For me the simpler the set up the better. I most often perform these days with one ride, one splash and hats. I always use one rack tom and one floor tom (sometimes 14x14 or 16x16)- sometimes it`s a timbale or it can be a 8",10", 12", 13"- depending on what I feel like that day. I also like a cowbell mounted on the bass drum - I need it there for accents- feels weird to play with out one there.

I have tried elaborate setups that never feel comfortable after a few minutes on stage you realize it`s just not right.

I was watching some killer live, old Ventures vids on YouTube yesterday and he`s got one ride and a set of hats and he is rocking the house so hard- so I say simple is best.Sumo Dude

I lean towards the "If you hang enough stuff up there, you can't miss !! " Theory.........:D

I think there's a drum set buried in there somewhere :)

My $0.02 on the subject (great topic too). I go pretty simple as well especially when playing out. I like a quick set up/tear down and I'm not fond of making 9 trips back and forth from the car to the stage.

I generally play the traditional 4 piece set up, but I do like some variety in cymbals. Lately, I've been using 2 crashes, one splash and one ride (plus hats of course). I sometimes swap out the right side crash for a small (20" or under) ride which is also crash-able. Heck, even my 22" Dream Bliss ride makes a wonderful crash. Should also mention that I'm all about the thin cymbals these days. My Uber-heavy 70's 22" Zildjian ride has sat unused for the last 3 years or so.

I really like the 4 piece setup because I can pull the main ride in very close and low. It generally hangs over the edge of the floor tom a bit and it feels so comfy to not have to reach too far for the bell.

In the studio, it depends on what's needed for a given song/project. I do own a 6 piece kit and usually do the 2 up 2 down thing but I prefer the 2 up offset/2 down setup which keeps the ride where I like it.

Here's a thought - How about adding some pictures of our favorite setups with some overhead shots as well. It would give me an excuse to do some dusting and dig out the camera ;)

Nice! Does Terry Bozio know you have his kit? LoLoLoLo

Shhhhhhhhhh.... quiet man, he won't miss it for a few days...:D

These days, I too favor a 4-piece setup, with the ride where a second mounted-tom would be; in tight; nice and cozy. Have played more pieces (all up/one down) but always come back home to this configuration. My dilemma, if it can be called that, is I'd like my 13" tom a little lower, but not further over towards the hats - hard to do with a 24" cannon. Anyway, I use a crash on either side of the ride (17" 2002 -R; 16" medium heavy Zildy - L, but slightly above) an 8" Exyra-Thin Zildy splash in center and my super-dry 20" 505 crash above and just left of the mounted tom. Ideally, and if the Mrs. would yield more room to me, I'd set up my 16" 2002 above my hats and perhaps find a spot for my 10" Rude splash. I should also dust off my old LP gigantic CB, for added fun. Cool thread and will be interesting to view other setups.

Thank you DW site for the "Kit Builder" tool.

Always played one up one down. I get all goofed up if there are more than one tom hanging. Two floor toms can be cool also.

Ditto - LOL!!! My earliest kit was a 4 piece with a few toys here and there. Still dig that setup to this day. For a while I was gigging steady with a blues band back in the late 90's. We used to play a club in Cambridge or Somerville MA called Toad. It's basically a long, skinny rectangle. Anyhow, the stage was barely big enough to fit even a 4 piece kit on and the bass player insisted he be "up there with me." So I cut my kit down to snare, kick, hats, one crash and one ride. It was a challenge playing such a small kit, but I learned to appreciate just how much you can do with 2 drums and a few cymbals.

+1, I agree. Pushes you to more essential playing, usually well apreciated by the band and if people are dancing.