Feature:
Everything is good right out of the box except the cymbals. Buy some ZHT's or something when you get this kit. You will regret it if you don't. Pearl's factory head quality is great but the cymbals are junk.

Quality:
Great quality once again except for the cymbals.

Value:
It's worth every penny

Desirability:
It's a fun set, looks good, sounds good...great product

Sound:
The snare from this kit sounds incredible and the racks sound great as well when you tune them a little higher. Loose tuning really doesn't work with this kit at least not with stock heads. The bass drum is rather flat and lacks quite a bit off thump, maybe a Subkick would help. The stock cymbals are TRASH!

Ease of Use:
It is easy to set up easy to tune but if you want different sounds you will have to get different types of heads.

Support:
I haven't yet upgraded any thing factory so yeah I am still banging on the garbage can lids for a while longer but the first thing is going to be some Meinl cymbals, Evans heads and a double pedal.

Overall:
I plan to upgrade this kit and play it for a while. This kit is basically just to get me back into playing again...I'll never get rid of it though.

• User: a customer from live.com
• Submitted: 10/11/2008
• Style of Music: beats rhythms
• Location: kansas

Sound:
Found this set used (minus the practice heads) for $250. Did not come with throne. Cymbals are OK for PRACTICE space. My used kit came with Evans hydraulics on all 3 toms, loosened somewhat for a decent deeper tone. They DO NOT sound like roto-toms or timbales! Snare with original heads has a nice crack. Bass drum (with blanket in between heads) has sharp, but not high pitched, attack with a hint of oomph. Solid Tama hardware, not flimsy. An excellent practice kit that is not as LOUD as a typical acoustic kit. I like it alot in my block wall basement rehearsal space!

Support:
Never used

• User: a customer from gmail.com
• Submitted: 5/14/2008
• Style of Music: rock
• Location: Minneapolis

Feature:
The toms and the hardware are great for the price and size. It is nice that cymbals come with the kit, but they are very low quality. I've had the kit for only a few months, and I am already in the process of replacing the cymbals. They sound pretty bad. And my top hi-hat cymbal is now unplayable because it keeps getting knocked in and inverted when I hit it!

Quality:
Every part of this set is well-made and durable, apart from the cymbals. You can play them pretty hard, and they will take it. The hardware is light but sturdy.

Value:
Good price for a quality beginner/traveler kit.

Desirability:
It is a sharp looking kit. Black Pearl drums are just classic! Throw some Zildjians on this guy and bam!

Sound:
The toms sound great for the price and size. The included cymbals, however, are very tinny and clangy sounding. You'll have to replace the cymbals soon if you play often. But the toms are awesome.

Ease of Use:
This kit is very easy to use and set up.

Support:
No support needed so far.

Overall:
Love the set; the cymbals it comes with are the only downside.

• User: a customer from hotmail.com
• Submitted: 3/15/2008
• Style of Music: anything
• Location: Athens, Georgia, USA

Feature:
I gave this an 8 simply because there aren't that many features. Half sized toms, compact design, Mutes and cymbals. I would have expected some better bass drum spurs with the kit for the price. The Hardware is pretty solid which I find to be a balance with the negitive issue with the spurs. You can set this kit up anytime anywhere and play wich is a nice feature and everything is included to do so.

Quality:
I like the quality in the shells, finish and hardware. Sure the stands could be heavier in my opinion (as I am on the road a lot, but well worth the price.

Value:
This has a lil steep price for the features of a small scale kit. However the quality, ability to play anytime, anywhere and compact design make up for the price.

Desirability:
There are similar kits out there if you look. However there are several benifits to this one, which make this kit the go-to kit. Smaller shells, wich can be added to an existing kit, and the kick can be used as a Gong bass, which I do. So many uses this kit can handle would make it desireable to Beginners, and Gigging musicians alike.

Sound:
The Kit sounds surprisingly great. I wasn't expecting much out of a 20x8 kick, but it really sounds well mic'ed up. I use Remo Pinstripe batters on the toms, Snare gets a emperor X batter, and an ambassador reso, and a Powerstroke 3 batter for the kick, stock reso. The snare alone I find myself using more and more, it has a nice crack when tuned properly with the stock head combination.

Ease of Use:
Setting this kit up is easy. Tuning it took me about 30 minutes. Packing it up takes about the same time as it does to tune it, wich is a life saver, when in a pinch.

Support:
Never had an issue that needed to go to pearl, however the first time I ordered this kit, it was back-ordered. I wasn't told about it and needed this kit asap (through another company). One e-mail to another company solved everything. within two weeks I got it.

Overall:
Overall, this is a great product. Don't get me wrong, I use this kit along side my $9,000+ kit! Mainly for last minute gigs or sessions. Yes this can hold it's own in the studio! Everything fits into a 18x20 drum bag and can go right into the trunk of a car. When I can make more money while spending less, it is worth it to me.

