Maple vs Mahogany on Toms? Pearl Masterworks 12" Tom Comparison

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Maple vs. mahogany? What about the Pearl Reference kit that combines some mahogany with maple? I ordered my Masterworks kit in basically Reference specs (see full specs below) with the 6-12" toms all having mahogany on the inner 2 plys as well.
Here’s a side by side comparison thru Audix D2 Tom mics - with and without EQ.
The Masterworks Tom is 12x8.5, 8 ply thin (7.2mm) with the 2 inner plys being mahogany (1.8mm) and Pearl Superhoops. The Pearl Masters Tom is 12x9 6 ply maple (MRX) with die cast hoops. Both have clear ambassadors on top (the MRX has the ambsassador I just pulled off of the Masterworks, not too worn out) and Masterworks also has clear amb on bottom while MRX has Remo ebony on bottom.
I cut this song using Audix mics, a Presonus Audiobox 1818vsl interface with a slaved off Digimax D8 for 16 channels of pure bliss!
If you liked this video, there's more coming now that I have this kit and the mics and interface! Please like, comment, share & subscribe!
~Jeff Wald~
Video recorded with a Zoom Q4 video camera (www.amazon.com/...)
Pearl Masterworks specs:
The kit is basically in Pearl Reference Specs except all have at least 2 plies of mahogany on the inside (which is stained red) and adding 4 plies w/ the floor and even more mahogany with the Gong & kicks. The rest of the plies in each are maple except for the snare.
Toms - Audix D2s on all toms
6x7" Rack Tom
8x7.25" Rack Tom
10x7.75" Rack Tom
12X8.5" Rack Tom
13x9.5" Rack Tom on left
Floor Toms- Audix D4s on all floor toms
14x13" Floor Tom
16x15" Floor Tom
14x5.75" Snare. 10 ply - 2 inner birch, 7 maple, outer bubinga. It also has the triple snare throw off. This thing looks amazing and lets you choose 3 different 6 strand snares allowing you to mix and match all of them.
Audix i5
20x15" Gong Drum - 8 ply. All mahogany except the bubinga on the outside. Finish is a fade from the head down instead of the burst like the rest b/c of it being single headed
Audix D6
22x17 kicks. 10 plies - 6 inner are mahogany - BOOM!! The outer 3 plies are maple and the outside bubinga.
Audix D6s on both
Audix ADX51 overheads, and Audix F15 on hi-hat.
Heads:
Clear ambassadors on tops & bottoms of all drums and gong drum
Clear PS3s on kick batters
CS Black Dot on snare
For complete specs of the kit and a tour, see my video: • Jeff Wald - Tour of Pe...

[@robertdevoy3119]

The difference is negligible which shows drum companies will make all kinds of wild claims to get you to "upgrade" and part with your money. The small differences can be mostly removed with tuning or head swaps which is far cheaper than buying a new kit.

[@NicThornsberryDrums]

That gong drum hit at 3:16 literally woke my soul. 😮😮

[@JeffWald]

haha, thanx Nic :)

[@Jerrodbdrums]

Literally I love the sound!!!

[@thescreamingjetswhentheyrocked]

The average punter wouldn't have a clue with regards to what kind of TIMBER a drum is made of? Band members wouldn't have a clue either. Examples; The Living End's first drummer used Maple their second drummer used Mahog. Do you honestly think all the Living End fans out there are by passing Chris's vocals & insane guitar Riffs for the Ammaazing sound of the Mahogany drums?? Somewhere here on y'tube there is current backstage footage of Poison's drummer, Rikki Rocket promoting his new Bubinga Kit AND his new practice kit which is Maple, Poison guitarist CC Deville ask's " Tell me.. Tell me.. WHAT is the difference between the two drums? Rikki has used Birch also and after 30 fucking years the guitarist can't tell the diff. Final example, this is my fave. After 30 years, the Screaming Jets are now onto drummer number SIX, that's not including all the ' Stunt' drummers they've had fill in at many a time. They have had Maple, Birch, Mahog.. plus hire kits in which probably the drummer doesn't even know what he's playing? The only sound I can pick that is different Live or the Albums, is the snare drums. Just like cymbals, Drum Timbers only matter to THE drummer playing the fucking kit. All I can say is, Eat, Drink and Rock The Fuck On folks, because no one really gives a flying Fuck \mm/ :}

[@dannygoodchild7568]

They sound like '' Twins ''. I can't tell the difference. I like the ''Vinny Lick '' !!

