Topic: "Quick Question"

[Misterkamikazi]

I was curious as to what kind of drums percussionist Steve Scales used during the intro to "Burning Down the House". They're most likely a set of rototoms, but after watching a live performance of that song, it looked like he was using something that resembled floor toms. If anyone could help me out, that would be splendid!

[Bart Elliott]

I'm not 100% sure, but I'm fairly certain these are Concert Toms he was playing. Single-headed Tom Toms starting with the 6-inch diameter position on the far right ... descending to the left.

You are right ... they are not Roto-Toms.

Perhaps you thought they looked like Floor Toms simply because they were mounted low. I promise you that they are not Floor Toms. They could be double-headed Toms with the bottom  resonant heads cranked tight ... but I do believe they are Concert Toms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozc70JPGRMQ

[Misterkamikazi]

Interesting. Do you know where I could find drums like these for sale? I'm assuming they're somewhat different from your standard tom drums that are included in all basic kits. I've only gotten into drumming very recently, so do forgive me for sounding ignorant. Nevertheless, thanks a million!

[Bart Elliott]

Interesting. Do you know where I could find drums like these for sale? I'm assuming they're somewhat different from your standard tom drums that are included in all basic kits. I've only gotten into drumming very recently, so do forgive me for sounding ignorant.

Concert Toms are still used today and are available by a number of manufactures. You'll probably have the best luck checking our eBay Portal for some used single-head Toms (i.e. Concert Toms).

The truth be known, you can take any Tom Tom, remove the bottom drumhead and get the same results. Roto-Toms could work as well, although they do sound different, but it would work nicely if you are needing that kind of sound for the Talking Heads tune.

If I knew exactly what/why you are needing these drums, I might be able to give you some better suggestions.

Many drummers were using Concert Toms in the early to mid-70's ... in fact some (like myself) removed the bottom head from the Tom Tom just to get that Concert Tom sound. Phil Collins is one such drummer who was known for many, many years for his use of Concert Toms in his drum set-up.

If you want a similar set-up as Steven Scales, you'll want a set of 6, 8, 10 & 12 inch Concert Toms.

[NY Frank]

The truth be known, you can take any Tom Tom, remove the bottom drumhead and get the same results.

Does that make the drum more apt to warp?

[Bart Elliott]

Does that make the drum more apt to warp?

Not that I'm aware of. I wouldn't know why it would cause warping.

What made you ask about the potential warping?

[NY Frank]

Not that I'm aware of. I wouldn't know why it would cause warping.

What made you ask about the potential warping?

I thought I had read that without the bottom, a shell is more apt to go out of round.
I can't remember where I might have read it though.

[Chip Donaho]

Bart is right, those may be concert toms. As far as warping, don't worry about it. When I got out of the Army band, I started my own band which was in the late 1960's. It was common back then to pull the bottom heads off your toms. That's why the drum companies came out with "concert toms." That was the style back then in the '70's. Just last week I set up my old Slingerland set which has had the bottom heads off for quite some time. Those drums still sound great. I've even been thinking about putting the bottom heads on. I've learned so much more about working with drums since those days. I would love to hear what they can be made to sound like with both heads. Warp, I doubt it....