Pearl Drum Shell Wood - Is it all the same?

[816drums]

Hi everyone! I was wondering is there any difference in the maple, birch, and mahogany used in Pearl drums? I see with the sessions it is masters grade birch and African mahogany which they also offer in the Masterworks line. So basically what I’m saying is if I ordered a masterworks kit with Birch/Mahogany shells in the same specs as the session series would it be the same thing? Just wondering! Thank you!

[Eric]

Masterworks drums are the top shelf
that Pearl offers. That being said the
wood the customer chooses will be
the best or “A” grade of plies.

[816drums]

Masterworks drums are the top shelf
that Pearl offers. That being said the
wood the customer chooses will be
the best or “A” grade of plies.

Well that’s what I mean...what separates an “A” grade ply of wood vs a “Masters” grade ply of wood and is there a Sonic difference? I know DW in their higher end kits will pick shells that sonically go well together but if that isn’t occurring here if I ordered a masterworks drums following the specs of a session series drum would it basically sound the same? (Birch/mahogany shell 60 degree edge, etc)

[Josh Conover]

This is actually a good question. Ive been considering ordering a Masterworks kit to replace the three shells in my shell bank that aren’t my preferred sizes.

The Kit would be 12’ x 7” rack tom, 16” x 14” floor tom, and a 20’ x 18” kick. I’d get them all with the Session Studio Select specs in Antique Crimson Burst but with Masters Premium/Reserve hardware and Mastercast hoops. Then I’d swap the Masters lugs and Mastercast hoops onto the Session Studio Select shells but keep the Reference series claw hooks, spurs, and fully finished hoops. Then sell the Session Studio Select shell pack with a 12”x 8” tom, 16” x 16” floor tom, and 20” x 14” kick. The upgrades to the Session Studio Select shell pack would include Mastercast hoops, Masters series lugs, and an aluminum Optimount.