What is the primary function of the DW Single Tom Clamp?

It is designed to mount a single rack tom to an existing cymbal stand, eliminating the need for a dedicated tom stand. This helps save floor space and reduces the total weight of the hardware kit.

What size is the L-arm on this clamp?

The clamp features a 1/2-inch L-arm. This is the standard diameter for DW tom mounts and is compatible with several other professional drum brands.

How does the ball joint benefit the drummer?

The ball joint allows for smooth, 360-degree positioning of the tom. Unlike geared tilters that move in increments, the ball joint allows for precise angle adjustments to suit the drummer's ergonomic needs.

What is the purpose of the MGM V Memory Lock?

The V memory lock allows the drummer to lock in the exact position and height of the tom. It ensures that the drum stays secure during play and returns to the same position after being disassembled for transport.

Can this clamp be attached to any cymbal stand?

The clamp is designed to be universal and can be attached to the tubing of almost any standard cymbal stand. However, users should ensure the host stand is heavy enough to support the weight of the tom.

Is this product suitable for mounting heavy floor toms?

While it is robust, it is primarily intended for rack toms. If mounting a large or heavy drum, the stability will depend heavily on the tripod base of the cymbal stand it is attached to.

How much does this DW tom clamp typically cost?

The typical price for this specific DW hardware component is approximately £64.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

Does this clamp include a drum key for adjustments?

Standard clamps usually require a drum key for the memory locks, but the main wing nuts are hand-operated. Separate accessories like the Tackle Instrument Supply Co. or Gibraltar drum keys can be used for the memory lock bolts.

How does this compare to a Tama Roadpro Single Tom Stand?

The DW clamp is a space-saving attachment for an existing stand, whereas the Tama Roadpro is a standalone tripod unit. The clamp is more portable, but the stand offers independent placement away from other hardware.

Will this work with a Pearl tom mount?

No, Pearl typically uses 7/8-inch pipe mounts, whereas this DW clamp uses a 1/2-inch L-arm. You would need a specific Pearl-style holder like the Pearl Mini Closed Hi-Hat Holder logic for pipe-based systems.

Is the finish durable for touring?

Yes, DW hardware is known for its high-quality chrome plating. It is designed to resist corrosion and withstand the rigours of frequent assembly and disassembly during touring.

Can the L-arm be replaced if damaged?

The L-arm is integrated into the ball joint mechanism. While the entire ball/arm assembly can often be serviced, the unit is typically sold as a complete clamp and arm set.

Gear article

DW Drums Single Tom Clamp with V Memory Lock

The DW Drums Single Tom Clamp with V Memory Lock is a specialised drum hardware component designed to mount a rack tom directly onto an existing cymbal stand. Utilising a 1/2-inch L-arm and an integrated ball joint, it offers drummers a flexible and space-saving solution for kit configuration.

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Overview

The DW Single Tom Clamp is a utility-focused piece of hardware that allows for the expansion of a drum kit without the need for additional heavy tripod stands. By attaching the clamp to the tube of a cymbal stand, drummers can securely mount a single rack tom. The unit integrates an L-arm with a high-friction ball joint, allowing for multi-directional positioning that is both smooth and precise. This design is particularly valued for its ability to reduce the 'footprint' of a drum kit on stage or in the studio.

Key Features and Mechanism

The primary functional component of this clamp is the 1/2-inch L-arm, which is the standard size for DW tom brackets. The arm is connected to the main clamp via a ball-and-socket joint, providing virtually infinite angle adjustments compared to traditional geared tilters.

A critical inclusion is the MGM V memory lock. This lock is designed to mate perfectly with DW brackets, ensuring that once the desired height and rotation are set, the drum can be removed and replaced in the exact same position every time. The clamp itself is engineered to fit a wide variety of cymbal stand diameters, making it a versatile addition to mixed-brand hardware setups.

Character and Build Quality

In keeping with DW Drums' reputation for robust hardware, this clamp is constructed from heavy-duty alloys designed to withstand the vibrations and weight of professional-grade toms. The chrome finish is durable, and the oversized wing nuts provide sufficient leverage for secure tightening by hand. The ball joint is engineered to prevent 'slipping' during high-impact play, maintaining the drum's position even under heavy load.

User Suitability

This hardware is best suited for drummers looking to streamline their setup or those using 'virgin' bass drums (drums without built-in tom mounts). It is an ideal choice for session players who require quick setup times and consistent positioning. While it is designed by DW, the clamp's adjustable nature allows it to be used by any drummer whose rack tom accepts a 1/2-inch L-arm, providing a reliable mounting alternative to dedicated tom stands like the Tama Roadpro Single Tom Stand.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to full stands like the Tama HTS88W or the Sonor 6000 series, the DW Single Tom Clamp offers a more portable and cost-effective solution. While dedicated stands provide independent stability, they take up more floor space. Compared to basic clamps, the DW version distinguishes itself through the inclusion of the V memory lock and the smoothness of the ball-joint tilter. For drummers using different configurations, such as marching setups involving the Premier NXT GEN stands, this clamp offers a stationary, kit-based alternative for standard percussion mounting.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the DW Single Tom Clamp?: It is designed to mount a single rack tom to an existing cymbal stand, eliminating the need for a dedicated tom stand. This helps save floor space and reduces the total weight of the hardware kit.
What size is the L-arm on this clamp?: The clamp features a 1/2-inch L-arm. This is the standard diameter for DW tom mounts and is compatible with several other professional drum brands.
How does the ball joint benefit the drummer?: The ball joint allows for smooth, 360-degree positioning of the tom. Unlike geared tilters that move in increments, the ball joint allows for precise angle adjustments to suit the drummer's ergonomic needs.
What is the purpose of the MGM V Memory Lock?: The V memory lock allows the drummer to lock in the exact position and height of the tom. It ensures that the drum stays secure during play and returns to the same position after being disassembled for transport.
Can this clamp be attached to any cymbal stand?: The clamp is designed to be universal and can be attached to the tubing of almost any standard cymbal stand. However, users should ensure the host stand is heavy enough to support the weight of the tom.
Is this product suitable for mounting heavy floor toms?: While it is robust, it is primarily intended for rack toms. If mounting a large or heavy drum, the stability will depend heavily on the tripod base of the cymbal stand it is attached to.
How much does this DW tom clamp typically cost?: The typical price for this specific DW hardware component is approximately £64.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
Does this clamp include a drum key for adjustments?: Standard clamps usually require a drum key for the memory locks, but the main wing nuts are hand-operated. Separate accessories like the Tackle Instrument Supply Co. or Gibraltar drum keys can be used for the memory lock bolts.
How does this compare to a Tama Roadpro Single Tom Stand?: The DW clamp is a space-saving attachment for an existing stand, whereas the Tama Roadpro is a standalone tripod unit. The clamp is more portable, but the stand offers independent placement away from other hardware.
Will this work with a Pearl tom mount?: No, Pearl typically uses 7/8-inch pipe mounts, whereas this DW clamp uses a 1/2-inch L-arm. You would need a specific Pearl-style holder like the Pearl Mini Closed Hi-Hat Holder logic for pipe-based systems.
Is the finish durable for touring?: Yes, DW hardware is known for its high-quality chrome plating. It is designed to resist corrosion and withstand the rigours of frequent assembly and disassembly during touring.
Can the L-arm be replaced if damaged?: The L-arm is integrated into the ball joint mechanism. While the entire ball/arm assembly can often be serviced, the unit is typically sold as a complete clamp and arm set.