The purist would probably say use the original tom mount, but since it's a player's kit I'm not sure it matters that much. I think the RIMS mounts do sound better. You can always use the RIMS mount for now - then if you find a rail mount at some point or just decide you want to use the original mount, you still have the option to do that.

On my 1970 Ludwig Downbeat, I noticed a HUGE difference in the sound of my 12" rack tom when I took off the tom mount. With the RIMS system on, it didn't really increase the resonance *that* noticeably until I took the tom mount off. WOW! What a difference! I would say since yours is a players kit, leave the tom mount off. You can always muffle the sound and alter the tone later with moongel, tape, different heads, etc., but you can't bring back the sound once you've put the mount on (unless, of course, you take it back off, but then you've got holes)...

Thanks for the advice!

Now, if only they made RIMS mounts in nickel to match the hardware... :)

That would be nice to have them in nickel, that may be your million dollar idea!

I tell you what, I can't wait to get a RIMS mount on mine after hearing some testimonials; putting it on a snare stand really kills it!

Yeah, I put my 13" round badge tom on a snare stand when I first got the kit. It completely killed the sound of the drum. I eventually bought a Pearl ISS mount. They're great mounts -- more stable than RIMS, less visually obtrusive, and easier to remove when you want to put the drum in its case.

Actually, the Gauger mounts have a finish that's very close to nickel. They call it platinum lustre, but it looks like a nickel finish to me. They're a little more expensive, but it may be worth it to you. Check them out - http://www.gaugerpercussion.com

Thanks for the tip! You're right; those would look great with nickel hardware. I can't justify the expense right now, but someday I may upgrade.

In the meantime, I'm still trying to find nickel hoops for my 15" tom. Hard to track down!

I used those ISS mounts for awhile, but found that on less heavy hoops, it actually bends the hoop slightly and affects the tunign. Of course if your Gretsch has the die cast hoops, probably isn't an issue. The Optimount is supposed to be a bit better.

Interesting!

My Gretsch kit is a little older, so I've got stick-choppers rather than die-cast rims. The hoops were a little out of round when I got the kit, so I wouldn't have notice if the ISS mount pulled them a bit further out. But I'd hate to think I've been doing further damage to those vintage hoops! Maybe it's time to switch to a RIMS mount on that drum too. Hmm...