Pearl Export In-depth Review and Sound Test! A Best and Worst Gear Review
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- Опубликовано: 8 июл 2024
- In this video I demo and give an in-depth review of the Pearl Export. This video includes high and low tuning sound tests of the kit as well as my favourite features, who I think the kit is best suited for and my 'best and worst' of the drums. Click here for more gear reviews: / @willdrumsdaly
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00:00 Intro and initial kit demo
00:40 Sound test full kit demo
01:07 Low tuning w/ high snare
03:07 Low tuning w/ low snare
04:21 High tuning
06:42 Favourite Features
07:56 Who Should Buy This Kit?
09:28 Best & Worst
Hope you enjoy this review of the kit and if you're looking to get one yourself, I hope it helps in making your decision.
Let me know in the comments what you think of the drums.
I recommend listening with good quality headphones or speakers for the drum sound tests.
Apologies for a few of clicks of my hoodie hitting the mic whilst talking.
Check out the Pearl Export here: drummersonly.co.uk/product/pe...
Take it easy!
Will
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Will, this is by far not only the greatest review I’ve ever seen but the greatest review for a drum kit ever! your enthusiasm and excitement make the review very interesting to watch all the way to the end👍👍
Russ, you just made my day man. Thanks so much for the lovely words and glad you enjoyed the video.
My Pearl journey.
Pearl Export EXX Plus Fusion 22" shell pack in Burgundy (Red Wine for our American readers) w/803 hardware pack, my first and last (I'm old) drum kit. Can't speak highly enough of its build quality, sound & functionality. Couldn't be happier. in 20:20 hindsight over two years on reviewing the choice, glad I did. Won't ever be selling it.
Although on a brass rather than bronze budget for my first cymbals, having listened to all the big four and generics knew I didn't want the Pearl (OEM) or the alternate awful sounding Zildjian Planet Z cymbals package and basic Pearl throne. The big brand four beginner sets are all similiarly priced, but the pitch and tone of Meinl's HCS caught my ear, and wallet. Mapex's sturdy T670 got my throne dollars with their 4" thick cushioning larger round seat.
Same with accessories. Emperor Tom skins by Remo with an Ambassador for the snare purchased for first batter head changes. Kick can stay as is for now. Nice touch that Pearl supply a muffling pillow with the kick in the Export. A PureSound Custom Pro Steel replaced the OEM Pearl snare. Gibraltar QR Hi-hat clutch (absolute essential AFAIC) replaced the Pearl 803 Series OEM the first month, and an Evans EQ pedal patch protects the kick head.
Although a guitar player these days, I had played side drum for five years of my nascent teen years in high school, concert and army cadet brass bands culminating as lead side drum and concert percussionist, so I knew how to tune and unusually for a left brainer dominent, have always been blessed with natural sense of rhythm for which I am grateful -gift from 'God' rather than having any misplaced ego sense of smugness about it. An Evans hex bit for my Bosch IXO was a mandatory piece of kit as was an Evans Torque key. Read the criticisms, but I find it a great small and portable all in one tool for landing me quickly within the initial ball park prior to fine tuning by ear. Added a Gibraltar 6" cymbal stacker for the 10" bonus Splash that came with the Meinl HCS set. Whoopee! More different noises to make!
Planning ahead I had bought an array of nylon and wood tipped Firth and Vater sticks of different types from Amazon in the US for a fraction of what they cost in my own country, all kept in a perfect size Meinl Deluxe stick bag from the same source. Experimenting with some Zildjian mallets and Vater Litttle Monster brushes too. Then came all the things a noobie doesn't realise they need, or are simply nice to own for home harmony, maintenance, convenience or transport.
Dust cover for the set, a drum rug - did my own thing with a gorgeous decorative Persian to put it all on but needed to add anti-slipping to the back, my wife mandated a Firth drum & cymbal mute pad set an immediate non-optional requirement, a Gator Fusion Soft Drum Cover x5 set along with a Gator x1 large Hardware Gear tote bag. Bosphorous was my choice for the large divided, soft but well lined and padded protective cymbal bag. Koss QZ-99s were my pick for noise protection stereo playback headsets -half the price of Firth and twice as good in construction with their Dave Clark aviator style headband (Firth are very 3M style sprung wire) which squeeze the begeezuz out of your head and ears.
