DRUMMER CAFE

Went with my Blacro (with S-hoop for cross-sticking), 20x16 bass & 15x14 floor tom, single cymbal stand with my 18" fast crash as a crash/ride, and 14" hihats. It LOOKED really cool but the 15" floor was too big, if I find a matching 13" to make into a floor I think it would be perfect. It was a "classic" country gig in a small room, big foam pillow in the bass and a towel over the snare except when I used brushes.

I'd only ever used a 3pc once before, same band, but that time I used my 22x18 bass with dual tom mount for a single 12x10 tom and a boom arm on the other side. It was less hassle case-wise to use the smaller bass and the previous kit, my practice set, has all hanging toms. If I do this again with what I have, I'll stand mount the 20"s matching 12x8 for the single tom.

I was SERIOUSLY tempted to just go snare, bass, and hihats 

So now I have to keep my eye out for a 13x11 Pearl Masters in piano black/black mist and MAYBE pick up a Sabian B8 crash/ride. I know the cymbal is a cheap one but it sounds surprisingly good at low volumes. better than my current Paiste Signature fast crash that I used. The ping cut like a knife 

Boomerweps

 
I envy people that can go with a 3pc kit. True, I rarely use my floor tom, but I need two rack toms and usually four cymbals.

I don't know too much about B8 (I've just tried it in a shop and I didn't really like it), but I know it's not always the highest end that counts in cymbals. Shame or not, I also have a PST5 crash, and it's amazingly good, I sometimes realise I use it more often than my 2002.
 

I've used a 4 piece over the years as much as a big set. But haven't done a 3 piece in several years. For one band in particular I may use that set up just for my own curiosity. Sounds like fun.