Roto toms?

[concrete Building]

I've been thinking for quite a while now.. There are 2 sets of roto toms (as of yesterday) at a local music store with different prices, but I'm not worried about that. I want some opinions on roto toms before I get a set. So who wants to go first?

[cole1paul]

Eh... I think they're pretty cool as long as you don't treat them as an integral part of the set, but instead as more of an effect. If you're doing more 80s rock stuff, then they're practically required lol.

[Cuz Doc drummer]

Are you agile enough to be 2 drummers at one time?

Rotos can open up something you never knew you had before.

Be methodical, rhythmical, learn to free-flow...

Even if you don't gig with them they're a good tool to work out with for flexibility smoothness of arms time & mind. Crank up the oldies station and let it ride...

[late8]

Roto toms add flavor and the distinct difference in pitch and octave separation from rack toms is appealing to me. The only issue I had when I integrated the roto toms into different kit configurations was ideal placement for easy reach. I noticed that if I had the roto toms set up directly in front of a set of off set rack toms with a single bass drum as in the first pic, I played them more because of the easy reach.

With a double bass configuration and with more cymbals added, I placed the roto toms to the left of my HH stand. The reach was not as comfortable but manageable.
On this configuration, I eventually ditched the 6” roto tom and separated the 8” and 10” off of the standard roto rack rail and mounted each tom individually using a curved piece of Gibraltar rack pipe which allowed for better ergonomics.

I'd consider two factors if I were to buy them:
#1- Does your music allow for the sounds of roto toms? Rotos can be substitutes for missing Latin percussions.
#2- Do you have the space to incorporate the roto rack rail including three toms into your kit? My rotos mount to my rack and take up very little floor space. If you don't use a rack, will the extra stand force you to position key items farther away just make room for the added rotos?
I don't use my roto toms very often but I'm glad I have them just in case I decide to switch my kit around for different genre of music. Keep us posted on your decision and if you pull the trigger, post up some pics please. I'd love to see the new addition to your kit! Thanks!

[yohin]

Late8 dude you're kit is so beastly!

[late8]

Late8 dude you're kit is so beastly!

Thanks Yohin!

[NoiseInMotion]

In response to late8's kit:

[xweasel]

In response to late8's kit:

+1

[concrete Building]

Ok, yes. I know late's set is amazing. I also had a feeling he'd provide his voice into this. However, I was a bit surprised to see that you (talking to late) gave not 1 but 2 factors. I have considered both of them. Seeing that #1 is a match, since I do like playing 80's music down [the century] (and Rush more often these days), #2 is more of a question. I don't use a rack, so the question whether or not the stand it is on is sold separately or not still applies. However, if I do get it, I will also be buying the stand, separate or not. The remaining question is when I will be able to withdraw from the bank.

[late8]

Ok, yes. I know late's set is amazing. I also had a feeling he'd provide his voice into this. However, I was a bit surprised to see that you (talking to late) gave not 1 but 2 factors. I have considered both of them. Seeing that #1 is a match, since I do like playing 80's music down [the century] (and Rush more often these days), #2 is more of a question. I don't use a rack, so the question whether or not the stand it is on is sold separately or not still applies. However, if I do get it, I will also be buying the stand, separate or not. The remaining question is when I will be able to withdraw from the bank.

When you check out the roto tom stand (which should be included in the price, mine was), extend the stand as tall as it can go and look at the height. Make sure the toms can clear the HH rod if you decide to set the roto toms over the HH. This shouldn't be an issue if you off set the roto toms beside the HH. I had clearance issues when I placed the roto toms directly over the HH. I had to eventually cut the HH rod to get the clearance needed so it wouldn"t hit the bottom of the roto rack rail.

[pastor_bob]

I agree with the things that late8 has brought up. I decided to go with my Roto Toms on my left, and they are on a stand. It works out well for me, and I really don't find them difficult to play in that position, because they are not played extensively. They are accents for me, but I can also roll through them, or play them in short bursts. I like having the different sound available.

[Bamajaf]

Roto toms have always had a "Cheap" feel for me. Even now days, when I am looking on Craigslist for gear, they will always be paired up with bad (Kmart) kits and terrible grammar. ROTO TOMS AND SYMBALS - $250! No offense to any of my Bro's here.

Ha ha. NOW.... Back in the 80's. YES YES YES... We all had to have Rototoms! God bless you Alex Van Halen!

[OUTATIMEOUTLAW]

Roto toms add flavor and the distinct difference in pitch and octave separation from rack toms is appealing to me. The only issue I had when I integrated the roto toms into different kit configurations was ideal placement for easy reach. I noticed that if I had the roto toms set up directly in front of a set of off set rack toms with a single bass drum as in the first pic, I played them more because of the easy reach.

With a double bass configuration and with more cymbals added, I placed the roto toms to the left of my HH stand. The reach was not as comfortable but manageable.
On this configuration, I eventually ditched the 6” roto tom and separated the 8” and 10” off of the standard roto rack rail and mounted each tom individually using a curved piece of Gibraltar rack pipe which allowed for better ergonomics.

I'd consider two factors if I were to buy them:
#1- Does your music allow for the sounds of roto toms? Rotos can be substitutes for missing Latin percussions.
#2- Do you have the space to incorporate the roto rack rail including three toms into your kit? My rotos mount to my rack and take up very little floor space. If you don't use a rack, will the extra stand force you to position key items farther away just make room for the added rotos?
I don't use my roto toms very often but I'm glad I have them just in case I decide to switch my kit around for different genre of music. Keep us posted on your decision and if you pull the trigger, post up some pics please. I'd love to see the new addition to your kit! Thanks!

LATE8,Do you still have the mounting bar/adapter?? And if so, would you sell it??

[sonorkid]

They're fun. Only problem I have is that space for me is at a premium right now. So, the Roto's are not set up and collecting dust. Someday when I have my dream "Drum Room" I'll break them out again. I did enjoy tinkering with them. You can find them dirt cheap on eBay.

sk