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Description

Discover the exceptional sound and craftsmanship of the Pearl Master Series Custom (Acrylic) drum set. This drum set is a part of Pearl's renowned Master Series, designed to offer drummers a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and sonic versatility. The acrylic shells deliver a vibrant, full-bodied sound that stands out in any musical genre, from rock and pop to jazz and beyond. Known for its transparency, the acrylic material not only looks striking under stage lights but also enhances your performance with its dynamic sound projection.

Each component is meticulously crafted to ensure top-notch performance and durability. The seamless acrylic shells provide a powerful attack and quick decay, making them ideal for both live settings and studio sessions. Additionally, the hardware is designed for stability and ease of setup, including robust tom mounts and sturdy bass drum spurs.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring drummer, the Pearl Master Series Custom (Acrylic) offers a reliable and visually stunning choice for your drum kit lineup. Its combination of superior build quality and innovative design makes it a favorite among musicians who seek both style and substance in their instruments.

Key Features:

  • Acrylic shells for enhanced sound projection and visual appeal
  • Seamless shell construction for consistent tonal quality
  • Robust hardware for stability and durability
  • Ideal for a wide range of musical genres
  • Suitable for both live performances and studio recordings

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Pearl Master Series Custom (Acrylic).

Comparisons

  • Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch is recommended as a competitive alternative, praised for sound quality and robust hardware at a reasonable price.

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  • Owners often use wood or metal snares due to acrylic's limited tonal versatility and aesthetic preference, rather than performance issues.

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  • Pearl's high-end kits tend to depreciate faster than other brands, which is beneficial for buyers seeking used options but problematic for sellers.

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  • Pearl Crystal Beats are considered heavier than vintage Vistalites, affecting portability for some users.

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User experience

  • Acrylic snares are favored in mid-level price points for their unique sound, offering good value compared to high-end wood or metal options.

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  • Acrylic snares offer a distinct wide sound with decent mid/low range but require precise tuning to hit their "sweet spot."

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  • Owners of Pearl Reference kits highlight their substantial weight, making them less ideal for frequent gigging due to portability issues.

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  • It's noted that acrylic bass drums can be "tubby" and "rubbery" sounding, which is a common issue among these sets.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Increasing snare wires on acrylic snares significantly improves their sound, as demonstrated with a Vistalite snare.

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  • Users recommend using Evans Hydraulic heads for warmer tones on acrylic kits.

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Use cases and applications

  • Acrylic snares excel in producing classic 80’s gated-reverb sounds and perform well when tuned very low for specific applications.

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  • Yamaha high-end kits, like the Maple Custom Absolute, are praised for their durability and versatility, withstanding heavy usage in professional settings.

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Build quality

  • Acrylic snares are noted for limited tonal range and a tendency to crack under high tension, especially in older models.

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  • Owners report that acrylic drums are prone to scratching, with scratches being highly visible, unlike on wood kits.

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  • It's noted that Pearl tom holders, specifically the TH900i, are criticized for limited movement and high cost compared to Yamaha's more flexible systems.

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Features and functionality

  • The acrylic material makes these drums exceptionally loud, teaching players about dynamic control.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Acrylic kits require careful handling, as they are susceptible to cracking around the lugs, especially over time.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chad Smith uses Pearl Master Series Custom (Acrylic)

Chad Smith

Drummer

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Chad's drum tech Chris Warren talks about his acrylic kit:

"So this is Chad’s new touring “I’m With You” drum kit. A very custom kit from Pearl. As you can see it’s an acrylic see-through kit, which you’re not gonna find on any shelf in any drum shop anytime soon. This is a very custom drum set for Chad. He came up with the idea, he called up the folks at Pearl and said, “I’d like a clear drum set please!” And they were happy enough to oblige him. And they’ve really done an outstanding job, it’s one of the best sounding acrylic kits I’ve ever heard. AND the fact that the Chili Peppers logo is frosted into each drum in sort of a random pattern is just so cool. Chad loves it, and it sounds great."

According to Pearl's Artist page, the kit consists of: 24x16 Bass Drum, 12x8 Tom, 14x14 Floor Tom, 16x16 Floor Tom

See how Positive Mental Trip uses Pearl Master Series Custom (Acrylic)

Positive Mental Trip

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Richard Goddeau a talented blind drummer who trained at Crane School of Music and also played country music in Nashville TN has been a part of PMT since 2006. Richard played many shows with his 13 piece Pearl Masters series kit with Gibraltar rack and roto-toms at many 2005-2007(early era) Positive Mental Trip concerts. You can hear Richard and his Pearl Masters series drum set on “Back Up Again” on PMT’s “Change Your Mind” album. (2012) Richard Goddeau and his Pearl Masters series drum set can also be hear on the epic 12 minute version of “circles” which ends the Positive Mental Trip’s “The Black and White Album”. Richard Goddeau player “circles” 100’s of times at practices and live shows back in the day so he was the obvious choice for the album version. “We hope to hear rich and his 13 piece Pearl Masters Series drum kit on at least 1 or 2 songs we are tracking for the “Love Never Dies” album in August 2019.”

Album Usage

The Pearl Master Series Custom (Acrylic) 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 Master Series Custom (Acrylic), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
Electro-Harmonix POG2 Polyphonic Octave Generator
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1
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V1
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V1 Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
Sabian 10" AAX Splash
1
LP Jam Block
LP Jam Block Latin Percussion
1

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