The Masters Series

The Masters SeriesThere comes a time in every drummer’s career

when a good drum set is no longer good enough.A time when the passion for drumming leads youto strive for perfection in every aspect, fromtechnique, to the quality of the instrument youplay. Masters Series drums were designed for justsuch a player. Someone who can discern with onelisten, the difference between hype andsubstance. As you read further, and ultimatelycompare at your local drum shop, we hope youwill come to realize why we say that no otherdrum, at any price, sounds and performs like aMasters Series drum. This may sound like a boldstatement to many, but it is one in which wesincerely believe. With over fifty yearsexperience, we have grown to become the largestdrum manufacturer in the world today. No othercompany researches and develops a product likePearl. Many of the processes we use tomanufacture Masters drums are exclusive to usbecause they’re patented. These exclusivemanufacturing techniques have taken many yearsto refine. and can be costly, painstaking andextremely time consuming. But it is here you findthe difference, with one listen, between a gooddrum... and a Masters Series drum.

The sound a drum shell produces is largelydependent upon two main factors, the quality ofthe materials used, and the process by which theshell is made. All Masters Series drums are formedby our patented Heat Compression Shell Molding

System, or what we call HC/sms for short. Handselected wood plies are coated by our patentedadhesive that’s specially formulated to dry to thesame density as the wood it binds. We preciselyoverlap seams between plies to eliminate gapsand dead spots that seem so common with othershell forming methods. The coated plies are thencured until dry under extreme heat while beingcompressed by continuous internal cylindricalforce. It sounds complicated because it is. Ourexclusive process creates a shell that responds as ifit were one solid, continuous air chamber. Theend result is a shell like no other, simply becauseno one else makes a shell this exacting.

Our Masters family of drums now containsthree distinct lines, Masters Custom, MahoganyClassic Limited Edition and Masters CustomExtra. The differences between them are simplyshell material and thickness. It is this slightvariation however, that allows each to have avoicing uniquely its own. Masters Custom andMasters Custom Extra are both constructed ofaged, air cured 100% Maple. Masters Customoffers a thin, four ply/5mm shell with four plyMaple reinforcement rings at both top andbottom, while Masters Custom Extra features athicker, six ply/7.5mm shell. Our new MahoganyClassic Limited Edition drums on the other hand,provide a true departure from all others. Theyfeature a four ply/5mm shell of hand selected,prime Mahogany, with four ply Maplereinforcement rings. The series you chooseshould be based upon what sounds and performsbest for you. By offering three separate material

and thickness configurations, Masters Seriesdrums offer a much wider range of availablesound possibilities, giving you choices to fine-tuneyour sound.

The bearing edges on all Masters Series drumsare precisely cut to a 45 degree in, 45 degree outdesign, inset slightly from the edge of the shell.By rounding the bearing edge at the direct pointof contact with the head slightly, the shellproduces a fatter, more classic, vintage style tone.The classic resonant sound of the Masters Series.

A thirty-one step exterior finishing technique isused to complete each Masters Series drum.Considered the most complex offered within theindustry today, this takes one week per drum tofully complete. The difference is immediatelynoticeable. Masters Series drums have a highlypolished, glass-like appearance that allows thenatural beauty of the shells’ wood grain and itssemi-transparent color coat to show through.Masters Custom also offers you the option tochoose one of four new Burnish finishes for thelook of satin finished hand stained oil.

An instrument is a personal choice, based uponhow it sounds, looks, and performs to the player.Some of today’s most widely respectedprofessionals, in every type of music imaginable,choose Pearl’s Masters Series drums as theirsound. Players like Dennis Chambers, OmarHakim, John “JR” Robinson, Marvin “Smitty”Smith, Eddie Bayers, Chad Smith, Richie Haywardand Steve Ferrone just to name a very few.

Masters Series drums...designed to be theeasiest choice you’ll ever have to make.

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Heat Compression Shell Molding System

Low Mass Minimum Contact Lugs

Integrated Suspension System

Air Suspension Tom Legs

Reversible Telescoping SP-30 Spurs

Matching Bass Hoops

Remo® Heads

Uni--lock Tom Holders

Masters Series shells are designed for maximum resonance and tone. Every piece ofhardware that touches the shell has been kept to a minimum in order to allow the shell toresonate fully unrestricted. Our Low-Mass Minimum Contact Lugs with new solid brassswivel nuts are perfect examples of this design philosophy. Together with our new 2.3mmsolid steel SuperHoop II rims, they provide the ultimate tuning integrity without muffling theshell with unneeded mass and weight.

