I think the issue of toms mounted on snare stands is determined by the intended use of the vintage set, that is, whether the set is a "player" or a "displayer". I love my original swivo hardware (single and double tom mounts), and my Rogers sets are displayed with the toms mounted properly on the basses, but for those guys who are gigging with vintage sets, a snare stand definitely cuts down on the wear and tear of these hard to replace mounts.

Mike C.

Fair enough. But as much as I love my three Slingerland kits, I can't use Slingerland cymbal stands with them. They might have been state-of-the-art in 1978, but they're just too wobbly for my taste (and they don't go high enough for my needs).

I do use the Super Set-O-Matic tom mount and the Dynamo HH stand. I do not use the Tempo King pedal ... I used one on new year's eve—it did the job, but it just didn't feel as solid as my DW.

As far as looks, I couldn't agree more. Vintage hardware with a vintage kit is where it's at. I gig with my rack tom mounted on a vintage Ludwig rail. It scares me sometimes cause it gets to moving pretty good, but it never let me down so why mess with it? It was good enough then, it's good enough for me now.

The stands are all new though. The only vintage stands I can usually afford need rebuilt and/or rechromed. Typically the tubes are bent, nearly collapsed, rusted, and single braced. I got some middle of the road SP stands from GC for a good price. They aren't bulky, they don't have 15 cymbals off of one stand, they are all straight, and all look pretty decent with the kit I believe. I honestly cannot afford vintage stands and gear that is servicable and still looking somewhat decent.

A snare stand allows me to place the rack tom exactly where I need it to be. 'Looks' be damned. I play my drums, not stare and admire them. Well, I do that too I guess, but stability and position is what is important. The only one that cares if it looks like it does in the catalog is you, not the listeners.

John

Well Purdie, maybe I am the only one who cares, but that would surprise me since this Forum, if any, is home to a few "purists" (to whom I don't necessarily count myself). I simply think "modern" hardware incorporated in vintage drums looks "off", sort of like putting a rear wing on an Alfa Romeo! Not meant as an affront to people who do this!

If we are discussing what hardware is best to use with vintage drums.........

I have been playing (at home) with my vintage flat-based MIJ stands rather than the much heavier and bulkier modern HW. Much to my pleasure, they have been holding up just fine. I found that when collapsed they all fit into one case with wheels, and is much lighter than the modern stuff. I cleaned them all up and they look great! This is good incentive to go shopping for old MIJs!.....as they are not all that easy to find on the bay.

So, next time I play out, I won't be lugging armfuls of heavy bulky stands, nor will my bandmates! (my oh my how they hate to carry the stands!)

I WILL gig with my modern HW too, but only with my modern kit(s).....of which I have none at the moment! .... at least any that are not on death row for sale - 'sale row'.

I mount all my drums with their stock mounting off the BDs.....though nothing goes without some type of suspension mounting.

I love the move that Ddrum has made in mounting most of their toms off of cymbal stands. It preserves the virgin BDs and allows for the most versatility as far as positioning. Their mounting (HW) is very solid (contradicting their reputation that was created by edge cutting [in a negative sense!] practices some 5 years or so ago now.)

John

Geez, I'm sorry man. I hope my response didn't come off as an 'attitude.' I didn't mean it to sound that way. Just expressing my own personal take on it is all. Me and my wife have both been sick as dogs (flu) and maybe I should hold off responding to posts until my head clears up.

No attitude intended my friend.

John

No offense taken, Purdie! Hope you and your wife feel better soon!

I feel you Lingontega. The "All original" sets some of the guys post on here are just so cool-looking; look at the Post Your Rogers thread, or the myriad others.) That's how I prefer vintage cars, too; all original.

That said, whether those guys play them out with their pencil-thin stands (or, at all), I don't know. Me, personally, I don't like when toms and cymbals are rockin' around more than I am. I prefer sturdy gear and that old stuff just can't compare (maybe those stands can hold up to a small, quiet, Jazz 3-piece routine, but not for rockin' out). In closing, and this is just my preference, I just can't stand a tom mounted on a BD. No sir, don't like it at all. Looks nice and "originny", but I feel like it kills the ring of both the tom and the BD. Just cuz' that's how it was made, don't mean I gotta' like it for gigging that way.

My two bits.

B

PS - My mounted tom is on a RIMS off a cymball stand.