The Evolution of Maple Drums & How They Compare Today

[@CrappyProducts]

I mean this is just the best drum channel and it's coming from a store. Well done guys!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, it means a lot! Spread the word!

[@josedealba5090]

@@CrappyProducts I agree with your statement. It seems like each year, there’s less and less music stores that truly care about their brand, their customers and what products they offer. It is a breath of fresh air to see the DCP guys care about their customers, fan base and musicians around the world. Thanks for the top notch content guys!

[@Jack_Attack_2580]

@@josedealba5090the only other music store who does this is Sweetwater! Guitar Center especially doesn’t seem to care about their customers, which is why they lost my business as a customer very recently!

[@nelsneesman8712]

@@josedealba5090 Internet killed the shops in Germany. Everybody concentrates on buying in big internet shops. They dictate prices.

[@joestewartdrums]

Not enough videos/content on this type of stuff. At least not that I've seen. The nitty-gritty history of the evolution of hardware and construction of our beloved instrument needs more spotlight! Super well done video guys!

[@will5430]

Whoever is tuning those drums for the head to head at the end is spot on 👌

[@kmb1]

Well, almost. the DW mounted toms were under pitch in comparison to the other three sets. Kinda drove me a little nuts, actually. Floor toms were consistent!

[@tinterlande]

@@kmb1all heads were tuned the same for the head to head, by me. Any pitch difference you are hearing is due to, hardware, shell construction or bearing edge.

[@tinterlande]

Thanks, Will!

[@chucksaloio7105]

My ears ranked the Pearl kit as #1. Full, round and a nice attack with the perfect amount of sustain. Great job on the video. Much appreciated. Happy New Year!

[@memopadilla5931]

Yeah that is the thicker Pearl 6 ply at 7.5mm and I was surprised that edged out the Starclassic Maple 5mm to me at least.

[@salsalover69laters]

I agree. Surprisingly to me the DW came 2nd, except for the bass drum, although maybe he just played it softer. The Tama and Yamaha both sounded flat to me, possibly because the roms are shallower? I'd definitely take the Pearl, and even if I thought the DW sounded better (which I don't) I'd take the Pearl anyway as I think DW drums are just overpriced. I understand that because they were made in the US they'd be more expensive in Australia than Asian made kits. But honestly, their stuff is just overpriced IMO. I bought a DW5000 double pedal in 97. I spent $5,000 on that kit and $999 was the pedal! Granted, it has lasted me until today. But damn it really wasn't worth the cost. At nearly $1,500 ($1,000 USD) today and maybe $1,800 ($1,200 USD) for a DW9000? Maybe they're really cheap in the States. But I'll stick to Pearl, a d they do sound better. I have a Session Custom Maple from the 2000's and it sounds amazing.

[@stevebowers8932]

It takes a lot of time and work to do these videos. Good job guys!😊

[@drumcenternh]

It sure does and thanks for watching!

[@mknaylor]

My ears loved the Pearl kit overall. All of them are stellar kits. Really enjoyed this presentation of the history of the choices made by the different companies. Kudos for the amazing content!

[@nrgullo]

DCP always bringing the best drum content. Thank you and I am proud to be a customer

[@JohnMcDaniel-mr6dy]

We bought a Tama Starclassic maple kit in 1995. It came with the starclassic logo on bass drum lol but later put Tama logo head on. This kit sounds as good today as 30 yrs. ago. We play around 75/80 shows a year and its never sounded better.... Enjoy all your videos DCP, Keep Rocking!!

[@mikkecymbals3829]

@@JohnMcDaniel-mr6dy i have a Tama SCM like that, bought it this year , no Tama logo on the BD front head, just the starclassic logo , they do sound amazing!!

[@soko1450]

I can't express how much I appreciate this documentary/demo format. You guys just continue to bring it to a new level. Drum nerd crack right here. Thank you so much.

