Pearl Reference 5-Piece Fusion Shell Pack Review

This shell pack includes a 22″ x 18″ kick drum, 10″ x 8″ and 12″ x 9″ rack toms, and 14″ x 11″ and 16″ x 13″ floor toms.

Pearl’s Reference Series: These are drums with a rich inner beauty crafted by the artful blending of the finest birch, maple, and African mahogany. Each drum is individually engineered to deliver tonal perfection.

The mission behind the Pearl Reference Series is a complete set of individually engineered, incredible-sounding drums.

To fully understand the Pearl Reference Series, you must understand that the desired tonal characteristics of a 10″ tom are completely different than that of a 22″ bass drum. Thus, to use the same material in both drums would result in a compromise.

The Shells
Pearl Reference Series drums use a combination of task-specific bearing edges and three time-proven woods: birch, maple, and African mahogany. Using maple as a sole material has long been the traditional choice for shells and for good reason. Maple provides smooth, well-balanced tone that is perfect for a 12″ tom. Subsequently, all Reference Series 12″ toms are composed of six plies of maple, the only single-wood shell in the series. The 10″ and 8″ toms receive four plies of maple with two inner plies of birch for cut and attack. For maximum response, all 13″ and smaller toms have rounded 45° bearing edges.

Beginning with the 13″ and larger toms, mahogany is added to the inner plies to increase the lower frequencies and accentuate the warmth of the maple. The 14″ toms and larger begin using fully rounded bearing edges for even more shell contact. 18″ and 20″ bass drums use four inner plies of mahogany with two outer plies of maple. As the size of the bass drums increase, so does the amount of mahogany. The 22″ and 24″ bass drums incorporate an amazing six inner plies of mahogany surrounded by two outer plies of maple for the ultimate in solid responsive bass frequencies.

With Pearl Reference, it’s not about compromise; it’s about every drum in your kit performing at its optimal capacity.

The Hardware The same tireless pursuit of perfection that goes into Pearl’s legendary drums is found in its hardware. This hardware was designed to maximize the sound of your drums. Pearl hardware has set a high standard for strength, durability, and innovation.

Lug design
Bridge-style lugs and floor tom brackets provide maximum resonance with minimal shell contact. Pearl’s revolutionary BRL lugs assure the ultimate in head seating and tuning integrity. The unique swivel function allows the tension rods to align perfectly into the lugs so there’s no lateral pressure against the hoops, thus assuring maximum resonance and sustain.

Bass drum claw hook
Pearl’s kick drum claws incorporate rubber hoop isolators for scratch prevention on lacquered hoops, to provide evenly distributed clamping force for consistent tuning. The key bolts are recessed for snag-free fit in carrying cases and to eliminate accidental detuning.

Floor tom leg brackets with air-suspended rubber tips
Full height adjustment with Pearl’s built in memory lock keeps floor tom positioning perfectly set. Pearls’ patented Air Suspension Rubber Tip allows your floor tom to rest on a cushion of air. These large rubber feet prevent premature sound decay from floor contact. Floor toms never had it so good.

OptiMount suspension system
The OptiMount Suspension System provides tom mounting with zero shell contact for ultimate resonance. By attaching to the tension bolts via isolated rubber bushings the shell is allowed to float which, in turn, allows it to sing to its fullest capabilities.

MasterCast die-cast hoop
Pearls’ die-cast hoops offer state-of-the-art head seating and tuning capabilities thanks to its structural strength and precision manufacturing technique. The MasterCast Hoop system prevents binding and allows the shell to resonate to its absolute fullest potential.

Bass drum spur
Pearls’ telescoping spurs feature rubber or spike tips for maximum traction control. The high-grip rubber tip can be retracted to allow a recessed spike to be exposed for maximum bite on carpeted surfaces.

Stainless steel suspension rods and bolts
Pearl’s stainless steel tension rods are machined from a single piece of stainless steel to the most exacting tolerances in the industry. They feature super smooth and precise tensioning with absolutely no play. Each is matched with a precision-machined brass swivel nut for ultra-precise performance.

Cymbals, stands, and kick pedal not included.

