Advantages of drum racks

ryder904 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 12:58 AM

Hi, I was wondering, if drum racks are better then free standing, cymbal stands, because currently my stands aren't the best, and I was wondering if I bought like a 150$ Gibralter rack or something, if that would last me better.. thanks!

Pyrochazm · #2 (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 02:11 AM

Yeah racks are great...if you have the space. I have a really nice gibraltar rack and its great, super stable, and huge. I "downgraded" to cymbal stands and they work just fine. you wouldn't belive how much crap you can fit on a cymbal stand though. I have all three of my toms, my ride, 2 crashes, china crash and two splashes mounted on just two extra sturdy cymbal stands. I also have a crash hanging off of my hi hat stand. It really does depend on how much stuff you need to hold up.

Infero Exicution · #3 (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 11:37 AM

Racks are awesome.
Not only do they look good, they are very functional too.
I've been looking to get a Gibraltar drum rack.
I prefer a curved one just in case you decide to expand your set, your rack will still be a good size for your set.
Plus they make expansion packs for the racks in case your current rack is to small.
Good Luck!

Gus · #4 (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryder904

Hi, I was wondering, if drum racks are better then free standing, cymbal stands, because currently my stands aren't the best, and I was wondering if I bought like a 150$ Gibralter rack or something, if that would last me better.. thanks!

What I have seen through the years of being roadie
Save for some thing in the $2-300 range, like the Dr80 or Pdp main rack...

Advantages:
faster set up
Cooler look (becoming more popular)
Faster moving (Believe me, counting split up)
Can be cheaper then buying more stands (some come with extra booms)
Rack toms and bass drums can sound better!
Can take up the same amount of space (in the car!)
Can help your energy (cymbals and drums can be closer to you!)
Less space on stage!!!
My dad said it will last longer (I've seen 10- 20 year old racks)

Disadvantages:
Cost...
Heavier (try carrying one of those home by foot!)
Players with crashes high off the ground... (might have to make changes, though descent ones give ability to change)
Cases don't tent to be made for them...

P.S. DON'T BUY USED OR RUSTY (tend not to be in good shape, except if I sold mine, he-he)

Gus · #5 (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryder904

Hi, I was wondering, if drum racks are better then free standing, cymbal stands, because currently my stands aren't the best, and I was wondering if I bought like a 150$ Gibralter rack or something, if that would last me better.. thanks!

Im selling my drums today (which is a reason I bought a rack) Im keeping my rack!

don11817 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryder904

Hi, I was wondering, if drum racks are better then free standing, cymbal stands, because currently my stands aren't the best, and I was wondering if I bought like a 150$ Gibralter rack or something, if that would last me better.. thanks!

I haven't seen a Gibraltar rack in that price range. Ever. Look at it this way-- a single clamp to mount a cymbal boom arm is around $40 each. The same item is used for tom mounts. But, you have to buy additional tom L-arm mounts and the cymbal booms too!

So, a rack breakdown--if bought new--would look like this:

$250 Rack (approximate, some are less, but not by much)
$40 X # of toms and cymbal booms you want for rack clamps
$30 X # toms for L-arm posts (Gibraltar L-arm mounts are around $35)
$25 X # of cymbal boom arms (again approximate, but some could be more)

For my kit, this rack system would be holding 3 toms, and about 7 cymbals, so it would cost around $915.00--not including any expansion piece to the rack if it proves to be too small.

Single stands are already looking better, eh? Especially when you consider that you can buy adapters to mount tons of stuff on standard double braced stands...

Edit: I recently bought a counter-weighted boom stand for $35.00 on Ebay, brand new in the box. I also got a Hihat stand with adjustable tension, clutch, all double braced, brand new in the box for $29.00 They were made by Stagg and are every bit as good as any stand I've seen by Mapex, Premier or Pearl.... Watch Ebay and you can from time to time get great deals on stuff. Look for items that are open to bid with No Reserve.

ryder904 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 04:44 PM

Thanks guys, I think I'd rather get stands then, because I don't have that much money

also don11817 i didn't know they costed that much! the reason i only said 150$ for a drum rack is because i seen on craigslist and I thought that's how much they would be, around that price brand new

so i guess i'll stick to my stands, the only reason I wanted a rack though, is because I bought some cheap stands and they keep moving when I play, and the clamps i bought, and cymbal stackers don't fit on them, i guess i'm going to have to buy better quality stands, again thanks alot

Gus · #8 (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryder904

Thanks guys, I think I'd rather get stands then, because I don't have that much money

also don11817 i didn't know they costed that much! the reason i only said 150$ for a drum rack is because i seen on craigslist and I thought that's how much they would be, around that price brand new

so i guess i'll stick to my stands, the only reason I wanted a rack though, is because I bought some cheap stands and they keep moving when I play, and the clamps i bought, and cymbal stackers don't fit on them, i guess i'm going to have to buy better quality stands, again thanks alot

Save up, a couple bucks, its worth it (why I bought the PdP rack, it matches two of my stands)!

Gus · #9 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryder904

Thanks guys, I think I'd rather get stands then, because I don't have that much money

also don11817 i didn't know they costed that much! the reason i only said 150$ for a drum rack is because i seen on craigslist and I thought that's how much they would be, around that price brand new

so i guess i'll stick to my stands, the only reason I wanted a rack though, is because I bought some cheap stands and they keep moving when I play, and the clamps i bought, and cymbal stackers don't fit on them, i guess i'm going to have to buy better quality stands, again thanks alot

Great advantage! and good point! keep a couple bucks in your pocket in case you decide to change, stands can be just as fun!

**skinslapper** · #10 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 01:34 AM

From the look sof your avatar, I'd say stick with stands, but if you want to ad more stuff later, i reccomend the pearl dr80. 3 sections, four clamps, folds up when you're done, $250 approx.

And it's black.