Finally last year I bought x2 (cheaper by the pair and nice to have a spare) additional generic HD boom stands for a supplementary crash cymbal I had acquired since modded with Pearl PL-10 plastic cymbal nuts for consistency and aesthetic, and I think that's about it other than the tute material books and Drumeo online courses.
Thinking about a Pearl EXX Export kit? Just do it.
Loving this! Thanks for sharing your story man 🙌🏻
I got one of these complete for $100.00 this summer. My first drum kit. Somebody’s son went to college and didn’t want it and his mom wanted it out of the house.
Cymbals, stands, everything. He had already replaced the snare and the cymbals were kind of trashed but what a deal!
Bargain! Hope you enjoy playing it!
@@WillDrumsDaly Haha..You must be feelign like a thief! ;P Nice pickup.
Such an amazing series
Thanks for this, really helpful and covered what I wanted to know. I love your presenting style too, great work!
No worries! Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for checking it out.
I just got a used Pearl Export. I was worried because it came with a separate snare. Thank you so much for just validating my great decision buying the kit with a separate snare.
Haha you're welcome!
Congratulations buying the worst drumkit in history.
@@johnsutton5786I’ve had much worse. Late 1990s Tama Rockstar was pretty bad. And before that a Sunbeam kit that was probably at least as good as the Tama but less than half the price
I’ve been playing an Export kit for the last 20 years and it’s just fine after some upgrades
Got a vintage 1984 Export kit (Mirror Chrome) for $19 at auction last month. Restore all the hardware with WD40 and 0000 steel wool. It’s mint. Kit sounds great. Love it.
I totally love your enthusiasm.
Thanks very much!
Great review! Iv had my export for 25 years now! Been sat up gathering dust the last 10… gave it a new lease on life recently and she still looks and sounds stunning! With the right heads, an export can go toe to toe with any top of the range kit!!!
Get in there! Glad there's still life in it after 25 years! Built to last!
Great vid - on the way to 1000 subs!!
Thanks for the info
You’re welcome!
Thank you for this amazing and very helpful review!!! 🥳🎉
You're very welcome glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliantly explained and full of enthusiasm. I own one of these kits and use it on almost every gig. As Will says the bass drums by pearl are shockingly good. With a good snare drum and good cymbals, these shells are as good as anything with decent heads in my opinion. Fabulous review
Appreciate the comment! Thanks for watching
I had a Pearl Expot Select that sounded and performed better than my dw...
I'm considering getting rid of my dw kits and going to pearl.
Great video and excellent review! I've been playing Exports for years! I might pick up one again, as I need something cheap to practice on.
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!
really underrated channel subbing and liking rn
Great review. Love that is has a 12” Tom , todays small 10” doesn’t cut it for me , they make a great add on
I used a pearl elx export kit for 11 years , 8,10,12,13,14 rack toms , 16x14 floor tom, two 22x18 bass drums , my chosen snares are Yamaha aluminium or my premier bell brass 14x 7.5 late 80s English made .
The toms were still relatively deep like a power tom , shortly after I bought it pearls tom Tom's started to become more like and in between of a power tom and a short stack .
I prefer power Tom's , if I can get square sizes I would, 10x10, 12x12 etc , but that would be a custom order and I'm not prepared to pay silly money .
Anyway , that pearl elx stood the test of time , put some decent twin ply heads on them and a very sensitive batter head , tune them properly and they sounded immense , I can't remember for sure but I think they were full birch shells .
Never seen a kit reviewed better!
Thanks so much!
I thoroughly enjoyed your video/review, and it makes me wanna PLAY! 💥💥🎶🎶💥💥🎶💥🎶💥🎶🥁
Cheers Dave! Keep your eyes peeled for another one this week
Found a free Craigslist add for “kids drums” and when I picked them up was blown away that the guy thought they were kids drums. Mid 80s exports with the massive power toms 22” kick 13” 14” racks and a beautiful 18” floor Tom. And the icing on the cake was the red spray painted 1965 Ludwig acrolite snare. The snare once disassembled and cleaned of its red spray paint is my every day snare. The exports are in the process of converting to a 18” kick 13” rack and 14” floor. The power toms will come back in fashion. I took the rack tom mounts off and filled the holes and installed some pearl floor Tom leg mounts and a premier rack tom mount and hang the toms from that. Once you get the 1” holes and those dumb mounting tubes the toms actually sing pretty good.
