Expert: the - 12/2/2007

Question
QUESTION: How important are the number of lugs a drum has, ie., 20 lugs vs. 12 lugs on a bass drum, as an indicator of quality and stability? And are you familiar with a drum set brand name known as Gammon Percussion?

ANSWER: Turner--the more lugs just make it easier to get the drum more finely tuned.
But  there were thousands of great recordings made with drums that had just a few lugs.
Bass drums & snare drums with 6 lugs, toms with 5 lugs etc...The rule of thumb is the more lugs, the higher quality.The cheaper drums do not put that many lugs on drum.
 Never heard of Gammon Percussion.
Hope this helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you. As a follow up, what would you look for in a beginning drum set, and how would you determine whether you are getting a quality instrument? Also, could you address the pros and cons of electronic vs. non-electronic sets for beginners?

Answer
I look for ease of warranty issues and ease of getting parts--There are 2 companies that do this real well--
Pearl and PDP--(made by DW)---
I would not buy from any other companies.
Your other option is to get a used pro level kit.
99% of the stuff made today is OK--if someone were making junk, it would be all the internet and they would soon be out of business.
As for electronics---don't bother.
If am acoustic set breaks, you can fix it yourself.
If an electronic kit breaks, you take it to an electronic repair technician and pay him $65 an hour till it is fixed.
Hope this helps.
Mike