Tama vs Pearl

EvilHasErrors · #11 (**permalink**) 08-05-2006, 03:57 PM

It seems like most people would say Pearl because it is one of the best drum makers around. They've been around what, 100 years or something like that?

Mapex4Ever · #12 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006, 11:48 PM

Tama all the way. They are the most recorded drums in musical history. Sure Pearl ,has a long list of top notch people in their endorsees list, but if someone offered you some cash and free drums to boot, wouldn't you play them?? Does anyone remember Mike Portnoy playing Mapex's??? He did for years. It's all a matter of personal preference. Right now, I believe there really are no "bad" sets out there. The Tama hardware is awesome. The Pearl hardware fits my '80's Pearl set.......... what's that tell ya??? No innovation in the hardware nor are they attempting to keep up with the competition as far as a change in material used in the mid level and entry level sets shells. Poplar??? C'mon. You can buy a Mapex (with a virgin bass drum shell, meaning there is no hole in it for the upper tom mount!!) or Sonor in the same price range which is 100% Birch or Maple!!! Just an observation here. I would honestly say ..... whatever makes you and your ears happy is what you go with. All companies have pro's and con's and with this being such a vague question, I don't think it's easy to really answer. Both companies mentioned have a long and decent history in drums. Here's a little fact for you all that you may not know .................. Tama started out making guitars in the early 1900's!!!!

Russ · #13 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 12:02 AM

How do you know that Tama are the most recorded drums in musical history?

Mapex4Ever · #14 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 12:15 AM

I tend to do alot of research on all companies I intend to buy from. It is stated on their website so I would assume a claim like that would have to be true. I've been playing drums for 28 years now, and I play professionally both live and recording sessions. I can remember when Tama was the #1 drum and everybody had to have one!! ( thanks to drummers such as Neil Peart who played them, namely Superstar series with Birch shells, and one set which was Maple) Lars Ulrich from Metallica was a huge boost for them as well. On a professional level, I would imagine that claim may be true. I'm not 100% positive, just going based on what I've read.