Okay, I just voted and I also went with a 26, And hears why number one, I've always loved the sound that Bonzo got out of his bass drum.
Number two I already have a 24 and as I said earlier I am very pleased with it. But still I keep imagining what if it was a 26, so that's why I'm looking at these two kits.
I have used all 3 before.All serve their purpose tonally in recording, and contain worlds of sonic exploration.How they feel is an equal yet different relationship.I like how a 28 rattles back at you...rides like an old Fatboy...but because of the sheer area that the head is, and how it vibrates...it takes some getting used to.Also...at least for "rock" purposes, you really gotta giver to get 28s singing...which can take it right out of you, if you're not ready for it.A 26 has more control. All around easier on your legs, while still big, and curvy;)And though 26s can get pretty dark...the 28 owns the dark, y'know.lolThe 24 feels kinda standard now...like how 22s have been the standard all along.My 24 gets the most work. It's easy work, and sounds killer every time.It travels easier too.Sadly though, after playing big drums for a while...little kicks never really quite get away from feeling like playing floor toms...or boxes.lolCheers.
Hey whodo,
I appreciate your detailed information on the subject. As I said I never played anything larger than a 24, so this thread is really for my education if nothing else. As I also said I am looking at two radio King kits and both have bass drums larger than a 24. So here's the thing, the one with the 26
has been completely restored. It is all original except for the wrap/white Marine Perl 26, 13, 14, 16 and 14. $2400.99. The other has the 28 and the same sizes for all the toms minus the snare. $1750.00
The first… With the 26 is dated 1946 – 1948. The second is dated 1940s and according to the catalog it is a Gene Krupa Super Radio King Deluxe.
So you see why I'm torn between the two.
I love big bass drums they are my favorite. I own 24" 26" and 28" if you have never played a 28" bass drum you don't know what you are missing they just roar. but 26" are my favorites.
I am very curious about both of them but still, I wonder if the 28 may be too much/not as versatile as the 26. But I guess I don't really have to make a decision, I can just get both and have all three, just like you.:D
Go big or go home... lol 26 inch is just right they move a tremendous amount of air and once you have played one you never ever will go back to small bass drums they just don't cut it..... and a 26 will fit into any music style...
my thoughts exactly, big enough to deliver massive power yet articulate enough to fit any style of music.
I am very curious about both of them but still, I wonder if the 28 may be too much/not as versatile as the 26. But I guess I don't really have to make a decision, I can just get both and have all three, just like you.:D
The jump from a 26" to 28" is not much of a big deal, but going from anything smaller you'll need sometime with a 28" to come to grips with it. I use an extended length beater from either danmar or Gibraltar on both my 26' AND 28" Bass drums, I also use custom ordered remo PS3 Bass drum heads front and back and they are tuned tighter than you would think. As mentioned 28" because you are sitting in the bass drum head when struck it gives you a roar you actually will fill it through your body they are awesome, they can be used in any musical situation, just depends on how you tune them you can calm them down easily with muffling, Don't forget 28" were the normal size in the beginning of trap sets. also Mick fleetwood uses one now, also Bun e carlos used a radio king 28" for a very long time also,
I took 24 because it was the smallest you allowed for. I've only had one 24" bass and none of the other two. As someone else indicated, it created a bit of an issue with positioning the tom. It was a Rogers with the far left/far rear mount, so that helped a bit. But I wouldn't do it again because of the comfort factor, and the fact that it would not fit well in my MINI. So I've drawn the line at 22. That said, they sound great. I love the sound that both Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson got with their big bass drums which they were able to boot or buff. Good luck deciding Jack.
They're all killer drums. Im a small guy but I feel like Thor when I play on my 26" vistalite! And when I play my 28" Radio king I'm Odin himself!Laughing H
The jump from a 26" to 28" is not much of a big deal, but going from anything smaller you'll need sometime with a 28" to come to grips with it. I use an extended length beater from either danmar or Gibraltar on both my 26' AND 28" Bass drums, I also use custom ordered remo PS3 Bass drum heads front and back and they are tuned tighter than you would think. As mentioned 28" because you are sitting in the bass drum head when struck it gives you a roar you actually will fill it through your body they are awesome, they can be used in any musical situation, just depends on how you tune them you can calm them down easily with muffling, Don't forget 28" were the normal size in the beginning of trap sets. also Mick fleetwood uses one now, also Bun e carlos used a radio king 28" for a very long time also,
So it seems to me what you are saying is that the contrast between 26 and 28 isn't as much as the job from a 24 to a 26?
Hey thanks Dan!
