Tama vs Pearl

gyutae · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2006, 12:27 PM

Both Tama and Pearl are great drum companies in my opinion that are both of almost equal status. Which company would you prefer if you had to get a new drum set? The quality of the drums and customer service are key factors. Any suggestions?

AvengedDrummer · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-2006, 12:33 PM

Personally, I would choose pearl. They have so many innovations that improve the sound and quality of the drums. Their free floatling snares are awesome, and they think about all the things that could affect the sound of the drum. For example, the rubber feet on pearls floor tom legs are round, and the center is cut out so the drum doesnt actually touch the floor. Its amazing how meticulous they are. But all this comes at a price too.

gyutae · #3 (**permalink**) 07-31-2006, 12:46 PM

But the prices of Pearl kits and Tama kits are comparable aren't they?

AvengedDrummer · #4 (**permalink**) 07-31-2006, 12:49 PM

I dont really know the prices of higher end pearl and tama kits. Id assume they cost a pretty penny though.

**skinslapper** · #5 (**permalink**) 07-31-2006, 08:20 PM

Firstly, Gyu you really should've put a poll on this one.

I will refer to only to the mid/low range kits on offer here. I think both companies high end kits are purely a matter of preferance.

Tama seems to spend more time creating a better quality shell than the equipment that holds it up. Having said that I prefer the sound of the pearl export even though it might not last as long.

Pearl export wins for me as the hardware offered is far advanced to tama's swingstar or superstar. Export offers independant tom suspension on their lowest series and the swingstar does not. Also you pay less money to get a laquer finish from pearl.

Ulitimately, Pearls' unlimitting harware capabilities wins out for me, but it would be nice if they were made out of mahogany or something other than poplar.

Russ · #6 (**permalink**) 08-01-2006, 02:43 PM

I'd go with Pearl by a long shot. Their customer service is second to none and their reputation exceeds that of Tama in my opinion. Their drums are of better quality and it's no wonder that so many of the top drummers are happily endorsed by Pearl.

full metal · #7 (**permalink**) 08-01-2006, 02:58 PM

I have head horry stories about Tama from local music stores about there customer service.

I have always liked pearl so I would have to say that pearl is a better brand to me and they just sound great compared to all the tama sets I have played on.