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.

Tariku · #15 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 06:05 AM

I would say Pearl, because its the only drum that attracts me and I would be happy when I play it. In addition, the my favorite drummer in my country(Ethiopia) plays it well and he chooses it too.

SilverFoxDrummer · #16 (**permalink**) 06-18-2009, 11:02 AM

I prefer Tama over Pearl, i have played both. I find that Tama lasts longer and has much better hardware, i have both an Iron Cobra and a Power Shifter, both singles, but the Iron Cobra has more of a glide to it. And as for Sets the Tama Rock Star is what i play, ive played Exports etc.. but the only Pearl that i would consider buying would be the Vision. But other than that Tama wins for me.

buildingrome · #17 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 03:31 AM

I personally don't get the whole "Tama Last longer thing"....

what exactly are you doing to your drums that either very reputable company can't hold up to...

obviously if you by the cheapest kit they make you might not get double braced everything ... but.... if you are gigging that much you should open the wallett a spring for something midrange at least..

As for the question at hand... I have always put this stigma on tama and pearl..... pearl make drums with tone in mind, and tama makes drums with volume in mind... ( though it may not be completely accurate in every single instance this is just my thoughts) thinner shells ( pearl) means more tone but generally lower volume, and the oposite is true as well.. Some years ago I was told by a drum finatic of mine that pearl generally had thinner or fewer ply than tama hence more tone less volume... I don't know if that is the case still but he seemed to know his stuff back then.

I choose Pearl.

Luke · #18 (**permalink**) 07-27-2009, 04:05 AM

I think both companies are great but for me I like tama better. I have a rockstar and its great especially for the price. Although I dont have too much experience with pearl so I'm not 100% sure on how I feel about them. In the hardware battle although, I'd go for tama no doubt! They're hardware is very sturdy, lasts a long time, and it looks great too. Too bad it costs so much or else I would own more

But that's just my opinion of things.

RiverFish · #19 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 12:12 PM

when comparing their mid ranged kits, superstars and vx/vsx both use birch/basswood(or poplar, im not sure) so the sound is similar, but superstars offer better features like die cast hoops for the same price as the pearls