V-Drum Racks

[Sir PuttsAlot]

I currently have a cheesy cheap v-Drum kit. Over the past month or so I have been replacing some of the components with Roland products (1 x PDX-8, 3 x PD-8) and will be replacing / adding cymbals in the near future.

I have 2 problems with my current rack. First, it a piece of junk, it doesn't have a lower cross brace so it can be rather unstable. It also lacks a dedicated arm on the left to be used for the snare or Brain/HH so pad placement is a pain and I'm running out of room on the rack. I don't want to drop another $60+ into this rack and purchase additional components when I can get a better rack for not much more.

I was thinking of purchasing a Roland MDS-3C as a replacement stand as these seem very easy to come across on e-bay. Are there any major issues with these stands or a better option?

The two things that are important to me in selecting is:
1. Size: I need to be able to move the kit easily, so something like the MDS-12 or even MDS-9 is out of the picture.

2. Sturdiness: I don't want to drop more $$$ into my kit to end up with a rack that will just fall apart or not be very stable.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Fat Rich]

Welcome to the forum!

The cheaper (and older) Roland stands have plastic connectors and metal pipes and can also be a bit flimsy. The advantage with these is you get 2 cymbal stands and 5 or more pad mountings included with each stand.

I've bought a couple of them and used the extra tubing to put 4 proper legs to add stability and lower braces on the centre and on both arms too and it's now very stable.

If you're breaking it down a lot and taking it to gigs you might want to go for an all metal stand... I'm sure there are plenty of people here who can recommend something (and check with the search function if you haven't already)

[saku]

Gilbralter is mentioned as a good product, sturdier than the Rolands....http://www.gibraltarhardware.com/

[BarT]

must be true, Shirley?

Bruce

[Sir PuttsAlot]

Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it!

This set will rarely if ever be torn down, my main problem is I need to store the Drums on the opposite side of the room from where I use them. So I just want to pick it up, move it, drop it, play it.

As for the MDS-9, the problem I foresee are the legs bracing the arms for the brain and floor toms. They may take up too much real-estate in my room. The Storage isn't an issue, it's the playing space I currently have, but I could be wrong.

I guess, one last criteria I should have added was price. I have no need to buy a top of the line rack, or something even close. I am just looking for a compact rack that has more stability and space than the POS I have now.

[BarT]

This one from our very own jjdrumz is a reasonable price: Roland Vdrum Rack Stand MDS-3C $69.99 + $19.99 shipping

What do you intend to put where the MDS-9 legs would be? It may be a bit more but it includes seven brand new pad mounts.

Bruce

[eric_B]

Well, you can download the manual of the MDS-9 here. It has some info about the dimensions.

[Fat Rich]

This set will rarely if ever be torn down, my main problem is I need to store the Drums on the opposite side of the room from where I use them.

Ah well, in that case you need these:

http://www.greatbigstuff.com/drumsticks.html

[eric_B]

ah Well, In That Case You Need These:

http://www.greatbigstuff.com/drumsticks.html

I could use them as well!

[Fat Rich]

Oh, and some clown shoes to reach the pedals!

[BarT]

Oh, and some clown shoes to reach the pedals!

They're a bit retro. Try Jman's stealth E-slippers ™ (washable).


Bruce

[Sir PuttsAlot]

Thanks for all the input. While those clown shoes and 3' long sticks may just solve the problem, I'm worried it may affect my form

After going to my local music store today, I found a left over TD-6SW that I can get for a very nice price. Since I don't have a lot already invested in my current setup and other than the Roland pads it's total junk. I think I'm just going to sell off my current and buy the new set.

[saku]

I started with the 6kw (=sw)..a good cheap starter kit, though eventually you will want to upgrade the sounds...enjoy the kit!

[badnomad]

The Gibraltars are indestructible, but they weigh a ton. What I did with my original TD-8 rack, was to expand it to 4 legs, then brace the lower half with 1/2" crosstubes......this makes it sturdy, but keeps the weight down. One of the main advantages of a 4-leg stand, is that you can get a wide playing spread, and still fold it down without removing the clamps and mounts. I also put wide-range levelers on the legs,(possibly overkill), but I think that was one thing that Roland overlooked.

Myke C.