What do you look for in a new drum? I have no idea.

[~niamh_x~]

I want to be a drummer. Well, i want to start drumming, anyway. I have a really bad set of bongoes, but I want to buy a new drum to inspire me.

I like those ones that are hourglass shaped-- sorry for my ignorance when it comes to the names/properties of drums-- and are open on both ends, the top having skins or plastic. I see some all the time, some expensive, others less so-- but what do i look for when I actually DO end up buying one? I have no idea what to look for. I know sound is key, but what else??

Thanks for the help!!!
Niamh

[st0rm]

quality of the skin and wood...

[~niamh_x~]

""quality of the skin and wood...""
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But how should the skin feel? Not that rough/translucent stuff? A smooth/thicker finish?

And would the wood look/feel nice? I can generally tell when a drum is poorly made, but are there subtleties that tell me a drum is not high quality when it actually looks like it is?

And what is an average price for a good beginner's drum? Is there another kind I should consider?

[st0rm]

hmm.. If ure short on cash I would recommend secondhad instrument/music shops...

And the wood shouldnt be too light or too heavy (having a really hard time to explain this)... The leather shouldnt be too dry either and it shouldnt be too loose on the drum(I really suck at explaining stuff...). U could acctually ask the ppl working in the stores, they are often nice and helpfull...