Q: Which drum sizes can be nested?
A: In order for one drum shell to nest inside a larger shell, the difference between the two shells must be at least 3 inches. Although, hardware such as floor tom leg brackets and rack tom mounts can prevent nesting.
Q: What drum heads come standard on a Brownie Nesting Drum set?
A: Aquarian drum heads come standard on all sets. The Superkick I and Regulator heads are found on the bass drum, and clear Super2s and Classic Clears are found on the toms. Since each nesting drum kit is custom built, alternative head choices are optional and may require an additional charge.
Q: Why do Brownie Nesting Drums come standard with all birch shells?
A: After years of playing a variety shells in a live band setting, extensive experience has proven that birch shells provide the projection and punch – essential tonal characteristics for smaller diameter shells. Birch shells continuously prove to have enough volume and cut to project in a large setting, and simultaneously have the sensitivity for more intimate gigs – qualities maple shells are often lacking. Brownie Nesting kits can be built with alternative wood species or a combination of several wood species, although birch shells are highly recommended.
Q: Why doesn’t a snare drum nest with the bass, floor tom and rack tom?
A: Nesting a snare drum within the toms has proven to be impractical and not essential to traveling easily with a nesting set. To avoid an extra case for your snare drum, a simple solution is placing a snare drum in the top portion of the nesting drum case. To accommodate space for a snare drum, cymbals, throne top or other accessories – a case with a greater depth can be provided. And of course, a matching snare drum can be built for any Brownie Nesting Drum set.
Q: Can more than 3 three drum shells be nested at a time?
A: We strongly recommend nesting three drums – the kick, floor tom and rack tom. Nesting more than three drums, although a service we do offer, can cross the boundary of convenience and portability. Keeping gear compact and reducing overall weight is the entire premise of traveling with a nesting club kit. It is important to remember that, larger shell sizes and number of shells will increase the overall weight and manageability of your drums.
Q: Why is a soft case included with Brownie Nesting kits and not a hard-shell case?
A: Hard-shell cases, although extremely protective, have a considerable amount of weight alone. This additional weight can cause the overall weight of your Brownie Nesting kit to become unmanageable and not as easy to transport. If you intend to use a hand-truck to transport your nesting kit, then a hard-shell case is recommended.
Q: While nested in the case, do Brownie Nesting drums slide and clammer within the case while transporting?
A: Provided with each Brownie Nesting kit are circular high-density foam inserts to prevent shell migration while nested. Foam inserts are specifically sized for each kit to provide a perfect fit and complete protection. With the addition of Ahead’s fleece interior-lined case, all Brownie Nesting drums are safe and sound for transport.
Q: Is a drum riser a requirement for nesting drum club kits?
A: Generally speaking, drum risers are not essential for 20″ kick drums. For 18″ kicks, a riser is not needed for bebop or jazz styles of playing; but would be recommended for more rock oriented styles, allowing for a more contemporary or modern drum sound. Drum riser needs and options are discussed during consultation.
Q: Do the latches on a Brownie Nesting drum kit ever loosen or rattle while playing?
A: The latch may be the single most important part of a nesting drum kit. Brownie Nesting kits come with Penn-Elcom medium surface latches. These wonderful steel latches have a great look, simple design and incredible durability. Penn-Elcom surface latches will never rattle and will not migrate from their proper positioning. The very first Brownie Nesting drum set was used rigorously for 5 years and over 500 live performances, and not one Penn-Elcom surface latch required adjustment.
Q: What is the total weight of a Brownie Nesting Kit?
A: Brownie Nesting kits weigh a total of 36.7lbs, including the weight of the case. The shell sizes and type of finish can impact the overall weight, but only by one or two pounds.
Q: What hardware is included with a Brownie Nesting Kit?
A: No hardware, such as: snare stand, cymbal stand, or drum throne is included with our nesting kits. Drum Risers, aluminum suspension rack-tom mount and bass drum cymbal mount are provided with each Brownie Nesting Kit. At Brownie, we recognize that each player is different and preference in drum set-up can vary greatly. We leave mounting and hardware decisions in the hands of the player. A great addition to any Brownie Nesting Club Kit is DrumWorkshop’s Ultralight hardware, Tama Classic Series lightweight hardware or Yamaha Crosstown Advanced lightweight hardware.
