Hi Vrdpkr. I play (semi-pro) and teach bodhrán, so here's what little advice I can offer, for what it's worth. Unless you're pretty serious minded about playing (as opposed to "hitting" the drum, I'm sure you know the type of person I mean) I wouldn't spend loads of money. Assuming you are a serious kind of guy, the most you really need to spend is £150 - TOPS. Seamus O'Kane, mentioned earlier, makes absolutely the finest drums I've ever played. He's the drum of choice for players of the calibre of John Joe Kelly, Mark Maguire, Martin O'Neill etc(and I play one too). One of his would cost about £150. Anyone who makes drums and charges more than that is ripping you off. Seamus will ship to America, though you may have to wait a wee while as he always has a waiting list. Eamonn Maguire also makes good drums. I would recommend either of these (Northern Ireland) based makers as I have drums by both. Purely for the reason that I don't have one, I couldn't actually recommend drums by the likes of Eoin Leonard, John Jackson, Charlie Byrne, Mog, Dave Gormlie, or Brendan White, but they are all reputable makers. Personally, I'd avoid Roundstone and Waltons (don't want to say anything slanderous) just as a personal thing. You won't find many "professionals" using either of these, trust me. If you don't mind spending the money, Seamus O'Kane is your man every time, and he's a true gentleman and a nice guy into the bargain. m.d.