[@alamocitycollectibles6105]

Agree, it was well done and brought back memories for me of the evolution of drums, 1975 to 2000's. I was a big Peter Criss fan in the late 70's but could not commit to Pearl when purchasing my first high-end drum set in 2001. I chose Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute. Never looked back.

[@dancalabrese3523]

This may have been the best video ever from DCP. Some of this history I knew, but so much of it I didn't. DW kit was by far my favorite. Thanks guys and Happy New Year!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks Dan and Happy New Year to you as well!

[@cymbalslasher]

I really like the way the Pearl holds it's note after initial strike. The others seem to dive in pitch after the strike.

[@stavedaddy3987]

The pearl masters sounded the best to my ears. They have a really nice round sound. Great video 🤙🏾

[@joetrollson]

Awesome surprise. Thank you, guys. I hope you have an awesome new year's eve!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks! We hope you do too!

[@MelkMan7]

In the Head 2 Head I thought I would've preferred the Tama or Yamaha but the Pearl Masters got my vote.

[@SendTechno]

This was a brilliant watch! Thanks for uploading and hope you guys do more in the future.

[@christophersaulino3551]

I know Sonor was cult brand back in 90’s in the US but I think they had a great response. The designer kit was the nicest sounding maple drums I ever heard. They also came out with the Delites, which was their answer to the DW with re-rings loved that sound as well.

[@WilliamPerri-m9l]

They blew away DW in my mind. Sonar sound unbelievable. The kit that they sell for between 12 and 1400 I’ve played in person and I’ve never heard a DW sound that . I mean, Tama, Yamaha, Gretsch all sounded way better than DW to me and still do. Ironically I’ve always liked PDP Drums though, and I’ve been beginning to get a little bit more fond of DW. My problem with DW is I only remember tolerating a few of the sets that were around 2000 and other than that it would have to be like the six to $8000 kits but everything else from 2500 to 4000 didn’t sound nearly as good as Yamaha or Tama to me. Also, I’ve never heard them sound good tuned up? The PDP concept Maple kit with the wood hoops now that can sound good in a Jazz setting but I don’t think I’ve ever gone to a club and I’ve seen a jazz ensemble with a guy playing DW. They can sound extremely well tuned medium or low like cannons, and I did watch a Stephen Perkins video from about 10 years ago where he was doing a drum solo on his kit and they sounded phenomenal. But if you want to tune up and play jazz there are so many other choices than DW. I mean, Yamaha for the win playing Jazz for much less, and of course there’s Gretsch 😀 and 3 or 4 better choices in my opinion.

[@kmb1]

Great job, Shane! Great history lesson and romp through my childhood! Of the four brands, my favorites were the Tama's and the DW's. I own a set of 2002 DW Collectors and they're perfect. BTW: We've met a few times. I'm the guy that bought your personal DeJohnette Encore 21" ride, back when you were at Portland Percussion. Still have though it doesn't see much action these days. Thanks for all you do for drummers everywhere!

[@mttgilmore5]

I appreciate you guys so much. You are the most informative out there. And it's my dream to get to come out there and go through this incredible store. Thank you for this video. This was very informative, and something that i've always wanted to hear side by side. Thanks y'all.

[@MarkMonolithOfficial]

Amazing video and great comparisons! The Tama and DW impress me the most out of these

[@terrydonegan1622]

My 2 favourites too

[@bigbejar]

Shane and team always keeping us informed. Great guys. Great store. 👍🏿

[@burpeemetaldrumguy]

This was by far one of my favorite videos DCP has produced. I'd love to see more detailed and history oriented videos on the evolution of drums in the future. The Yamaha and Tama took the cake sound wise for me.

[@gailseno]

This was excellent. Loved hearing the history. And really helped me in my search for my next kit. Thank you Shane!

[@peaceandwealthseeker4504]

That Yamaha kit sounds incredible

[@anotheryoutubed]

I was just thinking that, I had no idea it had wenge in it. The bass drum sounds incredible.

