stoopid newbie questions

I started a thread about a week ago about getting a drum kit for my niece...and thanks to everybody who weighed in.

I've been shopping around, and I think I have narrowed things down a little bit...I wanted to throw a few more questions out, though.

**how much of a difference is there between the jazz/fusion/power sizes? Does the size make any difference as far as playability goes, or is it about volume? Would a jazz set make sense for a teenage girl? Are jazz sets a little quieter?

**Is there any advantage to getting a shell pack and separate hardware? Or should I stick with the sets that have hardware?

**Is the Premier Cabria 5-piece jazz set a good buy at $599?

**What about the Ludwig Accent CS Elites for $639? I think all the jazz/fusion/power sizes are the same price.

**Where are most of these beginner kits made? China? Just curious...

I've done several searches on this forum, too, but I'm having a hard time finding out about some of these specifics.

The sizes of the drums shouldn't have any effect on the overall playability of the kit. The smaller fusion size drums have a bit more punch than the standard sizes, whereas the standard drums offer more resonance. In the end though it all comes down to personal taste. Fusion size drums can get just as loud as standard drums. Some might even say they're louder.

I guess there are some advantages to getting the shell pack and the hardware separately. The most obvious is that you can chose the hardware you like, but I think if I was getting a kit for my teenage niece I would go with a kit that comes with hardware. It's cheaper in the long run, and at this point (I'm assuming she's new to drumming) you can't be for certain that she's even going to stick with it, so I don't see the need in shelling out a bunch of extra cash for alot of hardware.

Thanks. You're right--there's no way to know if she'll get into drumming, although I do have to say that she is very musical--very good on the piano. She will be jamming with her brother--I set him up with a guitar rig.

I priced out a some different combinations of shell packs/separate hardware and complete kits, and there really isn't that much difference price-wise. I was wondering how many corners they cut on the all-in-one sets.

You don't happen to know if the Premier is made in England, by any chance? I've always wondered if the drum companies have outsourced everything like the guitar companies do.

http://www.georgesdrumshop.com/t-faq1.aspx

Jazz is normally a 4 piece with 10, 14x14, 20 + 14x5 snare. Fusion is normally 5 piece 10, 12, 14x12, 22 14x5.5 snare. Power is normally 12, 13, 16, 22 and 14x6 snare. Not much difference in volume, but different tones. Jazz are more sensitive so, they respond better to being played light, while rock setups respond better to heavier heads and a good pounding.

Don't try to change the set-up just because someone is a girl. Choose the set-up based on the music being played, otherwise you are doing everyone a dis-service.

I don't know if you saw my post before or after I edited it, but if you saw it before then I'm about to do a total 180 degree turn around on the Cabria kits. I was thinking of another line of premier drums. The Cabrias, I believe, are made of philippine mahogany, while the Ludwig Accent CS series are 100% birch. By that alone I would choose the Ludwigs. Sorry about the confusion. I'm not quite awake yet.

Anyway, it's highly doubtful the the Cambrias are made in England. Outsourcing is the sign of the times.

Usually, at least from my own personal experience, the hardware you get with kits is pretty good stuff, not top-of-the-line, but still good quality.

sorry... website is trippin'.

I get the impression that some companies use their entry level kits as a 'loss leader'. The quality of the Rydeen kit I bought a few months ago is very good for the price. I can't see where they've cut any corners. Like I've said before, the Rydeens are nowhere near my DW's, but for $499, they are a bargain!