I worked with a drummer this weekend that set up just like that. As with most things percussion; if it works, do it.

In this particular case it does not make ergonomic sense to me but seeing as I am not you, then it does not matter one bit. Of course, with vintage drums your badge might be turned the wrong way. ;)

My grandfather played like that, and had his ride right in front of him. Also a pretty steep tilt to the snare, tipped down on the right. He didn't own a throne-made a box covered with foam and upholstery and would put that on whatever folding chairs were at the gig. The man died in '75 and yet all the little details are still in my head...

tevenson-sr:

Actually, that makes quite a lot of sense for a (presumably?) jazz drummer, playing mainly his ride cymbal and doing quick fills on the tom-toms. Hmm... I might try that...

Correct me if I'm wrong but I could swear that some of the 50's-60's combo style drum sets came like that. Just bass snare and one tom mounted to the right.

I don't know... But at 1971 when bassist (rip...) has led me into orchestra and ask to test me, the bandmaster's first words were -- Hey dude! Ok, but what're you doing, crazy woodpecker? Immediately put your tom properly !!

And some years later I have asked one aged drummer to give me some lessons, he firstly listened then sighed and said me --- Hmm..., you can play... But change your curved brains with tom !!...

George

George, just tell folks you're playing the bass drum turned around! DOH

Craig

Haha, Craig..., an interesting thought ... and how what about legs... :)

My happyness is that tom-mount on all of my old BDs is exact centrally located - both relative to dia and to depth too... :D

George.