[tcurtiss]

Which would you prefer as a beginner drummer? A new Tama Imperialstar or a used Sonor Force 2001? I have the opportunity to buy a Sonor Force 2001 shell set for $400. I would have to still buy hardware and cymbals. That thought alone is a little daunting to me. Or I can get a new Tama Imperialstar for around $500 that includes everything.

I went to a music store, but they were no help at all. The guy kept trying to push my son into a Pearl Rhythm Traveler. It sounded "tinny". Might as well stick to the pots and pans he currently bangs on in the kitchen. Then he ignored us the rest of the time we were there. Noah kept going back to the Tama set because he liked the way it sounded. I'm not sure what model he was banging on, though. Probably a Starclassic.

So, should I go Sonor or Tama? This is for a beginner six year old.

[Der Trommler]

Well the Sonor 2001 is a slightly higher quality kit, here is some info from The Sonormuseum:

Force 2001, 2003 - 9-ply basswood shells
2005 - 9-ply all birch shell
Matte stain finishes. Chinese made entry/mid level kit.

The Tama is a strickly entry level kit with 6 ply shells made of Poplar.

This is what I would do. I would buy the Tama because it is ready to go right now with everything he needs to get playing. You will have to spend at least $500 more (and probably more than that) to get him started with the Sonor. If he stays with it his ablility with outgrow either of these sets and because that is the case it simply doesn't make sense to spend any more than you have to to get him started. When he starts to get better than his equipment, then start thinking about buying a mid to upper level kit.

Here is an excellent write up about drums shells that will help you with this decision and any future purchases. A must read for anyone wanting to know the differences between woods and thicknesses:

Drum Shells*-*drumbits.com

Hope this helps.

	Tama Drums Shop for Tama Drums at Musician's Friend

	Sonor Drums Shop for Sonor Drums at Musician's Friend

[slingerland]

Go for the Tama and save as much as possible he won't outgrow that set for a while, cymbals and all the hardware are a real expense, GO FOR THE TAMA and GOOD LUCK
SLINGERLAND

	Tama Drums Shop for Tama Drums at Musician's Friend

[tcurtiss]

Why do the higher end sets have 9 plys when you get more resonance out of thinner drums?

[Der Trommler]

Higher end sets don't necessarily have thicker shells. You have to understand just because there are more plys doesn't mean they have thicker shells than drums with fewer plys. That is why most drum makers state the shell thickness also in millimeters. More plys = stronger more durable construction when the shell thickness is the same.

What would make you buy a heavier shell over a thinner shell and visa versa is the same as why you use one type of drum head over another, or why you choose one cymbal over another and that is style of music and personal sound preference.

[haldrums]

Hey,

I agree that the Tama is a good option. Yeah it's a beginner set but it does have everything you need in one pack and will work out cheaper than the Sonor were you'll be buying cymbals and hardware too.

There's a review of the tama imperialstar here that tells you what it's like. Might help you make up your mind.

	Tama Drums Shop for Tama Drums at Musician's Friend

	Sonor Drums Shop for Sonor Drums at Musician's Friend