1. Shouldn't be a problem but I suppose it depends on how much spread you want between your toms. Lots and lots of sets from various companies were sold with that same double 12 configuration, it took about a decade before having a 12/13 setup became the norm so I would suspect that indicates that it wasn't a huge problem, at least not for the drummers of the day. I prefer to use 12" toms myself and, while I don't use two at once, I do manage to get them tuned pretty low for rock and tuned pretty high for jazz without any difficulties.

2. The SOM tom holders will match up to the diamond plates for the mounting holes but you may have to add a hole in the center if you want to use a single (or super) SOM arm, probably not necessary if you only use the standard double one since it just has the stubs.

3. All Gretsch Round Badge toms lack vent holes and I don't hear anyone complaining.

This old timer has gigged with several drum sets configured with two 8x12" toms mounted on the bass drum--mostly Slingerland. I've also gigged with a Camco set that had two 9x13" toms mounted on the bass drum. I never had any hint of a problem "tuning" two toms of the same size to different pitches. The timbre was not noticeably different for the two same size toms. The dual Set-O-Matic mounts spaced the toms perfectly for me. Yes...the mounting plate on the toms use the same hole pattern as the mounting plate for a rail consolette spade. A "breather" hole on tom shells never mattered if it was there or not. Two up on the bass drum with one down was my preferred configuration for more than 20 years.

1963 Camcos with two 9x13 toms on a 14x22 bass drum

1966 Walberg and Auge with two 9x13 toms on a 14x22 bass drum

1968 Slingerland with two 8x12 toms on a 14x20 bass drum

K.O. And Leedybdp, thank you both for your insight. Gonna make an offer!

Good luck. Please post pictures if you buy the drums.

I bought the drums. They should arrive in a week or two, I suppose. I am playing in a 60’s tribute band, so I think they’ll be perfect. I’ll post photos when I get them.

What color wrap or wood finish are they?

I have a real soft spot in my heart for the Modern Solo 2R with dual 12" rack toms and the double ratchet tom holder. It appeared in my very first Slingerland catalog, 68, given to me by my band teacher in high school. Also loved the Duet outfit, also with dual 12" toms and twin bass drums!

-Mark

They are champagne sparkle. You may have seen them advertised on The ‘Verb.

Mark, a friend of mine had a Modern Solo set. The tom mount left the toms too far over the bass drum, in my opinion. I have a hard time playing the bass with my knee over my foot. This set has been modified with the super SOM, which will give me the ability to back up a bit to my preferred position. The obvious downside is the extra holes in the bass. In fact, in this case, it apoears as though the “upgrades” occurred twice: once with the SOM, and again with the super SOM. So there are lots of extra holes. But I plan on this set being a keeper and filling the need I have for my music. Our band attempts to play note-for-note when possible, so I often find I am one tom short on some of the tunes with my four-piece.