Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,082
Standard/Professional
$999
$2500+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Pearl Export". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Pearl Export drum set is an enduring favorite among drummers worldwide, known for its blend of craftsmanship and affordability. This iconic series has returned with upgrades that elevate its performance while retaining the qualities that made it a classic. At the heart of this drum set are the 6-ply shells crafted from a blend of poplar and Asian mahogany, delivering a full-bodied sound with a rich, balanced attack. Pearl's proprietary Superior Shell Technology (SST) ensures each shell is robust and resonant, thanks to an innovative construction process involving extreme heat and over 1,000 pounds of hydraulic pressure.
The Pearl Export features the Opti-Loc Mounting System, designed to enhance the kit's resonance and sustain. This system securely holds the rack toms with rubber isolators at all connection points, reducing wobble and allowing the drums to vibrate freely. Complementing this are the low-mass lugs, engineered for minimal shell interaction to maximize sound quality.
With its stylish chrome hardware and a striking Jet Black wrap finish, the Pearl Export is as visually impressive as it is acoustically. Included in this set is Pearl's reliable 830-series hardware, featuring adjustable Uni-lock tilters and a Demonator kick drum pedal for precision and control. Whether you're recording in the studio or performing on stage, the Pearl Export offers a dynamic and robust sound that's perfect for any musical style.
Key Features:
- 6-ply shells made from poplar and Asian mahogany
- Superior Shell Technology (SST) for enhanced durability and tone
- Opti-Loc Mounting System for stable, wobble-free performance
- Chrome hardware with 830-series stands and Demonator pedal
- Jet Black wrap finish for a sleek, professional look
Shell Configuration:
- 22" x 18" Kick drum
- 12" x 08" Tom tom
- 13" x 09" Tom tom
- 16" x 16" Floor tom
- 14" x 5.5" Snare drum
Product specs
| Finish | Jet Black Wrap |
| Configuration | Drum Kit |
| Number of Drums | 5 |
| Snare (Depth x Diameter) | 5.5" x 14" |
| Mounted Toms (Depth x Diameter) | 8" x 12", 9" x 13" |
| Floor Toms (Depth x Diameter) | 16" x 16" |
| Bass Drums (Depth x Diameter) | 18" x 22" |
| Shell Material | Asian Mahogany/Poplar Hybrid |
| Included Stands | 1 x Cymbal Boom Stand, 1 x Cymbal Straight Stand, 1 x Hi-hat Stand, 1 x Snare Stand |
| Included Drum Pedal | 1 x P-930 Single Kick Pedal |
| Tom Holders | 2 x TH70I Tom Arms |
FAQs
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What materials are the shells of the Pearl Export drum set made from?
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The Pearl Export drum set features shells made from a hybrid of Asian Mahogany and Poplar, providing a balanced tone with warmth and projection.
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Is the Pearl Export drum set suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Pearl Export drum set is suitable for beginners as well as more advanced players, offering quality construction and versatile sound that can grow with the player's skill level.
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What hardware is included with the Pearl Export drum set?
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The Pearl Export drum set includes a cymbal boom stand, cymbal straight stand, hi-hat stand, snare stand, and a P-930 single kick pedal, providing a complete setup for drummers.
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How does the Pearl Export's Opti-Loc Suspension System benefit the sound?
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The Opti-Loc Suspension System enhances the resonance and sustain of the toms by minimizing shell contact, allowing for a more open and vibrant sound.
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What is the finish of the Pearl Export drum set?
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The Pearl Export drum set comes in a Jet Black wrap finish, offering a sleek and classic appearance that suits various stage and studio settings.
Videos
Kraft Music
Pearl Export Series Drum Set Performance
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality across various music styles, suitable for gigs and recordings
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Durable hardware, withstands frequent setups and tear-downs
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Versatile, suitable for beginners and experienced drummers alike
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Beautiful finishes enhance stage presence
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Responsive P-930 Demonator pedal with adjustable settings
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Well-crafted shells offering balanced tone and resonance
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Affordable price for high-quality build and performance
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Easy assembly and tuning, beginner-friendly
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Expandable with additional toms for customization
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Long-lasting, praised for reliability over years
CONS
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Stock heads not optimal, recommended to replace for better sound
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Some screws may loosen over time
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Hi-hat stand may auto-adjust unintentionally during play
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Cymbals included are basic, not ideal for professional recordings
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Pearl Export.