[@JeffWald]

Vinny like is one of my favorites. Took many months of very slow practice. But now I can sit down and go right into it at speed. Thanx!

[@TheIntelligentView]

I LOVE the sound of Pearl drums! I just purchased a custom Keller Double bass kit and now WISHED I would have gotten Pearl's instead. Those Pearl's sound remarkable, regardless of shell woods!! BTW: I can't tell any difference between the two.

[@JeffWald]

the difference is minimal. I thought it'd be an interesting test

[@austing.8870]

There isn't too much difference in them. I can hear slightly more attack out of the MRX drum, which I prefer, but I do notice that the Mahogany is deeper and lower.

[@thebiglebowski9849]

I'm hearing the same thing.

[@SONORSQ2guy]

I think the Tom on your left has a much clearer sound I’m using headphones that’s what my ears tell me. Thanks for the video

[@JeffWald]

You bet, thanx for the comment Greg!

[@jeremychildress8701]

They sound the same

[@Drumboy5165]

The one actually on the kit had a higher tone but better overtone control, the one on his left seemed lower toned but more overtone (almost rattles) to me. That's why I love drums...everyone of us probably heard something different!!

[@robinhoodwasasocialist.1401]

Jeremy Childress very different to me. The mahogany was deeper and warmer and a little less "lively"

[@robinhoodwasasocialist.1401]

G

[@gavatron1980]

Jeremy Childress im wondering if these guys would be picking up on all these subtle differences in sound if they didnt know they weren't the same 😂

[@rmandrums1959]

Jeremy, I have to agree with you. The overall sound quality is so minute that if you were just listening without watching which drum he was playing, you probably could not tell the difference. I think a lot depends on what the drummer really wants to purchase.

[@JeffreyMiddelveld]

I prefer the mahogany shell, it's just a tad warmer than the maple one in my opinion. Nice kit also, love the color.

[@JeffWald]

in person, I prefer the mahogany as well. they're both great, but I do prefer the MWs

[@larid1069]

the only difference I can hear (AKG240 headphone's) is the 12' rack toms mic sounds out of phase with the other 12' by the hat. the angle is different and it's closer to the rim than the other 12" toms mic. A proper comparison would be side by side open room identical a l M i c . . . holyshit this video is 4 years old.Lol! MB* insanely beauuutiful set anyway

[@CorridorOfChameleons94]

Love me some Pearl drums. Beautiful drums

[@JeffWald]

Thanx Matt!

[@CorridorOfChameleons94]

Jeff Wald yes sir!

[@iRideuWatch]

The mahogany is slightly lower and warmer than the maple.

[@andrewferrara11]

I like maple drums because they have a little more attack than mahogany. Mahogany and birch drums are great for recording and maple drums and birch drums for live performances.

[@JeffWald]

thanx for the input!

[@A169KL]

First I want to thank you for your videos, especially the Rush tutorials. I have been playing for quite a few years like yourself and those vids really helped me clean up some of the screw up,s I had been doing all along when covering those songs. And yes, it is very difficult to unlearn bad habits. I think your set sounds and looks great! I can’t hear enough difference between the two toms to even debate. An awesome drummer like yourself could make a piece of crap set sound great. One question I have is when ordering a set like that, do you order the basic 5 piece shell pack and then custom order from there? I still have my second drum set from the late 80,s, when they used to come in similar configurations. Now everything is small. Glad to see you still use the double bass format with the four across and two floors. And the gong drum sounds great.

[@JeffWald]

hey brother, sorry for the delay - I've been having alot of fun in the new studio. check out the last 2 vids if you haven't seen them, its a tribute to Le Studio. Anyway - afa ordering the kit - no, it was a one shot deal. you pick and choose ever drum that you want - there's no shell pack with the Masterworks line. All of the other lines you can do that - order the shell pack 5 pc and add on but you can only pick the sizes/colors that they make. so for this, I sold a mint 87 IROC-Z in 2014 to afford this kit knowing that it was going to be the top of the line and I got everything (well... ALMOST everything) that'd I'd ever want. I received the 18x16 floor tom in April, that's the one that I never thought I'd want/need but after playing one again last year I had to have one. You can see/hear it in the last 2 vids as well. Hit me up w/ any other questions and if you ever wanna pull the trigger on a Masterworks, I can connect you with my guy. He ordered the 18" for me so he's the MW guy!

