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Thread: Building a New Set

  1. #1

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    Default Building a New Set

    Here is what I'm considering.......

    14X24 or 14X26 bass;
    one of my existing snares;
    6+8+10 RT....14+16 FT....all being Roto toms;
    Some large array of my existing cymbals.

    Anyone here ever build a kit with rotos as the toms?
    Give me the pros and cons.......
    Last edited by Ricardo; 11-28-2023 at 05:16 PM.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  2. #2

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    Quote Originally Posted by Ricardo View Post

    Anyone here ever build a kit with rotos as the toms?
    Give me the pros and cons.......
    The main issue I have with roto toms is they tend to sound thin and flappy. I partially corrected this by using 2 ply heads at the time. Pros are of course that they're easier to haul around and you have the ability to change tone at the flip of a wrist.

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Building a New Set

    If you are going for a different look try one of those pancake or skinny bass drums.
    Rick


    Mapex Sabian Ludwig Saluda Assorted Snare Drums

  4. #4

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    Quote Originally Posted by drummer View Post
    The main issue I have with roto toms is they tend to sound thin and flappy. I partially corrected this by using 2 ply heads at the time. Pros are of course that they're easier to haul around and you have the ability to change tone at the flip of a wrist.
    Thank you Tom.
    I was also thinking of clear Emps for all Rotos....
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  5. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by slanddad View Post
    If you are going for a different look try one of those pancake or skinny bass drums.
    The look is important with this idea.
    The bass needs to be chrome or silver sparkle.....with a snare to match.
    I would also add a chrome reso head to the bass drum.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by drummer View Post
    The main issue I have with roto toms is they tend to sound thin and flappy. I partially corrected this by using 2 ply heads at the time. Pros are of course that they're easier to haul around and you have the ability to change tone at the flip of a wrist.
    I found a good used set of the 6/8/10....got them assembled today and they are in unusually good condition....and they are the early chrome version.
    You are so correct....FLAPPY....and they sound best at the higher tones.
    But still pretty good.
    I'll order the new clear Emps and it will be an improvement.
    Now I need to find a good 14 and a 16.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  7. #7

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    After research and reviews, I ordered a new set of the Weiss 12/14 rotos......I'll let you know how they sound/feel/hold up.
    I'll try placing the 6/8/10 in the rack position and the 12/14 in the FT position.....I can add the 16, if necessary.
    Still looking for the correct bass drum....everything else should be ready to fly after hardware adjustments.
    Anybody out there selling a used 14X24 in silver sparkle???
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  8. #8

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    I received the Weiss 12/14 set of roto-toms and the reviews are accurate.
    These frames are similar to the Remo black frames and the bolts are just as good too.
    The stand and the slide rail are also very good quality.
    For $199 new, this pair of rotos are well worth the price....except....
    The factory heads are trash; I will soon order new clear Emps for all 5 toms, 6/8/10/12/14.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  9. #9

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    Awesome... enjoy! Roto toms are fun!

  10. #10

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    I received the new heads yesterday for the rotos (6/8/10/12/14).
    I bought clear Emps to help eliminate the FLAPPY sound....will put them on soon.
    The 6-inch head was the most expensive.....!
    Still looking for an orphan bass drum that will fit in.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  11. #11

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    This last weekend was rain both days.
    I took the opportunity and packed away all the USA toms and replaced them with the rotos....I played the new setup for an hour or so each day.
    The new toms sound better than I expected....reminds me of the 70s when I was playing concert toms.
    I still need to find an orphan bass drum to add to the mix.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  12. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by Ricardo View Post
    ....reminds me of the 70s when I was playing concert toms.
    I know that sound! - Nice!

  13. #13

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    It took a long time, but I have "settled" on a bass drum choice.
    (I assume I can make any decent bass drum sound pretty good....usually isn't as difficult as the other drums in your set).
    I'm buying a Pearl bass drum....I never thought I would ever buy anything from Pearl (long story), but this kit will most likely be given to my grandsons at some point and I really won't mind too much if it gets ignored or scratched up.
    I like the looks of the drum because it is wrapped in "mirror chrome".....I don't care for the 18-inch depth but my other choice (Gretsch Catalina maple) is the same depth.
    With the right heads, either should sound great.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  14. #14

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    Quote Originally Posted by Ricardo View Post
    It took a long time, but I have "settled" on a bass drum choice.
    (I assume I can make any decent bass drum sound pretty good....usually isn't as difficult as the other drums in your set).
    I'm buying a Pearl bass drum....I never thought I would ever buy anything from Pearl (long story), but this kit will most likely be given to my grandsons at some point and I really won't mind too much if it gets ignored or scratched up.
    I like the looks of the drum because it is wrapped in "mirror chrome".....I don't care for the 18-inch depth but my other choice (Gretsch Catalina maple) is the same depth.
    With the right heads, either should sound great.
    I always liked the mirrored finish. Never owned any but they look really cool on stage and the lights reflect off them.

  15. #15

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    Exactly.....that is why I'm going with this bass.
    Like I said....I think I can make it sound good.
    The roto toms I bought are the older chrome frames.....it will all look good together.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  16. #16

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    Can't wait to see the picture.

  17. #17

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    Time has suggested that my band days may be over.....because time has suggested that many gigs and my band may be over.
    I am at the point where I believe I can live with that.
    I am playing for fun and exercise on my practice kit and also playing only the music I like (which is fun)!
    I'm considering investing in a new pair of headphones for this purpose.
    CURRENTLY.....I am using Sennheiser HD280 Pro....and they are still pretty good even though they are 10 years old.

    Any suggestions for an upgrade???
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  18. #18

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    Yeah, I know how that goes. I just jam in my basement with friends or hit a jam night or open mic night somewhere.
    Rick


    Mapex Sabian Ludwig Saluda Assorted Snare Drums

  19. #19

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    Quote Originally Posted by Ricardo View Post
    Time has suggested that my band days may be over.....because time has suggested that many gigs and my band may be over.
    I am at the point where I believe I can live with that.
    I am playing for fun and exercise on my practice kit and also playing only the music I like (which is fun)!
    I'm considering investing in a new pair of headphones for this purpose.
    CURRENTLY.....I am using Sennheiser HD280 Pro....and they are still pretty good even though they are 10 years old.

    Any suggestions for an upgrade???
    I'm very partial to Beyerdynamics 770s. Best over ears I've ever used and my guitarist turned me on to them years ago.

    I own an original set of rotos from the 70's. Def the oldest piece of gear I still own. They originally came with black dots and I've gone through several different brands and mm headss over the years. I found that Aquarian Classic Clear was what my ears liked with my 6/8/10 rotos. I get an almost electric tone from them when tuned way up. I don't own any larger rotos so I can't comment on those.
    Signature here

  20. #20

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    Quote Originally Posted by Bish View Post

    I own an original set of rotos from the 70's. Def the oldest piece of gear I still own. They originally came with black dots and I've gone through several different brands and mm heads over the years. I found that Aquarian Classic Clear was what my ears liked with my 6/8/10 rotos. I get an almost electric tone from them when tuned way up.
    I would think the black dot would dampen them where the clear would allow them to resonate more. That's probably why they sounded better.

  21. #21

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    I decided on the headphones....I bought the GK Ultraphones.
    VERY noise-cancelling....takes getting used to.....but your music volume can be cut almost in half.

    First project:
    I'm working on the first album from OSI.
    First two tracks.....THE NEW MATH & OSI.
    Difficult......but not impossible.
    TNM is a quick 11 count......OSI is a 7.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


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