I'd go with a 16x16.
I have a 2 up, 1 down configuration: 8x10” TT, 9x12” TT, 13x16” Hanging FT, and 18x20” BD.
I would like to eventually own a second kit in a 1 up, 2 down configuration (with two FTs as opposed to hanging FTs).
So far, I have decided it should consist of: 8x12” TT, 14x14” FT, and 18x22” BD; however, I am not certain what size the second FT should be.
Using the same proportional increase in sizes from my kit (2”-4”-4”), the second FT should be 18”.
I would appreciate your thoughts/opinions regarding the best size for the second FT, specifically whether you would prefer a 14x16” FT or 16x18” FT.
(I aspire to play blues/rock/jazz. I like having five voices.)
Thank you.
I'd go with a 16x16.
You will get more definition out of some shallower floor toms. My favourite size is 15" X 12" deep. on my Masterworks kit I have a 14X12 and a 15X12 mounted down low on a rack. They work really well together. I find 16's get a little too boomy in the low end, but I also tune them way down as low as they can go.
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I'd go with a 16". A lot easier to carry round when you play out!
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Don't get too hung up on having proportional size increases on your toms (like 2"-2"-4" or whatever). The bottom line is, if it sounds good it is good). There are plenty of old 12/13/16FT and 13/16FT/18FT kits out there that still sound great. 95% of it is tuning anyway. The bigger the drum, the more "boomy" it gets and more difficult it can be to control. I've heard that 18"FT can be hard to tame. They are certainly hard to find and expensive when you do. The most common new config you'll find is 22BD/12up/14FT/16FT. Depths usually vary by manufacturer, so theres not a lot you can do about that.
Last edited by N2Bluz; 06-14-2015 at 09:51 AM.
-Brian
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Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!
"I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts." ~ John Bonham
If you decide to go 16", you might consider playing a 14x16 and a 16x16 along side the 14x14 and then choose the one that you like the best.
DW Performance Series has 14"x12" and 14"x14", 16"x14" and 18"x16" sizes available. As I understand it, the price of these drums is far more reasonable than the Collector's series due to the lack of available customization, but the quality is the same as the higher end line. Sizes look to be in the ballpark of what yo are looking for. Just a thought.
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My opinion (others will disagree) 18" makes a better bass drum than a floor tom. At low level playing, they sound thin. I have an 18 FT and it became a bass drum and sounds great with a beater hitting it.
all the best...
I've got the 16x16 FT and love it. Nice loud sound. For me if I were to get another FT it would be a 14x16 so this way the sound would be different but still close enough.
I would go 16x14.
I agree with Brian on everything except the 18's being hard to work with.
I agree with Gilles on the 16x14
My 1st set of Ludwigs were 13x9, 16x16, 18x16, and a 24x14 BD. The snare was a Supraphonic. I learned how to tune on that set.
I like to keep the depth of my toms the same, whether up toms or FT's.
I think it makes tuning easier.
If you think a 13x9 or a 18x anything, is going to be hard to tune, then it will be. If you treat them like any other tom, you won't have a problem.
Thank you for the responses.
I'm playing one-up, two-down with tom sizes 13, 15 & 18.
The 18 is the most difficult to tune, for sure.
But when I get all three of them right, it sure is sweet.
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I have just made the switch to a 1 up 2 down and went with the following:
20" Kick
12x9 Rack
14x 12 Floor
16x14 Floor
I find that the floor toms have that balance of low tone but good projection due to their proportionally shorter dimensions.
Ultimately, there are no right or wrongs. Play what sounds good to you and the material you play. But, in all cases, be mindful of what it sounds like out front and through mics; don't simply rely on the sound when sat at the throne.
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1 up 2 down is a way of life .. Embrace the square floor toms
I use 2 FT. A 12 x 15 hanging and a 16 on legs. Enjoy not only the tone from each but also the mounting. No issues either way.
The 12 x 15 was a rack tom originally but way too much weight to be mounted on a bass drum.
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RIP Frank.............thanks for being part of my journey
I have two sets I use a 13" up, 14" mounted and 16"x16" floor. With Another set I use 10"x15" on a stand and 16"x18" floor tom. They all work fine for me. Just according to how much you want to haul around. The 18" is a big drum. I think 14" and 16" works well for most all situations.
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I have a 14X14 and I a 16X16 and I like it. would not mind an 16X18 but may not find one for my kit.
Conrad
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