[@A169KL]

@@JeffWald Thanks for the response. I personally have had a 16-18 floor Tom arrangement forever and could not be without them. I love the thunder! Dude, your vids are awesome and what you did with Le Studio is really the ultimate Rush tribute.

[@JeffWald]

@@A169KL thunder is a great word! the 14 and 16 have had this intense "growl" ever since I got them and the 18 does too, just a lower deeper version and it makes me smile. Thanx for checking it all out, I'm having fun working up these classic Rush tunes again

[@paoloantoniolopezbutron8292]

Sounds the same. There's no another explication. There will a different sound when one tom have an another drumhead than the other one

[@DerinArgonDrummer]

the sound of the 2 toms is similar....but I do hear a slight more low end rumble on the masterworks tom, which sounds great

[@JeffWald]

Thanx Derin! Its slight but I agree with you

[@grunge2012]

tone wood doesn't exist except for anything else thats considered an acoustic instrument. you get the sound from the drum heads or pickups, amp etc unless theyre open holed and hollowed out

[@EvilSewnit]

grunge2012 His drums ARE acoustic instruments though.

[@grunge2012]

@@EvilSewnit i meant anything else thats considered acoustic. For drums, heads make the sound of the drum, not the wood

[@scottlowell493]

If my budget allowed, African Mahogany IN A SECOND! In person, the effect seems more pronounced. The mahogany really has a massive low end.

[@JeffWald]

Yep, in person they really sing out. The recording just enhances what already there

[@Mikimikey]

Honestly, it is hard to hear. I just got a BRX kit year 2003, it sounds great, although i used to play maple kit, with the birch, i got more attack, and precision. Pearl are great instruments. Nice work on your videos Jeff ! Michel

[@JeffWald]

michel caviglia thanx again michel!

[@Mikimikey]

You're welcome Jeff ! Greetings !

[@eskandari8237]

Jeff Wald are your drum samples up for grabs? thx.

[@jabezscratch]

First, you have a wonderful sounding and looking drum set. Second, you are a great player. Third, as for the tom comparison, it's difficult to distinguish but, as a Pearl Reference owner/player myself, I like what mahogany adds to the sound, especially on the larger toms such as 12" and above. Mahogany seems to bring out the low end timbre and rumble, particularly in floor toms. The clear Ambassadors work well with the toms and the Audix mics (also my favourites) capture the sound nicely. Both 12" toms deliver a nice pop with some low end that I look for in a 12" tom. I've often heard other drummers describe the 12" tom, especially in a larger setup, as the bridge between the small and large toms (and I would agree) and your Mastercraft appears to accomplish that perfectly. Nice demonstration and great drumming!

[@JeffWald]

Thanks again Drum Knight! It's a subtle difference. Both sound great. I can tell a bigger difference in the floors vs the hanging floors of the MRX kit. And the main reason I went masterworks was for the finish. Then I got alittle creative with the sizes/configuration

[@jacobwebb2308]

Nice demonstration, very helpful on hearing the difference!

[@JeffWald]

Glad it was helpful, Jacob!

[@gavatron1980]

Sorry dude but they sound pretty much the same 😉

[@mrnegronis]

So I'm guessing the maple 12" is on the left side. I say that because you had a 13" in that position on some other videos. Between the two shells you have set up here in this video, I hear no noticeable difference. I'm curious why you went with all of those half inch depths on the toms.

[@JeffWald]

CR Depth sizes were b/c I was tired of the 12x9 size but 12x8 was too shallow since I was also ordering teh 6, 8 and 10 and i'm not a fan of matching depth toms. so it just kind of worked out that way. There's not too much difference. the older one (12x9) is a little more in your face in person, and the mic kind of picks that up. For me, I was so worried about picking the wrong shell config when I ordered this, I finally said screw it and went with what I did and its been great

[@mrnegronis]

Yeah I hear ya. But yeah, based on the audio, it looks like it turned out well. Looks nice too. The red interiors were a nice touch. Kinda like Yamaha and Tama kits in the 80s. I'm guessing you're a big Todd Such fan. He's awesome. I like how you have 6 through 12 up top. Todd's is like that if I'm not mistaken.