[@rippindrummer666]

I have the absolute hybrids in the walnut finish and it is by far the best kit I’ve ever played. If you ever get a chance to try them in person do it. They feel so amazing to play, everytime I’m on them I could seriously play them for hours and hours. Yes they don’t have the most amazing finishes but it really doesn’t matter. I’ve owned a high end kit from almost every brand over the years buying and selling kits and those Yamahas blow everything away…this includes dw collectors, Tama starclassic maple, pearl masterworks, Sonor sq2 maple, Gretsch USA maple, Nobel and Cooley. Only thing that comes close for me are Ludwig classic maple and Canopus yaiba maple

[@soulander13]

the quickest though, huh?

[@kevingray4385]

@@rippindrummer666 yea I’m the same, best kit I’ve had, I’ve had a lot of drums from high end Sonor, dw, pearl, gretsch, Tama and these just work with anything.

[@Thesmokymountainman]

This my friends is why This store and channel is so appreciated , the knowledge and work that goes into serving their customers. Thank You I pray your success is multiplied!

[@carlupthegrove262]

This is a great video, I really enjoy the history. At 75 I've lived and played through most of this but did really know the 'back-story'. Thanks

[@habit1979]

Amazing job. I was an Ayotte entusiast in the 90ties when Maestro Ray was there. Now i'm totally a DW guy, for overall quality and pure recognizable sound. Then i love also how the Pearl shell respond to your touch. Amazing job guys again, love from Italy

[@that-avr-drummer]

I'm a big history geek and lover of documentaries, so this was fantastic!! Do some more please 🙂

[@Hell-Interface-BOC]

The best drum channel on KZbin, bar none. And a fantastic history lesson. Thank you Shane and all the dudes at DCP for all the work you out inot these videos. Big love from The North of England!! (BTW, that Yamaha kit?? Oof, what a beauty!) 👍

[@PC-72]

Man, ever since I started seeing this channel I like drums a lot more and end up liking them all of that brands.

[@kimseniorb]

love this. very captivating storytelling. cheers from Estonia ;)

[@adamfrost3722]

Cheers 🍻

[@siim605]

@@kimseniorb Estonian drummers unite 😄

[@trafalgerdavis7839]

Great video, guys. More drum history please. Great stuff.

[@NatanAndreis]

Great video, as always! DW and Tama sound the best, for me, with a more resonant, deeper and fuller sound.

[@paulbartlett9054]

Great comparison! Very informative video!

[@GGDrums88]

Very informative video. I just ordered my 3rd kit from these guys. Great company to do business with.

[@fbwnsan]

What a great contents. Thank you sir for your contribution to drumming and music community. Please make more contents like this :)

[@tomwilliams3053]

Absolutely love your channel. Cant see any others making content like this. Straight to the point but goes into detail on the right parts (in my opinion)

[@Jay-Go]

I grew up in the late 70's/early 80's, so I was fortunate to see these changes in real-time. But one thing that hasn't changed is how each drum manufacturer has its own sound. Wood is wood, so the nuance in sound is subtle. But Tama sounds like Tama. Pearl sounds like Pearl. Etc.... And nice video, DCP! Happy New Year gentlemen. 🥂🎆

[@crmasciocchi]

Love this video, really nice job. Would really like to see a part 2 of this video on this evolution of shell compositions like the DW Maple/ Mahogany and Jazz series, the Tama Star shells, etc

[@TimothyPoppens]

Phenomenal lesson and assessment. Thanks guys! Happy New Year!

[@GeoffBosco]

To your point about Ludwig being invisible at the time: around 1987 Neil Peart decided he wanted to see what other drum brands were doing, he had like six different companies send him kits to try out. Ludwig sent him something unusual for the time they had been experimenting with a thin (for the time) four ply maple popular maple configuration which they were offering in the Super Classic series. He decided to make the switch to this new line of drums, and if you've heard any of the recordings he used them on between 1987-1993 those drums really did prefigure the more natural 90's drum sounds to come. But, yeah; being first isn't always as important as being the most seen. Even with Neil as an endorser, those kits didn't really sell. And they're kind of rare to find on the used market. I would love Ludwig to do a reissue because I love the sound of those on all those Rush records.

