Toms monted directly on Bass Drum

[Angus777]

Am I alone in missing the days of toms mounted directly off the bass drum?

In my experience much quicker to setup compared to hanging toms off stands and less to lug versus a rack. And I never really noticed the tonal downsides the marketers would have us believe. I think the benefits of a "virgin" bass drum are exaggerated. In recent years it seems only the lower end Pearl kits that retain a tom mount as standard equipment.

1. Does anyone out there use a Pearl double mount on a higher-end Pearl kit? (e.g. Masters or above).
2. What is your opinion/experience?
3. How is positioning with Optimounts on the toms? (i.e. with less flexibility of front/back movement compared to early days of Pearl mounts when the toms drilled to accommodate movement along the post).
4. Any downsides?
5. Has anyone had the Pearl mount factory installed as an option on a modern 16” deep drum? (i.e. where positioned for toms with Optimounts)... where exactly do Pearl position it relative to front/back bearing edge?

For context: I have a Masters Maple Gum kit and am considering installing the Pearl BB-300 mount. I know a drum builder that can drill the holes neatly for me. But wondering if I might regret it?!

Thx.

[RG1820X]

1. Does anyone out there use a Pearl double mount on a higher-end Pearl kit? (e.g. Masters or above).

I have one on my 18x14 bass drum where I mount a single tom on it along with a microphone jack (for an internal bass drum mic) in the other. (See pic below)

2. What is your opinion/experience?

I personally love it for the above application.

3. How is positioning with Optimounts on the toms? (i.e. with less flexibility of front/back movement compared to early days of Pearl mounts when the toms drilled to accommodate movement along the post).

*On my 4-piece kit, I am able to position my tom exactly where I need it. However, I might have used a pipe cutter to shorten the length of the tom holder in order to get it to the correct location

4. Any downsides?

On a small 4 piece kit - no (*See #3). On a larger kit - yes. Due to them being "off-set", I have to use stands to place the toms in their correct location.

5. Has anyone had the Pearl mount factory installed as an option on a modern 16” deep drum? (i.e. where positioned for toms with Optimounts)... where exactly do Pearl position it relative to front/back bearing edge?

Sorry that I can't help you with this one.

[EyePea]

I can't answer any questions, but out of 4 kits I own, 1 is a virgin bass drum. The other 3 are bass drum mounted toms. The virgin bass drum set stays in bags the most. (sadly).
My most used kits are two sets that are over 30 years old. No issues

[MilesAway]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]523222[/ATTACH]

I love how you are using the second hole for an XLR jack. That's great!

I can't help with Pearl specific questions, but I always mount my tom on the bass drum when I'm playing live, because it's easy and convenient, and means I have to bring fewer stands. I've never had an issue with compromised bass drum sound, and the only real downfall is there is a little more "tom hum" when you play the kick, but that gets eaten up by the mix if you're unmic'ed, and your engineer is probabely going to gate your toms live no matter what, if you are mic'ed. The Yamaha mounts are really conducive to flexible tom positioning when mounted on the kick.

In the studio, sometimes I'll hang the toms from a stand so there is less tom hum, but I've also tracked with my toms on the bass drum and received no complaints.

[kyle75]

Am I alone in missing the days of toms mounted directly off the bass drum?

In my experience much quicker to setup compared to hanging toms off stands and less to lug versus a rack. And I never really noticed the tonal downsides the marketers would have us believe. I think the benefits of a "virgin" bass drum are exaggerated. In recent years it seems only the lower end Pearl kits that retain a tom mount as standard equipment.

1. Does anyone out there use a Pearl double mount on a higher-end Pearl kit? (e.g. Masters or above).
2. What is your opinion/experience?
3. How is positioning with Optimounts on the toms? (i.e. with less flexibility of front/back movement compared to early days of Pearl mounts when the toms drilled to accommodate movement along the post).
4. Any downsides?
5. Has anyone had the Pearl mount factory installed as an option on a modern 16” deep drum? (i.e. where positioned for toms with Optimounts)... where exactly do Pearl position it relative to front/back bearing edge?

For context: I have a Masters Maple Gum kit and am considering installing the Pearl BB-300 mount. I know a drum builder that can drill the holes neatly for me. But wondering if I might regret it?!

Thx.

I am mounting my 12"-15" toms on the bass drums. I am also using a 16" mounted tom with a cymbal stand and its holding up so far. I love the look. Despite my enormous kit, the overall footprint is not that large. What do you think?