The Journey of a Pearl Music City Custom Drum Kit with Nick D'Virgilio

More factory tours like this Electro-Harmonix Factory Tour 👉 • Factory Tours & Produc...
Join Nick D'Virgilio as he heads down to the Pearl factory in Nashville to witness the birth of a Music City Custom drum kit. You'll get to see how the kit is built, then Nick takes the drums out on a gig with his acclaimed band Spock's Beard. Finally, Nick brings the drums back to Sweetwater Studios to record a session for his band Big Big Train (and where they remain as our house drum kit).
Pearl's Superior Shell Technology is a proprietary technique that makes Music City Custom drums superior air chambers. Select woods are chosen based on their unique acoustic properties and are milled to optimal thickness with overlapping scarf joint seams for an airtight fit. Then the wood plies are saturated with Pearl's special AcoustiGlue, which permeates every pore and dries to the exact consistency of the wood for phenomenal resonance. Lastly, the plies are formed in high-temperature molds with 1,000 PSI of hydraulic pressure to create drum shells with remarkable tone, vibrancy, and strength.
After the video, learn more about Pearl's Music City Custom drums here: www.sweetwater....
Special thanks to Pearl and Spock's Beard for helping us create this video!
#Sweetwater #Pearl #PearlMusicCity

[@sjang816]

it's like dream theater for the slightly older crowd set. amazing musicality and harmony. also very rush-ish

[@JakeStaffin]

nycjin816 I started getting into Spock’s Beard last year. I started off as a Flying Colors fan which was how I was introduced to Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy, and after listening to a bunch of Portnoy bands I began listening to Neal Morse Band and Spock’s Beard. I listened to Snow Live for the first time last week after never hearing the original and I gotta say, it’s fantastic. Spock’s Beard is definitely more accessible to listen to than Dream Theater because it isn’t as heavy, but if you’re a fan of really melodic prog stuff and some songs on the longer side, I would definitely check them out.

[@David-kh9nd]

Not even close to RUSH, you must have EARS IN YOUR ASS. You need to listen more to RUSH.

[@aristotle5698]

No it’s sounds a bit more like Jethro Tull than Rush, it of course your talking about the last portion of the video. But Spock’s Beard definitely has some of Rush influences

[@bonzosabian5710]

@@David-kh9nd definitely not Rush but you can see the influence, as well as with Yes and Dream Theater

[@timsears951]

@@David-kh9nd must you be so rude?? everybody hears things differently ....

[@werewolfzeus]

Idk whats more impressive between his playing or the $12,000 worth of microphones.

[@claystaggs8908]

I was thinking the same thing, 20 grand to record some drum tracks lol

[@bijanoskouie5323]

Or how he managed to take off the hoodie while playing LOL. Skilled musicians, but pure wankery.

[@No_Transitory]

I wonder if he keeps each kit that is custom built for him? He has a Sonor SQ1, Pearl, and if I’m not mistaken a DW kit that was also custom made.. I’m sure he’s had others done though just because he’s an awesome pocket player.

[@bonzosabian5710]

In the video he says the kit is in one of the recording studios at Sweetwater

[@gaboogablah]

I don't know why they say made in USA, they're only assembled in the states, the shells are made in Taiwan and shipped to the states, and the hardware comes from the China hardware factory just like for all pearl products.

[@fernyfloresdrummer3568]

Spot on. I prefer TAMA

[@janfrech534]

@@fernyfloresdrummer3568 I have the Tama Starclassic Maple Lars Ulrich Double Bass kit and the pearl Masterworks Maple Kit that I tested could barley keep up with it, I can only refer Tama drums, from low to high price range you always get the best!🥰💪🏼

[@roomdog40]

Where do you think Tama comes from?

[@the6ig6adwolf]

It's called clever marketing so they can suck money from saps and pearl fanboys, nothing special about these drums. If I was going to order some piece by numbers drumkit with a couple flashy wrap options I'd go with a Mapex MyDentity kit.

[@s0spr1ng3r]

@@roomdog40 TAMA doesn't act like their drums are made in the USA like Pearl does.

[@davecerv]

This was so fun to watch! Finally got to see Nicks's playing at full swing, what a treat.

[@janfrech534]

Sorry, but to me Pearl drums just sound dead. They don't have character at all what makes them even more boring. You better go for a Tama or DW kit, these are worth their prices, especially Tama!

[@gregpeller1499]

"I've always felt the same way and I thought I was the only one but I guess not. I want to put it out there that Pearl makes great products, but it's just not the sound that I seek. IMO it is a bit homogenized and very general in sound with no instantly identifiable character that Ludwig & Gretsch has for example. Nick however can make Saran Wrap sound great and gives super drum vids.....I am a new huge fan of Big Big Train,--- they are criminally very underrated."