[@GeoffBosco]

Post Script: when Neil informed Tama he was leaving, they responded by saying they could make a drum kit that sounded exactly like the Ludwigs. Neil, thought, "what's the point?" and turned them down. I've been convinced for a long time that the Starclassic line was heavily influenced by Neil's departure. -

[@44amanaplanacanalpanama44]

I remember and agree with you. Neil was ahead of the game, and was one of the first to bring back organic open tom sounds without damping and thinner heads to the rock scene. It was a nice change from the typical "cardboard box with reverb" 80's drum sounds.

[@jackfino7136]

I’ve saying this for years . The Ludwig kits Neil used were my favorite he ever used in my opinion . Listen to the Counterparts and Presto Album. The drums were so clear and present and punchy . Ludwig needs to bring back that formula .

[@Dan-hc1ow]

Agree 100%! I loved the sound of those Super Classics. The Tamas were great, of course, but the Super Classics definitely had the edge.

[@Dan-hc1ow]

@@GeoffBoscoI never even thought about that! It makes so much sense!

[@44amanaplanacanalpanama44]

What a great video! I lived through the same era; started playing in the early 80s and watched the transition from the classic brands to the Japanese brands to DW. In the early 90s I bought (and still have) a Pearl Master's kit in 1993. It's a great kit- always sounds good. I recorded one demo with it in 97 (24 track adat, lol). Things have changed, but the pattern DW set in the 90s has really stayed around. It was a huge improvement, in my opinion, from the hard, thick shell sound of the 80s. The one thing I do miss is the larger sizes, as I think they generally sound bigger in a good way.

[@Ivorjonesdrums]

Great comparison of some beautiful drum sets! Drums have evolved into higher quality products for sure, bearing edges, grain flow, blends of wood are increasing the quality every day. Thanks again!

[@teemulaasonen3950]

Thanks DCP for this! So fascinating to learn about some history ❤ The differnces are so tiny, they all make amazing intsruments, that I guess it'll be the hardware, mounting types, little details and your gut feeling with which brand you want to spend your days and what your heroes play. It's more than what you only hear. Happy new year from Finland :)

[@CJFields-ik8sx]

Wow, Those cymbals sound amazing!!

[@davidcurtis4478]

Happy New Year guys! Always love watching your videos. REALLY ENJOYED watching this one! Rock 2025! Best, DC

[@CaptainWrong]

Really great video! I’d love to see more history type videos like this one.

[@crazy8sdrums]

DW's initial fame came from Keller maple shells. Keller made (and still makes) really great maple shells, though somewhat basic. Thin 6 ply shells with re-rings. They made good bottom end sound with controlled resonance via the re-rings. Thuddy and bassy. Good for the time. DW started making their own shells and have now experimented to produce a variety of sounds. Tama focused on quality of overall build, and less about the sound...until the Starclassic series...which they then focused on sound of either birch or maple. Great build. High precision. Consistency. Japanese ethos. Yamaha focused on precision and build quality. Japanese ethos, at the expense of customization. Basic appearance...great quality and great sound. Pearl was pretty generic and low precision..Chinese ethos....but have more recently adopted new ideas. Of these, IMO, Tama has been the most responsive and accurate at delivering the most current sounds of the time. Quality. Sound. Customization. Innovation. Value. Yamaha follows closely, better in sound but behind in other perspectives. DW relies on the endorsers too much, at the expense of value to the buyer. Im not a big fan of Pearl shells, though they dov ery well for snare drums. )Pearl shells do well for snare drums, and less well for toms and kicks...imo)

[@WilliamPerri-m9l]