Love this, that acrolite snare find is an absolute winner! The 2nd hand market is amazing for Pearl Exports!
1985 Export 7pce. Traded it in on 1989 BLX 5pce. shell pack. But kept the Export hardware & pedal which I’m still using nearly 40 yrs. My Export heavily played & gigged. Agree on Pearl bass drums. Went into store 2019 for bop kit, already decided on Tama or Yamaha. Came out with another Pearl due to bass drum sound & overall build quality.
I had a export and upgraded to a sheer blue blx which I still have 30 years later... I kept the hardware too
Its true the snare always confuse me. Im glad that hear it from you. I tried to tune it several time and bought skin. Still the same.
I actually picked up playing drums due to arthritis in my left hand preventing me from playing guitar. I bought a Pearl Export set and love it. I agree with the snare, which is why I upgraded it to a Pearl Masters snare. Overall a very good kit and it suits my needs perfectly, which is hobby playing and some small gigs on occasion. Replace the batter heads on the toms and bass when you can. It sounds great out of the box, but putting a little money in your heads will really make this drum set sound as good as the more expensive kits out there, IMO.
100% on replacing the heads!
A Pearl Masters snare as well 🤟🏻 love that choice
I am a professional drummer now for 35+ years and I have had Pearl kits in the past and love the sound. I just purchased an 8 piece set of Pearl export exx and they sound amazing. Especially the bass drums. But for sure the snare isn’t very good. So I purchased a Dw collector series aluminum snare and now the whole kit sounds amazing. Great video.
Love it! Going big with the 8 piece! What finish did you go for?
Can’t go wrong with a collector series 👌🏻
Thanks for checking out the video 🥁❤️
@@WillDrumsDaly I went with the jet black. Can’t ever go wrong with black and chrome.
How about the Benny Greb Sonor Signature Snare...???
This guy is underated! so helpfull I got my firt kit for 400 and this is 500 which is the best deal buy as a second kit though
Hope you enjoy your kit Rory! Thanks for watching the video glad it helped you out!
For pearl drumsets, I always wanted to use clear emperor's on the toms, coated controlled sound on snare and clear power stroke 3 on the kick, but I thought to use Evans drumheads, cause I actually use Evans drumheads, on the kick I'll use an Emad heavyweight for the batter and the normal Emad for the resonant, clear g2's on the toms and hd dry on the snare
my first snare was a pear export it sounded really flat on low tuning so i had no choice but to keep it tuned high if you want it to sound phat you can use things like a big fat snare drum or just an old cut up head
i bought it in white in Fusion 20. quality is really good for the price and i got stands and SBR cymbals for a grand. even the basic bass pedal and hats pedal feel right. i'm a drum addict and i build my own snare drums. i put all my money into that, cymbals and heads. simply because low end drumsets nowadays are excellent. i don't need more! i'd rather play with cymbals and snares.
but once you found the right heads for your toms and BD, sounds incredible! for me the simplest solution was the right one. G1 top and bottom tuned to the same note. low, just take the wrinkles out is where i love them. those toms can sing for real! i like when my toms enter in full beast mode with that tune and heads. i can turn them down by dampening a bit and that's it! but i leave them open. they sing so well.
BD i went for single ply EMAD batter with patches + factory Pearl reso head. super punchy.
put my Paiste 900s on, my lovely PDP DPCO double pedals and boom! when i pair it with my 14x5 american maple custom snaredrum made by me (it is a high pitch poppy puppy), it sounds big and very Metal. despite the size of the toms. and i still can turn them into Jazz mode if i want. which is a big plus.
the best grand i ever spent.
