Pearl Session Studio Select Shell Pack // Full Review & Demo...

#drummersreview #drums #drummer
Join the.‪@DrummersReview‬ team as they take a look at a Pearl Session Studio Select shell pack. Filmed at Cube Studios (Cornwall, UK), December 2022.
Be sure to subscribe to our channel: ‪@DrummersReview‬ and click on the bell icon to be notified every time we launch a new completely impartial, HD video review.
00:38 - Introduction
02:50 - Sound Demo 01
03:23 - Sound Demo 02
04:05 - Sound Demo 03
04:38 - 10" Tom (Isolated)
04:50 - 12" Tom (Isolated)
05:03 - 16" Floor Tom (Isolated)
05:14 -22" Bass Drum (Isolated)
05:26 - Thoughts & Conclusions
For full specs, please visit our website: www.drummersrev....
Also, you can connect with us further by following our social media channels to keep up with all of the latest news from the drumming world...
/ drummersreviewuk
/ drummersreview
/ drummersreview
Be sure to check out our sister-channels (and share with your bandmates!) covering Acoustic and Bass Guitars:
Acoustic Guitar - ‪@AcousticReview‬
Bass Guitar - ‪@BassGuitarReview‬ ​

[@darkknightk]

Your description of this drumset is very clear and articulate; I really enjoyed the review! I got a 6-piece set in the beautiful Antique Crimson Burst finish. I had a 14" floor tom included, and then was able to get a deal on an 8" rack tom. I haven't started playing it yet, but I have a church outdoor event coming up in September, and I will get the opportunity to use it. Gradually, I might do a few upgrades to it; I'll see. But I'm happy with my purchase! Plus that red color is an actual joy to look at, along with the mahogany on the interior!

[@CutandShoot5x5]

Great sounding kit from Pearl!

[@grundydan1]

I owned a Pearl World Series in the early 90’s with the exact same birch/mahogany shell combo. A decent mid-level kit.

[@realmysticstrider]

what would be a high level kit??? It's a mid-level kit because it's birch/mahogany?

[@Martindupie]

@@realmysticstrider don't listen to Dan, this kit is every bit of professional as you can get for the price. The next step up from these are your Masters series, which is basically just a tad better hardware and shells, and your custom collectors series sets. This kit is an amazing professional kit for what you are paying, and let's be honest, would sound every bit as good as the Masters series if tuned good. If anything, I would consider this the "budget" professional kit. Suits someone wanting a very professional setup that won't break the bank as much as say a Masters, etc.

[@realmysticstrider]

@@Martindupie I'm interseted in a Master's, how about a Master's complete? Then after Master's or Master's complete is the reference? I'd like to ask what's the entry level, is it Export and/or Decade? I've seen the Export and Decade prices and they range from $800-$1.5k, but I don't understand why the Decade goes for cheap, what makes decade cheaper even though it's made in maple? There were these absinthe Masters that were $1.5kish when they were announced in 2017 but now since they don't really make the finish I want anymore they go for like $2k. Are they still decent drums? Also for studio stuff and also for students and instructors, are these great kits? Just need to know if toms are better with clear or coated heads

[@malinwj1167]

Same. Had the World Series in "Antique Ivory" finish. Should have kept it. Wouldn't call it a mid-level kit

[@jonashellborg8320]

As always great review by this team. Now, had anyone upgraded from say a lower price range kit : Pearl Export, Yamaha Stage Custom etc, and what were the reasons to go for this kit instead of those?

[@121dan121]

Personally I don't think it's worth upgrading to this from my Export, I would get another Export or try a maple kit but only if mine was falling apart. However, the Session kits are still made in Taiwan whereas all the lower priced Pearl kits have moved to chinese factories, so that's something to think about.

[@jonashellborg8320]

@@121dan121 Thank you, really appreciate your answer. I’ve used a Pearl Export for a couple of years now, and it sounds fine. Sure, it doesn’t sound like a Pearl Reference kit, or say DW Collectors kit, but against these type of kits like Session Studio Select i’m always a bit unsure what the investment would give me.

[@realmysticstrider]

@@jonashellborg8320 What about Pearl Master's, Pearl Master's custom? Do you prefer the Pearl Export over the Pearl Decade? I'm thinking about getting a low-mid entry for like a studio type for drum instructors at a place and for students of all levels playing drums. One of the nice things about Pearl Decade is that they're maple and comes with 6-7 pieces, has an 8, 10 , 12, 14, 16 toms with 20 or 22 base drum.

