Margarita,

Don't buy one that is too big..... ideally if you are sitting down it should fit comfortably, partially into your armpit, (physically impossible with the big ones).

I like a 16 inch one myself (I can hear you giggling.. no comments please**grin**).... although 14 inches is pretty good and my 12 inch one is beautiful to play and has a really good skin to work. The 18 inch ones are too big for me... and I have seen some women my size (ie not very big) trying to play 24 inch drums........ and they simply can't do it!

Next question... do you want to play sitting down or standing up? If you want to stand you will need a cross piece (or two) to make it easier to hold the drum, this has the disadvantage that you have to avoid the cross pieces to "work" the skin on the inside of the drum. If you plan to sit... you don't necessarily need the cross pieces..... I do a bit of both, so I compromise and have only one cross piece.

Hope this helps

slainte

alison