Mounted Toms can be referred to as "Rack Toms", "Toms", or "Tom Toms".
The way we define a mounted tom at Drum Center of Portsmouth is if the drum is in the tom family and does not have legs. If we mount the tom to a stand, or a rack, it's a Mounted Tom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mounted Toms FAQs
What is a mounted tom?
A mounted tom is a drum mounted above or beside the bass drum, played with sticks to provide mid-range fills and accents. It's a foundational element of a standard drum kit.
What sizes of mounted toms are standard?
Mounted toms typically come in 8, 10, 12, 13, and 14 inch diameters with depths from 6 to 14 inch. Standard kits use 10 and 12 inch mounted toms; larger kits add 8 or 13 inch.
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 mounted 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 mounted toms or a full shell pack?
Shell packs are the most cost-effective way to get a matching kit. Individual mounted toms make sense when expanding a kit or replacing one piece.
Which brands of mounted toms does DCP carry?
Drum Center of Portsmouth stocks mounted toms from the major drum makers — Pearl, DW, Tama, Gretsch, Ludwig, Sonor, Yamaha, and more.