Pearl Reference 5-Piece Fusion Shell Pack Features:

* Drum sizes include:
* 22″ x 18″ kick drum
* 10″ x 8″ and 12″ x 9″ rack toms
* 14″ x 11″ and 16″ x 13″ floor toms

5-Piece Fusion Shell Pack features:
* BRL bridge lugs with swivel function
* LB-200 bridge floor tom leg brackets
* LG-200 floor tom legs
* SP-300 spurs
* MasterCast die cast hoops
* Aluminum OptiMount tom holders
* Stainless steel tension rods
* Molded rubber gaskets
* Remo coated “JP” Ambassador tom batters
* Remo coated “JP” Powerstroke3 kick drum heads
* Cymbals, stands, and kick pedal not included.

Rating:
One of Pearl’s flagship drum sets…Beautiful finish and beautiful sound. A lot of engineering went into this drum set line up. I’m very impressed how Pearl has designed each part of the drum set from ground up, focusing on each individual tonal range for each drum. Shells are beautifully crafted and Pearl hardware, lugs, etc., are very well thought out. I’m a big fan of the optimount system as well. Isolates the individual drum for great sound. This set is a winner.

Pearl FZ725 Forum 5 Piece Drum Set with Cymbals and Hardware
Great kit for beginning drummers.

Among the best-quality, entry-level drum kits in the world, and one of the best values too.

The Pearl Forum FZ725 Standard 5-Piece Drum Set is among the best-quality, entry-level drum kits in the world, and one of the best values too. Beside the drums and hardware, it comes with the stuff you normally have to buy separately: cymbals, drumsticks, and even a set-up video. All-poplar shells are made with the same heat-compression shell molding process as the pro line. With all the essentials included, it truly lives up to its nickname, Ready-Set-Go!

Pearl Forum features shells made in the same molds and using the same Heat Compression Shell Molding Process as Pearl’s professional series drums. All Forum shells feature Pearl’s exclusive scarf joint (gapless seam) construction for uniform shell vibration, unimpeded by air pockets, for warmth and richness found only in more expensive drums.

The 5-1/2″ x 14″ snare drum features a 100% poplar shell for unparalleled sonic performance in its class. Low-mass lugs offer optimum tonality and resonance while low-mass tom mounting brackets deliver big sound. Heavy-duty SP-70 spurs give stability and key-style tension rods allow precise tuning of bass drum. The 2-section B-70W boom stand folds compactly for transport and the direct-pull action on H-72W hi-hat stand assures super-quick and smooth action.

The Forum hardware in the FZ725 pack includes a S-70W snare stand, C-70W cymbal stand, B-70W boom stand, H-72W hi-hat stand, and a D70W drum throne all with sturdy double-braced legs. The H-72W hi-hat features an Eliminator-style footboard, UltraGrip wingnuts/wingbolts, and outstanding Pearl quality. The included chain-drive P-120 pedal with Eliminator-style footboard, spring hook, SP-31F spring with felt and nylon cam roller, and spring tension rubber washer allows the player to set the beater to the best angle for speed and power. The heavy DuoBeat beater has plastic and felt faces for hard or soft attack.

The cymbal pack includes a pair of great sounding 14″ hi-hat cymbals, a 16″ crash, and a versatile 18″ crash/ride. A pair of genuine Vic Firth 5A drumsticks are included as is a set-up and instructional video featuring Eric Singer.

Pearl Forum FZ725 5-Piece Standard Drum Set Features:

* 6-ply 7.5mm poplar Shells
* Redesigned Lug Design
* I.S.S. Tom Mounting
* Improved Cymbals w/16″ Crash
* Perimeter EQ Bass Drum Heads
* Free DVD
* Free Vic Firth Drumsticks

Sizes:
* 22″ x 18″ bass
* 12″ x 9″ and 13″ x 10″ toms
* 16″ x 16″ floor tom
* 5-1/2″ x 14″ wood snare

Hardware pack:
* P-120 bass drum pedal
* S-70W snare stand
* C-70W cymbal stand
* B-70W boom stand
* H-72W hi-hat stand
* D70W throne

Cymbals:
* 14″ hi-hat set
* 16″ crash
* 18″ crash/ride

Rating:
One of Pearl’s long standing line of drum sets. The Forum series is great for the beginner drummer. Low price point, decent hardware and good looks. What’s cool about this set is that it give the beginning drummer everything he or she will need. This would make a great gift for a new drummer without costing an arm and a leg. Great beginner hardware and cymbals included…

Pearl Sound Check 5-Piece Drum Set with Zildjian ZBT Cymbals

A complete drum kit with mahogany shells, heavy-duty hardware, and Zildjian cymbals.