[@realmysticstrider]

@@121dan121 Also this is towards you

[@jonashellborg8320]

@@realmysticstrider For snare drum , the Pearl Decade maple is pretty good, and definitely better than the Export snare drum. For kick, toms, Decade. Maple is better, but not so much that it mattered to me. I’ve played both, in the same room. There is a difference, but it’s small. If I compare Export with Reference, or Masters Maple gum, there is a big difference.

[@theblytonian3906]

I don't hate any brand judging on their respective merits, but I have to say that Pearl hooked me with their EXX Export for a first set. "This much!" ..with Mahogany/Poplar composite shells for so little money! And did I mention the build quality and finish? Wack a better set of skins and snare on and it gets even better. Pearl probably have me as a repeat customer for my remaining life unless a very good reason comes along to change. This Session Studio Select kit is damned nice too.

[@PorkPie89]

Call me crazy but I love Birch mahogany more than maple all day. I just got this kit few days ago in black halo glitter. I’m blown away by how good it sounds

[@cDisturbed.]

What heads are you using out of interest? Love the black halo glitter finish!

[@PorkPie89]

I was using Evans ecs2 at first I wasn’t happy with the sound. Went back to remo emporor clear. Sound amazing

[@cDisturbed.]

@@PorkPie89 ive always used EC2s on my session select, recently tried hydraulics lol but they’re not the best. Gonna give some emperors a go 🤘

[@PorkPie89]

@@cDisturbed. got it, yah. I personally felt that the ec2 were over muting the drums. Since they are birch mahogany vs maple. Could be wrong but the emporors seemed to be much much better

[@batwithglasses]

Am I the only one that finds it incredibly odd that the tom arms aren't included, unless I misunderstood what you said about tom mounts.

[@banditY2K]

Ridiculous in that they're going to cost you another $100 just to set your new kit up.

[@erictorres4889]

They do that to get more money out of you they know what there doing I got everything in a drumset that cost way less then these and mine is a. 7 piece and all maple shells so I got a bargain

[@fuzzylogiceire]

It's bizarre. Why not just increase the price point a bit but include the mounts? I'd imagine a fair few people would order online and then realize they can't setup their drums when they arrive.

[@camerondean6804]

ALL Pearl drums feature that seam for a reason: extreme strength (it's a scarf joint) vs. the weaker butt joint used by other drum companies. I agree, they need to include a bass drum mount as an option, as well as a tom arm option. Side note: If you've made an investment in Pearl drums, then you've--like me--already invested in a tom mounting stand and welcome the virgin bass drums and cost saving s of not paying for additional tom mounts. If this is as bad (stock heads) as they'll ever sound... well, wow. Love that short, controlled sustain.

[@memopadilla5931]

DW has a worse seam than this on their "exotic" level.

[@robsingletary2383]

Nice kit overall...I have 3 Pearl kits myself....They sound & look great...Hardware is some of THE best in the business...My only complaint is all manufacturers have gone to the 10 & 12 rack toms as standard where I'm not fond of that arrangement & prefer the more classic 12,13,16 configuration in a 5 piece setup.....

[@karllager2214]

How do feel about power toms?

[@robsingletary2383]

@@karllager2214 I LOVE Power Toms...On my main kit,a Pearl EXR Series Custom Component kit I have 11 x 13 and 14 x 15 rac toms with 16 x 16 and 16 x 18 floor toms as well as a 18 x 22 kick....

[@karllager2214]

@robsingletary2383 nice. I started on traditional sizes and couldn't get use to power toms sizes.

[@batouttahell454]

I believe Steve Gadd started that a long time ago, unintentionally of course.Of course, eventually the Sheep will follow.

[@TheMatyas23]

dam how deep it is....

[@NEALBABBITT]

I have a masters maple complete set and I'm second guessing having gotten it compared to these, I wanted a maple set so no real regrets but these drums are incredibly beautiful much more up close than in the videos. At the store I saw a beautiful red finish that I think is much better looking than this green.

[@darkknightk]

The red is an absolute beauty! I just got one in that red color, called Antique Crimson Burst. I have a total of 6 pieces: the 10" and 12" rack toms, 14" and 16" floor toms, a 22" bass drum, then I was able to get an add-on 8" rack tom.

[@Rick-m3c]

Is there just 1 vertical seam on each of the drums or more?

[@roybeckerman9253]

What’s the snare..?

[@rkaylor5769]

How come you haven’t reviewed the TAMA SC W/B? This one has received two.

[@drummermatt9542]

Can only review the gear that companies send.

[@markomarkovic5729]

@@drummermatt9542 Tama make fantastic instruments, but their customer support and general public relations is the weakest link. For that reason alone, I would rather choose Pearl, because I know that even if something is out of stock, it will quickly arrive in stores.

