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Thread: Why 2 floor toms

  1. #1

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    Default Why 2 floor toms

    Hi guys
    I always wondered why so many drummers use 2 floor toms. What is the main reason for this?
    Fyi, i just started playing the drums after 25 years( yes, 25 years). Lol

  2. #2

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    Default Re: Why 2 floor toms

    I think it all a preference. I have seen drummers (Chris Layton is one of them) who will use two floor toms, but have one on each side of the kit, and they are able to do some cool things with them that way.
    Six Piece Mapex Saturn V, Five Piece DW Performance Series, NOS Slingerland Snares, Centent Ardor and Emperor Cymbals


  3. #3

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    I like one up, but don't like a 4 piece. Not enough drums. The next best thing, 1 up 2 down
    Quote Originally Posted by rickthedrummer View Post
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  4. #4

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    Default Re: Why 2 floor toms

    Quote Originally Posted by Lexer View Post
    Hi guys
    I always wondered why so many drummers use 2 floor toms. What is the main reason for this?
    The main reason for me.....................
    I want my ride cymbal in the conventional position; 1-up, 2-down is the perfect configuration to accommodate this.
    I have played many different set-ups over the last 50 years and I have settled on this 1-up, 2-down set-up and it feels very good.
    My second choice would be 1-up, 1-down because I would still have my ride cymbal where I want it..................and that is important.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  5. #5

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    Default Re: Why 2 floor toms

    It's often just a trend or a fad. Sort of like the 4 pc drum setups now. You can point back to them through the years, like when someone started playing the extra snare drum on the left side, then everyone started doing it. There are also the remote hats, the sandwiched pangs, the double pedals, the kickports, etc.

  6. #6

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    Default Re: Why 2 floor toms

    *raises hand*

    Have the double pedals and kickport. lol
    Six Piece Mapex Saturn V, Five Piece DW Performance Series, NOS Slingerland Snares, Centent Ardor and Emperor Cymbals


  7. #7

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    Default Re: Why 2 floor toms

    Quote Originally Posted by DrumWhipper View Post
    *raises hand*

    Have the double pedals and kickport. lol
    And a second snare on the left.

  8. #8

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    Default Re: Why 2 floor toms

    I guess the reason that I play a kit with a second floor tom is for the same reason that I have more than just a couple of cymbals on the kit - I love the additional sound palette. It also doesn't feel strange to me because I've been playing a six piece kit from the beginning (I started playing playing at 52). I also have a 4 piece kit for when I play in a smaller spaces, and I use a smaller number of cymbals when I play it.
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  9. #9

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    Default Re: Why 2 floor toms

    I have two floor toms on my right... two extra snares on my left... remote hi-hat and kickports...
    I'm one of the cool kids in my class...

    I enjoy 1 up and 2 down because it's very comfortable and I also agree I like where my ride cymbal sits.

  10. #10

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    Default Re: Why 2 floor toms

    It's all a preference thing and whilst there will always be fads, certain trends start for a reason; they just work!

    For me, when setting up a new kit, or modifying my current setup, I start with the central, fundamental elements: snare, kick and hi-hat. Once these are set and comfortable, I then add the ride. I like this in front of me in the two o'clock position (I'm right handed). Only then do I begin to add toms and other cymbals. Due to my preference for a two o'clock ride position, this precludes a 1 up tom setup as having two rack toms would impede the either the ride or the hihat position. As I like to have options, I then have two floor toms to my right and will go down to one when there is no need for me to have a third tom or space is very tight.

    So, I don't start with the idea of having a certain tom configuration. Rather, my setup is driven by the position of the four key elements of any kit that I play; snare, kick, hihat and ride. Anything else must fit around these as they are what I will play maybe 80% of the time so I insist on ensuring these are comfortable and have very little tolerance for any compromise of their position. Conversely, I will compromise, to an extent, the position of a crash over the position of the hihat and the position of a tom over the ride, etc.
    PDP | Black Panther | Sabian |

  11. #11

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    My approach is a little different. I look at the music we're going to be playing and determine what sounds I might need. Then I work these into the configuration. While the core setup doesn't change much, I like to play a variety of genres and one less tom or one more cymbal is always workable and everything is always pretty close to where I expect it to be. The setup certainly needs to be comfortable but when the song and my ears need a 10 and the closest I have is a 12 - I hate that!
    Last edited by G-man; 04-24-2017 at 03:34 PM.

  12. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by pastor_bob View Post
    (I started playing playing at 52).
    I still can't believe that! You're amazing!!!

  13. #13

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    Like many others have said I believe it's preference. I was watching a video on Lars and he was talking about his early years having 2 floor toms. Fast forward to present setup according to that video he plays only one floor tom. He said the reason why is that with his prior set he really never used it . At one point he was using it as a table, he would put his drinks and food on the second tom. I guess he felt it was not needed anymore.

  14. #14

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    I keep a drink on my second FT, along with the set list. Together these items act as really good mutes for the ringy tom. Just have to make sure to hit the head where it's clear.
    SONOR 6 pc Special Edition 3007's red maple, old Pearl Brass 14x6 FF snare, Yamaha Tour Custom maple 8 pc., Tama 4 pc., honey amber B/B, Ludwig Supralite chrome 14x6.5 steel snare, Paiste, Saluda & Zildjian
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  15. #15

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    Default Re: Why 2 floor toms

    Ride placement and I like the deep tones 16x16 16x18 on the floor
    RDM/Damage Poets
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  16. #16

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    Default Re: Why 2 floor toms

    I just snagged a used 6pc Mapex Armory kit w/ a 14x14 and a 16x16. Love it! I'd played 6pc at rehearsal places but never owned one. I like having more options on the lower range and the ability to play some really cool thundery patterns is the best!
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