Pearl’s entry level kit, SoundCheck, is intended to change the mindset of what an entry-level drum set should be. These Pearl drum shells are made from 9-ply mahogany and are finished in a durable high-gloss covering.

Includes Zildjian ZBT cymbal set

Includes 700 Series hardware
This is a complete hardware pack that was built to Pearl’s exacting professional standards, which gives you dependable hardware for an affordable price. This pack is lightweight yet sturdy and great for gigging professional drummers as well as beginners on a budget. This package includes a bass drum pedal, snare drum stand, hi-hat stand, boom cymbal stand, straight cymbal stand, and a throne.

Pearl P-120P PowerShifter bass pedal
This bass drum pedal features Pearl’s True Round Cam for linear action with smooth, well-balanced feel. It also includes a PowerPlate for stability and Pearl’s patented PowerShifter function that allows the footboard to be moved to three positions for light, regular, and heavy feel. S-70W snare stand
This snare drum stand is a light-weight, yet sturdy snare stand with a slip-proof gear tilter, clamp-style basket, and double-braced legs.

H-72W hi-hat stand
When it comes to entry-level hardware Pearl’s H-72W hi-hat stand leads the pack in quality and value. It features double-braced legs for exceptional stability while remaining compact and lightweight. A retractable spur is provided for slip-resistance.

B-70W boom cymbal stand
This boom stand features two-sections, double braced legs, and positive locking gear tilter for slip-proof cymbal positioning.

C-70W cymbal stand
The cymbal stand features three-sections with a positive locking gear tilter for slip-proof cymbal positioning, and folds compactly for ease of transport.

D-70W throne
This throne features a thickly padded round vinyl covered cushion and features a die cast seat bracket for security and durability. Height adjustment is infinitely adjustable and height settings are Stop-Lock secured and memorized.

Pearl Sound Check 5-Piece Drum Set with Zildjian Cymbals Features:

* 10″ x 12″ and 11″ x 13″ toms
* 16″ x 16″ floor tom
* 22″ x 16″ kick drum
* 14″ x 5-1/2″ wood snare
* 2 tom holders

Includes the 700 series hardware pack:
* B70W boom stand
* C70W straight cymbal stand
* P120P bass drum pedal
* H72W hi-hat stand
* S70W snare stand
* D70W drum throne

A ready-to-go set for rockers on the move.

Rating:
Great drum set for the beginner. Comes with the full set up with cymbal stands and hardware. Made out of durable materials. Check out the white set with black hardware by clicking on the view larger button. Looks pretty cool. Should get the new drummer up and running in no time. Click the price button below to see the low price on this kit. Great bargain for everything you get. I personally play Pearl drums and Sabian cymbals and love them. I love Pearl’s sound, finish and great hardware. Sabian cymbals are top notch as well. These are brands that have fully gained my trust. I truly believe the new drummer can’t go wrong with this kit.

