What, really, is the difference between cheap drums and good drums? How significant are the differences and how do they affect the behavior of the drum? And what can be done to improve the quality of truly cheap drums?

No, I don't recommend buying uber cheap drums and then trying to fix them up (big hassle and probably as much expense as just buying a better drum to begin with), but for the sake of demonstration in this video I do improve the craftsmanship of an otherwise cheap snare drum (with cheap hardware) just to see what role craftsmanship plays in the manufacture of good drums. So let's get into it!! It's the most fun you'll have all week, of course!

Jon Zoog (Dallas Drum) can be reached at https://dallasdrum.com
I have no financial affiliation with Dallas Drum or Jon Zoog -- he just knows his stuff (and is a really cool dude to boot!!)