[@janfrech534]

@@gregpeller1499 You're very right there :)

[@archangelvisrael2293]

Yes, agreed. pearl sounds dead and every drummer had to be better to make it sound alive

[@ledhed5717]

I can’t help but laugh at some of these ridiculous comments. Play what you like, can afford, and what is comfortable to you. Pearl, Tama, Yamaha, DW, Ludwig, Gretsch, they all make great sounding drums. I have actually played and owned at one time or another these particular brands. I have a preference but each kit I have played sounded amazing. THE TRUTH IS that if you were blind folded and did not know the drummer or the equipment that was played it would almost be impossible to tell the difference. I say BS to anyone that says they can on a consistent and accurate basis. By the way, about 80% (probably higher) of anything anyone owns in any given country anywhere in the world was made in China.

[@bonzosabian5710]

Eric you are Spot On, couldn’t of said it better myself

[@Wannagobackto1980]

Looks like Mr. Chow from The Hangover playing keyboards!!!! That would be pretty awesome!!!!

[@foxdieengine7098]

lol you noticed?

[@Thomasp671]

I have been playing the drums since I was 7 years old, today I am 54... yes you can put me on a Tama, Lugwig or DW, But, no one makes a better sounding acoustic drum set then Pearl !!!!

[@TH-gu4wj]

agree, not sure what that guy is talking about in saying that pearl drums sound 'dead'...maybe if you're talking about a pearl export with tape and dead heads on it....Pearl makes just as great drums as any other high end drum maker. They're my personal preference.

[@JAMBI..]

So what exactly got you convince?

[@bonzosabian5710]

Totally agree. I too have been playing for well over 35 years and pretty much every drum manufacturer under the sun and Pearl is second to none. Their craftsmanship and production is spot on and the tone and overall sound is amazing no matter what factory they come out of and the best hardware I’ve seen on any high end kit out there. There’s a reason they’re the only drum company that guarantees they’re higher end kits for life. Try getting that out of DW, Ludwig, Tama, or Yamaha, good luck

[@davidcipolla4036]

Yes I'd certainly agree Pearl makes the best drum shells on the market end of story. I too have been playing drums for over 20 years (for what it's worth) and have played many kits over the years and Pearl produces the best sound b/c they make the BEST SHELLS. Sure I might be bias b/c I personally bought a masterworks kit myself, but that aside no other company makes shells to the same quality Pearl does. Here's why, the SST (superior sheep technology) uses multiple wood plys that are staggered throughout the shell so no two plys meet at the same spot (this can visibly be seen when the rims & heads are off the drums). Next the plys use a scarf joint so the two ends of the plys are cut/sanded down to a low angle then overlap rather than meet face to face at 90 degree angles, this allows for the plys to stick together better, allow the shell to resonate more efficient, and increase shell strength, reducing the chance of the shell being able to buckle under extreme pressure. When the plys are put together Pearl developed a special propriety wood glue "acoustiglue", which is designed to seep into all the pores of the wood as best as possible, then the shell is put into the hydraulic press where the shell is put under 2,000 psi and heated at the same time allowing the glue to seep into the pores as best as & creating the most dense/solid shell on the market. No other company even comes close to producing as shell as good as Pearl. Plus Pearl uses Golden ratio air vents which further emphasizes the perfected laws of golden ratio physic for the movement of air in & out of the drum, therefore increasing low (and overall ) tone spectrum of the drum. To top it all off Pearl's Tom mounting system, the Opt-Mounts are the most resonant & stable Tom mounts allowing the toms to resonate as freely as possible while barely moving at all (unlike other companies where the drums shake like crazy). I also think they're the best looking Tom mounts but that's a subjective opinion I suppose. Last of all, the Pearl lugs are swivel lugs which all then tension rods to be able to move laterally as opposed to just vertically, which allows for the pressure on the rims to be distributed as even as possible so the head sits as flush as possible on the drum. No other company takes into consideration so much detail into the drums as Pearl does, yes the other main company's out there are pretty good and can look very nice, yet none produce the shell quality, and in return the best sound quality as Pearl does.