[@JeffWald]

CR Todd's kit is one of the influences but mainly with the 6 and bubinga finish. 80s neil peart is major influence with alot of the set up, along with late 80s weckl influence and 90s steve smith ("fusion setup")

[@patriciotroncoso4764]

But....finally.....what is better.....????? Or...boot...áre good????

[@JeffWald]

All comes down to personal preference. I've had the kit 5 years now and it STILL inspires me with no headphones, no mics.

[@AndyPutt1]

Just goes to show- the sound of a drum is pretty much the head

[@mattwoodland5433]

Not true at all

[@AndyPutt1]

@@mattwoodland5433 No? Care to elaborate? :)

[@mattwoodland5433]

The type of woods definitely have more to do with the sound of a drum. Its not "pretty much the head".

[@AndyPutt1]

@@mattwoodland5433 In my nearly 40 years experience as a drummer I'd have to respectfully disagree. That said, we're all entitled to our own views on drum sounds which is a good thing.

[@mattwoodland5433]

If you disagree, it goes to show you dont know much in your 40 years of drumming then.

[@EOSequal]

Hi Jeff excellent video. I can hear the slight difference. How do you feel about the a Mahogany MHX snare. I believe you have one.

[@JeffWald]

+Rey Orara Hi Rey, I acutally don't have an MHX snare so I'm not familiar with the difference.

[@BobbyJetty1502]

My question is, how do you tune a kit even if you're using the latest and greatest tuning gear without giving the toms a good going over?

[@JeffWald]

Hey Bobby, I'm not sure what you mean? I've gone over them alot and have it all dialed in for many years, before I ever got this kit in late 2014

[@reasonproductions7515]

I would love to hear this kit with coated emperors or ambassadors! Have you tried them on the kit?

[@JeffWald]

I haven't. I won't on this kit just b/c Pearl stained the inside for me (last kit that they made like that) so I LOVE to see that gorgeous red inside. Vain. I know :)

[@Grit489]

mahogany crushes bubinga in the low end but has more attack, great video Jeff wish it was longer.

[@JeffWald]

+Dennis Rivenburg Thanx Dennis!

[@tonyrock7165]

The new rack tom sounds warmer pre-EQ. What did you do to get those floor toms to sound like that?

[@JeffWald]

+Tony Rock The floors are tuned medium, bottoms alittle higher. The eq was a bit too low on this, i've since rolled it off so they don't stand out as much. but they sound great/low in person and resonate forever!

[@vcc3571]

Jeff, do you remember what your tune-bot settings were for the 12" toms in this video? Thanks

[@JeffWald]

top was/still is 186-194 on the top, 224 on the bottom. fundamental tone is 125. love the tune bot!

[@fireyourrocketts]

Very sweet kit, to me, it is lacking cymbals but I am a cymbal junkie :) mine has fewer toms, more cymbals I was considering ordering a 6" tom an 18" and a set of concert toms I think DW quoted me like 1300 for all or close like that but then would need the cases for it and God forbids if I ever go out to play...how would I move all that???? see, I could never play with just a basic set with 4 pieces and 3 cymbals..I owned a Pearl Prestige Session Select since 1996 through 2010, mahogany shells that used to have a killer sound; I gave it up in exchange in April 2010 to pay for my Gretsch Renown and I regret I did that; I should have kept it. The Gretsch only saw few gigs out and although sounds good being all maplewood, I grew not so confident of it once i discovered tiny stickers reading "made in china" (WTF???) This kit of yours sounds amazing too; I have not played with mine trying all possible sounds combination; I found a sound I like and stick with it on all my recordings. I can see you use Studio One Pro? I have the same software and an iMac I bought just to dedicate it for recordings even though I also have 13" mac book air laptop pretty loaded with an i7 and 4 GB ram. The other eqipment I use is Focusrite Interfaces Clarett 8PreX (x2) mics are for Bass; Audix D6, AKG D112, for toms Beta Shure 98AMP, for snare Sennheiser e604, Audix i5 for Hi Hats and Ride AKG C230 (x2) and for Overheads Ribbon Mics Sterling ST170 (x2) but I am also waiting for a pair stereo matched of AKG C214 -- I have also about 6 old Sennheisers MD-504 and 3 Shure Beta Green 4.1 as well wich was what I used for years here since 1996 and upgraded recently for the sake of home studio recordings. A small fortune yes, but there is a difference when I was playing music to pay bills, now I play it for me and because I am nostalgic about not playing no more; probably the last time ever I would ever play, so it deserves to be out with a bang at least in good quality equipments! I hope to see you get new toys eventually! Cheers!

