As a long time bata player/student who has recently found the need to play a combined set, I first experimented with strapping them to a chair. I found out a way to do it which was quick and easy to set up and worked fine, but realised after a while that it might actually feel better if I was standing up rather than sitting down.
This is when I decided to check out the LP stand. First I borrowed one from a percussionist friend - for a 'product trial'- you might say. I used it on a video shoot, liked it a lot and then decided to get one of my own.
I should say that I have adapted it somewhat to my needs, as I like to configure the drums differently from the suggested configuration (I put the iya where the itotele should normally be, the itotele where the okonkolo should normally be, and strap the okonkolo between the iya and itotele using the elastic cords supplied) but LP allows you to change the configuration of the drum cradles, which is a big plus.
The fact that the stand is on wheels is a big thing for me. Obviously the whole unit when the drums are mounted is pretty heavy, so the ability to wheel it about is a great idea. Not only on stage where, as any drummer will tell you, you are always going to get "do you mind just shifting your set a bit over that way...", but also when practising, if you can't actually practise in the same room where you store the set, but don't want to set up/break down before and after every single practise session. In other words you can easily wheel the entire set-up from place to place (if you are on the same floor,that is)!!.
It's not a criticism exactly, but do bear in mind that the stand is quite heavy. It's not something you can easily carry in one hand while carrying something else in the other hand, for example. Just so you know. If you are going to transport it in a bag, it will require it's very own bag..
In conclusion, I have to say it's a really solid piece of kit, no doubt about it. A proper bit of engineering which also looks pretty nice as it's all chrome-finished. For many players it is probably going to be the prime go-to solution although I suspect something else may hit the market before long. (DW?)