Nice video. I agree about the Export snare drum being so so, but as you say you can make it sound good. I’ve had my Export kit for a couple of years, it sounds great, and I view it as a superb gigging kit, with a punchy bass drum that’s going to be heard, and 5 years into drumming I see no reason to replace my Export kit as my main kit. The additional low mid frequencies I find more expensive kits bring, once you have a full band mix that is going to matter less. And the better and bigger stages you are on, the room, the microphones will help you out. Love my Export kit!
I agree, I liked the bass drum straight out of the box, then changed the batter head and fell in love with it. It's a got a really nice punch.
I love my fire engine red “Export Series”! PEARL IS MY GO TO KIT. “Best Reason To Play Drums”
@@scottmcdonald2046 Which batter head are you using on the kick now?
@@theblytonian3906 I am currently using a Remo Power Stroke on the batter head.
Back in the 80s the exports were everywhere in metal , the drums were decent , it was the hardware that was heads above pearls competitors .
Back in the late 80s early 90s I preferred premier xpk kits , made in Nottingham and easy to get extra drums for my kit .
However my friend bought an export and as soon as I saw the hardware and how affordable it was I went and ordered 4 booms and continued to use pearl export hardware up into the mid 2000s .
Pearl's Export still can't be beaten on the bang for the buck front, although that was far from the only reason I chose mine. Quality is AAA too. Just can't go wrong with it unless wanting to spend a lot more money. Then there's availability and supply problems with equally souught after alternatives. e.g. Yamaha Custom Stage Birch.
I have a brand new Pearl Export but with Remo Heads and it sounds pretty good...but i am going to add the Benny Greb Signature Sonor snare to it...it has an amazing sound...
Ahhh yes! Those Benny Greb snares look awesome. I’d love to test one of them out, let me know how you find it.
Great choice. I bought that snare about 10 years ago and love it. The promo videos aren’t exaggerating. It is so versatile and easy to get a great sound out of.
Bought a set new in the 90s, still have it and play them almost daily. The snare sucked and got replaced but after 30+ years they still absolutely ROCK. I’ve moved up to Masters series but just can’t leave the exports alone lol.
Love it!
I hear ya. 2½ years in I'll never sell mine even if I eventually reach a point where for need or want I buy something higher end. Cymbals will change to something very nice bronze at some time of course, currently constrained by need vs cost.
If your masters sounds like the Export you need tuning lessons. Your masters must sound terrible.
I had this export series in blue sparkle a few years ago, it sounded great in the studio and live. It's definitely worth the investment considering the quality and cost. I do have to agree with the snare, it's better to upgrade or have it as a second perhaps.
No significant basis of drum kit playing comparison other than what I've headed with my ears, but as an ex snare specific drummer (Premier & Carlton side drums) of many years of yore, I can't fault mine. I'm not hearing what the reviewer is. Admittedly I've refitted with a Puresound snare on mine and an Ambassador batter head. Tuned up it accurately with a Torque key fine tuned by ear, and it sounds pleasing to my ear. Matter of taste, for instance I don't like the colour of the reviewers coat. ;P (joke) to borrow a droll quip from George Harrison. Look I'm sure undeniably there are better snares for a lot more cash, but there's nothing shabby about the included Pearl snare even out of the box. In fact it's amazing for the price of the kit including a set of five drums and all hardware. Sounds fine. The 'worst' "sounds like cardboard" comment re the snare is nitpicking in extremis to me, and that's not owner pride bias. Another reviewer on another very good site doesn't like the tone of the Export Floor Tom either. Meh. o.O Take it with a grain of salt, think and gauge for yourself rather than parroting another's perspective.
I have an Export for our studio kit (replaced the snare w/ a 14x8) and I love it. It is a thuderous kit!
You use a Pearl Export in a studio??? OMG You obviously aren't recording anything worthwhile then.
@@johnsutton5786If you don't think you can tune a Pearl Export kit to sound good in a studio setting, you really don't know what you're talking about.
I dunno if this is relevant......but here goes. I have an 80's made in Taiwan Export 3 piece (no Pearl snare) that I inherited. Upgraded rack tom mount to the new suspension type along w/ mount arm, and tossed the wing style lug bolts on the kick to regular type. Only original stand, as far as I know is hi-hat. (It's works fine) With all new Evans heads, properly tuned......I think it sounds really good. Takes a bit of fiddling to get heads in tune w/ themselves as I think the problem w/ drums in this price range and vintage is they're not perfectly round or have perfect bearing edges. But I've got 'em dialed in, and sound powerful w/ good sustain but no weird ringing and not a bit of tape or moon gel. (bass drum does have EMAD) Very good drums w/ a bit of TLC IMO. Feel no urge to upgrade. Do have a Supraphonic snare.....so I guess there's that.
