Short Stack Drum Sets
In the 1980s Noble & Cooley introduced their innovative "Star" kit,
which to my knowledge was the first Short-Stack drum set offered by a
major drum manufacturer. The toms and snare were solid steam-bent maple shells.
The sizes were: 10x5, 12x6, 14x7, and 16x8. Paul McCartney's touring
drummer played a Star kit and the sound was huge.
Let's look at the shallow or short-stack toms and their real world advantages for drummers of any style of music. Positioning over and around the bass drum is much more versatile, especially for drummers who like the toms in a low or flat position.
Their reduced weight puts less stress on stands or tom mounts.
They are much easier to transport than a full size kit, both in weight and size.
Two smaller toms can be combined in one case if desired.
The floor toms range from shallow to full size depending on your tastes.
They have a great full tone with a quick attack and a solid punch. Tuning is arguably simpler due to the fundamental tone of the drum being stronger, with minimal overtone conflict from less air movement.
The appearance is streamlined and obviously different. Personal preference will determine a thumbs up or down in this regard.
The volume and projection is a bit less than full depth drums due to less air movement. Bass drums are usually standard size, however, a shallower bass drum will still have great tone. The shell diameter and heads determine the tuning range of a drum, not the depth.
Custom drum builders would be an excellent choice if creating sizes to your specific tastes. This would be your one-of-a-kind "Signature-Kit" that you would never have to upgrade, or feel that something was not just right.
DW - Mapex - Tama - Yamaha
DW Collector Series is the most well known Short-Stack sets from a major manufacturer.
These can be sized to your liking.
Mapex also offers a nice selection of shallow toms in their Meridian Maple series.
Tama Hyper Drive toms are offered in limited sizes.
Yamaha has also introduced an oak custom kit with shallow toms, but it is not currently available in the United States.
The GMS Subway is a budget kit with a very nice finish.
Caraviotto the famous custom builder makes their version which is superb.
My experience with a short stack 4 piece set in "half-sizes" of 20x10, 10x5, 12x6 and 14x7 is extremely positive. Depth of tone and sustain is full and not lacking in any way. Tuning was easy and quick. They are a natural for for jazz or lower volume gigs. For large rooms or concerts microphones should be used just like any full size set. Thus any concerns of volume and projection not an issue.
In my estimation, the set-up versatility and transport convenience of a Short-Stack drum set makes it an excellent alternative a conventional size kit. Sound character is slightly different with a quicker attack and bit less volume.
These differences however
do not compromise the quality of the sound, which is always the bottom line.
As more name companies begin offering this type of set, their popularity will continue to grow.
The ergonomic positioning and great sound proves once again that less can sometimes be more!
