Raymond Massey
09-12-2003, 07:17 AM
Pearl’s Heat Compression Shell Molding System (H.C.S.M.S.) and Tapered Scarf Joints represent state-of-the-art for shell quality, sound, longevity, and consistency. Because at Pearl we stringently control every aspect of the shell manufacturing process, there simply is no reason to tap the shell and give it a note. Every Pearl shell of the same size, constructed of the same material, in the same thickness, will have the same fundamental sound when tapped or played. Bottom-line; If you have variation, you simply do not have consistency.
Making a Pearl drum shell begins with hand selected, fully aged wood plies, cut to size with tapered scarf joints at each end. As shown below Scarf joints allow the seams to completely overlap, totally eliminating gaps and dead spots left by butt seam methods, common with other shell forming processes. Remember air is a great insulator as it stops vibration - this explains its prominence in double-pane glass and recording studios - thus to keep sound out! Not exactly what you want in your drum shell, as drum shells need to vibrate fully to produce the maximum amount of resonance sustain and tone. After all as drummers don't we all want great sound!
When making shells; each ply is coated with a patented adhesive formulation specifically engineered by Pearl to dry to the same density as the wood it binds. The plies are then hand formed and inserted into a hydraulic compression die, custom built for each size drum. The plies are then compressed, using both internal and external continuous force equal to 154 lbs. of pressure per square centimeter, while being heated to the boiling point until cured, to insure the adhesive enters every pore of the wood.
Every Pearl shell is made in this way and no other system uses this perfect combination of extreme heat and pressure to insure a perfect drum shell.
There are many ways to make a drum, some simply use inflatable air bags under low pressure to form shells, while others choose to buy completed shells manufactured by others for their drums, all results with no control over quality.
At Pearl, we understand the shell is the heart, soul and nucleus of the overall sound of the drum - that 's why we make our own shells to ensure complete quality control. Our Heat Compression Shell Molding System has been refined with over fifty years of experience in the art of drum making allowing Pearl drum shells tone, clarity and presence second to none.
Making a Pearl drum shell begins with hand selected, fully aged wood plies, cut to size with tapered scarf joints at each end. As shown below Scarf joints allow the seams to completely overlap, totally eliminating gaps and dead spots left by butt seam methods, common with other shell forming processes. Remember air is a great insulator as it stops vibration - this explains its prominence in double-pane glass and recording studios - thus to keep sound out! Not exactly what you want in your drum shell, as drum shells need to vibrate fully to produce the maximum amount of resonance sustain and tone. After all as drummers don't we all want great sound!
When making shells; each ply is coated with a patented adhesive formulation specifically engineered by Pearl to dry to the same density as the wood it binds. The plies are then hand formed and inserted into a hydraulic compression die, custom built for each size drum. The plies are then compressed, using both internal and external continuous force equal to 154 lbs. of pressure per square centimeter, while being heated to the boiling point until cured, to insure the adhesive enters every pore of the wood.
Every Pearl shell is made in this way and no other system uses this perfect combination of extreme heat and pressure to insure a perfect drum shell.
There are many ways to make a drum, some simply use inflatable air bags under low pressure to form shells, while others choose to buy completed shells manufactured by others for their drums, all results with no control over quality.
At Pearl, we understand the shell is the heart, soul and nucleus of the overall sound of the drum - that 's why we make our own shells to ensure complete quality control. Our Heat Compression Shell Molding System has been refined with over fifty years of experience in the art of drum making allowing Pearl drum shells tone, clarity and presence second to none.