Arbiter Flats

[Frank Sanchez]

Hey guys. I need some input. I am looking at buying a set of arbiter flats for rehearsals and practice. I have come to this idea because of storage and the desire for something easily transported. However, the cost is substantial and I might be able to accomplish the same goals through other means that you all might be aware of. I humbly await your reply.

Thanks In Advance,
F.S.

[Randy walker]

The Arbiter flats are similar to Roto Toms.....ebay maybe?

[peter c]

Frank,

I agree with Randy. Get them
on EBAY or used, if you can.

They're unusual so you should
be able to find someone out
there who couldn't find a fit
with them.

The one-touch tuning is a great
idea, in my book. I have been
in touch with them about using
composites and they have been
receptive. We'll see what comes.
I could go with them down the
road, if they produce a drum
from synthetic materials.

Good luck.

[img]cool.gif[/img]

[hanayalator]

Meh... I think you should look into some other alternatives. I'm not a huge fan of the flats.

You might want to look at the Manu Katche hip gig junior set. They're quite small and go for 1000$ can. They sound great too.

If you're worried about volume for practicing, you can get some mesh heads (like the ones used for the V-drums) and use those on your acoustic set.

[Dazzler]

A few years ago, while I was doing a big band called NYJO - The National Youth Jazz Orchestra here in the UK I had an Arbiter deal and have one of their kits. I tried out the flats many times and was fairly impressed. If you want to use them for say pub or club gigs that you can't be arsed to schlap loads of gear to, then they are great.
The one lug tuning system is also very cool and extremely easy to use: you can change a head and have it tuned up in less than a minute.
Obviously if you're not being miked up and want a really 'phat' sound, then you may want to take a proper kit as it were, but I would say that these drums are very practical, portable, easy to use and very versatile. Arbiter have done a good job with this kit... I don't really endorse them any more, so just to let you know that it isn't in my interest to talk them up - I'm just giving my opinion!!