[@JeffWald]

Hey brother, sorry for missing this. Yea - Studio One v2.6. haven't upgraded, still does great for what I need. Sounds like you've got some good gear! And yeah, the Session series are fantastic. I just love Pearl. Drums and hardware - all made very well and sounds amazing. I also play b/c I love it, not b/c I have to. I've been an insurance agent for the past 20 years. Have lots of friends that tour with the major acts so I can live that thru talking with them. Thanx again for writing!

[@mlhbrx96]

On this vid, the only difference I heard (barely) was the sustain on the MRX was just a tad bit brighter, but in a gig, me thinks it would be indiscernible. What about a finished recording project?

[@JeffWald]

+Marc Hughes Dude - I just saw this comment! (it was stuck in my spam). Did you mean finished project with a band or just one of the covers?

[@hongwonsuk5057]

Actually nobody cares except drummers.

[@joshpeach4053]

Geez, I'm listening to this through my 6 driver 1964s I can't tell a huge difference. The only thing is resonance which I'd attribute to the MRX having an older head.

[@joshpeach4053]

That being said, your masterworks kicks and floor toms rattle my head, it's freakin awesome! Lol

[@JeffWald]

They're very similar, which made me wonder if there's anything/much to all the talk about different woods. I think they're very similar as well.

[@yakbutter78]

I think it's all pretty much a marketing gimmick. I'm glad you did an apples to apples comparison here because I've felt for a long time that given similar construction and quality that almost nobody would be able to tell the difference between woods. The order of precedence for drum sound IMO is tuning, head selection, construction quality, and type of wood is probably last.

[@MrGuitarandvocals]

Alex Fuller Perfectly put. I agree 100 percent

[@marcusmcclelland]

its in the hoops

[@apieceofdirt4681]

Not trying to sound creepy but what state do you live in? I detect a southern accent. That's the lowest sounding 15" floor tom I've ever heard.

[@JeffWald]

Nashville! and I don't have a 15". thats 14 & 16 on my right and a 20" gong to my far right

[@andyham6094]

I have a tama starclassic Bubinga kit which sounds like straight thunder with unwanted overtones. Also have a tama starclassic BB hyperdrive kit as my gigging kit. Would never go back to maple after experiencing the starclassic Bubinga and BB. Used to have an older pearl masters maple kit but sold that and bought the bb hyperdrive kit. These drums sound and look great tho, really has a similar deep low punchy sound to my Bubinga kit.

[@JeffWald]

Hey Andy, I've never gotten to play the Tama bubinga. they're gorgeous though! thanx for watching

[@bpdaviddc]

Mahogany 1000% the best

[@JeffWald]

its got a nice warmth to it

[@bogartsandoval]

Maple sounds brighter and bigger yet mohagany sounds softer and like if it was hit with a bigger wooden stick tip.

[@JeffWald]

Thats how it was without the mics too. VERY close, but slightly different

[@drumtravelfun]

You made no mention of bearing edge styles between the two drums. Which is one of the biggest variables in a drum "sound". Just think its important to point that out.

[@JeffWald]

ya know, I meant to when I recorded it but guess I forgot to in my rambling. the MRX are sharp 45* angles and the MW are rounded 45*

[@scottlowell493]

Beautiful kit, beautiful sound. That being said, based on this, I can't say that sonically, that African mahogany is worth the premium over maple. The literature indicates enhanced low end. It really doesn't seem that way...

[@JeffWald]

The good thing about buying a MW kit like this is that they mix it up any way you want for the same price. So I figured - why not? I don't know how the AM affects the overall sound - I just know it sounds amazing in person as well as recorded. So I'm happy!