Our TH-98 Tom Holders offer unequalled flexibility over tom placement with an extremelyprecise “gearless” design. Their smooth internal locking brake provides over 180 degrees ofvertical movement, and together with a full 360 degrees rotation for both the drum and themount, your positioning options seem endless. Notched memory locks are provided at bothends to insure height and rotation of both the drum and mount will remain constant everytime you set-up.

Remo® Heads are the overwhelming choice of professional drummers worldwide due totheir excellent tonal qualities and neutral voicing. All Masters Series toms feature Remo® ClearAmbassador heads to accentuate the superb clarity, resonance and projection produced by theshell. Masters Custom and Mahogany Classic bass drums are exclusively fitted with the ultimatebass drum head available today, Remo’s Powerstroke 3. They feature an ingenious built-inmuffling ring to create a bass drum sound with unbelievable punch, depth and tonal presence.

Our patented Integrated Suspension System grips the drum by the counter hoopeliminating all contact with the shell. This allows the shell to fully resonate producing an open,full bodied tone with lasting sustain. No other system on the market today can match theflexibility, simplicity, tonal benefits, and ease of use offered by our I.S.S. mounts.

Masters Series bass drums feature our top of the line SP-30 Bass Drum Spurs for rock solidperformance on most any playing surface. The SP-30 fully telescopes for height adjustments,folds against the shell for easy transport and storage, and its unique quarter turn spike torubber tipped foot adds unparalleled stability.

Our new Air Suspension Floor Tom Legs make a remarkable difference by counteractingthe extreme deadening effects of the floor. Their design is simple yet ultimately effective,featuring a proprietary soft rubber compound in combination with an ingenious air hollow.They add exceptional sustain while also enhancing tone, depth and resonance.

Masters Series Bass Drum Hoops are constructed of 100% Aged Maple or Prime Mahoganyto perfectely match your choice of drum series. Their exterior finish reflects the samepainstaking thirty-one step process as required on all Masters Series drums. Low-Mass lugsand recessed die-cast drum key tension bolts offer the finishing touches to the look andfunction of these outstanding bass drums.

Masters Custom Shell Mahogany Classic Shell Masters Extra Shell• 100% Aged, Air Cured Maple• 4ply, 5mm Thick• 4ply, 5mm Reinforcement Rings• HC/sms Shell Construction• Tapered Scarf Joint Seams• 31 Step Exterior Finish Process

• 100% Aged Air Cured Maple • 6ply, 7.5mm Thick• HC/sms Shell Construction• Tapered Scarf Joint Seams• 31 Step Exterior Finish Process

• 100% Prime, Selected Mahogany• 4ply, 5mm Thick• 4ply, 5mm Maple Reinforcement Rings• HC/sms Shell Construction• Tapered Scarf Joint Seams• 31 Step Exterior Finish Process

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Mahogany Classic Limited EditionIt’s ironic that the newest edition to our Masters

Series line represents a shell material that was thestandard of the industry more than seventy yearsago. Our new Mahogany Classic Limited Editiondrums are a true modern classic, combining thewarm full bodied smooth tone of vintage Mahoganydrums, with the shell manufacturing techniques,

durability and quality construction methods of today.No other wood sounds like Mahogany. Its richresonant sound, great attack, and unbelievable lowend presence make a lasting impression on everyonethat hears it. Our Mahogany Classic Limited Editiondrums are beautifully lacquered with a high glossRed Mahogany finish that allows the natural beauty

of the wood’s grain pattern to show through, for alasting impression in looks, as well as sound. As thename implies, these drums are something veryspecial in a time when most high end drumsets arestarting to sound too much alike. One listen to ournew Mahogany Classic drums however, should giveyou a whole new respect for “the good old days”.

Masters Custom GoldFew things compliment the natural beauty

of lacquered drums like the gleaming accent of24k gold plated hardware. Masters CustomGold is an ultimate expression in quality,function, look and sound. All hardware onevery drum has been painstakingly 24k goldplated, including our patented IntegratedSuspension System, SuperHoop II rims andlow-mass tension lugs. But Masters CustomGold is not about regal looks alone. The warm,resonant tone and quality craftsmanship thathas made Masters Custom an instant classic,can be found at the heart of every MastersCustom Gold drum.

