Kit Setup Size: BIG Drumset vs. Small Drumset

There is so many different options these days as far as getting a drumkit. Do you get a huge one, or a small one? Big toms or little toms? Crash cymbals, splash cymbals, ride cymbals, china cymbals, or hi-hat cymbals? Personally, I have had both small and large kits in the past. My kits have ranged from small two piece kits all the way up to large fifteen piece kits. As you would expect, there are pros and cons to each. I've done my best to list some of the key advantages and disadvantages here:

Advantages Of A Big Drum Kit:

Lots of sound variety (china cymbals, splashes, roto toms)
Requires less creativity to come up with unique beats/fills
Non-drummers can base respect on kit size, and thus favor you
More tom and cymbal melody options (e.g. Terry Bozzio)
Sometimes get gigs based on "showmanship" (including kit size)

Dis-Advantages Of A Big Drum Kit:

Much longer load-in, set-up, tear-down, load-out time for gigs
Tuning can be a nightmare (matching double kicks, lots of toms)
Sometimes too many options can be confusing, not helpful
Being accustomed to a large kit can reduce creativity on a small kit
Finding transportation for this many drum cases can be difficult
Sound guys at some venues may not have the have the space, mics, or patience for you when it's a night with a tight set.
More expensive to maintain, and the more gear you carry around, the greater the chance of something failing or being left behind. Also you will need to buy more drum skins, cymbal cleaner, etc.

Advantages Of A Small Drum Kit:

Significantly faster load-in, set-up, tear-down, load-out time
Drummers will respect you more for creativity on a small kit
Great for venues that do not have lots of mics or stage space
The sound guys will love you for simplifying their job. Less mics, faster sound check time, and less to "mix" for good sound
Significantly cheaper and less components to worry about
They force creativity (which can be a pro or a con)

Dis-Advantages Of A Small Drum Kit:

Small kits can be boring after playing big kits
Less flashy or impressive to the average crowd
Less options, and fills can start to sound generic/repetitive
They force creativity (which can be a pro or a con)

Kit choice is really a personal opinion and your style of playing ultimately has a say in what kit you choose. Personally, I have a nine piece Pearl kit with two kicks and six toms that I love to play when the style of music calls for it. I also have an assortment of vintage smaller four piece kits that I like for jazz music. All in all, if I had to pick between the two - I would definitely choose the BEAST!

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