DRUMANDSTAGE FORUM

This is both a general discussion AND a personal query, so feel free to opine on any level.

I am toying with the idea of ordering a new SQ2 next year. I definitely want a tom mount. I think I could be perfectly happy with the standard tom mount, but the rocket launcher does have its merits, as well.

From a standpoint of mass and weight, the rocket launcher is an issue. Seems like they could offer an unobtrusive post option that wasn't as massive and tall. That's one of my dislikes about it. For a 12" single tom, that is a lot of hardware!

This being a heavy shelled drum, I don't think there would be a sonic benefit over the standard mount, so that's not really a concern. The upside to the rocket launcher is that it is completely removable.

A tom mount is a MUST for me, and I totally get that others and why others don't prefer them.

I'm not a fan of stand mounted toms, especially for gigging. I've been happy with the standard double tom mount on my Frankenstein Designers, SQ2, and Vintage Series, but I did the drilling myself. I use 2 rack toms and play a middle pedal, so I need the toms about 4 inches closer to the resonant head than the stock position. I think the Rocket Launcher is cool, especially the sliding function, but the extra weight is a factor, and I don't like the look of that post sticking up so high. Since you're going with a 14" deep SQ2 BD, take a look at where your current stand mounted tom sits relative to the middle of your Vintage Series BD and see if you think the standard mount position from the factory will place the tom where you want it. I think the standard mount position is halfway between the batter and resonant edges. If that'll work for you, you're good. Otherwise, you'll either need to order the mount separately and do the drilling or go with the Rocket Launcher.

When I ordered my SQ2, which will be 2 up and 1 down, I went back and forth between the 2 mounts but opted for the double mount. Couldn't get past the look and bulk of the rocket launcher.