[meahal19]

Ive noticed a lot of drummers are setting up with the toms almost flat like marching band tri-toms. Is this a preference thing or actually easier to play? I have tried that set up and I cant get them low enough to play like that. Are you sitting up higher? Whats the forums thoughts on this?

[Pyrochazm]

i've got mine angled pretty steep. I tried to angle mine more flat, but it just doesn't feel right. People who play them flat probably learned that way.

[butter]

It is very hard to play when your toms are flat and high, but flat and low makes it different. I wouldn't say its easier to play, but I personally find it more comfortable. It depends on your preference, but the reason most drummers do it is to provide a better view to an audience. If your toms are angled, you don't see as much of the shell. Either way, it is becoming a quickly spreading trend.

[chaser334]

Yeah ive noticed that alot of people are doing that lately too, but i cant figure out how to get my toms that low because they always end up hitting my bass before i can get them low enough?? how do people get them that way??

[Gus]

I can say, I have a four piece and my rack tom, floor tom and snare are all at the same height and flat (except for my snare, to prevent rim shots). Though I figure thats not what your looking for. My tom is now on my rack and is not flat sense my rack can't go low enough.

[slingerland59]

The trick is to use independent tom stands or those great tom arm attachments you can buy so your toms are mounted off the cymbal stands. Unless you're a giant and sit on a high chair as a stool, it's hard to play flat toms mounted on bass drums. Of course some guys do by contorting their arms -- that's for dramatic effect and so you can oggle the cute front row. You have to make puckering shapes with your mouth at the same time.