BTW: I think your toms and kick sound fantastic.
Just picked this puppy up for 285 from guitar center. Cheapest set there, and literally the best sounding.
Nice!
I came up on a pearl export from 97 till 2009 when i bought a SONOR S CLASSIX. The Pearl Export can take the road touring and all the rest..... its a workhorse.
Hey Will Great Vid, I've been on a really cheap drum kit for a few years now and I'm ready to upgrade. Do you think this kit would be good for a bit of gigging? If not could you recommend something else please.
Thanks watching the video mate! Absolutely think this would be a great kit to use for gigging but i'd recommend a different snare. You could also maybe check out the Gretsch Catalina as another kit that would be a nice upgrade.
Sounds awesome! Mind telling me what hi hats and crash you’re using? They sound fantastic.
No worries! 15' Meinl Byzance Jazz Thin Hats & an 18' Meinl Sand Thin Crash
This kit and propbably a Lugwig Supralite (for money saving purposes) could go hand in hand; the Supralite sounds like a beast at a low tunning range!
Yeah love that idea!
I’d say this kit with a Yamaha stage custom steel snare would be great
Is the pearl export steel snare 14x6,5 as good?
The Export snares have been notoriously shite almost for as long as they have existed. The only thing that can save it is a hydraulic batter head, and about another €150 worth of accessories and attachments 😂
The Export kits themselves are absolute tank’s though. I always like to have an Export in reserve because it’s such an amazing all rounder
Hey Will, that sounds really good. I’m at mid level drumming, a couple of years now. Recently picked up a Pearl EX, used. I wonder what you tune your heads at, 60,70,80….etc? And, do you tune them all about the same ranges? I have yet to tune with my ear but I know the tune of good and bad and yours sound nice. Glad I found your page. Thanks
When you say '60, 70, 80' is this whilst using a drum dial? I tend to tune only by ear. So I find a rough tone I like the sound of and then try to match all the lugs to be the same tone (or at least try to anyway haha)
Thanks Will, I do use a drum dial. I’ll get the ear one day.
Can you make review video of Mono cymbal bag?
Haha I’ll add it the video shortlist for sure! If enough people are interested in seeing that review - let’s do it!
Hi! Can you give any insight into how you tune your drums low? I bought this kit today and a drum dial and pitch tuning app and would love to hear any tips on getting your tuning.
For this video I actually tuned them by ear and these were fairly fresh skins on the kit. I have also recently purchased a drum dial so I’ll take a look and let you know what number I set things at.
For the lower tuning on drums I tend to go just a fraction above the biting point on the lug. Only problem is that they can slip out of tune quick quickly with that approach on some drums. Also remember that mics and your room will always make a difference to how things sound in the room as well.
I think the great thing with the drum dial is that it should allow you to experiment more easily because you have a number to work around. You can compare different tensions without the fear of forgetting one you liked.
@@WillDrumsDaly That would be wonderful, and thank you for the insight! This is my first real set and your video convinced me to go with the Export. Both your explanations and demos and that tremendous sound! I will bear all of that in mind and look forward to any tension setting you find :-D
Hey Will, any budget friendly snare you would you recommend for a hobby drummer? I would be a fan of high tuning like John Stainer (Helmet/Battles). Thanks!
Sorry only just catching up on this comment so might be late in the advice. I think he uses a brass snare. So maybe a Tama Starphonic, Mapex Black Panther or one of the new Sonor Kompressor snares maybe?
An old garage band rocker in the 70s, I went about 35 years without drums. A few years ago picked up a cheap Export set. Added new heads, and cymbals and have had a ball. I'm even in a band that plays out now and then. The Exports have held up very well. It came with a Slingerland snare, and I switch between it and an Acrolite I picked up. They sound fine to me, and I dont freak out when my little grandsons wanna pound away on them.