[@funkyvas]

Hi Jeff! What about the bearing edge profile on your kit? I recently got a Pearl Mahogany classic, I love the sound, but I guess I need to redo the bearing edges, then Im planning to go for the full rounded bearing edge.

[@JeffWald]

+funkyvas Great question! I can't remember if I mentioned the edges in the video, but the new kit is all rounded 45* edges and the 12" MRX Masters tom is 45* sharp edges. the only fully rounded edge is on the gong drum

[@JeffWald]

+funkyvas oh - and congrats on the Mahogany classic! let me know if you have any videos of it up

[@Romerosays]

I ordered a Mahogany masterworks kit 15 years ago, still with me to this day, personally I reckon I haven't heard anything yet thats sounds better acoustically raw.

[@JeffWald]

Romerosays i'm very impressed with mine. still just a few months old but love the thing!

[@Romerosays]

***** Oh good! The sound just gets better from here on!

[@Mike-ky9jz]

Dude!. Those floor toms....I want that sound!

[@vegasmarc21]

Here is my take after listening over and over with headphones.... Mahogany with triple flange sounds slightly darker with a tad more overtones. The Maple with die cast hoops seems to speak a tad bit quicker (attack with quicker decay) a tiny tiny bit brighter, less overtones.....a 12 inch tom size with about the same depth is tough to distinguish the different woods....it's like the cut off point where anything after a 12 inch tom is a little easier to pick a certain tone of choice. The winner is my 12x8 Pearl All Fiberglass shell....just kidding....I like a drum to cut through the bass and the guitar cabinet and without any mics, the MRX in my opinion wins in triple overtime with a lucky shot. Almost to close to call, but that's my vote. But when push comes to shove, the Mahogany after the 12 inch tom limit given here I'm betting would sound more thunderous in a tom groove situation where Maple in general would sound more defined when doing basic fills.

[@JeffWald]

Thanx for taking the time to comment! Sorry for my delay - moved to a new house and has been a whirlwind. They were so close, I love both. I personally love the finish much more on the MW kit vs MRX, but that's a whole different issue. Since I was buying it for a flat price with whatever options I wanted not affecting that price - I went for it. I'd already had the MRX since 2003 so figured I'd branch out. Its been over 5 years now and its STILL amazing to sit behind and play with no headphones. So satisfying.

[@vegasmarc21]

Hey Jeff, saw in your Tom Saywer drum cover, you were wearing a Portland fit club t shirt....I'm in Clackamas, Or. are you in a band. I'd like to watch if you are. Let me know.

[@JeffWald]

@@vegasmarc21 hey brother, no it's Portland Tennessee. Other side of the country :-)

[@marcusmcclelland]

I think the difference is in the hoops honestly die cast hoops always choke the drum a little bit.

[@JeffWald]

it amazes me how hoops affect the sound

[@65luds20]

Wow, surprisingly I can't hear a difference. Thanks for a great, "raw data" informational video.

[@JeffWald]

'65 Luds You bet! thanx for commenting too

[@dustinhope1913]

Just casually playing on the worlds most expensive drum kit

[@JeffWald]

haha

[@bigfunkmachine350]

Hi Jeff love the way you tune your kit, Can I please have your setting on the tune bot for all the drums thanks Lin.

[@JeffWald]

Thanx! I'm gonna have to do a tunebot video since I can't post pix in here

[@bigfunkmachine350]

Yes a video would be great or just message me your settings in hertz top and bottom for each drum because they sound beast thanks Lin.

[@jairoperez8914]

Hye very nice sounding kit you have! i love Pearl! by the way, which heads are you using for the kickdrums?

[@JeffWald]

Jairo Pérez Hi Jairo! The fronts on here are stock PS3s that came with it and I just recently switched them to Evans EQ3s and am very happy with them as well.

[@jairoperez8914]

Thank you very much for your answer! Keep in touch!

[@mskates9805]

THIS DRUMSET IS BEAUTIFUL!!?!?!?!?!

[@JeffWald]

thanx!

[@drummerchef851]

Hey Jeff, great video. I kind of prefer the MRX just a tad; it sounds a little "rounder" to me, IMHO. That said, they both sound phenomenal and very close. Love the snare too.

