You can tune a 20 to sound like an 18 by tightening the heads. It's a bit harder the other way around.

The great jazz drummers who played... as well as still play a 20 are too numerous to list.

Perhaps the critical question is your vehicle's size.

Ron

20x14 is the perfect bass drum size. There, I said it.

Thanks fellas. I'd like to pick one up sooner or later, and most likely Ludwig...

just going to echo what others have said about the 20" being so versatile as its true.

It'll go low or high, depends on your pref in sound. I also like 20's since they have more rebound off the head snapping that beater back a bit easier.

Although I lust for the deep boom of my 24, its just to darn loud.

I've got a nice mix of 20s and 22s. Love them both. Never liked the 18. Just too dang small for me. Put the Tom WAY too low for my liking and was never enough bottom end.

Great comments. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of 20" for jazz. One of the main reasons is in the case of "jazz funk" or branching out into some more groove oriented material...yet still keeping a jazzy open kind of drum sound. I think a 20" is probably just more suited for that material, unless you are simply keeping with the old standards...nothing wrong there of course. I'm not looking for a "smooth jazz" drum sound either...that would be more of a fusion setup.

I'm dreaming of a Ludwig Downbeat in the near future! It should do the trick, and I'm a Ludwig guy...and of course Yamaha maples too but don't tell anyone here.

When you get the 20" you'll be amazed at the tuning range. They are great for a whole range of genres besides jazz.

Which is exactly why I had my 2006 Pearl Export bass drum (custom painted kit!) cut down 2" to 20x14, from 20x16!

I don't know, maybe you should've gone even further! My 1960's Camco 12x20 kicks serious butt!