Thinking about getting a rack for a small kit. Looking for ideas...

[j kuhl]

I have a 10x8 12x8 14x14 (ft) and 20x15 kick on the way and am thinking about going with a small, or stealth rack setup for a nice clean footprint. I'll be setting up a pair of hats. 3 crashes, a splash and at least one ride. A snare of course as well. I really like the Yamaha hex racks but am not ruling out other options. I've seen such cool setups on here but admit, that I've never put any planning into designing the layout of my hw and in this case, a rack and kit. I'd love some help with some cool design ideas that would be enough to hold up all of my gear, while also having a really clean and subtle footprint. Looking forward to seeing some pics.

[Drumming-4-Life]

If the Yamaha hex pipes can be shortened easily, I would try that system, because it is really cool looking. You can't go wrong with Gibraltar, for their value, and variety of parts and accessories. Before you get into a particular brand, check pricing and AVAILABILITY. You might be surprised. I'm surprised to see the Yamaha rack was not as expensive as I thought it would be.

[JY Kelly]

If the Yamaha hex pipes can be shortened easily, I would try that system, because it is really cool looking. You can't go wrong with Gibraltar, for their value, and variety of parts and accessories. Before you get into a particular brand, check pricing and AVAILABILITY. You might be surprised. I'm surprised to see the Yamaha rack was not as expensive as I thought it would be.

Availability is a MAJOR issue right now across all industries. Washing machines, cars, musical equipment, etc- it’s all backed up. Matt’s correct- check and recheck availability.

[melvinspeed]

I think if you used the two side stealth leg mounts closest to the bass drum for your two rack toms; you'll have a super clean look from the front.

[JY Kelly]

I think if you used the two side stealth leg mounts closest to the bass drum for your two rack toms; you'll have a super clean look from the front.

Btw, Mel- how great are the SPD-One pads? I run the Electro and Percussion versions and LOVE them.

[space jeff]

If the Yamaha hex pipes can be shortened easily, I would try that system, because it is really cool looking. You can't go wrong with Gibraltar, for their value, and variety of parts and accessories. Before you get into a particular brand, check pricing and AVAILABILITY. You might be surprised. I'm surprised to see the Yamaha rack was not as expensive as I thought it would be.

As someone who uses a Yamaha Hex Rack (for my e-kit) I can attest to their awesomeness. I previously owned a Gibraltar Road Series rack and it was great but the Yamaha is superior in my opinion as it is lighter, just as strong and more flexible. It also looks cooler.

And yes, they should be no more difficult than any other rack to modify the bars if you so desire.

[melvinspeed]

My setup isn't exactly the same since I run 1 up/2 down; but you get the idea.

This is two Gibralter side stealth racks at it's core. Hopefully it spurs some ideas.

[Jutt8]

Jamie,
Mine is not a stealth rack but I did configure it to be super easy, ergonomic for me, and quick for setup and tear down. I cut one of the front supports to make a wing on the right side to mount my ozone as well.

I have no idea why two of these pics uploaded sideways. No idea how to fix that. Any ideas?

[Josh Conover]

Another set up I really enjoy the basic concept of was from one of the new Pearl Icon rack set-ups. I’m not a huge fan of the rack spanning the front of the kit, across the bass drum. I’d prefer two smaller, “stealth” pieces, one on either side of the kick. This particular set-up was a good starting point…



This pic was from a series of videos where the rack was seen put together in stages. I screen captured this beginning stage be cause I didn’t like the end result but thought it was a great base to start from.

[Mike Foreman]

Is it a virgin kick or is there a tom mount on it? I ask because using a stealth rack can get tricky when you don't mount the toms on the kick. You end up having to run the rack quite close to the kick, which may mean you have to set the feet at an undesirable angle. The picture below presents a nice option for buying some more space between the kick & rack's feet.

[Josh Conover]

And here’s a real simple cut down of a more traditional style, across the kick, kind of set-up that I think was done well.

[Josh Conover]

One of my favorite ideas comes from a Gibraltar piece I wasn’t too keen on until I saw it used a certain way. The “V” shaped cross bars I thought looked tacky were used as uprights with the angle used outwards as a support leg.



I think this basic concept could be adapted to a smaller set up like you described.

Are you trying to mount the two racks offset or in a more traditional layout with one mounted from either side of the kick?