Tough call. I've had to get by without one or the other, but also done gigs with just bass, snare, hats and a cymbal, so I think either for me. Depending on the gig of course.

Either would be fine with me as well. I've played lots of Combo kits with no floor tom. But I see lot's of drummers playing no ride tom these days.

No toms for me in my worship band, and it feels great. I think at times that toms actually detract from the purpose of drumming. We keep time, but unless you are creative with the toms, you can really muddy up the sound...if you listen to yourself, objectively.

No preference generally, but the style of music would determine how I may alter the tuning of either...

Cheers

John

Think I would be most comfortable without the mounted tom.

Either,or,or none. You can play with just a snare drum and a hihat if you have to.

I do a semi-regular gig in a cocktail bar, and the band space is tiny, so I only bring a snare and brushes. I love that gig - only two small bags to carry!

Hey, clock watching is fun but we signal changes and fill in dead spots too. If we ever get noticed that is.

Either but lately I have been playing my set as a 3 pc with no floor tom . I only use a ride cymbal and hi hats too . I really dig the small set up and to me it challenges the player to be creative and discover other colors from the limited pallet . Back in the 80s I used many cymbals and a 7 pc set but I enjoy the smaller set ups these days for sure and would never go back to all that extra stuff .