Pearl Super Pro GLX Drums - a few questions... [Archive]

StixNSkins

07-03-2002, 09:57 PM

Hi all! Great forums - I think I'm really going to like it here!:D

I just wanted to ask the guys in the know a couple of questions about some drums that I have owned for 15 or so years & love just as much now as the day I bought them.

These of course, are the Pearl Super Pro GLX series drums. I bought the original 7 piece back in 1985 and have since found a few matching pieces used - I have enough of these to make 3 complete kits... Anyway, the unique thing(s) about these are the fact that the insides are finished exactly like the outside (piano black lacquer in this case) and that they have the hinged Super Gripper lugs.

My questions are:

1. I am wanting to have an 8x8 tom made to match my existing kit. Is there anywhere in this world that I can find some extra Super Gripper lugs? Pearl wouldn't happen to have a few lying around somewhere, would they? I would really like this drum to completey match my existing ones. Would I have to have this drum custom made by a local "drum-smith," or can Pearl specially make one to GLX specs?

2. How long were the GLX's produced and what was the last year that these were in production?

3. At the time, I believe that these were Pearl's top-of-the-line drum. Is this what eventually evolved into the Master's series maple?

and...

4. Why did Pearl stop making the Super Gripper lugs? It really seemed like a great idea...

Thanks in advance guys.

Gene Okamoto

07-05-2002, 08:26 AM

Regarding your last question, I asked our headquarters in Japan and they supplied the following:

The Super Gripper lugs were discontinued because...

1) They were expensive relative to other Pearl lugs
2) They were difficult to handle at the factory (time consuming for parts assembling)
3) They were heavier than conventional lug (perhaps less resonance of the shell?)
4) If the drum was tuned low, the lugs could rattle
5) Only 6.5" depth was available for snare drum.

They also said no more were available at the factory thus eliminating the possibility of having another drum special ordered.

Regarding how long the GLX's were produced and the last year that they were in production, I'll provide an answer on Monday.

StixNSkins

07-05-2002, 12:30 PM

Thanks for the reply Gene!

I guess that makes sense about it being a production nigthmare with all the pieces & parts. And I will admit that because the tension has to be such that the lug stays closed that it limits the tuning range of the drums. I would still love to make a matching tom one day - if you ever hear of a source through which I can get some of the lugs, please let me know. Until then, I guess I'll make due with what I have...

OR...I'll get a new Master's set & keep this one for nostalgia's sake...(wishful thinking)

Thanks again!

Gene Okamoto

07-08-2002, 01:07 PM

Here's more GLX info:

The GLX were introduced in 1985 and discontinued in 1988.

They featured 6 ply 7.5mm thick 100% maple shells. 2.3mm SuperHoop rims and Super Gripper quick release lugs.

The insides of the shells were painted black with the same polyurethane used on the outside but not as thick.

Attached is a scan from the 1985 catalog.

Gene Okamoto

07-08-2002, 01:08 PM

Here's the other half:

Gene Okamoto

07-08-2002, 01:08 PM

Here are prices from 1985:

StixNSkins

07-08-2002, 02:17 PM

Man, thanks for all the info. I bought my kit in mid 1985 from a dealer in Baton Rouge, LA who picked it up at the NAMM show that year. I probably have one of the very first kits produced! Thanks again - sounds like I've got somewhat of a rareity...

Gene Okamoto

07-10-2002, 09:21 AM

Yes, they are a rareity!

wiley

01-27-2003, 01:06 PM

StixNSkins

01-27-2003, 03:00 PM

Hey Wiley!

You are the first person other than myself that I've seen on this board that actually still has a set of these. I bought my original 6 piece (12", 13", 14", 18", 24", & 14" snare) in 1985 also, and then ordered a second 24" kick for it a couple of weeks after that. Fast forward several years to around 1987 or so & I special ordered a 10" tom for it. Then, I ended up buying another 18" floor tom off of e-bay a little while back (that makes 2 - 18 inchers I have). Then I bought another 3 piece off of e-bay (13", 16", & 22"). Can you tell I love these drums? Now I have 11 Super Pro GLX pieces that I mix & match for different kit configurations. All of mine are Piano Black lacquer.:cool:

I still have my original Super Gripper Snare, but I'm not partin' with it :D. They do, however, show up on e-bay from time to time. You just have to be quick enough to beat me to them cuz I buy them up when I can afford it ;).

