I just baught this little drum, and set it up three days ago. I had a four piece kit for a while and decided it was time to add some more drums to the mix. I did my research and decided to go with a smaller tom and wanted one in birch. I heard that drums made from birch have really warm characteristics, punchy lows and even highs with reduced mids and overtones. I was a bit skeptical about buying a piece of equipment without hearing it first, you know test driving it and all, but I don't regret buying this drum at all. the birch core definatly lives up to its name however, I would have liked to see some die cast hoops on it, but the tone of the drum makes up for it. It was tuned almost to perfection right out of the box, and the stock heads seem ok for now but we'll see. also the mounting bracket is easy to manouver. so if your looking to expand buy this drum!