[@Thomasp671]

@@TH-gu4wj even the export series are well made and put together with very high quality. Even though they don't sound as good as a pearl masters or reference series that's really not the point. Pearl manufactures these export series drums for the beginner drummer that can't afford and for the newcomers. Pearl offers these drums for newcomers/beginners so they can get started learning how to play the drums and once they get better over time then they upgrade to a higher quality set. Because in the end pearl drums just gets in your blood and in your soul because of the high quality and the sound that they produce. Another important example I would like to mention here is a simple Standard Pearl drum set you can play to any type of music whether it be hard rock, country or gospel music they will always sound the best when compared to other manufactures of drums.

[@werewolfzeus]

Somebody needs to produce a show where Nick goes to the factory of all the great instrument makers and tells about their history, gives us a view of their process and then let's us see a demo of the product. Imagine seeing this for drums, guitars, amps, brass and wood winds, pedals, everything.

[@danwebd4481]

nope, let's keep Nick at the Drums ONly pls !

[@JakeStaffin]

Sweetwater has started to do this and I really like it, we’ve seen Pearl, Sabian, Ludwig, Sonor and Zildjian (if I’m not forgetting any) and I hope we see every major company and some smaller companies as well as Nick is great at doing this, but I hope they do this for the other instruments with their respective players as well.

[@redacted1462]

@@JakeStaffin drumeo did docus on paiste Sonor and Tama

[@rodneybrand8521]

I waited for years for Ludwig's and still on my 4th set ..ive played just about all sets and nothing compares to Ludwig..made in usa..its all about what makes you happy with the sound.

[@Stephenhaake]

The drums sound amazing, and great playing Nick!

[@Crinklechip-s]

NDV is the only drummer I watch for enjoyment. And he seems such a lovely guy. I hope I catch a Big Big Train gig some time. Such a great band! I live close to Real World studios. I badly want to sneek in to one of their recording sessions there! :-)

[@ricohorton]

Nick is so fortunate to be able to play all these great drum brands. His splaying always outstanding.

[@AnthonyDeBarros]

I could watch Nick play drums all day. Every day.

[@drew_on_drums]

Anthony DeBarros me too man I saw him live once and he blew me away

[@andyman2462]

Nick I was always wondering if you were in a band. Your really good! I love watching your sweet water reviews. I'll for sure check out Spock's beard.

[@cjueschke]

Wow Nick! Your playing just blows me away. I can't wait to get the blu ray of that snow concert. that album changed my perception of music when I first heard it in high school. it totally changed me. Those are amazing sounding drums too by the way. Thanks for the video!

[@danielroshan1669]

The intro though 12:39 amazing

[@romanchaikovskyi2537]

all these videos are great.. But i wish i had a true video of sound comparison between Reference and Reference Pure. I know their spec differences and sound difference, but just in theory. If only Sweetwater could make RF vs RFP comparison with same sizes it would truly mean a lot to me and i guess for tons of drummers! Don't have chance to listen to RF or RFP in my country. However, we have so many DW CS and Tama SC....

[@Hreodrich]

Strong Gavin Harrison vibes from nicks playing. This is awesome. Never heard of big big train before but I’m really digging this song.

[@thomasfaucette6439]

I Love The Black and blue sparkle drums beautiful

[@fernyfloresdrummer3568]

So the shells are not made by pearl? And not made in the US?

[@EvilSewnit]

Fernando Flores They are made by Pearl in Japan.

[@fernyfloresdrummer3568]

@@EvilSewnit I see, thanks! :)

[@tylerisagirl1]

@@EvilSewnit Taiwan, not Japan

[@anihorvath]

This is fantastic. loving Pearl More and more and Nick is a beast!!!

[@milton.oliver2364]

Pearl Music Custom 7-Piece shell pack SWEETWATER NICK D' VIRGILIO YO this is too awesome

[@DieselTrucker2018]

PEARL DRUMS are the BEST as far as I'm concerned and I have played ALL major brand kits and off brand kits in the last 30 years!

[@LayanRecords]

Nice.I wish this music city custom concept is available in Asia.

[@tigertobi2313]

nice drum Sound :) and amazing Video quality which headphones did u use?

[@clarkcrowley227]

First saw nick at morsefest 2017 playing a tiny kit for a whole band of ukuleles as the warm up for Neal’s similitude of a dream with the mighty portnoy on drums and what a show it was! But nick , I became an instant fan of yours when I saw what you could do with that little four piece set and eight uke players especially your cover of roundabout ; you are my new fave! Keep inspiring ! And oh how I want the Tasmanian DWs you demoed for sweet water , sorry pearl ,I love you too!

[@Bigbaldybear]

18:48 That groove :O

[@josephmintz3539]

7:52 Lol, same

[@eastbaymauiboy]

Joseph Mintz I dig Nick, but that was... FAAAABUUULOOOUUUSSS!!...😳

Wow!! Thanks to everyone involved in the production in this awesome promo video!! Nick you're the best!!!