• User: a customer from hotmail.com
• Submitted: 12/16/2007
• Style of Music: Hard Rock, Rock, Metal, Prog
• Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA

Feature:
The hardware is actually surprisingly good with this kit. The tom mounts all include memory locks, which was a surprise. I had a Pearl Export kit in the 90's that shipped with MUCH worse hardware than this. I play hard, and this hardware is holding up pretty well. The bass hasn't moved, the toms haven't shifted, the snare stays where I put it, and the straight cymbal stand holds my 20" ride nice and stable with no issues. The kick pedal is actually chain drive, and pretty nice for the price, but still isn't something I'd use regularly. For single pedals, I prefer a Ludwig Speedking (squeeks and all), and for double pedals, I don't think you can beat Axis longboards.

Quality:
I'd say it's decently made. The Pearl logo on my bass was loose (adhesive wasn't sticking properly). I re-seated it, but I expect it's just a matter of time before it is gone. The kit includes some grease and two replacement lug recievers, which is a nice touch. I haven't seen any issues with the coverings, or any wood splitting, so so far, I'd say the quality is decent for a kit in this price range.

Value:
I really don't think you are going to find a better value. I looked and looked, and didn't really find a kit from a reputable builder that beat this kit in terms of value. Only bad part of the kit, really, is the cymbals.

Desirability:
I can't see how the looks of the kit are appealing at all, aside from the 'uniqueness' of it. I love big double-bass kits with tons of toms, so this doesn't really appeal to me too much.

Sound:
The drums sound kind of like concert toms, which is to be expected of a single headed kit. The snare is about average for this price, not quite as adjustable as I'd like, but other than that it's fine. The bass drum is pretty subdued, again, expected considering how shallow it is. Needs muffling to get a good sound though. The heads on all the drums are subpar, which is again expected with a kit in this price range. The cymbals, as expected, are complete junk. They are about a step north of the cymbals on a kid's toy drumset, really poor. I expected to be disappointed by the cymbals, but these STILL managed to disappoint. Honestly, Pearl should either include some quality cymbals or simply drop the cymbals all together, as these are useless. All of that said, however, the sound is decent for a kit in this price range. No one is going to mistake them for DW or Pork Pie's, but they will do for local clubbing and practice, and with some good heads, good mic's, and a decent effects rack, could probably be passible in a studio.

Ease of Use:
The heads and the snares on the snare drum will need to be replaced to get the best sound out of this kit. Also, many are not going to like the ringing from the toms (single heads will do that), so most will probably want to invest in some muffling rings. Of course, if goes without saying that you will need to buy some cymbals pronto.

Support:
Never used them, so gave them a 9.

Overall:
I purchased cymbals (Zildjian ZBT), 5 boom stands (Dixon, surpirisingly good), and an Axis double pedal when I purchased this kit. Other than that, heads are the only thing I will likely add to this kit. The kit, for me, is just a practice and small gigging kit, but I expect it will fill that role well for quite some time.

• User: a customer from bellsouth.net
• Submitted: 11/10/2006
• Style of Music: Rock
• Location: Charlotte, NC USA

Feature:
the stacking factor is amazing...the fact that all the drums essentially should fit inside the bass drum if you remove one of its heads is unreal

Value:
for a kit that you need if you are on the run this is the best thing out there...I have been researching other kits in the range of price and all there are, are pacific and similar...in which case pearl beats all of the low end manufacturers in quality

Desirability:
i find that if you go with black you cant go wrong...cause no matter what kit you may purchase afterwards every company makes black kits and this seems like the type of kit that you could morph into a few auxilary drums if you venture into a larger drumkit later on. They seem like they could almost be spanish drums in the right circumstance with the right skins and the right tuning.

• User: a customer from hotmail.com
• Submitted: 7/6/2006
• Style of Music: everything from classical to jazz to death metal
• Location: currently residing in california but goin to canada soon

Feature:
The best feature is the size. Small, light, compact, with no sacrifice in output quality.

Quality:
Product is extremely well constructed. Sure there are stronger woods and thicker hardware available, but they are NOT NECESSARY. Just take care of your equipment as if it was a baby and it will last forever. I was quite impressed with the stands and pedals (all top Pearl quality).

Value:
For $420, you will NEVER, EVER, find another drumset that sounds this good and is built this well.

Desirability:
Innovative, Inovative, Innovative! Be the first in your circle to have a cool looking kit that can be set up and banged on before other drummers have unloaded their cars.

Sound:
I have toured the country with a major act, played Broadway Pits in NYC, and have been teaching percussion for over 25 years. If I had this RT set during my heyday, I probably would not have all these back problems. The kit is lightweight, ultra portable, and could not be easier to transport. But MOST IMPORTANTLY "It sounds phemoninal"! The only modifications I have made is to replace the toy cymbals provided with my treasured Paistes and replace the stock heads with Remo Clear Dots. I spent a few hours perfecting the tuning (added a small blanket in the kick drum) and have an awesome set.

