Those are good questions. Bag and case sizes are made for a specific size drums. Therefore an 8x12 bag was designed for an 8x12 drum. Having said that, the type of hardware on your drums can possibly cause issues. I have roto-molded cases for both 14" and 16" toms but some of my floor tom leg brackets just don't fit inside. The solution for me was to also have 18" cases available so that I can move up a size if necessary. Kick drums can also end up pretty tight. If you are getting the bags from a store then ask to try them first to avoid the hassle. If ordering online, I would get the sizes you need and if they don't work out, return and order larger ones. All of that to say you can "generally" order the case to match the drum.

As to stacking, it's not the best thing in the world for your heads, however, EVERYONE does it. If kept in bags you will be fine but still set the drums in place carefully. Outside of the case I would suggest a piece of cardboard or, better yet, thin foam or fabric between to keep the rims from sticking to the heads below.

Enjoy!!!

Thanks for the tips, I appreciate it. I like the idea of bringing my set to a store to try bags out, I hadnt thought of that. Unfortunately, the nearest store is an hour awway.

Sounds like a road trip to me!

One other thing about stacking drums:

You should NEVER rest anything on the snare side (bottom) snare head. Also never set a snare drum right side up on another SMALLER drum. The bottom head of a snare is extremely thin and therefore fragile. It can be damaged very easily. Likewise you will almost certainly damage your snare wires if you stack on them or stack them on something that causes direct contact. If you opt to stack your snare on top, upside down, that is fine, however, you are exposing the bottom snare head and snare wires to possible damage when someone puts something else on top. I often say, any flat and available space will soon become storage.

I use thin pieces of paneling in between drums. A very easy and affordable way to do this is to collect pieces that you find out for trash, found in trash dumpsters or at the end of driveways. etc. The best example is when someone is throwing out an entertainment center, shelf, or similar piece of furniture. These typically have this paneling as part of the back. Even dressers can have these as part of their construction.

I then cut these pieces and designate what they are for, so as to easier identify the possible use.

Of course all you need is to one time get access to paneling when a room is being "demo'ed" for a remodel.

John

Thanks all!