Tom Holders

The History and Emergence of the Tom Holder

The tom holder plays a central role in a drum kit, ensuring both stability and flexibility in positioning the toms.

The first tom holders appeared as drum kits became standardized during jazz’s golden age in the 1920s and 1930s. At that time, drum kits were still quite basic, and toms were often mounted on snare stands or held in place by more improvised solutions. It was a period of few but essential solutions, as the tom holders we know today had yet to be developed.

In the 1950s, the development of tom holders accelerated with designs from companies like Ludwig and Gretsch. As drum kits grew in size and musical styles became more complex, the demand for solid, adjustable hardware increased. Early mounting systems used simple tubes and ball joints, making it easier to adjust the tom angles. However, these early designs weren’t always stable enough to withstand vigorous drumming, leading drummers to seek reliable, flexible solutions that could hold up under heavy use.

Today, tom holders come in countless varieties, from traditional tube mounts to modern systems offering precise positioning and angle adjustments. Modern designs are more flexible and can withstand both light and heavy playing without compromising stability.

Modern Solutions for Old Challenges

Thankfully, the less robust solutions of the past have been replaced by innovative, smart systems. With tom holder systems from INDé Drums, for example, you can easily upgrade your old rail system to a modern, practical setup.

We also offer complete tom holder systems that don’t require drilling new holes in your bass drum – perfect for those who want to avoid this!

Check out the selection, and don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.