I have seen them used on toms and cymbals.

Hi,
I have one (ATR55), but I've never used it in studio. I've used it mounted on a video camera though. I think they tend to be bright and noisy, but that could just be the 2 that I've used.

Would probably make a great talkback mic or a mic for hearing the musicians speak from the other side of the glass. I have opened it up, and it's basically just 2 small diaphragm condensers lined up with one another, so if you're into mods... :)

Shotguns are used in many studios to do VO's. Because of their their very tight pick-up pattern, the result is a dry, "in-your-face" sound sits well over a music bed.