I love the fact that they are pretty rare and unique. I always get compliments on how great they sound. I believe Eric Singer even still uses a set of the Piano Black GLX's regularly...

DRUMBOO

01-27-2003, 03:38 PM

yup eric just used it on tour with alice cooper last year piano black kit he had flames painted on them
it s´such a great sounding kit .. check www.eric-singer.de for pix

wiley

01-27-2003, 04:30 PM

Stixnskins, I have been out of gigging for about 10 years. I just auditioned for a local 8 member Blues band and got the gig. I would like to put new heads on since the current ones are from around 1986. Do you have any suggestions that will work well with the GLX. I'm not real up on the new equipment available today. Any input will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

edited for specifics: Wow, you have cornered the market:(
My drums are 10" 12" 13" 16" and 22". Quite a difference from yours. You are also the first I've seen with the GLX. I've been checking the Pearl web site for 2 years looking for info on these drums. (They need to update the history to include these) Thanks for starting this thread!

StixNSkins

01-27-2003, 05:23 PM

Well, I stuck with using the Remo Pinstripes on the batter with clear Ambassadors on the resonant side. That combination seems to be a pretty versatile one if you're playing more contemporary stuff. I have used that combo of heads to play everything from heavy metal to church music & they have sounded great.

wiley

01-28-2003, 10:32 AM

Thanks Stix, that is exactly what I have on them now. I'm assuming that new ones would improve the sound quite a bit.

Thanks!

StixNSkins

01-28-2003, 10:43 AM

New heads always make a big difference in the sound. I've also heard good things about the Aquarian & Evans counterparts to the Remos... I guess it depends on the sound you want to achieve.

wiley

01-28-2003, 02:44 PM

I've read some good things about the Aquarian II base drum heads. I guess I'll go in and check some prices and see how they all compare.
Thanks again.

piers

07-19-2004, 06:26 PM

I have news for you, the UK has a GLX Super Pro nut too. Me!
I have had a piano black kit 10",12",13",14" rack toms, 16" floor tom, 22 bass drum and 14" by 6.5" brass shell snare. since 85, and bought another bass drum, floor tom and snare (identical) in 87 so that I could have a versatile setup, and split the kit in two to teach with.
For the geezer that asked about an 8" by 8" tom .......I too have been looking for one without luck for years. I just missed one in 96 when someone was selling an 8 peice GLX kit, but then this is the thing that myths are made of..... and so is this.... I have been told that the MLX shells are identical down to the lacquer inside and out and also the holes drilled for nut boxes coincide with those on the GLX shells. So if you can bare to be parted from one of your existing GLX drums, get hold of an MLX drum and simply swap the fittings. Anyone out there got a spare GLX kit, and an old 8" by 8" MLX piano black tom for sale?

Regards

Piers

RickB

07-20-2004, 05:16 AM

Got the new(?) AC/DC video from Castle Donnington in 91 (I think) and I am pretty sure the drummer there (Chris Slade) is using a GLX, nicesetup too.

nuevo

12-02-2004, 09:31 AM

hi guys, i'm very happy to have found the forum about pearl glx super pro. I bought a glx super pro set 2 years ago but the snare drum is not made in maple but is a brass shell with the same system of super gripper lugs as the tom tom. Obviously the set is used and have some sign on the toms but no matter.. i just can say that is a very good drumset and i want to ask you if i've payd it too much: two years ago i payd the set (bass drum, 2 tom tom, floor tom and snare brass drum) 600 euros ( only the drums, not hardware or cymbals). thanks a lot :eek:

chilipeppermaniac

12-02-2004, 09:54 PM

I was pretty sure Drumboo had a GLX kit. I also think I saw Super Grippers for sale on ebay not too long ago while I was hunting for black Hardware.

AL PERCIVAL

12-02-2004, 09:58 PM

Here's DRUMBOO's GLX kit....

AL PERCIVAL

12-02-2004, 09:59 PM

I like his BRX kit better!!!!!! :D ;)

chilipeppermaniac

12-02-2004, 10:07 PM

That Kit Just makes me sob like a baby...... 4 2/3 Masters kits and I still see others I love to have.

DRUMBOO

12-03-2004, 12:38 AM

hey my drums lol

chilipeppermaniac

12-03-2004, 05:59 AM

HEY, your drums better say HI, my old Buddy. Talk SOon Ok?

