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Thread: Tom angle!!!!

  1. #1

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    Default Tom angle!!!!

    Ok, so recently I've been looking at a lot of people kits and I noticed that generally the toms are flat or almost flat, however my toms which I mounted when I first got the kit and didn't really know what I was doing, are at a real angle. By angle I mean 60-70º from flat...so I decided I would put them flat. But as they're mounted on my BD when they're flat even at their lowest I hit the rim on the drum...:/ I was really confused with all this, I'm not tall but I'm by no means short so I couldn't understand how people could play them like that. I checked the height of my throne, but my knees are at a 90º angle when I'm sat down so it can't be that. Anyway after much confusion, filming myself drumming from all angles and watching drum videos all day I figured out what was wrong. My posture was horrific, I sat hunched while playing so obv I couldn't reach as high as I can when I'm sat upright with my back straight.

    So problem solved? Well no not quite...now I jsut can't seem to be able to place my toms in a way that they are confortable to play...they're either too far apart from each other or one more angled that the other, etc, etc...

    So after this huge post (thank you for your time if you've read this far) my question is, any tips?? I'll try and get some photos to explain what I mean tomorrow.

    Thanks guys

  2. #2

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    Idk how people play them flat. I could do it if they were level with my snare, but with the size of my kick, the rims are like 3" above it so I have to angle them
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  3. #3

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    I play my toms flat, but I only have 1 rack tom, and I use a snare drum stand for it, I love the setup! Other people use clamps, and attach their toms to a cymbal stand. To get them flat, you either need a really thin tom, or use a snare stand/clamp it on a stand and have it offset from the bass drum.. Hope this helped!
    J-D




  4. #4

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    I had to offset my toms to get them somewhat flat. I really like them offset and flat but when playing a 5 piece I have trouble with the my small tom being to close to my hi-hat. The only way I can get my setup just perfect is with a 4 piece. I recommend a tom stand or using a snare stand to offset your toms if you want them flat.
    ~Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must first set yourself on fire.- Reggie Leach~

  5. #5

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    I say flat or angled, it doesn't matter except for your comfort. If they have to be angled so be it.
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  6. #6

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    I'm assuming your toms are standard size. 12"x9" & 13"x10". If it's not, let me know. You can achieve flat or close to flat toms by taking a couple of multiclamps and mounting your toms via cymbal stand. Or, if you switch to a four piece kit, (Taking out 13"), you can mount your tom any way with ease.

    Keep us posted on different stuff you try, your sizes would also help.

    All the best,

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  7. #7

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    Toms are 12"x8" and 13"x9". Looks like I'm in need of some multiclamps then...I've always liked the idea of offset toms and I wanted my toms to be close to the same height as my snare. Will I get a better flow around that kit that way??? Thanks

  8. #8

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    You really need a fairly short bass drum (18" to 20") for that to work. I have a 22" bass drum, and have had to mount them offset.
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  9. #9

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    Yeah my bass is also 22"....

  10. #10

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    I find a flat + offset tom improves fluency, they also say hitting a drum flat gives a better sound
    J-D




  11. #11

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    When my toms are above my 20" kick, then they are pretty much flat. When I'm using my 22" I have to angle them just a little bit. I would say as long as the angle isn't at 75% or higher you should be just fine.
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  12. #12

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    Your best flow is going to come with what fits you comfortably. Don't forget your seat height will also effect tom positions.

  13. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by JoeyDrummer View Post
    , they also say hitting a drum flat gives a better sound
    Thats a myth, a drum doesnt care what angle its sitting at, as long as the angle of attack from the stick is correct.

  14. #14

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    It kind of is a myth, because both sides of the flat vs angled argument remain relatively unproven. You would have to take audio of a flat tom, and audio of an angled tom, hit with the same force and see if anything changes. I think a large part of it that will convince people which way is better, is which position is more comfortable, because in the end they have to play those drums and if it isn't comfortable but sounds good then they just won't do it.

    Flat toms require almost perfect technique(to me anyway) to be able to rely on, and they can make your arm hurt with all the reaching. However, they are advantageous in a few ways. You can get your toms, and thus also your cymbals, an inch or two lower than they were previously. However you are likely to hit the edge of your cymbals with an amount of force which will considerably lessen their lifespan. If you're miking those toms, it's also that much easier to position them. This is perhaps unrelated, but you might notice that many websites display images of drumsets with flat as a book toms and snares. You might see some of the emo/hardcore or otherwise popular music types using this style in music videos. I guess it's for aesthetics/eye appeal more than anything else.

    Angled toms are pretty much the opposite. You will have a higher clearance with the edge of the rim, the cymbal location rises, and if you're miking that will raise it even more depending on what you use. The toms are now relatively easier to hit, you are not prone to striking the edge of the cymbal thus extending the life of it, and you don't have to reach far. It's a very popular choice for all skill levels, even if it's not quite as aesthetically appealing for ads.