I completely agree with you about Pearl snare drums. They always sound great but the rest of the kit blah. I do love the old Mahogany Pearl Master series from the early 90s and of course Dennis Chambers always makes his Pearl’s sound phenomenal! Yamaha for the win sound wise but I agree with you about Tama. The Yams sounded the best 💯

[@doublestrokeroll]

I think you don't know much about Pearl. The MLX were as good as anything from Tama or Yamaha and were made in the Chiba factory in Japan. Hell even the World and Export series were never made in China. The only difference between the 3 was Pearl outsourced mid and entry level to Taiwan where as Tama and Yamaha only outsourced their entry level to Taiwan.

[@crazy8sdrums]

@@doublestrokeroll Pearl has a market. Obviously, they appeal to you. Not to me... I've played 'em all, neighbor.

[@WilliamPerri-m9l]

@@doublestrokeroll That’s opinion! It’s rare that I meet any Drummer that likes pearl as much or better than Tama or Yamaha. And I can guarantee you if you put 50 drummers in a room and you put a Yamaha kit next to a Pearl kit the Yamaha kit will be the more popular choice. That’s just a fact. That’s not opinion.

[@doublestrokeroll]

@@WilliamPerri-m9l This statement: "Pearl was pretty generic and low precision..Chinese ethos....but have more recently adopted new ideas." Is not an opinion in any way whatsoever. If you think it is then you need to look up formal logic and understand what words mean. This is a statement of fact, and it's wrong.

[@jnkls29]

Thanks a lot for your hard work guys. Really appreciate your amazing videos!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks so much, glad you like them!

[@totigerus]

This was soooo needed. Loved it! The DW floor tom resonated the least to my ears. I was shocked! Have you dudes ever done a history on the 70's through 80's drum gear transition?

[@jordansaltmarsh3808]

If only I would have focused in history class as much as I was in this history lesson, my grades would have been a lot better! Absolutely loved this video! Thanks guys! Loved them all and could hear how they all had similar qualities. My favorite was the Pearl kit!

[@temskee6792]

thanks for creating an awesome content!! hope you also covered the evolution on drums sizes ...

[@thumperpaul]

Very informative and interesting video. Love the history behind the story!

[@danpalsson8973]

Great video 👍 Liked the Pearl best 🤩 Happy New Year 🎉🥳🥁

[@markgabriel5797]

Very well done DCP! Excellent video!

[@giraffinglizard43]

i love videos like these! i've got a tama starclassic bubinga (same finish as mario duplantier 😎) and it's absolutely incredible but i've always loved the sound of birch and maple kits too, like the ludwig classic maple. great video!

[@jasonmccord7507]

Best video I’ve ever watched on KZbin!

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Thanks, Shane and your band of merry drummers! I am really liking this particular video and all the new things I'm learning. Please keep making these interesting videos. Happy New Year, y'all! 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@davidkean5680]

Good work boyz…… very informative & entertaining

[@mz6412]

Yamaha absolute hybrid maple best overall. Thank you for the video DCP! 🤘

[@nathanwilkerson4382]

It's nice to see a history lesson vs "here's this, buy this". I don't mean that negativity either, you are a store... great video! I'll be watching.

[@biffbiff1107]

Happy New Year to you all. Loved the vid. Thank you. DW were my fav for today (I’ll be sticking with my 9000s though). 🍻

[@RhymesWithCarbon]

Thank you so much for this video! I love the history, and I hope customers far and wide pay attention because this is really informative. I am in the Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute camp. I've never heard better drums recorded in any situation. I've owned all of them: Maple Custom, Maple Custom Absolute, DW Collectors, Tama Starclassic Maple, Pearl Masters Custom, and Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute was *IT*. The very best of great hardware, powerful shells, and beautiful finishes. I would buy them again forever.

