In response to the original post, Here's the skinny....Even though Ludwig shells are made in the US, the important parts like lugs, inserts, tension rods, bass drum spurs, and strainers are cheaply made in China. The shells are sent to China to be assembled as well. They cut costs on that stuff by out-sourcing to China, but those parts are important. I'm sure that most musicians don't want these parts breaking and then be hard to find as well. And the type of parts you have on the shells do affect the sound. So in purchasing a quality kit, more has to be evaluated other than the "sound". Am I buying drums with proprietary idea and products such as Yamaha's YESS, Pearl Optimounts, etc.? Is this an "A" grade maple or a lower grade maple shell? Is the finish cheap? These difference are why most of these other kits are more expensive and more sought after. But these differences are what make specific drums what they are. Hope this helps. Peace.