So now everything comes with “flat” toms, eight lug bass drums and six lug floor toms. It took me years to finally accept the eight lug bass drums, but they can keep the flat toms and the six lug floor toms. I’ll just have to continue to buy upper level sets.
Having played my original 90s pearl export and the new versions. I will say they have kept quality up. I do prefer my older kit but that could be subjective. The snare is terrible. I think I used my original for a week before I got a new maple shell snare.
What were the inches for the toms? Also, what were the bottom heads for the drums?
The toms are 12’, 13’ and 16’ and they are just still the factory bottom heads
Im an ok drummer (i play guitar bass keyboard vocals etc. Way more than drums) and i need a kit for my home studio. Would it be suitable/ a good option for this
Can you please review a Yamaha Stage Custom with G2 or EC2 heads
Ahhhh man I’m afraid I don’t own a Yamaha stage custom but if I ever do I’ll be sure to make a video 👍🏻
Aw man. Okay. Maybe one of your students has them?
is it EXX 725SP?
Una señora batería 😊
Whats your carpet size mate? Basically I just would like to know which is the smaller space this very setup can be fitted in. Good video, thanks :)
Haha great comment. It's this rug from ikea 300cm x 200cm www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/hodde-rug-flatwoven-in-outdoor-grey-black-20298797/
@@WillDrumsDaly thanks Will, fully sold! The kit I meant 😀. Heard with headphones this time & sounded impressive to me all round at least on your hands 😀
Can I ask you finally which of its three size choices (studio 20", standard 22", fusión?? 22) you recommend me for an studio/room of around 25sq mtrs?. I never b4 put a hand in a drum stick ever.
Thanks so much again 😀
I bought a new Pearl export and straight out of the box it does not sound as good as yours in the vid. Mainly the toms. I don’t know a lot about acoustic kits and wonder what I need to do to get that deeper almost muted sound like you on my toms?
No worries. Tuning will help massively and getting a balance between both your top skin (batter head) and bottom skin (resonant head) is important. You could try switching your top heads for a two ply drum skin that will give you less sustain. Important also to remember that all kits will always sound slightly different in different rooms/environments as well.
Currently working on a video to help people with setting up their kits for the first time, I’ll post it in the replies when it’s done as that might help you out as well.
better than tama stagestar ?
If you want to take this kit to the next level, just throw some die cast hoops and Remo heads on.
I am 16 year old and I can play preety good ( my schoolmates say this) so should I purchase this one ?
I’d say go for whatever kit is going to inspire you to practice the most. If this kit is getting you excited to play, I’d say go for it!
Kinda rin the video because your not using the factor heads for that kit , that drum kit came with remo ambassadors
The only problem with Pearl, is that they're too damn good at making drums. I'm a pro working drummer wanting to switch to Pearl, and I wanna know how a Pearl kit feels because I got a serious contact that could get me an endorsement deal down the road and I've never played Pearl... well. I was going for the MMC, then maybe the Sessions... and now... seeing some the finish and fit quality to price ratio, I'm considering the Export. That would be technically be a downgrade from even my first drum kit... This is ridiculous actually?!
Replace the stock snare with a sensitone.🤖🛸
Wait...he loves cardboard. Who loves cardboard 😂. Jk. Loved the video man
Haha my next video will solely be about my deep love for cardboard and our journey through life together
Scored this from an attic...5 years of dust...lol..$300
Got a tune that floor tom a little more man that thing sounds shower.😳
Just here to gather the facts.
that snare needs work the rest of the kit is awesome,
The audio on this video too much bass and compression can't get a good feel for what these really sound like.
I'm sorry but your choice of drum heads and microphones are not the best for the Pear Export. Also, the dunning of the snare and toms also needs to change. You didn't do the kit justice by your choices of drum heads, tuning, and mics / mixing. My 1987 Pearl Export has tons of gigs, recording sessions and abuse under it's belt and I feel it sounds better than the kid you used in this video. But, we all have our opinions. I don't mean to be rude. I just feel you didn't give the kit what it deserved.
Blessings.
Probably tuned really high... Horrible sound that
Cheap and nasty. I gave mine away.
You're so special. 🤮