    Each style has it's ups and downs in the end. Personally I like to angle a bit, but not too much. I guess every person it's different though- you should try each style until you find what fits you best.
    Last edited by Russ; 02-13-2011 at 07:38 AM.
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  15. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by Northern Redneck View Post
    Thats a myth, a drum doesnt care what angle its sitting at, as long as the angle of attack from the stick is correct.
    +1.

    IMHO flat toms is a trend in terms of looks. It allows you to always be hitting straight down which I think just allows a certain "style" to how you play. It certainly cannot affect sound as NR pointed out. I guess you start on flat toms that will feel right, just as starting with angled toms like us old folks did feels just fine to us.

    In terms of fluency around the kit I actually think angled toms are easier. If I do a triplet across my two rack toms and my floor tom, my right arm naturally flows down from the 2nd rack tom to the floor tom. With flat toms, that would have to be a more deliberate motion.

    TX said it best, either way is fine, but angling your toms too far could pose a problem in terms of hitting correctly. I would say most people's are probably like 20 and 45 degrees depending on the kit, their preference, etc...

    Like the OP I've never been able to get any of my kits totally flat. Not sure how people pull it off. And I'm tall, so that isn't an issue.
    Jesse

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  16. #16

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    Flat toms. I likes' em flat. Coc-a-maimy toms look....well....wrong! But I pay trad-grip, so I roll around the kit with only one angled drum. My snare. But I also play ambidextrously....left handed open slaps on the hats, and sometimes just my right hand workin' it while I point out at the crowd, or just to wave at a friend in the midst of a song.

    Place your toms the way you feel comfy...THAT'S the bottom line.

    In a venue, run out to the audience area and look at your kit on stage...and play with it!

  17. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by destroyer View Post
    place your toms the way you feel comfy...that's the bottom line.
    +1
    I am currently suffering from gear acquisition syndrome. Will trade soul for drum gear. Donations accepted.

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    -PST5 Cymbals

    "Uncontrollable urticaria drivel spurting" -a sentence spawned from the half a word story.

  18. #18

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    What ever angel makes you feel good...then its good!...period...hang'em upside down from above you if you want.
    Enjoy the Music!

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  19. #19

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    I think a toms mounting flat really comes from the standing position while playing. You still have to angle the toms slightly while seated to effectively play. Unless your 6'7". Think about it.

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  20. #20

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    That's what was throwing me about it. I'm 6'3" and haven't been able to get them flat and comfortable. I figured I should try out the flat since people claim it's more comfortable.
    Jesse

    1986 Tama Crestar - Lacquered Piano White
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  21. #21

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    Quote Originally Posted by weebrad View Post
    Toms are 12"x8" and 13"x9". Looks like I'm in need of some multiclamps then...I've always liked the idea of offset toms and I wanted my toms to be close to the same height as my snare. Will I get a better flow around that kit that way??? Thanks
    or you can pull out the tom mount and stick it in half of a cymbal stand. right behind the snare
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  22. #22

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    Sorry...Just trying to get to 25 posts so I can respond to pm's.. I understand the rule but 25 minimum is a little over the top.

  23. #23

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    MDK, don't apoligize...add to conversation..that counts too you know...we all started where you are..we always enjoy newbie insight!
    Enjoy the Music!

    HOOKED ON VINTAGE ROGERS

    12 tom times 3
    13 tom times 3
    16 floor tom 3
    22 BD times 2
    24 BD 1
    Dyna-sonic snare 1976
    Dyna-sonic snare 1969
    Powertone snare 1969
    24 x 12 Djembe

    21" K Hybrid custom ride
    21" Avedis ride
    20" Zildjian 1970 ride
    18" A Custom Zildjian fast crash
    17" A Custom Zildjian med crash
    15" A Custom Zildjian Reso hats
    10" A Custom fast splash
    18" A Custom China
    LP Cowbell baby..always more cowbell

    Member of "PHROGGES AQUARIAN ARMY"
    The Zildjian League

    Drum Chat's Record for Most Users Online
    BE COUNTED!

  24. #24

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    Quote Originally Posted by MartyM View Post
    MDK, don't apoligize...add to conversation..that counts too you know...we all started where you are..we always enjoy newbie insight!
    Cool will do..

    To the OP, I angle mine but only about 15 degrees I would guess. Good thing you asked this question and realized your posture problem before you started to have some real back issues..

    Good catch.

    By the way this is my 25th Post wooo hooo Now I can send pm's.. problem is I can't remember to whom or what I was going to write. Getting old is tough

  25. #25

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    Back to my old setup for now untill I can get hold of some clamps....

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