mounting a bass drum double tom mount

[CLWarunki]

I just got a pretty heavy duty double tom mount for a "virgin" dw bass drum and am freaked out about drilling holes into it and mounting the thing properly. Has anyone done this? Do you have any hints or tips?

It's a sliding mount, so it's not like there will be a metal rod going INTO the bass drum. Just 4 screws (one on each corner). The reason why I got the thing is because I want to try using my kit as a 5-piece without the aid of cymbal stands or rack. Maybe I should take it into Ayotte and have them do it? [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[LDGuy]

Can you mount it to a cymbal stand? Just have your bass drum slightly swivelled to the right, so your toms are mounted around the snare.

Dude, if you've shelled out enough for your bass drum you dont want to go and kill it by drilling holes, do you?

[Randy walker]

the beauty of the 'slide track' is that it won't kill the sound, just adds weight to the drum is all. DW actually borrowed this from Corder/Darwin now Fibes.

[drummin1]

I've drilled a few bass's in my day, including a DW sliding mount. The first hole is the kicker, once you're past that it's not too bad. I've had the best luck by measuring distances relative to lugs. Then center the mount, use a pen to mark screw holes, then lift off the mount and you can easily measure distances to your marks to check if they're centered , and then make adjustments from there. Oh, key thing, when you drill be sure to place a backer block on the inside of the shell against where the bit will come out. This prevents splintering.
Good luck!

[Vdrummer]

I have a sliding mount on a Collectors Hard Satin exotic kit and that drum sounds great. I'd probably let a pro do it too though, rather than risk doing it wrong. I mean if you're asking here, I presume you're not that much of a woodworker, right? Good luck.

[CLWarunki]

Thanks for all the info and warnings!

Yeah I am not much of a woodworker at all... took a course in like 8th grade and that was it!

Randy is right about the sliding mount, but I was shocked at how heavy the damn this was... plus by the time I add two toms and a cymbal arm w/ splash onto the thing - that is a hell of a lot of weight coming down on my bass drum! So I am having second thoughts mainly because of that!

LDguy, when playing a 5-piece I like to have my 10" directly infront of the snare which puts my 12" directly overtop of the bass drum. I can have my ride closer to me this way too - so coming off of cymbal stands would not manage this.

Andy, I think there is only ONE dw sliding mount. It's the stock one on all kits. Has that little cymbal arm clamp too in between tom holders.

Maybe I'll get intouch with Drumming1 for more details since he's done the exact same mount.

Thanks!

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ November 21, 2005 03:51 PM: Message edited by: CLWarunki ]</font>

[Derek DeFields]

If it's an expensive drum and you have access to a reliable shop, I'd have them do it. You don't want to make a mistake when it comes to drilling.

[XNavyDrummer]

I've had good results drilling shells by starting with a very small drill bit at first and gradually creating a larger hole with successive size bits.

Use a nail or drill punch to create a small indentation for the first drilling of each hole. This will help prevent the drill bit from slipping and trashing your finish.

Which sliding mount did you get?

[troutbrooke]

I've drilled holes and mounted tom mounts in bass drums many times (Slingerland, Gretsch) and never had any problems. Just measure NUMEROUS times, use good sharp tools, and be careful.

Use a punch or pilot hole of some sort to prevent the drill bit from slipping when you start off.

If you are uncomfortable AT ALL with the idea, take it to a professional who has done this work before.