. Play what fits the music not what fits your agenda.

As far as "fast paced" goes I guess you could say it was fast paced in a rushed sort of way.

How long have you been playing? You might not even be ready for a show yet.

No offense or anything. I'm just telling you what I'm thinking.
Yeah im thinkin so...

It's got the box of hardware falling down a flight of strairs feel, rushed and way to fast to control. Slow it down and get the click out and hone that time up a bit.

[Carn]

heh. I already had problems getting 8/10/12 inch toms nice and flat in front of me, with a rack. pulled out the 12 because it just took to much space.

[Coma Divine]

I think the problem is because that 14 inch tom is usually used as a hanging floor tom, not a rack tom. Then mix that with extreme tom angles like that and things can get difficult. Trying flatter tom angles (not flat, just not as steep as those, they look to be 45 degrees)

http://www.dwdrums.com/showroom/images/lacquer/Tequila-Sunrise.jpg

sortof like this kit, If i had that many toms they would be about that flat, but for alot of people they would have trouble avoiding hitting the rims. but even if u want to keep your current tom angles, I would suggest removing that large angled tom all together, or mounting it as a floortom and using a setup like this.

http://www.dwdrums.com/showroom/images/vge/Movingue.jpg


-----------------------EDIT-------------------------

I watched your videos, you guys are pretty good. I think you are a good drummer, but your fills seem to lack creativity. It seems that your just doing rolls on the snare/toms every chance you get, you need to start using every possible sound u can get out of EVERY drum or cymbal in your fills, rests too. I think the main problem would be because you have so many toms that uv never been forced to groove with your fills. I have a suggestion, but its only a suggestion. Try playing your kit for 2 weeks with only a floor tom, and a rack tom (a 4 piece kit). and not having all those toms to roll across will force the creativity out of you. I do that sometimes, then I will add my 2nd floor tom back on after a month, and then my 2nd rack tom a week or two later, and anything new that I'v come up with while only using two toms, i can now expand onto all 4 of my toms.

Dont take any of that as bashing, like I said, i think your a good drummer. I think the only think u need to work on right now is fill.


Best advice I've heard on this board, ever. Really. Much thanks. After the talent show at our high school on Friday I'll try the 4 piece idea. Don't wanna change up much before our show.