Rack setups?

Dustin07 · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:35 pm Post subject: Rack setups?

How many of you guys have moved to a rack setup? I'm running a basic 5-pc kit right now with a crash, ride, and splash (and a wood block and tambourine if we want to get really specific) but I want to add:

two more cymbals
an 8x7
a 14 x anything... floor.

Some bongos, possibly a timbale, or congas, and two more cymbals.

I'm considering going to a rack system... but I can't decide for sure. as it is now I know I could add the small tom to my crash cymbal stand and the floor tom of course would be floor mount. Bongos would get their own stand, and I might try to add a timbale or conga to it... the cymbals...? I dunno. maybe two more separate stands.

It's just hard for me to decide because each piece is a noticable investment (to me). dropping $300 here, and there, and again over there... adds up!

so.... who runs a rack, and do you think it worth it... does it foster kit growth?

Mr.Clam · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:20 am Post subject:

You don't really see many pros without a rack system, but maybe because of the setting-up time, etc. Personally, if you are getting all that extra stuff, a rack system would be a great help, of course you don't really need it, but it would make the kit more accessable and customizable. With it, you'll be able to put anything pretty much where you want it, whereas without, your bass drum will have to go exactly below your toms, which can be a problem with adding more toms/cymbals, and stuff.

I'm not really sure how much racks go for price-wise, but i'm sure you'd be able to get a decent second-hand one, or a resonably priced new one. Maybe a Pearl ICON, or Gibatrar....
_________________

Dustin07 · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:38 am Post subject:

thanks man, that makes a lot of sense. I'm really torn on what to invest in next, but I'm thinking maybe the Rack is the way to go. Get a nice foundation started then build the kit around that.

Top_Jimmy · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 9:21 am Post subject:

I've been going through the same debate (more like trying to make a plan). I believe a rack will solve a few set-up issues I have versus spending more on stands/mounts that may introduce more issues. I am seiously considering a rack, but I have no place in the area to go see hardware in the flesh. I'm not so worried about adding cymbals later, I'm more concerned with fitting five toms now. Which brand is best for the hardware I have on hand? What's the best look for my kit? Rack dimensions versus the space required for toms? I think we're just gonna have to do our homework here and not jump right in, the best solutions for the kits versus cost.

Dustin07 · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 10:14 am Post subject:

I agree. that's the big thing for me, trying to really grasp how it will all set up. I think for now I want to take my existing 5pcs kit and add one smaller tom (probably an 8") and on larger floor tom, probably a 14", or a 20". I have a standard 16" now.

FYI, these racks go for about 1/2 price or less on eBay. I saw a $350 Pearl icon set sell yesterday for $130 + $50 shipping. I'm thinking I should have grabbed it.

Dustin07 · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 10:18 am Post subject:

at $180 for the rack, I'm breaking even already once I consider buying a new stand for my 2nd floor tom + figuring out a way to mount the 8" tom. anything else it just gravy beyond that.

Top_Jimmy · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 2:34 pm Post subject:

The way I've got things now, if I can find a rack and clamps to fit two different diameter mounts for three (10, 12, 13) toms, I can free up a cymbal stand for ad hoc placement. Then have a wing coming right for 14 and 16 mounted toms, I've got a winner. It's all about the toms set-up for me. Just talked to the Guitar Center in Little Rock, they don't have a Gibraltar rack on display but they have some of their clamps. They do have a Pacific rack set up. I'll take a look next time I'm there. I'll let you know what I find out.

Dustin07 · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 3:13 pm Post subject:

I think it was a pacific or Gibraltar that our local GC had and I wasn't impressed. the side arms were far too short. So far I think my fav is the Pearl Icon just because of it's size. Bigger is better, IMO. Need room for constant growth!

Dustin07 · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 3:19 pm Post subject:

OK, it was Gibraltar, I just saw one on eBay that looked exactly the same. for the money they just aren't big enough, IMO. not enough room for growth.

I just found this though, it's about 1/2price. with all those accessories it would be worth it I guess.

Top_Jimmy · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 2:14 pm Post subject:

Agreed. With the large toms I have, I'll need a wing that has an outside upright support, like the Pearl. I haven't seen a Gibraltar config like that yet. Would I have to buy two? Surely not. Anyway, haven't made it to Little Rock yet.

Top_Jimmy · Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 8:56 pm Post subject:

Finally made it down to Little Rock yesterday. I saw one of the Gibraltar V racks, without wing outside uprights. Didn't see a Pearl square tube rack but I did get a look at some of the Pearl clamps. But what I did see that impressed me alot was a PDP rack. Nice construction with full wings (legs supports all around). Nice clamps, some on the rack were DW clamps (looked exactly the same as the pdp clamps of course). The hardware looks like slippage won't be an issue at all. Nice, solid stuff in shinny chrome finish. Should work well with the 22/25mm tom mounts I have. I haven't checked the Pacific web yet but surely will. It's good stuff.

thumper · Ferret Joined: 29 Sep 2005 Posts: 113

I bought a Gibraltar 350C rack about 2 years ago to save on the setup and tear down times of my kit. I eventually got tired of carrying the extra weight and bulk around with me, and have since gone back to a "traditional" set up of mounts and stands. I found also that setting up the rack took more time than it did to rig up a "skeleton" kit for rehearsals, as we have to vacate our space after every practice.
The rack system looks cool, but it is just a PITA for me... Just sitting in my closet now, taking up space Confused

tylerdrummer · Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 4:30 pm Post subject:

if ur lookingfor a great, not 1,000$$$ rack id go with the Pearl DR-80 drum rack
its got square tuubing which is great, it has 3 sides and u can buy a 4th if needed it comes with 4 rack cymbal holders and its sturdy as hell #evil

but, it has a 7/8 arm grabber which for me was a prob but if u go but 5/8 by 7/8 ID (i think) square hose tubing and put it around your smaller cymbal arms it locks into place and wont move
tyler