Tom Stands

Overview

A tom stand is a type of drum hardware designed to hold tom drums securely in place during drumming. These stands provide a stable platform for the toms, ensuring that they do not move or shift during play. Unlike tom mounts that attach directly to a bass drum or rack system, tom stands are independent pieces of hardware that typically consist of a tripod base, adjustable post, and arms that support the drum’s hoops or shell. Tom stands are versatile and can be used for both floor toms and rack toms, offering more flexibility in kit setup and positioning.

The most common type of tom stand is the single-braced tripod stand, which is lightweight and portable, though double-braced stands are available for greater stability, particularly in heavier or more aggressive playing situations. High-end tom stands often feature height and angle adjustments, which allow drummers to position their toms at the ideal height and tilt for comfort and performance. Some advanced models may also include features like rubber isolation mounts to reduce vibrations and improve the sound quality of the toms.

What Makes Tom Stands Unique

• Adjustability and Flexibility: One of the key features of tom stands is their adjustability. The height, angle, and positioning of the toms can be fine-tuned, allowing drummers to achieve an ergonomic setup that suits their playing style. This flexibility is especially important for drummers who have specific preferences regarding the distance and tilt of their toms. The ability to adjust the height also allows drummers to quickly switch between different setups, whether for performance or practice, ensuring comfort and ease of access to all drums.
• Stability and Durability: Tom stands are designed to keep the toms stable and in place, even during fast and aggressive drumming. Most tom stands feature a tripod base for support, with double-braced legs offering additional strength and durability. This helps prevent the stand from tipping or wobbling during play. Double-braced stands are typically used by drummers who play aggressively or need a more rugged setup, while single-braced stands are lighter and more portable, making them ideal for smaller or gigging setups. The design and build quality of a tom stand play a significant role in how securely the tom will stay in place, which is vital for a drummer's performance.
• Isolation and Tone Control: Modern tom stands often come with rubberized or foam contact points where the stand meets the drum. These features help isolate the tom from unwanted vibrations and sympathetic ringing, which can muddy the sound or reduce the clarity of the drum. This isolation helps the tom resonate more freely, improving its tone and making it sound more defined. Some higher-end tom stands also feature floating suspension systems, where the tom is mounted in a way that minimizes direct contact with the stand, further enhancing tonal clarity.
• Portability and Storage: Another aspect that sets tom stands apart is their portability. Many drummers need to transport their kits frequently, whether for gigs, rehearsals, or studio sessions. Tom stands, especially single-braced models, can often be folded down to a compact size, making them easier to store and carry. This portability is especially beneficial for drummers who perform in different locations or who have limited space to store their drum hardware when not in use.

Brief History of Tom Stands

The history of tom stands is closely tied to the development of the modern drum kit. In the early days of drumming (late 19th and early 20th centuries), drums were often mounted in simple configurations, with floor toms placed directly on the ground and rack toms sometimes played without any specific mounting hardware. Drummers had limited options for how to position their toms, and the idea of a specialized stand for mounting tom drums hadn’t yet emerged.

In the 1930s and 1940s, as drum kits grew more complex, drummers began to experiment with ways to mount toms higher off the ground for better accessibility and playability. Early tom mounts were attached to the bass drum or other parts of the kit. These early mounting systems weren’t particularly adjustable and offered limited flexibility. It wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that manufacturers began to develop more advanced stands and mounting systems to support toms independently, allowing for greater customization.

The 1960s marked a significant shift in drum kit design with the introduction of adjustable stands and tripod bases for toms. Companies like Ludwig, Gretsch, and Slingerland began producing more refined stands that offered height adjustability and swivel arms to support toms in various positions. These stands gave drummers more flexibility in positioning their toms for comfort and accessibility, while also providing more stability.

By the 1970s, the drum kit had evolved into the complex, multi-piece setup familiar to most modern drummers. During this time, double-braced tom stands became popular for their increased stability, especially in fast or aggressive playing styles. At the same time, the demand for rack toms (mounted above the bass drum) began to rise, and companies began producing more versatile and lightweight tom stands to support these setups.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the development of floating suspension mounts further revolutionized tom stands. These suspension systems helped reduce unwanted vibrations by isolating the tom from direct contact with the stand, improving the drum’s resonance and overall sound quality. Many high-end stands also began to incorporate quick-release mechanisms and tool-free adjustments for faster setup and breakdown.

Today, tom stands continue to be an essential part of any drum kit, with modern models incorporating a wide range of features designed to maximize comfort, stability, and tone. Manufacturers like DW, Tama, Pearl, and Mapex offer a variety of tom stands, including single-braced options for portability and double-braced options for heavy-duty use. Additionally, advances in materials like aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber have made tom stands lighter and more durable, while rubber isolation mounts and floating systems ensure superior sound quality.