King Says Re: Racking systems.

Submitted On: Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 - 8:33 AM

I agree w/ SD9er, you would more options to add on and customize your rack w/ a tube rack. Don't worry about the slippage I own one and it's never been a problem. Check this stuff out:

http://images.containerstore.com/images/catalog/105935/LatticeDrawerShelfLiners_l.jpg

This is what I use for my rack. It's cheap, effective and you can find it at any Walmart-basically it's the stuff you use to line the inside of kitchen cabinets and drawers. You can trim it into smaller strips and lace the insides of your rack clamps with it. It will keep your toms and cymbal arms from slipping/rotating and also provides vibration dampening and keeps your rack from being dented in case you get excited and tend to overtighten your clamps. They make thicker rolls of the same stuff to use under rugs and carpet to prevent slippage-great for drum rugs and I even trim it to fit underneath my kick/hi hat pedal to keep them from walking away as well. Hope this helps!

SD9er Says Re: Racking systems.

Submitted On: Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 - 2:33 AM

With the PDP, Yamaha, and Gibraltar racks you can minimize your rack's footprint by moving the vertical supports closer to the bass drum. Great if you play gigs on small stages. If you're a gigging drummer that often face showing up at a gig with a small stage, regular stands won't cut it. In some cases, even using the DW/PDP/Pearl approach to stacking extensions on a regular stand to add cymbals and toms wil not suffice. With the DR-80, you are limited to the length of the horizontal pieces your vertical pipes connect to... because the connecting points are only at the end of the horizontal pieces. Other than that, it's all a matter of versatility and price....and how much you bring to a gig.
CHEERS!

King Says Re: Racking systems.

Submitted On: Monday, Nov 3, 2008 - 1:20 PM

Considering the items you would have to add to complete it like... rack clamps,boom arms, and the rack frame could possibly be dented or banged up. I'd save my money for a new PDP/Gibralter rack, they're basically the same. At least you get 2 cymbal booms with it. Just stay away from the V rack, unless you're a conga player.

Bdesormeaux Says Re: Racking systems.

Submitted On: Saturday, Nov 1, 2008 - 10:27 PM

Well, came across something else with this question, I found this great deal:

http://www.musicgoround.com/gear/inventorydetails.asp?id=678678

I have the money for it, but its used, should i buy it now? or wait for Christmas and pay double the cash?

r2champion Says Re: Racking systems.

Submitted On: Saturday, Nov 1, 2008 - 1:27 AM

I have to say the PDP rack is one of the most sturdy racks available. Tommy Lee uses a PDP rack for his DW set, he is a hard knocker and it holds up well apparently. I will probably be buying the PDP rack as soon as I can afford it.

King Says Re: Racking systems.

Submitted On: Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 - 11:11 AM

Yeah, that V bar is an odd animal.

drumaniac Says Re: Racking systems.

Submitted On: Saturday, Sep 20, 2008 - 1:36 PM

The Pearl rack actually has a bigger footprint than if you would use stands.I play on a Gibralter rack and the only thing I would suggest is not to get the v shaped top bar but opt for the curved or straight.

Dave Heim Says Re: Racking systems.

Submitted On: Friday, Sep 19, 2008 - 10:16 AM

I used a DR80 for many years.  I now use a Pearl Icon Rack.  It's easier to set up and tear down than the Model 80.  You don't need to mess around with screwing the legs in place with the Icon - they just clamp on - very simple.  The Icon is also a sturdier rack, IMHO.  Plus the black finish on the DR80 scratches off over time from being hauled around in a bag or case.  The Icon rack has a natural metal finish and hides the scratches.

King Says Re: Racking systems.

Submitted On: Thursday, Sep 18, 2008 - 12:12 PM

It's a good rack and you won't be disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I love pearl hardware, I own some. I just don't like their racks. With circular racks be careful not to over tighten the clamps because you'll dent and bend the pipe and that is BAD. To keep that from happening and to also keep them from slipping use this stuff [IMG]http://i38.tinypic.com/2lca7ag.jpg[/img]
It's just simple Kitchen shelf liner and you can pick it up at any grocery store or WALMART near you. It has a tacky, rubbery cushioned feel to it. Make sure you buy the cushioned type. Trim it so you can fit a SINGLE strip if it to line the inside of your clamp. That will ensure you don't tighten them too much and your toms and cymbals will never slip.

Bdesormeaux Says Re: Racking systems.

Submitted On: Wednesday, Sep 17, 2008 - 6:29 PM

Well, i see where yall are speaking from, i will probably get pdp.

King Says Re: Racking systems.

Submitted On: Wednesday, Sep 17, 2008 - 10:52 AM

The best thing about the Pearl rack you're talking about is the price. It is a GREAT deal, but not a great rack. A good friend of mine toured with this exact same rack and I've used it myself a few times. At that price it's hard to pass it up but odds are in a year or so you're gonna want to replace it and here's why.
- The feet are straight poles, they don't have legs on them to provide stability. This is a big no no because without them your kit can be off balance and teeter totter if the weight isn't perfectly distributed. You don't want your kit jiggling every time you play it.
- It does fold up well, but ONLY if you don't have a lot of mounting hardware and is a little bulky to move unless you have a truck or van. It's also a task to break it down completely.
- It's a square rack so if you over tighten ANY of the clamps you can bend the rack bar and permanently hinder any future adjustments.
- It comes with 4 clamps but NO cymbal arms.
- The clamps are hard to find unless you order them cause most music stores don't carry a large variety of products for pearl racks.
- Pearl racks tend to take up the most room while practicing or on stage. A small drum riser cannot accommodate them.
I may have left a few personal complaints out but I think that's everything  ;D

Get the PDP or Gibraltar Racks. They start at about $300 and they have support legs, four clamps, two cymbal arms AND it can handle a 7 piece kit. You can also find parts for these racks at just about any music store. It's more user friendly and easier to maneuver with at gigs.
Trust me...with the price of cymbal stands and other hardware it's cheaper to buy a rack. Unlike other metals like bronze and copper the price of aluminum is somewhat stable, for now. So buy a rack as soon as you can!

drumhead101541 Says Re: Racking systems.

Submitted On: Wednesday, Sep 17, 2008 - 9:01 AM

pdp actually makes a good rack system. Not only does it match your kit by brand, it's very easy to set up and it holds up pretty well. I'm not really a rack guy and don't see much point in them, but for a 7 piece kit, it sounds like a decent investment.