There is a fair amount of movement possible with a rail mount, but you might find it just as easy to fold it down over the bass and use a snare stand for the tom or remove it for the time being (don't lose it!) and put 4 chrome carriage head bolts in to make it neat.

It's usually hard enough getting a tom in a normal position with the rail consolette, so if you put yours in an odd position, I wouldn't count on that mount working real well without trying it first. It will be better if it has the long spade piece.

Thanks very much for the replies. It's not so much the rail mount as it is for the ability for the tom to rotate on its holder. For instance, in a Ludwig with a rail mount of the same period, you can swivel the tom almost 360 if need be. I can play those kits just fine. What I need to know is, how much give and take does the tom have on its holder? The rail mount I can live with. Sorry if I was unclear.

Thanks again.

The tom should have a diamond plate which will not rotate.

If you get the longer spade that connects the rail to the diamond plate on the tom and turn the piece into which the spade fits to the upward rather than the normal horizontal position, you can rotate the spade somewhat, but still not to the limits you get with a Ludwig. But as stock item (as shown in the pic of the natural finish set), there is essentially no rotation available in the front to back orientation.

I'm not sure if you're going to be able to see it or not, but in the picture of this Gretsch set, the long spade is in place with the rail piece in the upright direction. This does lead to limited rotation.

Of course, if you get out a big ole drill and add some holes, you can put on a Swivomatic mount like Ringo and Mitch and others and you'll have rotation to spare.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, just kidding!

(But you have to love Swivomatic)

Thanks guys. Yes, I see what you mean. That wouldn't work for me at all. Guess I will start looking at Ludwigs. I know they work like I need, as that's what I learned to play on.

Maybe you should reconsider the idea of using a snare drum stand for the tom. Camcos are incredible drums and while we speak they are getting harder to find. If its a good deal: GRAB'EM!!!!!!

I'm far too obsessive to use a snare stand as a tom holder. I'm still doing some thinking. With a bit of practice, I could probably adjust to playing the kick it its normal position. I know what you mean about Camcos. I know a few people that think they were the best drums ever made. So I'm still in contemplation mode.