Ease of Use:
Extremely user freindly for set up and playability.

Support:
If you have ever called Pearl you can relate when I say "there is no better customer service department anywhere in the music business". They are knowledgable, friendly, and aim to please.

Overall:
Right now - this is the best I've seen in the market. I intend to bang on these babies for quite a while.

• User: a customer from yahoo.com
• Submitted: 6/5/2006
• Style of Music: Rock, Jazz, Country
• Location: Wayne, NJ, USA

Feature:
all but a ride cymbal

Quality:
awesome drums

Value:
completly worth it

Desirability:
it's so sleek

Sound:
very awsome

Ease of Use:
so easy to take apart ad put together

Support:
decent

Overall:
until a better appealing drum set is made and I have it

• Submitted: 4/12/2006

Feature:
i liked the silencers and the size of it becuz it came in handy a few times but the symbol really sux.

Quality:
its made fairly well. it doesnt move much wen u play (and i play HARD) its okay sounding wood too. but again...nothing special.

Value:
its not a good price for a set like this. i advise u to get a better set for a few hundered more.

Desirability:
ehhh its okay. but the silencers and the compact size of it is the only thing its got going for it.

Sound:
the sound isnt all that great. the silencers are pretty much one of the only reasons to buy this set. the sound is nothing special at all. u can get much better sound from a set that costs another hundered or two hundered.

Support:
never had any problems so i just gave em a ten. lol.

Overall:
i dont think its a wonderful buy to be honest. a beginner or someone that isnt sure whether to stick with drums or not should definitly pick it up but other than that...no advanced or intermediate player should own this set. all in all its only okay.

• Submitted: 9/1/2005
• Style of Music: Death Metal, Heavy Metal..etc
• Location: connecticut

Feature:
the cymbals come with it unlike some ludwigs this cheap

Quality:
it will not break if u hit it really hard

Value:
yes

Desirability:
looks great

Sound:
it's a bang in the drum business

Support:
it's held up great for the 9 yrs ive had it and ive not had to replace anything

Overall:
i try to keep one set over 10 yrs

• User: a customer from juno.com
• Submitted: 6/19/2005
• Style of Music: Rock
• Location: madison nc usalive gear

Feature:
The best thing about this kit is it comes packed, not only with the all neccessary hardware and cymbals, but also mesh heads and rubber practice pads for the cymbals. The mesh heads are great, silent, and rebound almost as naturally as a real drum head. Everything is pretty compact, especially if you plan on gigging with this, the set up is quick and easy, and you can put all the toms right into each other since they're one-sided.

Quality:
Great Pearl quality all the way, though despite what everyone says this kit is bland looking. The wood shell is wrapped in this plastic type material, which I sometimes just want to rip off after seeing someone with it off and the wood underneath stained and treated.

Value:
Its a good value in terms of what it offers (great for practice & small space, all the hardware & cymbals) but you will be disappointed with the sounds and eventually want to modify or buy a new kit, so do it right the first time.

Desirability:
It has its coolness factor because of its size and portability, and practicality, basically hitting a good niche of people who might otherwise not have drums.

Sound:
First thing you do when you get this out of the box is to buy new heads, otherwise you'll be somewhat disappointed. The toms sound like bongos, and because they are one sided a lot of the vibration easily transfers to the snare which causes annoying buzzing. Would recommend some sound control/muffler rings for the toms. Cymbals are heavy and thick, resulting more in a thud than the shimmering sound you would expect from good cymbals, so you'd want to upgrade those as well (though with a decent cymbal upgrade, you end up paying as much as some of these better kits). Bass drum definitely is greatly improved with some muffling.

Support:
Can't really say and I've never contacted them.

Overall:
Good for when you're beginning and practicing but like that old car, as soon as you have the resources and are in the right situation you want to sell/junk it as fast as possible.

• Submitted: 4/10/2004

Feature:
It included everything I needed to get me started playing drums

Quality:
The drums are great but the hardware has only about 12 specific angle settings so if you like things to be perfect you're screwed but I dont care that much Ijust have fun

Value:
Its a pretty good value but there are other sets out there that are cheaper but I was refered to Pearl so I figured I would go with a good manufacturers cheapist set

Desirability:
It looks sweet in black with black heads all chromed out hardware and some red lights shining down on it. Like its Satan's drumset or something

Sound:
The heads I recieved with the set were not very good, however I put Remo Ebony Pinstripe and manufactured bottom heads on the drums themselves and now it sounds great

Support:
I didn't need to contact them at all

Overall:
I like it cause it was decently cheap but good quality. I probably would not be able to afford another one but for its price range it's perfect

• User: a customer from aol.com
• Submitted: 10/4/2003
• Style of Music: im all for punk but my band plays straight up hard rock
• Location: Troy Mi USA