My question is related to the supension mounts and the ease of changing heads on these drums. On my Gretsch kit, I was surprised to see the old style mounts being used today. It's the first time I've ever owned a set of drums where in order to change the head you also had to take off the rim mount. Head changes are annoying. I owned a Pearl Export and DDrum Diablo at one point and changing a head with their mounting systems was a snap, a couple of minutes and bam, you were done. Is it easy to change heads on the Custom Classics or do these drums use the Gretsch/R.I.M.S style mounts? Just thinking about the mounts on my kit gives me a headache, lol

Sorry to say that the suspension mount has to come off as well to change the head.

Yes the tom mount needs to come off, but I don't see why this is such a big deal. Many other mounting systems, like Pearl Optimounts and ISS mounts, Tama Starcast etc. require the mount to be removed when changing heads.

All you have to do is line up a rubber washer with the lug hole, which takes you about an extra two seconds per lug. If you are leaving your toms on the mount when changing heads, then............. well, I don't know what to tell you. In my humble opinion, you should never change/tune a head while the drum is mounted. You'll want to put it on a carpted floor or on your lap so that the other head is dampened, because you only want to tune one side at a time. Tweeking the tuning slightly once it's already mounted is obviously something we all do, but as far as changing heads and tuning it up from scratch, I don't know why you want to leave the drum mounted for that. Not only do both heads ring when tuning, but it can also be very awkward to get at the bottom head when mounted.

Every drum tech and pro drummer I have ever talked to (or watch videos of) NEVER has the drum mounted when tuning it. Not trying to be harsh, because every drummer does it his or her own way, but there must be a reason why so many pros change heads and tune the drum away from the mounting device. If you do want to continue to do it your own way, I admire that and don't want to criticize that, but these types of mounting systems are something you'll have to deal with if you choose to keep doing it your own way.

Ahhh, it sounds like you are referring to the Pearl I.S.S. mounts. Is this what you mean?

http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/Pearl-IS1216SL-ISS-Mount-12-to-16?sku=447939

These are quick to take off I agree, but the thing I don't like about them is that they actually change the pitch and tuning of the head slightly. This happens because when you tighten the hooks to the rim of the drum, the black metal plate presses up on the underneath side of the head slightly. I know it's hard to believe, but try it and you'll notice a slight difference in the drum's pitch when the hooks are fully tightened onto the rim. Just my two cents. On the plus side, you get virtually no bounce out of your toms when mounting them on ISS mounts.

Even though it is "1980's technology", there is a reason why so many companies still use it.

Your explanation makes a lot more sense now. If you really want a good way to make quick and easy head changes with a good mount, check out the Mapex Meridian line and the ddrum reflex line as a good example of integrating the mount right to the lug design. Not that these are in any way better than Custom Classics! Ha ha.