Later Boo

gregman2244

12-13-2004, 08:52 PM

I also have a 6 piece set that I bought new in Ann Arbor Michigan in 1985. The original snare had been sold seperately so I was given a "free floating" steel snare. Does anyone have an original snare they want to sell. (be kind) Mine are Piano Black and one of the finest sets I have ever seen or played!
Hey Wiley!
You still looking for a Pearl Super Gripper Lug Snare in Piano Black?
I have an all maple shell, and it's 8" Deep. I bought it new in the mid eighties.
I may be reached at: greg.simmons@thrivent.com
Have a great week!
Greg

Rhodan

12-20-2004, 04:53 PM

Hello,
I have just bought an old GLX drumset. It sounds great, but I haven't acheived to make the free floating Snare drum sounding properly. Does somebody know a good drum heads combination?
Thanks.

dr.rithm

08-21-2006, 02:24 PM

Hi. Gladly found GLX conversation here. I have 11 pcs of it. I also have one 8x8", but like you maybe can think, i am not going to sell it. Im after few new sizes by myself too. My primary search is for 14x14 and 12x14. Intrested all sizes, consert toms too. I'm not only for buying, but also havin' to talk about GLX's with people.

TommySalami

08-21-2006, 04:49 PM

dr.rithm

08-22-2006, 12:57 PM

make a thread with those pics!!
Yes I will. First I have take those pics, so it t akes some time before new thread. I've been using these drums like stixnskins told about his drums, as two or three different sets (they are 2 sets in fact), so my GLX's are fitted very different head combinatios. Maybe I'll take pics as drums are now (approx. 1000 gigs and some renting behind w/out any serious service) then put them all together well cleaned and with same kind of heads to be photographed again...

lavo

08-24-2007, 05:25 PM

Super Pro GLX are what I dreamed about in Highschool! I still have the catalogs I would stare at. Back then could only afford an export first gen kit and they had shells made of Partical wood :eek: Those where difficult times indeed.... never got my supro GLX in piano black.

sparkie

08-24-2007, 05:47 PM

look's like you guy's are more common then you thought. i have never heard of the glx, can you guy's post pic's please.

lavo

08-24-2007, 09:41 PM

sparkie....our young naive irish friend. Be careful what you ask for...maybe look at it through those solar eclipse slots, try not to gaze for too long, I can't be responsible.

sparkie

08-25-2007, 07:53 AM

sparkie....our young naive irish friend. Be careful what you ask for...maybe look at it through those solar eclipse slots, try not to gaze for too long, I can't be responsible.

lol, thank's.

Mike Machine

09-03-2007, 04:06 AM

If anyone is interested... I might be pursuaded to sell my GLX kit... Piano Black... 13,14,16,18,22,22

Lemme know... I''ll consider trades for BRX in Piano Black and also CZX in Birds Eye.

Mike

www.mikemachine.ca

dr.rithm

10-05-2007, 04:45 PM

]If anyone is interested... I might be pursuaded to sell my GLX kit... Piano Black... 13,14,16,18,22,22

Lemme know... I''ll consider trades for BRX in Piano Black and also CZX in Birds Eye.

Mike

I might be interested about your GLX set, but, I live in Finland, Europe, so.. it's quite a distance to Canada... and I'm very lazy to organise this kind of things. It will be very nice to have your posts in a thread anyway.
Feel free to send me a personal e-mail, please.

AL PERCIVAL

10-05-2007, 05:28 PM

My 1984 kit was not a GLX but a MX 6-ply maple, they were kissing-cousins.

wduck

11-23-2007, 12:01 PM

I have owned my kit since 1986. They are an 8pc kit. 4 toms, 2 floor toms,2 22" kick drums. They have never seen cold weather, and are the 6th kit I've owned and are still the best sounding kit ever.I always get compliments on their great sound.

