[fryed]

I'm currently in the market for a new kit and would like to hear anyone else's comparisons of fusion kits vs. standard kits. Right now I have a 7-year old fusion Pearl Export and it's time to move up to maple or birch. My style is a funkier one and so I guess another fusion setup might be the way to go. This might sound bad, but fusion setups are the best bet for this style, right?Has anyone beat out some decent funky beats with a standard (12, 13, 16 toms) setup?

Also, if anyone can give me a comparison of maple and birch kits (including which are better for which styles) that would be awesome. Even though I've read stuff in the past, I don't feel like I'm informed enough. Admittedly, I haven't physically made much of an effort to actually play these and see for myself, but it's a pain in the ass when guitar center seems to be the only place to go to do that.

Lastly, if anyone can give opinions on the Mapex M series sets, I'd appreciate that too. If you can, comment on the non-penetrating bass drum and whether or not it significantly affects tom-height preferences (I tend to put them as far down as they'll go). THANX!!!

	Pearl Drums Shop for Pearl Drums at Musician's Friend

	Mapex Drums Shop for Mapex Drums at Musician's Friend

[gyutae]

Hey fryed,
In terms of fusion vs standard sets, there's really no way to tell you what exactly to get. You can easily beat out some funky beats with a standard set up. It all depends on tuning and they sound that you want from your kit. You shouldn't get a fusion kit just because of a funky style. It really doesn't make that much of a difference. The only difference is shell sizes which change the tone of the drums a little bit.

As for maple and birch, they say maple is louder and brighter and birch is clear and penetrating. Maple would be good if you plan on doing any live gigs or performances and birch is good for recording. But in the end, it all depends on the sound you're looking for so test them out and see what you like.

Mapex M are great drums from what I hear and I don't think you can go wrong with them unless you want to try other brands as well.

	Mapex Drums Shop for Mapex Drums at Musician's Friend

[skinslapper]

I had recently been looking very closely into birch, but after trying them out in the store, I found it to be too muffled and dampened. Maple a gogo.

[AvengedDrummer]

I like fusion kits. The toms are easier to position where you want, and I like the sound you get out of the slighty smaller drums.