[@dilankarun9172]

Great show. Liked all the drumsets featured lol, Thanks, Now.... Featuring todays maple drumsets and you left out the Iconic Ludwig Maple Classic ? Interesting 🤔

[@CactusJack-j1k]

Yes! I too find it "interesting," particularly in light of Shane's printed comments about the construction accuracy of Ludwig's Classic Maple shells and the "Timeless" nature of their sound! 'Course Shane's personal kit is now a DW.

[@EliasUribeDrums]

And what happened with the Mapex Orion Series? In the 90´s they brought a very cool sound.

[@nekow1785]

This is my favorite drum channel ever

[@keithpratt1849]

What a great, comprehensive video. Thank you. I would be excited and happy to play any of these drums. Tama and DW had that little something extra in their sounds to me.

[@Serpents1600]

Awesome video. Love the way Yamaha sounds!

[@bbunks]

Thank you Shane! I have long held the view that the quality and options available today are the result of DW upping the game - in drums, hardware and overall innovation. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Shane’s double kick chops! You’re playing sounds great!

[@joeypeacock1673]

Been playing since mid 60s and yes, I started with American brands. What started my journey away from these brands was the upgrade seen in Japanese hardware. At the time TAMA introduced some roadworthy options. Many times, in the past I had issues with American hardware. I remember one gig, in particular when one mount on my Ludwig double tom stand broke and I had a beautiful Psychedelic Red tom rolling across the stage. Immediately bought a TAMA set. Interesting video. Great concept. Thanks, DCP.

[@percywoods3167]

What an awesome video! Loved the history lesson! I lived through the era of the 80s and 90s and can relate to everything Shane said! In terms of the comparisons, it seems like the Tama Starclassic had the most clear "Pure Tone." However, the Pearl kit had the most powerful beefy floor tom that resonated "forever!" Personally, I love all those kits. I've had the Yamaha Hybrid Maple and DW Collectors Series Maple kit ... If I had to pick, I may have to go with the Tama Maple Starclassic (Hard decision though, because all of them are amazing!!). Thanks for the video, Shane!!!! Much appreciated!!

[@brianchristiansen3828]

Love the history lesson. More like this, please.

[@MasterGDrums]

I've been waiting for this video for ever. Thanks for the history and sweet drum sounds. Do you guys sell sample packs for the drums you record? If not you should.

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you! Not yet, but maybe in the future!

[@DP-wi6hm]

Excellent video .

[@CactusJack-j1k]

Interesting video and very well done (as always), especially to an OG like me who started playing percussion in the NC school band program in 1963, remembers The Beatles on Ed Sullivan in 1964, watched and listened to the rock '[n roll of The British Invasion, the Merseybeat, Motown, Stax, Muscle Shoals, the Wrecking Crew, etc. My parents gave me a Leedy (Slingerland) jazz size (20, 12, 14) drum "set" when I was 15 (I wanted Ludwigs, but they were quite a bit more expensive). I played in some local garage-bands until I went off to college, sold the Leedy's to purchase some transportation (a motorcycle), and didn't pick up sticks again until 1999 and wasn't playing with a band again until retiring in 2010. I, therefore, missed the whole rise of DW thing, although I was aware of the company, as well as the Pearl, Tama, Yamaha, Mapex wave from Japan (I have a very early ... late 1960s... Yamaha flyer/brochure), so please excuse my confusion when during your discussion of the "evolution" of maple drums, Shane, that you mention Ludwig sort of "in passing," and totally ignore them when you wrap up by discussing maple drums of "today." My confusion is only deepened when I recall your own statement regarding Ludwig's Classic Maple line on the DCP website... "Shane Says: Interesting tidbit: Ludwig has the most advanced and accurate method of manufacturing drum shells with the classic maple line. The tolerance where each ply meets is so tight, it negates the need for any wood filler. The end result is an outstanding, unbridled tone. When it comes to maple shells, these are my favorite in the business. The sound is TIMELESS." So why don't you say more about Ludwig in this video regarding the maple drums of today? I can understand you leaving Sonor out as they weren't really known for their maple drums until the 1990s (course DW didn't have drum kits,,, maple or otherwise... until the early-mid 1990s... using Keller shells) and Sonor hasn't really had a large presence in the American market. But again, why no real mention of Ludwig's Classic Maples in terms of a "reaction" to DW. I really don't want to think that your positive website comment is just "sales hype." And btw... if I recall correctly, Rogers began using "all maple" shells (Keller-sourced?) in their XP-8 line from about 1979... long before any of the drum makers that are featured in this video and they were quite popular for several years. I'm really glad to see that Pearl has finally gone to "L-rods" for tom mounts but they were pioneered by Ludwig, which then sort of imitated Pearl with their "Modular Mounts."