[@joefacundo5939]

What's the price of this kit in the United States?

[@lajollascott]

As of mid-March 2023, just shy of $2000.

[@joefacundo5939]

@@lajollascott yeah I thought so because it's a Pearl brand. Thanks!

[@srbournival]

Where is this color available?

[@josefelix7313]

I stick with my mapex armory, or my decade maple, true value and sound for the buck..

[@GrassRoots-fp4ty]

They sound amazing. But at that price point, that Grand Canyon of a seam on the drums is a big turn off. And, the fact that you cant even mount the toms strait out of the box is shameful.

[@memopadilla5931]

DW has a worse seam on their "exotic" level collectors.

[@timcline2799]

I agree very strongly. I’d decided on Session kit but, within 1.5 yr jumped from $1,750. Cdn. to $2,500. Yikes! Thinking Yamaha Tour Custom at $1,600. is better, smarter.

[@memopadilla5931]

@@timcline2799 Tama Superstar sound incredible and they are much cheaper. also DDrum Dominion Birch is a sleeper kit.. $650 for the wrapped kit.. these are more like a pro kit with heavy duty hardware fittings compared to cheapo yamaha stage.

[@timcline2799]

@@memopadilla5931 Thank you for option advice. I will look at both. I’ve always liked Tama.

[@DrRusty5]

The Toms sound great - all too often Toms seem weak and lacking, with the focus too much on the snare and bass.

[@matthewgonano636]

The fact you have to buy extra hardware just to pay the drums is a no from me

[@robsingletary2383]

Most drummer will add their own preference of stands/mounting hardware anyways after purchase so that's no big deal....SMH

[@batouttahell454]

​@@robsingletary2383 there's LESS WORK for Drummers AND I have to PAY MORE for necessary item's????

[@steech193]

@@robsingletary2383 no one changes the tom mounts after buying a kit. You’d need to drill new holes into the toms. Not sure why you would say that.

[@blumetech99]

When I bought my tama starclassic it came with nothing and I just used old Tom mounts from a different company. Kind’ve annoying tbh.

[@justinreynolds3935]

These kits absolutely kill but those stick pinstripes are horrible. Throw a emad on kick and some proper 2 ply heads and then yes they kill

[@markomarkovic5729]

They go with this heads on Masters Complete as well

[@shawndrummer6722]

Much better sound than Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch which sounding thin and weak.

[@banditY2K]

You're joking right?

[@rippindrummer666]

I own a starclassic w/b and it sounds and feels a million times better than the over priced dw collectors I had before it.

[@dilankarun9172]

I disagree, Tama Starclassic's W/B's sound awesome. They actually come with Evan's G2's ! . Heck the Session's don't even sound as good as the Mapex Armory 😂🤣😂 If you're into the cardboard sound go with the Sessions. But me, nah I want that nice thunder. As they say proof is in the pudding ! Take a listen kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5KYc4mHdrOdna8

[@shawndrummer6722]

@@rippindrummer666 I just was sarcastic. Actually I am huge WB and BB fan but in my country that drums are quite hated and unpopular because of thunderous and long sound. I feel like I'm alone. Most popular drums in my country are Pearl and Yamaha. My two drummer friends (Pearl Masters Maple owners) have an opinion that my Starclassic birch/bubinga sounds horrible although I tuned it to perfection. Even guitarist from their band said that my drum kit is the worst drum kit he ever heard. They all likes very dead and short sound instead of my starclassic singing.

[@markomarkovic5729]

@@dilankarun9172 I'm Pearl fan, but W/B sounds amazing, I'd rather get that over Masters Complete. Plus, you don't have to buy tom holders

[@tobyvattilano7846]

Very good punch and attack but rather cheap sounding outside of that. Hard pass.

[@dimisle]

Sorry but the Tuning, is Not will done! 🤷🏻‍♂️ the 12“ Sounds Bad

[@willymccabe6602]

LMAO. Well, someday when you get your OWN drum related channel, you can tune your own 12" tom however you want, right? Cuz there is nothing wrong with how they tuned this one. At all.

[@Drummer55]

Undrilled Bass Drum? How did they get the lugs to stay on? The whole "thing" about virgin bass drums is ridiculous.

[@griffot]

No it IS ridiculous. It’s just a silly fashion thing which will disappear when common sense finally kicks in.

[@matthewgonano636]

Drums sound great. Cause they have pinstripes on. Put pinstripes on any kit it will sound good. Buy drums because of the hardware and finish. They all sound the same with same heads