Hi,

The consensus here leans toward the small kit and I like a small kit but only in the sense of the number of shells. [Linked Image]

I started with a 20" bass, then had a red Vistalite Ludwig 22" but now have and love my 24" X 16" (outside to outside of hoops) gretsch bass.

I don't like a deep shell because I want the faster decay rate.

Doug Rhodes, a friend of mine who did studio work with the Association (Along Comes Mary etc.) said to me one day that he wished drummers had bigger basses than on average. . . so that further inspired me to get the 24" when one showed up. You can get a deeper note at the same tension as with a smaller shell.

I use two felt strips on the resonant head and one on the batter side -- IMHO, two heads are better than one [Linked Image]

My toms are 12, 13 and 16" floor.
6 1/2" X 14 Premier snare.

Cheers,
Terry