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Mahogany Classic Limited Edition in #141 Red Mahogany

Masters Custom Gold in #100 Wine Red

Masters Custom

The New Icon Rack SystemICON is the next evolution in rack design from Pearl,

the originators of the modern drum rack. Its design issimple, straight forward, and ultimately effective, usingpatented square tubes and clamps that will never slip orrotate, and integrated hinging leg clamps at both ends ofthe tubes for quick set-ups and tear-downs. ICON offersyou independent control over the height of each tube,

and memory locks so your set stays the way you want itevery time you play. Large square tube groundstabilizers with gripping rubber feet keep your kit rocksolid, extremely sturdy and dependable. You can alsoadd or subtract bars and legs as your set-up changes.The basic DR-500 shown above features 3 tubes and 4legs and the DR-500L below left, offers 2 tubes and 3 legs.

Our Masters Custom drums havebecome some of the most widelyused drums in music today. From liveperformances in clubs, arenas andgarages, to recording every style ofmusic imaginable, you can find thedistinctive voice of Masters Custom atwork. Their full bodied sound offersthe perfect blend of attack, evenlydistributed midrange, and a smooth,strong, low end punch. A true classicsound that can only come from a100% aged Maple, Masters Customshell, formed by Pearl’s patentedHC/sms process.

Masters Custom is a players drum.Its’ thin 4ply/5mm construction andminimal hardware contact, allows theshell to freely resonate and produce agreat “near field” sound that is heardby the player, without sacrificingvolume and projection to theaudience. This “near field” effect isalso the reason Masters Custom is sooverwhelmingly popular as arecording and live miked performancedrumset choice among professionaldrummers. Masters Custom offers asound and versatility no other kit canmatch at any price.

With Masters Custom, like all of ourMasters Series drums, you choose eachdrum, each piece of hardware, to builda kit that perfectly meets yourrequirements and reflects yourpersonality and playing style. Eightbeautifully polished high gloss lacquerfinishes and four of our new satin,hand stained type “Burnish” finishes,provide a rainbow of colors and looksfrom which to choose.

For the discerning player however,there is simply no substitute for soundand quality. By comparing MastersCustom to any other drumset, wethink you’ll agree, everything you’veheard about this kit is true. Its smoothvintage tone, superb quality andcraftsmanship, versatility and stunninglooks can only be equalled by anotherkit with a Masters Series badge.

5Masters Custom in #180 Orange Burnish

Masters Custom in #182 Walnut Burnish

Masters Custom ExtraMasters Custom Extra builds upon

the outstanding legacy of MastersCustom, using a slightly thicker shell,to create a voice uniquely its own.Six plies of 100% aged Maple,7.5mm’s in thickness, are formedwithout reinforcement rings, by ourexclusive Heat Compression ShellMolding System. No other methodavailable today produces a shell thisprecise. For Masters Custom Extra,the result is a drum that performs asif it were one solid consistent piece ofpristine Maple, producing a soundbest described as warm and focused,very resonant, with great projection,bright attack, and excellent volume.Masters Custom Extra offers an eventonal balance with equal amounts ofhigh, mid and low and an extra widetuning range that provides the playergreat versatility. This extremelyresonant full bodied tone offers theperfect alternative to the voice ofMasters Custom, even though theirsounds are very similar.

The exterior of each MastersCustom Extra drum undergoes ourexclusive thirty-one step finishingtechnique. Eight beautifully polishedhigh gloss lacquer finishes areavailable from which to choose, withsix allowing the beauty of the wood’snatural grain to show through.

With Masters Custom Extra youcan build your dream kit by choosingeach piece, as with all Masters Seriesdrums, or four specially priced pre-packaged kit configurations areavailable offering you exceptionalvalue over individual componentprices. Pre-packaged Masters CustomExtra kits feature today’s mostpopular drum sizes and set-ups,combined with our finest hardwareand accessories, including our newbrass shell SensiTone Snare Drum,state of the art PowerShifter BassDrum Pedal, our patented Vari-LinkHi-Hat and our top of the line 855WSeries Cymbal and Boom Stands.

Masters Custom Extra. Simplyput, one of the best sounding, bestconstructed, feature packeddrumsets available today, at any price.

