The Answers to Your Export Questions

[Talon]

For those of us who don't feel like writing "Search" anymore.



1) Q: Why should I buy an Export?
A: Because for around $750 give or take, you're getting a 5 piece set, including a snare, 800 series hardware which is double braced and extremely sturdy. The only thing you have to buy extra is a throne and cymbals.

2) Q: Which series of Export should I get?
A: The EX, EXR, and ELX are all basically the same set with different finishes. The EX being the cheapest of these, is a wrap finish. The EXR is a wrap finish as well, but it has nice pretty wood hoops and the finish is more "radical". The ELX is the higher up of the Export series. It has a glossy lacquer finish (for those newbies, you can see the wood grain) and wooden bass hoops. Get whatever color you like and/or your wallet can afford.

3) Q: What heads should I use on my Export?
A: Good lord, I hate this question. It's a matter of personal preference, however I find that double ply coated heads cut the nasty overtones out nicely and leave a clear, crisp sound. Evans G2 Coateds achieve this very nicely, and most will agree that Evans has superior double ply technology over Remo. Anyway, Remo Emperor Coateds are the "equivalent" of the G2s.


If anyone has any other FAQs to add, feel free. Also, if you would like to elaborate on one of my questions, that's fine too.

[Dibs]

Q. Can I upgrade?

Easily! Exports are not rare and it's easy to find extra toms and whatnot. They are very, very adaptable and sound great live with or without mic'ing and studio use is plausible. Exports are made of poplar, "poor man's maple", and can be refinished and rewrapped with little effort but lots of care.

PS: Good thread idea! Rep up!

[Chris309]

5) Q: But aren't Exports just cheap beginner drums?

No. Although when first introduced two decades ago they were intended to be entry level drums, they have RADICALLY evolved since then. Today's Exports feature top notch hardware, shells made using the same process that Pearl uses to make Masterworks shells, a much better choice of wood with 100% poplar and a generous amount of add-ons packs and component drums available. Every piece of hardware on the Exports was once standard equipment on Pearl's top of the line drums. In time, all of Pearl's innovations and improvements trickle down to the Exports. Aside from the poplar shells not being as top-notch as good maple or good birch, everything else about today's Exports is actually better than the Masters of just 15 years ago.

[samflame222]

yer, i find these questions getting asked over and over again, GOOD IDEA TALON!!!

[Talon]

Thanks! Reward me with rep... (and thanks to the person who did but didn't leave their name)

6) Q:What is the first thing I should add to my new Export pack? (Assuming that you have a throne, Hi-Hats, a Crash, and a Ride)
A: Put new heads on the set. It will cost you around $100 for an entire set, but it will make your set sound a billion times better. (see question number 3) After you have this accomplished, it's personal. Do you need another crash to give you more cymbal options. Personally, I think it's best to have two quality crashes before you start trying to add effects cymbals. When you buy new cymbals, don't go out and buy a B8 cymbal. Do yourself a favor and save the money you have, and buy a semi-professional quality or higher cymbal. Paiste Innovations are very cheap professional quality cymbals that will make you happy. (Whatever you do, please don't buy a ZBT, please!) Keep in mind that you will need to have the appropriate hardware to mount this cymbal so get a good quality, double braced stand to hold your new baby. The 800 series is great, but if you plan to keep your set a long time, you might want to check out some higher quality, more expensive gear.

BTW, if you add one, put a 7 on it (and so on) so it's relatively organized. I forgot about this.

[shakermaker1983]

Q: This is my new Export set. What do you think?
A: Holy tom angles batman! Flatten 'em!

Kidding Great thread!

[TopDog]

The entire export range have wooden hooops. btw. nice thread.

[Kim'adiddle]

One question not answered here for me is,what heads come stock on the exports now?
Single ply or double ply? Sorry ,I just dont know......

[shakermaker1983]

Q: Are Export stock heads single or double ply?
A: Protone heads mounted on Exports are single ply, but reso heads are supposed to be thinner than batter ones. I once read in this forum that batter heads weight is comparable to a clear Remo Ambassador, while the weight of reso heads correspond to a Remo Diplomat.


Correct me if I'm wrong!

[Kim'adiddle]

Q: Are Export stock heads single or double ply?
A: Protone heads mounted on Exports are single ply, but reso heads are supposed to be thinner than batter ones. I once read in this forum that batter heads weight is comparable to a clear Remo Ambassador, while the weight of reso heads correspond to a Remo Diplomat.


Correct me if I'm wrong!

Thanks very much Shakemaker1983!!!

[Talon]

The entire export range have wooden hooops. btw. nice thread.

I was unaware that the EX's now came with wooden hoops, I'll have to recheck my catalog (thanks for the correction).

8) Q: I can't get my toms to feel comfortable? What do I do?
A: Raise up the tom arms to allow the toms to sit over the bass, move them close together (I'm able to get mine centimeters apart) and then adjust the angling until they work.

[lunar_c]

Q : Can I use my Export to record with?
A : It's an instrument isn't it?
Seriously though. I use my Export to record almost every day (I have a project studio) and I get quite reasonable sounds from this kit. As others have (correctly) said .. this is a professional quality kit, the isolation mounts, hardware etc coming from Pearl's top line kits of years past, and the shells whilst not being made of the finest tone woods, ARE made using the same process as their more expensive drums.
And they sound .. pretty damn good for what they are, with the right heads - good mic'ing and tuning, I would record with these any day. And I do!
The toms can have a tendency to sound a bit dull .. as others have said when recording with them .. rimshotting the toms can give a more projected sound, but I think the most important thing is to both close mic AND room mic to get the room resonance of the drums. Close miking a slightly less resonant drum will always sound dull .. use the room to get that more open sound.
Obviously if you were a high grossing, top lining act you would be recording with better drums, but then again, if you were in a $10,000 or $25,000 a day studio you wouldn't be playing on Exports now would you?!

Worry less about the Exports, more about the heads, tuning .. and substitute the snare for a better one of your choice .. It's well made, but I think the poplar snares that come with the exports sound pretty dull.

Can't be helped though - at least it's well made .. it's just not the greatest wood for a snare drum.
Also I should mention that all of the stands and hardware are silent (nothing rattles or squeaks) and study enough to do anything. The P-100P bass drum pedal is adequate but nothing special and I found it only felt reasonable with lots of spring tension and a heavy beater, which meant fast double notes hurt my ankle - like ALL kits in it's price range though. Though the P-120P that comes with the current kits is a decent pedal that is entirely workable, not as good as an Eliminator but what can you do.
I HOPE that clears this up and puts an end to that question!

[Lecifer]

This should be a "STICKY"

[lunar_c]

This should be a "STICKY"

I agree!

[Chris309]

Even if it was sticky, it wouldn't stop people from asking the very same questions over...and over...and over............ad infinitum, ad nauseam.