[@RoeShamBoe]

this is such a great idea for a video... thanks for doing this!

[@NinthDensity]

So technically the shells are made in Taiwan.

[@sadrachvilla8697]

I like how his cymbals are all Meinl except the Zildjian hihats😂

[@johnbensinger4931]

Sadrach Villa no those are also meinl

[@IyanDacpano]

those are new zildjian avedis hats lol better check

[@slimbeaux]

Thanks Nick for plugging your band and thanks Sweetwater for letting him do it. Been checking them out looking for new bass lines to learn. This whole thing feels like we are all just one big band, sharing out feelings about music. Cool.

[@DoubleD72]

This video was crap. very misleading. a couple minutes and some assembly then the majority of the video has nothing to do with the factory at all.

[@vancerosentreter5960]

I am in Nashville this week, and I want to go tour Gibson and pearl factories. How do I get in?

[@charlesfranklin3533]

At Heart I'm A Pearl Drummer For Life!!! I Just Love Their Master's, Reference and Master Work's Line Of Drums.

[@paulonascimento2073]

I used not to be a fan of wraps, but since I saw some lacquer cracking plus the feasibility and practicality of replacing the wraps, I have changed my mind. You can keep your sound and change only the aesthetics of the kit easily.

[@PowerTom_kyle]

I'm not a fan of that finish Nick choose. How about something in red next time :)

[@paulsteezo1772]

THE NEW DRUMMER FOR THE LEGENDARY MR. BIG!!!!

[@mariano3516]

Amazing drummer! pure groove, pure taste! thanks Nick!

[@Severen45]

That drum sound is just amazing. Makes me really want a music city or reference pure kit from Pearl. I already play drums by the company.

[@kotogray8335]

The drums sound great, but so do those Meinl cymbals! The song reminded me a little of Peter Gabriel

[@plamenmarkov2710]

Super ... Bat hou you gonna explain all dis tu jour students ?????????

[@Fish_Face]

lol the costs of all those mics on the set......

[@anthonyn1312]

What is a Finish of a Pearl Music city custom? What is a size of a drums are?

[@joeybishop7604]

So Pearl isn’t actually a drum maker, they’re drum assemblers

[@tomycavalera6748]

TAMA made in Indonesia by PT. Who Tama Karya

[@jeffjones5478]

Shells are made with Child Labor ( Special Built)

[@ChrisOBrienMusic]

Oof.. yes and rush want their songs back XD

[@MikeLuke]

How gorgeous those drums look! Nick has a great taste for looks AND sound ;)

[@timekeeperg2112]

Wish this video was more about the drums and less about the big headed drummer! Bit too much ego dude!!! Turn it down a few notched and maybe educate more about the actual manufacturer and the grades of products!! Thats the only reason i clicked the video!! Dont take it personally of course... But plz focus on what your trying to show!!! The drums and only the drums!!!

[@jimmy_keegan_drums]

I love that you insult him and then say don't take it personally. Maybe turn down the insults a few notches. You can make requests without being a jerk and just because you add, "Don't take it personally of course." doesn't erase what you wrote. Lighten up Francis!!! Just go watch a different video.

[@sethyboo2361]

Honestly, sorry if I offend any of y’all, I think that Ludwig, Gretsch, and Tama are better.

[@janfrech534]

TAMA!!!❤

[@watsytooya8107]

Westbury!! the best

[@claystaggs8908]

You to can have all this for the low low price of 20,000$ lol

[@pinheadlarry1019]

Nick

[@pinheadlarry1019]

Nick

[@pinheadlarry1019]

Nick

[@danstephensen9032]

Indeed!! NOTE: General Public please LAY OFF VuLGAR language. Young boys and girls are fans of Nick. That EFF word is deplorable and not "A GOOD TAKE" at all.

[@pawnzrtasty]

I just don’t understand why they don’t make their drums in USA... oh it’s because slave labor is cheaper than your integrity. I know they only glue the wood together but is it really that much cheaper plus it seems like a hassle having to wait for shipments. Probably getting a sonor kit instead

[@anguse2068]

Nick you are hands down the best reviewer and drum demo-er on the Web. Awesome playing!! Do you recall if that kit is the standard #400 White Marine Pearl or the #422 Matte White Marine Pearl - hard to be sure from the images (curious as I'm considering Masters Maple Gum kit which is the latter - i.e. Matte WMP).

[@jesuslebron9421]

Great job Nick as always!

