Floor tom for bass (cocktail style)?

[Bodhisan]

I am so strapped for space. My "studio" is approximately 10" x 8". And that ain't gonna change...for years, anyway.

I have a snare and a hi hat, and would like your professional opinions (I am not a drummer by trade, but can keep a beat) on the likelihood of getting a floor tom and making my own cocktail-type bass drum. I suspect it's possible only because Slingerland (or at least those who now make drums using the Slingerland name) has a cocktail set that uses a floor tom with a reverse pedal. Questions:

1. Are the reverse pedals hard to find, or can a regular pedal be rigged to kick upwards?

2. Would I need a special drum head on the bottom?

Any suggestions?

Thank you, drummers.

Bodhisan

 

[dr.colossus]

i'm guessing you are thinking about using a 16" floor tom right? well most 20" and 18" bass drums are only 16" wide, if i were you, for the sake of 3 or 4 inches i would go for the "dedicated" bass drum......

1.) but if you so desire, its not hard to convert a regular pedal to kick up, just flip the part that holds the beater shaft around, so the chain (or strap) faces toward the foot, you may have to adjust the strap length a little....if not any good drum shop should be able to order one for you

2.) just a regular batter head on the bottom would be fine i think (something slightly thick)


i have just one question, how would you secure the tom to the ground? surely any type of forceful (accented) beat would topple the tom, you know, get it to jump into the air? i guess you won't be hitting it all that hard

 

[Bodhisan]

Doc,

You make perfectly-good sense and raise good points. I, too, was wondering about the stability of a floor tom while inhaling an excited kick. And, too, what's 3-4" by getting an actual bass drum? Plus, with a bass, I'd have the attachments to tack on a cowbell or the like...this is sounding better (although I assume a floor tom could accomodate attachments, too).

Do you have any idea what's the smallest bass I could find reasonably easy that Slingerland made? And I say reasonably-easy because I don't want to hold out for a rare item that would go for a lot of money; and I say Slingerland, because, like cars, that's my choice (I have no idea if it's a superior drum; I played one in junior high band around 1972 and have those "vintage" ties to it).

Thanks.

Bodhisan

 

[dr.colossus]

don't know slingerland too well, but i'd assume a 20" would be easier to find than an 18"...... another plus is you could whack a rack tom on it, and still have room for a cowbell, guiro, whatever suits your fancy ....... most drum specific stores will have a little store room out the back with a few older odds and ends, single drums and the like... a mate of mine had a kit which was made up entirely of odd drums, all the colours of the rainbow, eh i'm rambling now, i should leave

 

[Bodhisan]

Doc,

I love it. I know most drummers would scoff at a multi-patterned set, but the idea is something I've thought about before.

Thanks, again.

Bodhisan

 

[dr.colossus]

well incase your interested, his set up was as follows

22" bass drum - pearl export - black
16" floor tom - pearl export - black
13" rack tom - tama - burgundy
10" rack tom - mapex (or pearl) - white
14" snare - pearl free floater - green

 

[Bodhisan]

...sounds purdy.

I have more of the "sparkle" look in mind. You know, some blue, silver, red and gold...