Thanks all. Seems there are quite a few options. I'm in Connecticut
and noticed that Marc Bernier is nearby. Marc, we are planning to come see you in Mystic on Dec. 9th if I read your website correctly. Maybe you'll have one with you my wife could try out to see if she really wants to get into it. There are also a couple good videos on Youtube of different drums and one of a guy playing a Alfonso drum that sounded great.
Thanks again, Tom