Yes, there were two versions. One was for orchestral or "stand-up" use and the other was suited for lower drum set playing. I've had both come with snare drums I've purchased in the past (and re-sold). Don't cut down the orchestral one. Just sell it and get another one with a shorter tube. Now that you know the difference, it's easy to spot the one you'll need for drum set application.

Are the base sections on both versions the same height with the only difference being the upper post, or is the bottom half also shorter on the sit-down version?

Thanks.

Bottom half is shorter

Are they low enough to do rack toms?

D

mmmmmaybe. I can't say for sure. I've never wanted to mount a tom on a snare stand, so I've never tried it. I suppose it would depend on personal ergonomics, too. I'm not sure what John Bonham used...I know he used a snare stand of some kind....I assume it was a Ludwig stand.