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Floor Toms, are sometimes referred to "Floors" are in the Tom family, but these have brackets affixed to them with adjustable height legs.
Floor Tom FAQ's
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What does a floor tom do?
A floor tom is a low-pitched drum typically used to add depth, resonance, and power to a drum set. It provides a booming, deep sound and is commonly used for fills, solos, and to accentuate the end of musical phrases. Its larger size compared to rack toms gives it a more resonant tone.
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What is the difference between a floor tom and a tom?
The main difference is size and placement. A floor tom is larger and sits on the floor, supported by three legs or mounted on a stand. Regular toms, often called rack toms, are smaller and mounted above the bass drum or on a rack system. The floor tom has a deeper tone due to its larger size and lower tuning, while rack toms produce higher-pitched sounds.
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Why is a drum called a tom?
The term "tom" comes from "tom-tom," a name derived from non-Western drums used by indigenous peoples. Early jazz and popular music musicians adopted these drums for their set-ups, and the name stuck. Over time, "tom" became a standard term in Western drum kits. -
How tight should a floor tom be?
The tension on the drumhead of a floor tom should be tight enough to produce a clear, resonant tone but not so tight that it chokes the drum's sound. Typically, the batter (top) head should be tuned lower than rack toms but higher than the resonant (bottom) head. It's common to experiment to achieve the desired tone, but generally, floor toms are tuned relatively low to maintain their deep, booming characteristic.
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How many floor toms do you need?
The number of floor toms depends on your musical style and personal preference. Most drummers use one floor tom, typically 14-18 inches in diameter. However, some drummers, particularly in rock or metal genres, use two or more floor toms to create a fuller, more powerful sound. It's not uncommon to see setups with an additional second, larger floor tom for an even deeper range of tones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Floor Toms FAQs
What is a floor tom?
A floor tom is a larger tom that sits on the floor on three legs, providing the kit's deepest tom voice for fills and grooves. It's a foundational element of a standard drum kit.
What sizes of floor toms are standard?
Floor toms typically come in 14, 16, and 18 inch diameters. Standard kits use a single 16 inch floor tom; larger kits add a 14 or 18 inch for additional tonal range.
What shell materials affect tone?
Maple is warm and balanced; birch is bright with strong attack; mahogany is dark and resonant; bubinga is loud and focused. Each material lends its own character.
What heads should I use on a floor tom?
Head choice has a major impact on tone. Single-ply heads are bright and resonant; two-ply heads are warmer and more focused. Coated vs. clear changes attack character.
Should I buy individual floor toms or a full shell pack?
Shell packs are the most cost-effective way to get a matching kit. Individual floor toms make sense when expanding a kit or replacing one piece.
Which brands of floor toms does DCP carry?
Drum Center of Portsmouth stocks floor toms from the major drum makers — Pearl, DW, Tama, Gretsch, Ludwig, Sonor, Yamaha, and more.