Premier drums from 1991-1992

[Mike St.Clair]

Hey all,
I bought a set of XPK's in 1991. They were ok drums, I've recently read some things saying how unheralded they were. I must be getting old enough to see that some things of the past get over rated because those drums weren't all that IMO. Anywho, my question is about the next series higher than those- they had reinforcing rings, I may be wrong, but I think they were called Projectors. I also remember the Signias being awesome, but I'm interested in whatever it was that had the reinforcing rings. Thanks for any guidance.

[Mope]

Im pretty sure Projectors were before XPKs/APKs

About 1999 Premier introduced the Astria there were a bit higher than the XPK's and they had Rim type mounts

Im pretty sure Genistas and Signias had reinforcing rings

[Mike St.Clair]

When I bought these here in the US in 1991, there was a set one step above the XPK's, I believe the Signias had just come out. I did some searching but couldn't find the line up from then. I'll search for their brochure.

[Mope]

http://www.vintprem.moonfruit.com/

Contact Tam. He knows his stuff when it comes to Premier and might be able to help you.

[Mike St.Clair]

Thanks! I'll figure this out. It's driving me nuts.

[TempesT68]

from what i know premier was bought out by yamaha during those years and the quality may have gone to the crapper, i know i have my first snare still i got in about 92' that says "yamaha made in england" on it.

[Mike St.Clair]

I can say those XPK's weren't anything to brag about sound wise. They looked nice. I had the "heavy rock 9" brass snare too. Pretty much just a backbeat cannon.

[mpthomson]

Hi guys, first post and all that.

The order was APK, XPK (laquered version of APK), Projector and then Resonator. After Reso was dropped (92-93) Projector disappeared as well. These were replaced by Genista (Birch) and Signia, which was the first maple kit Premier made. A/XPK continued but with different lugs.

This comtinued until Astria/Cabria et al.

In general Apk's were good solid rock drums, and certainly superior in tone to the Exports of the period. Steel snares especially good for the money. Not as fashionable now as the tom sizes were nearly square (12x11, 13x12), but good value for money. Aesthetically the black shell interior put some people off, but the lacquers were ok for the time/budget!

Hope this helps!!

[mpthomson]

I can say those XPK's weren't anything to brag about sound wise. They looked nice. I had the "heavy rock 9" brass snare too. Pretty much just a backbeat cannon.

I think the clue is in the title of the drum!! They're quite collectible now, espec. if hoops are in good condition as they pit & flake more than Ludalloy chrome.

[Mike St.Clair]

Well, I guess they were called projectors. I just remember they sounded great. I've never seen any for sale. Premier has been a soft brand here in the US, so they're probably aren't going to be too many for sale.

[zog]

whats the deal with the inside painted black on some models?

[pearldrummerkid]

on that website is says that the APK and XPK were replaced with the Astria and Vitria series which were basically the same thing but with ISO mounts.

[mpthomson]

Zog, black inner shells was only ever A/XPK and black Resonators(but these were finished to match the exteriors) there are two possible reasons really. You have to remember that when APK came out it was mid-eighties. All things black were in fashion. Premier may just have thought that this was trendy. Remember the Sonor Phonic Hi-Techs?They certainly never claimed any sonic qualities for the paint (having said that, most other company's coatings were just domestic house paint with a fancy name as well....).

The other, and more likely possibility is that APK wood just didn't look very nice if it wasn't stained! They wouldn't even admit to what wood they were made out of for a long time!