[@Drummer55]

Another video that I absolutely love! The Tama reissue was sweet. In the 70s I had a Ludwig kit that I hated from the day I bought it. In 78 I bought a 10 Piece Tama SuperStar kit. I still love that kit above every other kit I've played, live or in studio. I left the music scene to raise my twins. When I came back, I got a DW maple kit. As much as I love it, I still long for the sweet birch sound from the Tama SS kit.

[@Twotontessie]

I hear you and also cut way back on music to raise twins! LOL. And I also am not really getting the fascination with the thin maple shell drums. They're pretty but boring to me. I like the thicker shells and birch. Still rocking the Yamaha Recording Custom I got in 1989. I always thought having Superstars would be awesome and still am tempted to find one for my gigging set.

[@christiancea6]

This is where DCP stands out and shines. Nobody does the "Head 2 Head" This is another excellent video of some of the best drum brands on the market. But it's more than just another video. There is the educational value that DCP always adds to its videos. Shane along with his staff just do an outstanding job putting these drum videos together. The one question that really needs to be answered is that. With DW who dominates the sound of different woods and John being the wood guru he is and accomplished so much. Where do these drum manufactures go now.? Has it all been done? Is this why the big push for electronic drums and them looking more like real drums? One of the BEST comparison video DCP did was the Ludwig drums "Head 2 Head" I still watch it because those drums sound AMAZING. If I had to pick any drums in this video it would be the TAMA. They have always been ahead of the game on many levels then you add their hardware which is the best IMO. My last and final question for DCP. On the Pearls MM6 did Shane match Shimmer of OZ drums with his Shimmer Oz Sneakers on purpose? LOL! Excellent video DCP Happy New Year and thank you all for the outstanding service you provide to the drumming community. You guys are the BEST.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, man.

[@christiancea6]

@ You’re welcome! 🥁

[@BahasaDrum]

WELL DONE GUYS! Thank you for the history lesson!!

[@markr8609]

Fantastic video, love the history!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@anthonymedd8718]

Wow what a fantastic and informative video! Outstanding work DCP ❤🙌🏻 Great head to head… for my ears out of these kits… #1 = pearl 👍🏻

[@pcgkjrn]

Excellent presentation!

[@Koch-Locke]

Outstanding ! Absolutely Brilliant Video !!!! Way To Go !!!

[@MikeLumer]

Great video, love the history! Now give Tony a raise!

[@tinterlande]

Thanks Mike haha! 😅

[@wxmaggot5669]

Happy New Year! Another fantastic video guys thank you for all your hard work! I love birch drums and played the birch/mahogany mix 90’s era Pearl Sessions for 2 decades. They were essentially Masters series drums for a lower price. Amazing drums. Anyway, I have never owned Yamaha drums, but this video made me want both recording and maple absolute kits!

[@ab-drums9194]

What a great report on drum history...thank you DCP!!! In last 35 years I owned or played most of these drums, that were presented and I always come back to Tama or Yamaha... prefer mostly birch shells...but I also own a Starclassic maple kit, too, which in my ears here really has the best tonal balanced, warm and present sound...just a perfect classic maple sound...Love and and all the best for 2025!!!🎉

[@bshaboogie]

Great discussion here .... I've owned & played DW Collectors & Yamaha Hybrid Maple kits (although I only owned the DW kit for a short while before selling it) .... I've admittedly been a Yamaha guy for many years (owned a 1986 Tour Series kit to start). The Tama have lately caught my attention, but probably not enough to stray from the Yamaha AHM's, which have served me well.

