These are absolutely the BEST sounding drums I've ever played, I played a gig last night for the first time with this kit and wow! I've owned them all, Pearl, Ludwig, Slingerland,Grestch, DW, Fibes, Mapex, Premier, Sonor and these are without a doubt are the best sounding, feeling, and looking drums I've had. I couldn't believe the sound I was hearing, I didn't have to slam the drums, they just responded so well, I didn't want to stop playing. If you ever have a chance to buy an Ayotte kit, run, don't walk to your bank.