Racks vs Stands

[Wraith Dagger]

What do you prefer and why?  is there a specific time you prefer one over the other?  what kind of racks do you like? What kind of stands?

Myself I have never used a rack I have always had stands and am thinking about racks so that I can combine my kits when I want to and am curious what everyone uses...

[ThatDrummerKid]

Well I have never been a fan of racks being that I don't use a big enough kit to need one. If i had a big kit i'd only use it if i was on tour (and playing in a space that could fit one.

[Dave Heim]

It depends on the gig.  That's what dictates the set I will use.

The set I use most often has a Pearl Icon rack.  It's only a 5-piece, with traditional sizes (22 bass, 12 & 13 toms, 14 floor), but I like the quick set-up and ease of positioning.  I have all the rack mounts color coded to their corresponsing cymbal and tom arms.  Between that and the memory locks on all key stand or mount sections it's very easy to get everything in the right spot - every time.

I do play a fair amout of smaller gigs (jazz gigs, smaller venues, etc.) for which I bring out different, smaller, sets of drums.  Those sets have regular stands with good ole' tripod bases.  My really small configurations use the lightweight/flat-base stands.

[king]

If you don't use a lot of stands you don't need a rack. I have a Gibraltar rack and I'm happy with it. I really helps me get set up quickly without having to lug around extra stands. As long as you don't over tighten the circular racks they will never slip on you, but if so I have a solution for that one too.

[Dave Heim]

What about stuff like this?

[king]

I can dig that.It looks simpler than most rack set ups. It just proves that you don't have to have a huge rack in order for it to be effective. Nice pic Dave and by the way...your prize is being situated as we speak, I didn't forget about you

[onthebeat]

 I do jazz gigs and my normal setup has been with a virgin bass and a Gibraltor rack. I have switched from 1 tom on top to 2 or 3, depending. I also use 2 or 3 cymbals depending.
 I have, however, run into the situation where when you do a festivale, you are rushed for time- setup/play/tear down. Om the other end of the spectrum, a small club date/dinner/background situation dictates a "smaller" sound and usually less room. While I love my rack system, I now find it neccesary to look for a smaller, easier setup and sice I have a virgin bass and no leg on my 14" floor tom, I have to switch completely.
 So, while the rack gives me a lot of different. and "plug and play" options, with no extra stands, I sometime have issues with the extra step of carrying the rack when I don't need all that.
 Great to have options. If you play big all the time, I love the rack. If you play small sometime, it's extra equipment that sort of makes you carry more when you wouldn't have.
 Hope that helps!
Andy

[r2champion]

I have a 6 piece kit that I plan on gigging with soon. I hope to have a rack system before then for ease of setup considering that I have a lot of cymbals as well. For the time being, I have my kit set up with no need to move it much and the stands suit me well.

[sticksofury989]

i would prefer to have a rack but i have stands right. i would prefer a rack because it won't bounce as much as a stand does when i overly enthusiastically hit a cymbal or something to that effect. also, it will make it easier to expand on and your kit wont be all cluttered up with 20 stands. racks just make things easier. only downside is there usually not quite as portable as stands. there also somewhat heavier.

[king]

Yeah, and they're hard to transport without having to break the whole thing down, unless you have a truck or a van. What's funny s that I used to pack my 7 piece kit, rack and all inside of a 1999 Hyundai Accent! It didn't take too long to put my rack together at shows because it broke down into 3 large pieces, but it was still a pain in the neck. I guess as a drummer there's no real way to get around setting up your gear unless someone's smart/stupid enough to set it up for you....unless you pay them. Most racks now are hollow so that makes it a lot easier.