We used to call them "panty removers"Walking

[COLOR="DarkOliveGreen"]So many things to consider such as ply thicknesses, shell thicknesses, wood density, bearing edge profiles, etc.

Luan wood isn't very dense and it's porous so it doesn't reflect sound a whole lot. Add to that the stock bearing edge which was usually blunt/rounded and it isn't gonna produce much 'oomph'. Oftentimes I will recut the edges to a sharper profile, and in some cases also sand and oil the interior surface of the shell - although w/ old, vertical grained Luan that just doesn't work well ...which is why Tama and such started 'zola-coating' the shell interiors of Luan shells (to make them more sonically reflective).[/COLOR]

Good responses here.Like Osaka said,thats why i have a hardwood kit,so that i can get that reflection i need.For me,i like the fact that MIJ drums are quieter/mellower because that makes them perfect for some gigs where the "maple" kit would be too much.Even with round edges,these crude American copies have thier place in todays music scene...if you want them to.