late

11-23-2007, 01:31 PM

Hi there again! My GLX 9500 kit is as follows:10x8,12x10,13x11,14x12,15x14,18x16,and 24x16.Colour is Piano Black, fitted with Pearl Pro-Tone 2 as batterheads and clear Ambassadors as resos. Black Pearl logo-head as bass drum reso with 5" off-center hole.
Absolutely great kit!
I´ve had it since 1987, been on a numerous gigs and so on,and still kickin´like there´s no tomorrow!
I had it with ISS-mounts for a while, but I went back to original through the shell-mounts, ´cause somehow it seems to be meant that way...
Sturdy drums, they do weight pretty much, and because sound is great, why hassle with it?
Never had any problems with super-gripper lugs, even though I understand why Pearl discontinue making those.
My more up-to-date kit (BRX 7 piece or different tom configurations)has been my main kit for the last two years or so, but still has to say, that Pearl really made wonderful drums in mid-eighties. Of course alternative sizes of todays drums, Optimounts, bridgelugs and so on are more user friendly and Pearl is always evolving, but they surely knew what they were doing back then too. ...and earlier...
I will add some photos sooner or later.
NO I´M NOT GONNA SELL MY GLX-DON´T BOTHER TO ASK
keep on drumming---Pearl!

SippyCup

11-23-2007, 03:09 PM

Wow.. I was about to start my senior year of high school when this thread started. Sweet!

wduck

12-14-2007, 01:20 PM

wduck

12-14-2007, 01:28 PM

A pic is provided less 2 toms.
plus another.

lavo

12-15-2007, 09:05 AM

^^My dream kit circa 85', had pictures from the catalog taped to my bedroom wall.

late

08-29-2008, 01:38 AM

Few pics of my Pearl GLX drums 10,12,13,14,15,18,24 + ffs-coppershell. Steel and maple shells for this FFS-snare are also 1987 models ,just like this drumkit. Coppershell is from 2002. Zildjians are from eighties as well. Professional kit still today, even though "retired", but every now and then I just have to set this up and just be amazed about the high quality of these aged drums.
BRX and VLX are my main kit nowadays, but no, I won´t sell these beauties!

lavo

08-29-2008, 03:50 AM

Those are the coolest looking drums I have ever seen. It's like looking at a classic car you wanted as a kid. So the inside of the shell is black? Is it a shinny black lacquer or something flat.
Thanks for sharing, I can stare at these all day so feel free to keep posting them.

late

08-29-2008, 03:54 AM

Thank you for such a nice comments!!! Inside of these shells are high gloss as well.

lavo

08-29-2008, 04:05 AM

Did you buy those new? I remeber I had to get an export kit the year those babies came out. I remeber pricing the GLX and they where CRAZY expensive.
My 7 piece export kit was even 900.00 and they had shells made of particle board. :eek:

late

08-29-2008, 11:24 AM

Well, I am very happy to have parents who bought this kit to me back then. Later I bought 14" tom, from the same year of manufacture, still the greatest thank´s goes to my parents. They got me obsessed with Pearl drums waaayy more than they will ever know! By the way, these drums were expensive, but German Sonors were so expensive that it´s not even funny! I still believe that these drums are good enough to be compared to any brand or model of drums. Anytime, anywhere.

andyman1970

08-29-2008, 11:57 AM

14" and 15" rack toms - now THAT screams 80s metal kit!

Lovely kit!

Stefan Ray

08-29-2008, 01:43 PM

14" and 15" rack toms - now THAT screams 80s metal kit!

Lovely kit!

x2 Those are sweet looking!

StixNSkins

08-29-2008, 01:44 PM

Late, that is a sweet kit! Thanks for showing those pics. I really need to take some new pics of my GLX's to put up here...

Is your kick a 22" or 24"? The 24" seemed like it was most common on these kits. I have 2-24's that I bought with my kit back in '85, but I picked up a 22" from e-bay a few years ago that I like much better, so I use it with a double pedal now.

late

08-29-2008, 02:21 PM

Thanking again...! My bass drum is 24x16". I have also very similar looking 22x16" DLX bass drum, that being Birch/mahogany/birch shell, or something like that. It´s also black, lugs look identical with those on the GLX, but they are not Super Grippers, and even though DLX bass drum is also very good sounding drum, it is totally different animal. Inside of DLX is lacquered but natural-coloured, so it just doesn´t belong to these pics. I´ve had it just as long as I´ve had GLX, and its been used alot. ....but it´s not GLX! (It´s pre-Session kinda drum.)

lavo

08-29-2008, 02:51 PM

late

08-29-2008, 03:19 PM

Damn, my parents where lame.
My wife is Finnish and her parents always get me a 100.00 gift card from my local drum store. Is that a coincidence or are Finish parents just awesome supporters of the percussion arts? :D
DUNNO! Perhaps....Say Hello to your wife, and send her greetings from Finland.All the best to you guys, and take care!