My Pearl Reference Redline with Icon 503 rack

[Daniel J]

This my Reference Redline BOB with an Icon 503. This is the first time I have set up this kit and the first time I have used a rack, so any suggestions on set up are welcomed.



The kit consists of 2x 22x20 kick drums, 16x16 floor tom, 14x14 floor tom, 13x9 rack tom, 12x8 rack tom, 14x6.5 MCX Snare.

[Johnboy 5000]

Not a bad first setup. If it's comfortable for you, then go with it!

There are some guys on here that will probably tell you that you should use two legs between the kicks with a short rack joint, rj-50 something or other, to even out the height of the two front bars. They may also say that you should have the batter head logos (Evans) even across the tops or front of the drums. Those are somethings you can remember for later, certainly not anything to be overly concerned about right away because you can do that kind of stuff later.

How are the e-pads working out for you in the triangle shape? I ask because I have considered a couple for mine too.

I thought of one other thing that is going through my mind right now also, consider trimming some of the extension tubes hanging below the rack using a pipe cutter. I would be sure of your placement first though. The first few times I thought of cutting them I felt like UGHHH.... but warmed up to it later....

[Kiwi]

Pretty much echo Johnboy, welcome to Club Ref!

[Eric]

Beautiful rig !!!!

[Slow95Cobra]

That's all I would suggest, adding the 2 legs up front with the small bar. Maybe try lowering the sides down instead of having them up high and the cymbal arms Bottomed out in the clamps. I'm not a fan of high rack bars, keep them low and show off the kit. That's just my .02. Love the kit. I always wanted a Redline kit. Congrats!!

[Daniel J]

There are some guys on here that will probably tell you that you should use two legs between the kicks with a short rack joint, rj-50 something or other, to even out the height of the two front bars. They may also say that you should have the batter head logos (Evans) even across the tops or front of the drums.

I looked into getting the extension and another leg, and I'm sure I will, but I wasn't sold on spending another $150 just yet, maybe later.

Oddly enough, I've always been a little OCD when it comes to head logos but for some reason it hasn't really bothered me that much.

How are the e-pads working out for you in the triangle shape? I ask because I have considered a couple for mine too..

I like them but I'm still experimenting with the setup. I've had the Yamaha pads for a long time and I like the Presets.

I thought of one other thing that is going through my mind right now also, consider trimming some of the extension tubes hanging below the rack using a pipe cutter. I would be sure of your placement first though. The first few times I thought of cutting them I felt like UGHHH.... but warmed up to it later....

I'm with you on that one. I just bought another boom arm for the ride which is fairly short. I didn't want to cut anything just in case I wanted to start using stands again for quick set ups that didn't require a rack so I'm replacing them with short arms.

I'm blown away by this kit. The Reference series drums are incredible. I've played an Export for the past 20 years and loved that kit but I got an opportunity to upgrade and I don't see me regretting this.

[Johnboy 5000]

Ah, that explains the extra long appearance of the extension tubes below the rack. I did that too at first, I robbed the top half of some of my stands for my rack. I remember the down tubes on the stand arms are longer. In that case I can see that you would not want to cut em.

Later, as $$ allows, it will help to use actual rack arms to hold cymbals etc. because they are a bit shorter.

I decided to invest in a Masters kit recently, even though I had a Sessions. I love both and don't regret it a bit that I stepped up from a Vision before that. No changing for me again anytime soon, seriously. Ok, maybe a Reference.... j/k

[Diofter]

Killer kit! Welcome to the ref family! I would use instead of the icon the cheaper pearl rack which is black with black hardware or pounder the existing hardware.

[Thrush]

Real shame you didn't get the black hardware and rack with the kit as per your previous photos - it really set it off!

That being said, it still looks great, so enjoy it!

[Daniel J]

I'm going to get the rack and hardware coated in the black chrome. I just have to find a good place to get it done. I agree it would set it off. The down side is that it'll take a while so the kit will be dismantled for longer than I can go without my kit.

[Daniel J]

Real shame you didn't get the black hardware and rack with the kit as per your previous photos - it really set

Thrush, I could still get that rack but it's more than what I want to pay and it doesn't really compliment the way I set up my kit.

[luigi the pimp]

I like it..

[Thrush]

Thrush, I could still get that rack but it's more than what I want to pay and it doesn't really compliment the way I set up my kit.

Entirely fair point! Function over form

[drummaman1]

I'm envious of those who get to setup their kits in the living room or rec room of their house. It's been basements for me from day 1 since I started playing.

Nice kit. Your hi-hats are so far away, though...

[Thrush]

I'm envious of those who get to setup their kits in the living room or rec room of their house. It's been basements for me from day 1 since I started playing. Nice kit. Your hi-hats are so far away, though...

I'm envious of anyone who gets their kit in their house full stop - I'd kill for a basement!