Drum hardware and drum secured thereon are preferably supported on a vest type carrier or a T-bar carrier having a plurality of separate parts removable from each other and formed of a rigid plastic, light metal such as magnesium, aluminum or titanium. The removable hardware includes a removable back support member. The instrument carrier includes an expandable and or adjustable front section(s) that allows for at least one front adjustment of the carrier to adjust the overall length of the carrier to accommodate users of different sizes.