Tama vs Pearl

ErikB71 · #21 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009, 05:05 AM

Tama makes some really nice looking drums, and their hardware is top notch, but I've always found that the sound quality seems to be lacking somewhat in Tama drums. I've never heard a Tama drumset in person or on record that I liked the sound of, they sound so flat, so dead. Not enough ring or tone in them. Pearl drums seem to be better in that department. Even their entry to mid price range kits like the Export series have a much better sound to my ears than most Tama kits, even the upper level series. Pearl really knows how to craft a fine drum shell that resonates and has a full rich sound. Has anyone else found this as well?

**Tainojim** · #22 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009, 03:52 PM

Any high end kit whether Sonor, Tama, DW, Gretsch, Ludwig and so on..... will always have some really nice hardware.

There is one thing about all the brands, "You Get What You Pay For."

Infero Exicution · #23 (**permalink**) 01-03-2010, 03:14 PM

I think Pearl....(Gee, I wonder why!)
Anyway, I have played on various Tama and Pearl kits, but Pearl has me for the Technology, the appearance, and craftsmanship.
I love Pearl.
And the Tamas, that are similar to the mid-levels,The Pearls, just have a better sound and when the rack toms on the Tamas are 6ply and same as the Pearls, the Floor toms and bass drums on the Pearl are 8ply while the Tamas are 7ply.
Giving it a deeper, and warmer sound. Which is something I like out of the bass drum.

They also take high end features and put them on mid-level gear.
Like the P-902 double pedal. They put the PowerShifter on it, which was origianlly found on the Eliminator. A pedal $200 more than the 902.
Tama does make good drums, gear and pedals, but Pearl, IMO is better.

The Rev · #24 (**permalink**) 01-10-2010, 06:05 PM

I'd have to say Pearl Drums, but Tama Hardware, Pearl's drums just has more tone to it and IMO I think tama focuses on Attack too much, I say Tama hardware because I had the the privlege to use both Pearl 900 series and Tama Roadpro series, and the Roadpro hi hat pedal just had more sensitivity to it and a better feel, the stands were sturdy and not to heavy, but one thing I do notice, that pearl's drum pedals dont change much, comparing the P-120P to the P-1000 pedal, the only thing that looks different is that the upper plate is black.
Pearl does have some sexy finishes though

butter · #25 (**permalink**) 01-10-2010, 07:15 PM

for some reason, i have always had some kind of aversion toward pearl... maybe aversion is too strong a word.

anyway, i like tama better for several reasons. firstly, hardware, like everyone else. i have tama roadpro stands and they are great. i am also thinking about upgrading to cobras from my DW 7002s. i never thought i would leave DW, but the cobras are really looking good to me right now

as for sound, i like a shallower, dryer sound from my drums. pearl does seem to have better tonal quality, but i like tama sound better.

Dazzleroxx · #26 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 09:03 PM

out of Pearl and Tama as a rock drummer i would pick Tama there is alot more power in the drums in my opinion ive played both Tama and pearl kits and i just feel better playing behind a tama

deaddrummer4 · #27 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 09:48 PM

I've played both at GC once or twice. I prefer Tama's attack and, as with dazz i just feel better with playing Tama. I have a pearl snare, no clue what it is or where it came from I choose it for the tonal quality and just the reason that it's the best thing I've got right now.

Infero Exicution · #28 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 10:09 PM

Umm...
I'm sticking with Pearl guys.

Luke · #29 (**permalink**) 01-13-2010, 12:04 AM

Tama makes some great drums. What I like most about them is they sound powerful but still maintain a good sound. Although Pearl makes some great snares

If I could get any drumset I wanted though it would be DW hands down the craftsmanship and quality in those drums is phenomenal. Also they make the best hardware by far. If only they cost a few thousand dollars less!

butter · #30 (**permalink**) 01-13-2010, 12:07 AM

id expect nothing less

also, another reason i love tama is for their innovation. they are IMO competitors to DW and Gibraltar in terms of hardware innovations. i didnt think of it before, so this is kind of an extension of my last post