At least I think so anyway!

On other kits I use the(after market) Gibraltar Universal Suspension Mounts that are adjustable to fit any drum from 8" to 14" in diameter, regardless of the number of lugs. The drums are supported by the rubber grommets like regular suspension mounts, but instead of having a set diameter and 4 "ears" (like on other suspension mounts, including those included with the PBJ and PBH's), the Universal Mounts support the drum by only 2 lugs, not 4, and the distance of the two rubber grommets (depending on the number of lugs and diameter of the drum) are adjustable via a sliiding "ear" on a track that locks down with a drum key operated bolt. See picture here:

http://www.gibraltarhardware.com/?fa=partsdetail&curcat=2&bnd=11&cid=120&sid=669&pid=2135

I like the ease of use and cleaner look of the universal mounts. By only using two lugs rather than 4 to suspend the drum, it looks less bulky, shows more of the shell, and makes it easier to position the toms closer together (if you use two or more rack toms), and makes the drums themselves easier to fit into cases, all with no perceived loss (at least to me) of proper support for the drum.

I decided to cut my PBJ suspension mount down, so that the tom was only being held by 2 "ears" instead of 4. I think it makes a tremendous difference! It has no less support for the drum (let's face it, these aren't the heaviest drums in the world anyway), and in fact, the drum has MUCH less movement when mounted then before. It barely moves or shakes at all now. Prior to this, sometimes the rubber grommets would move when I hit the bass drum, causing a little rubber "squeak" occassionally. Now the drum is held much more securley and I think the lower mass and less bulky look of the suspension mount really brings out more of the beautiful lacquer of the drum. I also replaced the bulky heart shaped wing nut with a lower profile "T" nut, and I love the results! Smooth, streamlined and beautiful! It sounds odd to say, but now I notice the tom instead of the suspension mount when I look at it. I just cut it with a standard hacksaw, and then smoothed down the ends with a metal file.








What do you guys think? As always, feedback is welcomed! Thanks!

Looks good man. Nice refurbish. This would alleviate the need to buy a bag a size bigger for your toms, right? Now your kit is unique.

Hmm.. Interesting. I have seen Gretsch use 2 tab (ear) GTS mounts on their Catalina Maple kits. I question whether or not using 2 t-rods To support the drum instead of 4, would increase weight stress on a smaller area of shell - or could the drums tunability be adversely effected ??

I agree that the 2 tab set up is more aesthetically pleasing..but I still question the physics aspect of it.

Good questions!

pearly- I actually find that on the 4-tab set up, almost 90% of the weight of the drum is on the middle two tabs anyway. The two outside tabs tend to move and "float" a lot more when the drum is mounted. I have used the Gibraltar mounts for years and I have noticed no adverse affect at all on tuning and/or stabilization. In fact, the drum actually mounts much more securley now than it did before, with less movement; barely any at all.

cd- The drum fit in a regular 8" x 12" bag before I did the modification, but it was a pretty tight squeeze. Using the smaller wing nut really helps with that.

Wow, that is a really good idea! Thanks for the pics!