[@MM-kh7nx]

Happy New Year DCP!

[@hogfanbk]

Great video idea!!! After hearing the head to head comparison, I would almost like to build a Frankenkit featuring each of my preferred toms.

[@itikutok6568]

The Head 2 Head comparison is a stunningly efficient way of comparing different shells 😲

[@brent3760]

Great video Shane!!!

[@blake.r3602]

Fantastic video on the history of maple drums, now come on ladies and gents. Let's get our favorite tone boys to that silver play button!

[@larrymason2112]

Bravo as always! Still DW for my ear. Thanks.

[@julesplace9107]

Great video! Very interesting and informative.

[@Picklesismyhero]

Silky Johnson at 7:15 love it

[@clayfoster8234]

I played a first generation birch starclassic once and it was AMAZING.

[@d.j.cantelli8074]

Great work here. I am actually surprised how good and how close they all sound from a quality standpoint but yet each with thier own characteristics. I have owned a Pearl Master Birch for most of my life so I am partial to Pearl.

[@Ed-wm8dx]

Great video! Very informative and interesting, thank you:)

[@MarkWhitehead-t1l]

Great video! My dad played professionally in the late 80s and bought some that must have been rare at the time and still has them. That’s a seven piece Pearl DLX series six ply maple cross laminated shells. With fresh heads and being stored in cases, they still sound amazing to this day.

[@JRMelancon]

I own a mid 90's Slingerland Studio King Gregg Bissonette signature kit and it's one of the most beautiful sounding, criminally underrated kit I've ever played

[@Monsterdrumma]

Agreed and congrats lucky you to own one!

[@memopadilla5931]

Their best was the Slingerland Lite from early 90's with undersized shells.

[@terrydonegan1622]

Great video. Thank you. All fantastic kits.

[@volesrock]

I've been playing since 1980, have seen all the changes, good and bad, and worked in a drums shop doing repairs, rentals, teching etc for about 5 years in the 90's. I worked for a guy with savant like drum tuning skills and and who has a photographic memory of every years new gear releases probably going back to 1970. A couple thoughts jumped out at me: Tama: Can't remember Bozzio ever playing Tama. He had his Slingerland and RotoTom kit, then his full electronic kit with pads that he designed and beaterless kick triggers, Remo for a little while, Mapex, and it's been DW ever since. The cover of Modern Drummer with him on it shown in the video was during his full electronic era. Yamaha Maple Custom: Andy Newmark came thru town with John Entwhistle- we brought him a drumhead and he had Maple Custom toms and a older Recording Custom kick- we asked him why and he said the Maple Custom kicks were trash, quote unquote! Tama Starclassic: When the very first kits hit California (93?) they were 4 SUPER thin plies, with no glue rings. The hype being "they were just like Gretsch" Me and my mentor agreed that they would NEVER stay in round, just like old Gretsch's. At the 94 NAMM show, Tama very quietly and with zero fanfare added reinforcement hoops to all Starclassic kits. Really good video. Makes me really grateful that the ridiculous design concepts of the 80's such as 1/2 in thick, 13 ply, gigantic size toms that sound terrible and are impossible to position are a thing of the past. Classic sizes are classic for a reason. It was really interesting as a teen to watch the entire industry admit they'd made a huge error in judgement. Gary Gauger, inventer of rims was the unsung hero of the current era, and an entire video should be dedicated to him.

[@adamfrost3722]

I got the Bozzio info from a Tama catalog where he was listed on the same page as Billy Cobham. Surprised me too 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@volesrock]

@adamfrost3722 That's trippy. He played Mapex allegedly which I had zero knowledge of.