Masters Custom Extra pre-packaged MRX-22D-5I kit in #126 Emerald Mist

Masters Custom Extra component kit in #114 Liquid Amber6

Masters Custom Extra pre-packaged MRX-22D-6DWI kit in #127 Purple Mist

Masters Custom Extra component kit in #103 Piano Black 7

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Page 2 Masters Custom in #102 Natural

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Page 4 Mahogany Classic in #141Red Mahogany

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BassTomTomFl.TomFl.TomSnareCymbal Std.Boom Std.Boom Std.Snare Std.PedalHi-HatClosed HatTom HolderHat to BD Adr.

Page 7 Masters Custom Extra in #103 Piano Black

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Page 5 Masters Custom in #180 Orange Burnish

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Page 7 Masters Custom Extra in #127 Purple MistStandard Pre-Packaged MRX-22D-6DWI Kit

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Page 6 Masters Custom Extra in #126 Emerald MistStandard Pre-Packaged MRX-22D-5I Kit

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Page 6 Masters Custom Extra in #114 Liquid Amber

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Page 5 Masters Custom in #182 Walnut Burnish

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Page 4 Masters Custom Gold in #100 Wine Red

Masters Catalog Drumset Component Quick Reference Sheet

To find the drum and hardware components usedto create any drumset shown in the catalog, simplymatch the page number and kit color to one of the

headings below. All four Masters Custom Extraspecially priced pre-packaged kits are also shownincluding two that are not displayed in the catalog.

Mahogany ClassicLimited Edition

High Gloss Finish

Masters Custom andMasters Custom Gold

Satin “Burnish” Finishes

Masters Custom, Masters Custom Gold and Masters Custom Extra

High Gloss Finishes

#100 Wine Red

#141 Red Mahogany #102 Natural #103 Piano Black #109 Arctic White

#114 Liquid Amber #136 Opal White

#122 Black Mist #126 Emerald Mist #127 Purple Mist

#180 Orange Burnish

#182 Walnut Burnish

#181 Amber Burnish

#183 Wine Burnish

•

•

• • •

14” X 18”16” X 18”14” X 20”16” X 20”

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**

Bass Drums

16” X 22”18” X 22”16” X 24” 18” X 24”

8” X 8”8” X 10”10” X 10”8” X 12”10” X 12”

9” X 13”11” X 13”12” X 14”14” X 15” 14” X 16”

14” X 14”16” X 16”16” X 18”

Mounted Toms Floor Toms• • •Masters Series Sizes and Colors

Snare DrumsThe snare drum is the focal point of your overall

drum sound. With this in mind it’s easy to see whywe offer over 40 different models from which tochoose and why we have an entire catalog devotedcompletely to snare drums. We have the rightdrum for any style of music imaginable and theperfect drum to compliment your kit. Just a few ofour newest and most popular snare drums are

shown above including our Masters Custom snaredrums available with either single or double lugs in5.5” and 6.5” x 14” sizes, and in your choice ofmatching color. Our Mahogany Classic LimitedEdition snare drum is available with either chromeor gold hardware and features a beautifully polishednatural clear finish over an exotic “Burl Mahogany”exterior ply. Our metal shell SensiTone snares are

the newest editions to our snare drum line.SensiTone Classics have an unmistakable vintagelook with tube lugs and die-cast claws. They’reavailable with Bronze or Brass shells and in 5.5” and6.5” x 14” sizes. Sensitone Custom Alloy snaredrums have bridge style lugs, 2.3mm hoops and areavailable in Bronze, Brass and Steel shells and in 5.5”and 6.5” x 14” sizes.

Masters CustomMMX-5314D

Mahogany Classic Limited EditionMH-5314D-G

Sensitone ClassicBrass ShellB-6514DCL

SensiTone Custom AlloySteel ShellS-5514D

Masters CustomMMX-5114DC

SensiTone ClassicBronze ShellBR-6514CL

SensiTone Custom AlloyBrass Shell

B-5514

Masters Series drums are available in the following sizes andcolors. Dimensions are shown length x diameter. Sizes denotedwith an * are not available in Mahogany Classic Limited Edition.

For more information on these or any Pearl product, visit your local authorized Pearl dealer or in the US write to: Pearl Corporation, 549 Metroplex Drive, Nashville, TN 37211. You can also find us on the internet at http://www,pearldrum.com. Products and specifications are subject to change without notice. Printed 5-97 in the USA.

ITEM #M597