Ah, yes, if a drum is set up with throw-off/butt that allows the wire set to extend beyond the drum's bearing edge, then beds are not needed (as long as the wires are oriented properly in the vertical plane).

My comment, "...will sound like junk" was probably worded a bit strongly. But I stand by my view. It's simple physics - the wire set will not lay properly against the side head. You can make accommodations in the set-up, but the drum will always sound better with proper beds, and be much more flexible in regards to it's operating range.