[@TheEasyeman]

Nick could talk about butter and i'd watch it

[@sambates490]

What a great video!!! Been a big fan of yours Nick since the beginning of Spock's Beard. Have always been interested in what you are doing. Love your work with all the bands you have worked with. Can't wait to hear the new SB album you are working on. By the way you are a great spokesman for Pearl and Sweetwater. Great job! Plus just love watching you play!

[@stevenfederico2594]

Nick, you are the man thank you so much for all you bring to the drumming community Your plane is truly outstanding and it’s not get enough recognition in my opinion

[@willgaines5269]

What was the Beta 57 for? Was that just a talkback mic or was it used in the recording?

[@grueurgrue2108]

Keyboardist was doing the wrong hand sign. He was giving the "rock on," when he should have been giving the "live long and prosper."

[@timekeeperg2112]

I love the fit and finish of pearl drums!!! They are second to none in their flawless beauty!!! I may play yamaha maple customs but the hardware doesnt come close to pearl!!! They are amaizingly perfect!

[@robert43g]

life so bright got to wear shades what a joke

[@Romans219]

Love how Nick just plays, no stick twirling or fancy non sense.

[@drvijil]

Nice tune, a touch of progressive rock but melodious and accessible. The drumming is fantastic and the drums sound and look great.

[@thebeatlabmusic749]

They didn't show us how the drums were made. They showed us the wrap being put on. Big difference.

[@markweymouth3243]

Any chance of getting a rundown of the Meinl setup? Love you Nick!

[@leivabernie]

This is a truly wonderful video to watch. Thanks Nick, I had to favorite lol. Congrats on the new album!

[@Aleiuta75]

I love Nick's style....total musical drummer

[@DidYouReadEULA]

Excellent journey and kit, but even better playing...you're just sick Nick!!

[@brianpederson8661]

Nick, what a way to tease those of us dying waiting for the MF '16 Snow video to get into the release cycle!

[@alantovar7701]

I always thought Nick was something else. Thank you God for drummers like Nick.

[@adrimaulanasadira]

Idk what is happening but it seems weird to see an endorser of certain companies play another things from another companies. Could someone explain?

[@spencersher66]

adri sadira he doesn’t endorse anyone anymore

[@EJ-ge4st]

Your first band is way better

[@carlosmossmann1111]

His playing is Pretty similar to Todd Sucherman's drumming!

[@thedudeabides1881]

Wow! Just WOW! Nick is such an accomplished musician. It's inspiring.

[@edwardx.winston5744]

Nick D’Virgilio could sell ice to Eskimos. Absolutely Mr. Cool.

[@patovega]

Daaaaamn! Awesome song, great job Mr. D'Virgilio

[@cobyutterback]

Dang!!! Ive not heard them before. Very cool prog!

[@dillonpearl6786]

Nick D Virginao is the man

[@bmvids1951]

Where did nick get his custom bass head from?

[@steverosenberger8671]

Nick I like the videos that you do. I used to play drums for around 20 years when I gave them up. Now I am getting back into playing. My daughters found a set of Pearl Forum Series drums. It has 24" bass drum, 8" AND 10 " toms and a 18" floor tom. Sabian cymbals hi hats 1 ride and 1 crash and the stands + a seat on a auction site for $250.00. I am seeing a lot of new technologies that has happened over the last 20 years with drum kits. I have a question I noticed that you have, something that kind of looks like a snare drum on the front of your bass drum. Please let me know what it is. Thank you.

[@NeighborGatsy]

Steve Rosenberger The thing in front of the kick drum is a low frequency/sub bass microphone.

[@1955DavidH]

Great playing & those drums & cymbals sound great also!

[@progression_decibel]

Great video and playing! What a treat to use those Mohave and Neumann mics!

[@drumdaddy205]

Shells made in their overseas factory...oh brother. China no doubt. Then a small set of drums with no more than a wrap applied in the states will cost you 6,000 to start.

[@milton.oliver2364]

Pearl is beautiful drums I love how they make there own shell pack

[@MiNiMeMiniatureDrumCovers]

Awesome job on studio track nick

[@1life2pono]

Great song as well as great playing! Love the drum sound.

[@milton.oliver2364]

pearl is one of my favorite drums in the world I love this guy

[@mk1st]

That was cool....and I'm not even a drummer!

[@footsoljier6468]

With this guys voice he could sell me oxygen

[@paisteformula6021]

Nick you are a legend 👍👍👍👍👍 keep up the great work!!

[@philipdaniels1817]

Can hardly see the mics, it's so dark in there ...

[@Wannagobackto1980]

These guys kinda remind me of YES.