Pearl Vision VLX 5-Piece Fusion Drum Set Review

The Pearl Vision Series 5-Piece VLX Fusion Drum Set features birch-ply shells with 6-ply 7.5mm-thick rack toms and 8-ply 10mm-thick floor toms and bass drums. Inspired by Pearl's Masterworks and Reference Series, the thicker floor tom and bass drum shells deliver high-energy power and punch while the thinner rack toms offer incredible sensitivity and tone to give Vision the widest dynamic range with unmatched musicality. Nothing short of Pearl's Reference Series is anywhere close to matching the Vision's sound.Two-ply ProTone batter heads are standard on toms for super-easy tuning and full, rich sound. Pearl's Perimeter EQ heads give the Vision bass drum great tone with just the right amount of muffling, virtually out-of-the-box.The Vision Drum Set's newly designed lugs are inspired by the Reference Series and include precision-machined brass swivel nuts with zero play for smooth and pinpoint tuning. The bass drum claws are die cast and feature a rubber lining to protect the beautiful finish on the Vision's all-wood hoops.Vision bass drums feature Pearl's new BB-300 bridge-style bass bracket for minimum shell contact and maximum resonance. I.S.S. suspension tom holders with Pearl's newly designed BT-300 tom brackets are standard on Vision rack toms for maximum sustain and projection. TH-900 tom arms are infinitely adjustable for micro-fine tom angles and placement. The Stop-Locks are hinged so they can be reversed while keeping the toms attached. BSP-300 spurs feature a fold away design for easy setup and transport, telescopic height adjustment, and spike/rubber tips for slip resistance.The floor toms feature Pearl's "Reference-inspired" FTB-200 leg brackets with an extra-large hinged clamping surface for non-slip security. The matching FTL-200 legs are smooth for easy adjustments and removal and feature Pearl's patented Air Suspension feet for maximum resonance and sustain.The Vision Series features Pearl's beautifully chrome-plated beaded steel 5-1/2" x 14" SensiTone snare drum with Pearl's SR-900 Dual-Motion strainer that can be converted from side lever action to Gladstone-type front lever action as desired. The SensiTone lives up to its name with super sensitivity and superb tone, projection, and dynamic range.The Vision Series is available in lacquer and covered versions. The VLX features beautiful super high-gloss grain-through lacquer finishes in fade patterns with matching bass drum hoops.The Vision Series is equipped with 900 Series hardware with features and quality unavailable by others in this class. All 900 Series tripods feature Pearl's parallel Sure-Struts that resist lateral twisting and the inherent squeaks that may result from it for improved stability and super quiet performance in studio applications. The pipe joints share the same "family look" as Pearl's Advanced Hardware Systems stands and feature a vise-type clamping system.

Rating:
Great entry level set that incorporates Pearl’s high standards for quality. If budget is a concern, you can’t go wrong with this drum kit.

Check out the video: Read the rest of this entry »

Pearl Masters Custom MCX927SP 7-Piece Shell Pack

The Pearl Masters Custom MCX927SP is a 7-piece drum shell pack appointed with pro level features, great tonal qualities, and sophisticated looks. It features 100% maple drum shells that offer increased power and great projection. The Pearl MCX drum shells’ warm full-bodied tone offers great sensitivity and sustain.

Lugs and Hoops
Pearl Drums bridge-style lugs are designed not to restrict resonance throughout the drum shell, which produces great tonal characteristics. The Pearl MasterCast die-cast hoops give’s the player reliability due to their strength and quality. Pearl drum hardware also features standard Masters OptiMount, spurs, and floor tom bracket/legs, and steel tension rods.

(SST) Superior Shell Technology
Pearl Masters Custom Series features Pearl’s SST construction process that uses extreme heat, precision cut scarf joints, Pearl’s proprietary Acoustiglue and over 1000 lb. of hydraulic pressure to create the ultimate acoustic air chamber.

Note: Cymbals and hardware not included.

Pearl's exclusive SST Superior Shell Technology. OptiMount Suspension System. Bridge Type Masters Lugs. Masters Bass Drum Spurs, Claws and Bridge Leg Brackets. MasterCast Die-Cast Hoops (toms, floor toms). Standard Steel Tension Bolts. PowerStroke 3 Ebony Bass Drum Head (in front). Sizes:. 22" x 18" bass drum. 8" x 7" mounted tom. 10" x 8" mounted tom. 12" x 9" mounted tom. 14" x 14" floor tom. 16" x 16" floor tom. 14" x 6-1/2" snare drum.

Rating:
This is Peal’s flagship drum set line up. There’s the standard version which is the Custom listed here and the Premium which is made to order…takes about four to six months. Pearl doesn’t cut any corners with this kit. Pearl kits offer great construction and handcrafted high quality componentry. I love the sound of Pearl kits. They’ve been in the business a long time and have been able to create quality, almost custom, looking drum kits. I personally play Pearl. I love their hardware, the finish on the shells and the sound.