01 Jan 1977
PEARL c/o Nortin 7373 Cicero Avenue Lincolnwood, Illinois 60646 Pearl, perhaps the newest of all the firms in our report, has enjoyed very rapid growth, acceptance, and recognition among some of the top players in the country. The line is a mixture between wood and fiberglass construction with equipment offered in three forms:
1) 9-ply wood, 2) 9-ply wood lined with fiberglass, 3) all fiberglass. The fiberglass line is excellent for volume and undistorted projection and they're super sensitive.
Fiberglass shells are virtually undisturbed by changes in temperature. A goodly range of tom sizes are available including the single headed concert tom series - available in fiberglass only which runs from 5-1/2" x 6" to 14" x 16". Heads are by Remo under the Pearl name. The transparents are one solid piece with no seams for extra strength, perfect roundness and a very neat appearance. They're loud, and as crystal clear in tone as they are in looks. Pearl hardware is something else. Two lines are available and the top of the line bass pedal and hi-hat stand, with their well designed and constructed spring assemblies, are as solid as a rock. An ultra heavy duty 65" cymbal stand is equally impressive. Spurs fold flush against the bass drum for easy storage, and tom mounts are fully adjustable incorporating a hexagonal rod design that prevents twisting and fading. Double tom-toms are supported on the bass by two individual mounts; certainly a very commendable feature for independent tom-tom support and strength. Tom mounts also enable the player to convert to multiple tom set-ups with just a simple exchange of base plates. Another nice feature is Pearl's hihat "Rock-Lok", a toe activated release and lock mechanism which holds the hi-hat pedal down keeping the cymbals in closed position without having to fool with the clutch. Nice feature for double bass players. The remainder of the line is durable and solidly constructed, and topped off with one of the most complete and easy to use parts catalogs we've seen. Outstanding hardware, coupled with construction choices that enable Pearl players to enjoy the best of two worlds all add up to one of the most exciting new lines to hit the scene in a long while. Definitely worth checking out.