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Thread: Which tom should I use?

  1. #1

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    Default Which tom should I use?

    I have recently bought an old Pearl drums with intention to use the for recording. The kit has a small tom(not sure the size but smaller than the other 2), 12" tom, 13" tom, 16" floor tom and kick. I would like to record it, but I have only 2 MD421s mics. So which tom would pair best with the 16" floor tom?

    Excuse me if this sounds a bit silly to ask, but I have very limited experience with drums!

  2. #2

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    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    I play a 12 up 16 down set, so thats my answer. Either the 12 or 13 will work. Of those two you should honestly use the one that sounds best to you.

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  3. #3

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    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    If the other tom is a 10", use the 10&12 inch.

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    Quote Originally Posted by SunDog View Post
    Either the 12 or 13 will work. Of those two you should honestly use the one that sounds best to you.
    +1

  5. #5

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    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    Assuming the “small” tom is 10”, I would use either the 12” or 13” with the 16” FT. Whichever sounds good to you. You can play with the tuning on each as well. Typically, with only 2 toms, you tune them to a 4th or 5th interval. Personally, I prefer a 4th....but there are no rules other than “if it sounds good, it is good”.

    You may also consider going with the 10” and 13”. The kit I gig with the most is a “bop” kit with a 10” rack tom and 13” FT. Honestly, it sounds great and cuts through better. Who knows, it may actually record better(?).
    -Brian

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  6. #6

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    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    If it helps, the kit is a Pearl MLX maple. it has a longs 'boing' sound and a lot of sustain with lower attack.

  7. #7

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    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    Wonderful kits the MLX & were the top line kit for Pearl at the time. Still professional grade nowadays. Had one till a couple of years ago. With decent heads (Remo Emperor/Ambassador or Evans G2/G1) it will sound amazing. Depends on what you want to play what size will sound best. Rock then 12 or 13 with 16, lighter music, 10 & 13 or 12 & 16.
    The Varukers.

  8. #8

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    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kevaruka View Post
    Wonderful kits the MLX & were the top line kit for Pearl at the time. Still professional grade nowadays. Had one till a couple of years ago. With decent heads (Remo Emperor/Ambassador or Evans G2/G1) it will sound amazing. Depends on what you want to play what size will sound best. Rock then 12 or 13 with 16, lighter music, 10 & 13 or 12 & 16.
    I'm into pop, blues and rock. I have ambassador coated batter heads and clear as resonant heads. But I do not have for the small one yet.

  9. #9

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    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    Quote Originally Posted by N2Bluz View Post
    Assuming the “small” tom is 10”, I would use either the 12” or 13” with the 16” FT. Whichever sounds good to you. You can play with the tuning on each as well. Typically, with only 2 toms, you tune them to a 4th or 5th interval. Personally, I prefer a 4th....but there are no rules other than “if it sounds good, it is good”.

    You may also consider going with the 10” and 13”. The kit I gig with the most is a “bop” kit with a 10” rack tom and 13” FT. Honestly, it sounds great and cuts through better. Who knows, it may actually record better(?).
    At the moment I have them tuned:
    12" to F#
    13" to D
    14" to E (snare)
    16" to A

    Because I tuned them with a drum dial to the same tension. Am I doing this wrong?

  10. #10

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    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    Quote Originally Posted by ex351d View Post
    At the moment I have them tuned:
    12" to F#
    13" to D
    14" to E (snare)
    16" to A

    Because I tuned them with a drum dial to the same tension. Am I doing this wrong?
    Knackers to tuning them to notes. Tune them till you think they sound good
    The Varukers.

  11. #11
    drumdude21 Guest

    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    13" and 16"!

  12. #12

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    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    I feel 13 16 is more tonally even or offset ..

    but the the 12 isn't that far off so either of those i think would work good
    Last edited by slinky; 01-16-2019 at 07:35 AM.
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  13. #13

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    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    I use 12 & 16
    Quote Originally Posted by rickthedrummer View Post
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  14. #14

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    Default Re: Which tom should I use?

    13, & 16

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