Apparatus is disclosed for carrying percussion instruments, particularly drums of various kinds, which comprises a combination of a carrier assembly with a novel receptacle for supporting J-rods thereon. The carrier is a vest-type or T-bar-type carrier with clamps for tubes or J-rods having a base and overlying portion configured to engage the tube or J-rod at a plurality of distinct and separate points. Variations are shown which have one or more clamps on a single base. In other embodiments, a plurality of clamps are adjustably positioned on the carrier.