I've had some large and very outrageous kits. If I could point something out ... the music you listed is diverse. It takes a different approach to those individuals if you are playing to their music. Some are a four piece and some are a big kit groove. When you play a Zep tune behind a ten piece kit, it just feels "wrong". Same as when you play a Rush tune behind a four piece. If you work that out in your head, you should be good behind whatever kit you happen to sit at. Would "Back in Black" sound right on a twelve string? That's where you seem to be. It's a mental game that you've got to push through so you can always be comfortable behind the kit ... irregardless of the song. It's one of the steps of musical maturity we all go through. I wish you well.

I second this motion, michael is dead on the money here, great great advice!!Cool1

Hahaha I like your sense of humor. These videos are awesome. I love seeing them all dressed up while they play drums haha. You NEVER see that today. Now it's full body tattoos and mohawks and etc. My favorite is the 3rd video. You gotta love that mean drum roll through out the video. I like how he does it so smoothly. That's insane haha.

Yeah, I'm telling you, the bebop guys are where it's at, in terms of drums. I mean, the stuff I got into early on was Guns N Roses, Motely Crue, Zep, metal, hard rock, classic rock, then punk, Ramones, Misfits, then the Dolls, Bowie, yada yada yada, but I spent some time playing jazz guitar and learning about Miles, Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Dizzy, etc, and you find that of all the drummers, these guys had it all figured out by the mid 50s.

I was blown away by Alex Van Halen when I was a kid, his huge drum sound and even bigger set, but to see Art Blakey do it on 4 pieces is even more impressive. And yeah, he does look cool in a suit.

One more thing, I bet Neil Pert could still do Tom Sawyer on a 4 piece (maybe he would need a double bass pedal, though...)

I grew up with 5 piece kits and have been playing since....gulp.....1966. I'm really at ease behind a 5 banger, however I just picked up a Rogers 4 piece. I used it on my last gig and loved it. Less labor and a smaller footprint on stage. I've also played my five as a four piece at practices and a few gigs as well.

At this point in your drumming, I don't think adding another tom is a big advantage. Plus trying to match another rosewood Gretsch to your set may be a little pricey. I'd spend that on a new cymbal and/or hardware.

Maybe a year or two from now you'll grab a larger kit, since the price was right on those Gretsch !

In 2 months is my birthday. I'm planning on asking for something for my drums. I think the tom tom wouldn't be possible for me to receive as a gift because of my fathers budget at the moment (for a very good reason but I'm going to keep it private). But I've been kind of leaning towards asking for a 10" splash. Or does anyone think I should get a different cymbal??? I already have 2 crashes, a ride, and a hi hat.

[i heard from a friend that the chinese cymbals are "kick @$$" as he says]...

Splashes are cool accents, plus they won't break the bank.

This is what I'm thinking about asking for...

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Zildjian-10-Inch-ZBT-Splash-Cymbal/dp/B0002IP47Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1265339079&sr=8-3"]http://www.amazon.com/Zildjian-10-Inch-ZBT-Splash-Cymbal/dp/B0002IP47Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1265339079&sr=8-3[/ame]

With this stand...

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Drums-DW-CYMBAL-STAND/dp/B0002E5266/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1265057499&sr=8-1[/ame]

FYI: I'm going to test splashes and chinese at my local store before buying.

Lots of knowledgable input from a bunch of experienced folks, here.

Explore your instrument; play with kit-sizes and have fun discovering what will work best for you. I've played as much a seven pieces (not tremendous by any means) and have come back to the four-P. It's all about discovery; learning and discovering again. Your tastes will change, along with your developing style. It's all up to you and your aspirations.......not someone elses. Now, beat it!! (That's a joke)

Cool Peart solos you got there, B!

And that Morrello jam....uuuuhhh, howdee dodat?