[@JeffWald]

that's the cool thing about this test - you can get a good comparison. they're very close

[@MrGuitarandvocals]

I would love to order a masterworks in ref specs.The scary thing is people who have ordered reference kits and saying they don't like the tone of the bass drums, or they prefer all maple bass drums. I have to call around and see if a store has them on the floor to try out.

[@JeffWald]

Nah, kick drums sound great. You'd like it if you like this or any other Pearls

[@MrGuitarandvocals]

***** Thanks for responding - your kit sounds incredible as does your playing.

[@apieceofdirt4681]

What state do you live in? I detect a southern accent.

[@JeffWald]

TN!

[@vintagetoast3038]

Thinking of getting a 4-ply maple and mahogany kit

[@JeffWald]

I bet it'd be sweet! I've got a 4ply maple snare (Pearl MMX, 2002, 14x6.5) and love it!

[@MrGuitarandvocals]

Hi Jeff - are the bass drums 9 mm shells? I'm thinking of a masterworks with all african mahogany. Trying to figure out if I want the 8 or 10 ply. What do you suggest?

[@WhyTheHorseface]

wow, my ears cannot tell the difference.

[@JeffWald]

It was very close to me too. in person the MRX has slightly more "bite" but they both sound great

[@MrGuitarandvocals]

Those bass drums can be used to implode buildings! lol That is a bad ass set of drums!

[@JeffWald]

hahaha

[@patriciotroncoso4764]

For me....mahogany.....

[@SiggeMusic]

Cool video :)

[@JeffWald]

thanx!

[@philippepouliot9448]

Masterworks !

[@JeffWald]

+Philippe Pouliot The only serious choice :)

[@JeffWald]

+Philippe Pouliot I couldn't be happier with this kit. I've had it almost a year now. Its perfect

[@philippepouliot9448]

+Jeff Wald Did you tried a Sonor Sq2 before buy a Masterworks ? I seriously think buy a Masterworks but i know that Sonor make very great drums . I have already a Pearl Masters BRP and a Tama Bubinga . What do you think ?

[@philippepouliot9448]

+Philippe Pouliot Sorry for my English ;)

[@JeffWald]

+Philippe Pouliot I didn't try an SQ2. I have played Sonor before and love them, but have owned Pearl since 1987. And I love their hardware, especially the hardware available in Masterworks (STL lugs) - nothing stands out in particular - it just all flows. And the sound is amazing, so its a win/win for me. Matt Kerwin was my dealer - great guy - look him up at www.musicforall.biz/

[@isihernandez9752]

So, you said that it was a comparison between these two toms, but in fact it wasn't but an excuse to show your new toy to the world, wasn't it? Seriously, maybe if you did a comparison of the two toms alone, without the whole kit, I could hear any difference (...or not), but with all these drums all around and all that licks and snares and everything, I can't notice any difference. It would be more accurate too if you'd use new heads for both, and the same kind (black heads, like coated, dampen the drum slighty more than clear ones). Just my opinion.

[@JeffWald]

cool, thanx for your opinion Isi. It is just easier to keep everything mic'd the way it is and do it that way. the rest of the kit also lets you hear how it all fits togehter as well. thanx for watching!

[@isihernandez9752]

Yes, of course it is easier to do it that way. It's a big kit and so a lot of work to mic everything or make any changes, I understand that, but as you know for sure, when a kit is set, the resonance of the whole kit affects the whole ensemble, and so I think it's really hard to difference those little nuances that exist between maple and mahogany. I don't know if that slight difference I hear (if any) is due to shells, heads, tuning... Maybe right there, playing the drums, it was more evident, but on the recording (I used good headphones) I couldn't say... If I haven't misunderstood, you have the same kit in maple and in mahogany, haven't you? If you wanted to make the test with a kit for having a musical context, or hearing how it fits togheter, maybe you could have set a smaller version of each, but for me the best way to make this comparison still is with the two toms only. Indeed you don't need to unset the whole kit, you just need one mic and you can do it in other room, one tom and then the other... but it's just a suggestion. Nevermind anyway, in any case it's a great kit and it sounds nice. I usually prefer maple, but I love mahogany too. Thanks for your reply.

[@gerbarista]

you look like dave weckl. same movments, same clothes

[@JeffWald]

German Coro I couldn't get his old Zildjian shirt though ;)