Build quality
Features and functionality
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The "power tom" setup in some Export kits, with sizes like 12", 13", and 14", is considered unconventional; replacing the 13" with a 10" is suggested for better balance.
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The Export's plastic shell coating can be removed and replaced for a more personalized finish, enhancing both appearance and sound.
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ZBT cymbals, often included in these kits, are noted as entry-level and may need upgrading for better sound quality.
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User experience
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Pearl Export kits, even from the late 90s, have been praised for their durability, often lasting over 20 years with regular gigging and practice.
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Owners highlight that Pearl Export kits are consistent in build, but occasionally a shell may not tune well, though this is rare.
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Owners report Pearl Exports are robust enough to last decades, with some having used them extensively for over 20 years.
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Value and pricing
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Despite marketing, poplar used in newer Pearl Export kits is noted to be durable and provides good value, challenging perceptions of it as a lesser wood.
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A $450 price for a used Pearl Export with included hardware and cymbals is generally considered a good deal, particularly if all hardware is functional.
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Comparisons
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In the $700-900 range, the Pearl Export competes with the Yamaha Stage Custom, Mapex Armory, and Gretsch Catalina, among others, offering solid quality at a competitive price.
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It’s mentioned that Pearl Exports don’t match the sound and playability of higher-end DW kits, though they continue to be a great, reliable option.
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Use cases and applications
Mods and upgrades
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Some users repaint or rewrap their kits for aesthetic variety, with one owner rewrapping in red sparkle for a fresh look.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 24 Ratings
97
Exceptional Kit
Great drum kit for players of all age and skill level. With the right tuning, heads and accompanying cymbals, this five-piece kit sounds exceptional
133
I love Pearl always will great kit
The Pearl Export kits sound and look really good. Very great kit for the money I love it!
Artist usage
Add artist
In an image from the "Mac Drums" album on Imgur, Joe Mcmurry, Mac DeMarco's drummer, is shown playing a Pearl Export drum set. The set is identifiable by its older lugs, with "Pearl" visible on the kick drum and floor tom. Notably, the tom-tom has its wrap removed.
Matt Nicholls confirmed his use of the Pearl Export drum kit, stating, "I had a Pearl Export before that and we were like, we need a new drum kit to make this sound good. I went to a drum store in Rotherham and a guy took me round a few kits. It looks cool too, orange sparkle. I’ve used that to record the last four records" (MusicRadar, Chris Barnes, "Bring Me The Horizon drummer Matt Nicholls on confidence, computer composition, clicks and more").
At the end of the article, Chippendale's equipment is listed. The Pearl Export is the first on the list.
Samus Paulicelli incorporates a Pearl Export drum kit into his setup, featuring three rack toms, two floor toms, and two bass drums. This is evidenced by his Instagram post, where he invites fans to a live YouTube session showcasing his raw drum sounds.
Bora Karaca lists on the gear page for his studio The Laboratory Audio that he has a Pearl Export drum kit. This was also used for various live shows for Cojum Dip.
Stuart Cable's Pearl Export Drum Kit is displayed at the Cynon Valley Museum, as documented by Sarah Mayo of the Cynon Valley Museum Trust.
In the interview, Neil talks about him and his brother buying a dark green Pearl Export kit together. He says it's on every Lawrence Arms recording up until The Greatest Story Ever Told.
In a live set, Sam Acchione can be seen using a Pearl Export drum set, as evidenced by the image available on Equipboard.
At 33:56 in this episode of Bill Burr's podcast, Dave Elitch says:
When I played drums when I was a kid I got a $300 CB 700 kit that was a piece of shit and I beat the brakes off of it, then I got a Pearl Export, and I worked my way up.
Album Usage
The Pearl Export has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Pearl Export, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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