What drums are included in the PDP New Yorker 4pc shell pack?

The kit includes a 16 x 14" bass drum, a 10 x 8" rack tom, a 13 x 12" floor tom, and a 14 x 5" snare drum.

What material is used for the shells?

The shells are constructed from 7-ply poplar, which provides warm, open tones suitable for various genres.

Does this kit come with hardware and cymbals?

No, this is a shell pack. It includes the drums and tom mounting hardware, but cymbals and stands must be purchased separately.

What makes the tuning on this kit different?

The kit features DW’s True-Pitch tuning rods, which have more threads than standard rods to allow for more accurate and fine-tuned adjustments.

Are the drumheads high quality?

Yes, the kit comes factory-fitted with Remo drumheads, which are industry-standard for accurate response and durability.

Is the PDP New Yorker suitable for rock music?

While compact, its warm and full tones make it versatile enough for alternative rock, though it is particularly popular for jazz and hip-hop.

What is the benefit of the low-mass mini turret lugs?

These lugs reduce the kit's overall weight and minimise the hardware's footprint on the shell, which helps improve resonance.

Is this kit good for traveling drummers?

Yes, the compact 16-inch bass drum and lightweight design are specifically intended for easy transport and use in small spaces.

What finish does this specific model come in?

This specific model features an Electric Green Sparkle finish.

How does the bass drum size affect the sound?

The 16 x 14" bass drum offers a punchy, focused sound that is less boomy than a standard 22" drum, making it ideal for smaller venues.

What is the typical price for this shell pack?

The PDP New Yorker 16 4pc Shell Pack is typically priced at approximately £449.

Who owns the PDP brand?

PDP (Pacific Drums and Percussion) is a brand owned by DW (Drum Workshop), incorporating many DW design features into more affordable instruments.

Gear article

PDP by DW New Yorker 16 4pc Shell Pack

The PDP by DW New Yorker is a compact four-piece acoustic drum kit designed for portability and versatility. Featuring 7-ply poplar shells and a distinct Electric Green Sparkle finish, it is engineered for drummers requiring a small-footprint setup for jazz, hip-hop, and alternative rock performances.

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Introduction and Design

The PDP New Yorker 16 4pc Shell Pack is a lightweight drum kit specifically designed for drummers on the move. The kit is built around a compact 16 x 14" bass drum, which significantly reduces the kit's physical footprint compared to standard configurations. The shell pack is completed by a 10 x 8" rack tom, a 13 x 12" floor tom, and a matching 14 x 5" snare drum.

Constructed from 7-ply poplar, the shells are designed to provide a balance between durability and tonal resonance. The Electric Green Sparkle finish offers a striking visual aesthetic suitable for live performances, while the low-mass mini turret lugs contribute to the kit's reduced overall weight, making it easier to transport for gigging or travelling drummers.

Technical Features

Despite its entry-level price point and portable size, the New Yorker series incorporates several design elements from its parent company, Drum Workshop (DW).

True-Pitch Tuning Rods: These include a higher thread count than standard rods, allowing for more precise and stable tuning.
Remo Drumheads: The kit comes equipped with heads from Remo, ensuring a professional response and immediate playability out of the box.
Low-Mass Hardware: The use of mini turret lugs reduces the amount of metal on the shell, which aids in shell vibration and keeps the kit's weight manageable for transit.

Sound Characteristics

The use of poplar in the shell construction results in a classic, open tone. Poplar is known for producing warm, full sounds that sit well in a variety of musical contexts. Because of the smaller shell dimensions, the kit exhibits a focused and punchy character that is particularly well-suited for jazz, hip-hop, and alternative rock. The 16-inch bass drum provides a surprising amount of low-end depth for its size, while remaining controlled enough for intimate venues or recording environments where space is at a premium.

Target Audience and Application

This shell pack is primarily aimed at two types of drummers: those who frequently perform in venues with restricted stage space and those who require a secondary 'bop' or 'travel' kit that is easy to load in and out of vehicles. Its portability makes it a strong choice for street performers, session players in tight club environments, and students who need a high-quality yet compact practice kit. The inclusion of a matching snare drum ensures a cohesive aesthetic and sonic profile across the entire setup.

Market Comparison

Within the compact drum kit market, the PDP New Yorker competes with other small-format kits such as the Sonor AQ2 Safari. While the New Yorker focuses on affordability and classic poplar tones, alternatives like the Sonor AQ2 series often feature maple shells, and the Ludwig Neusonic series offers hybrid shell technology at a higher price point. For players seeking a larger sound, the Yamaha Rydeen or Natal Arcadia series offer full-sized 20" or 22" bass drums, though these lack the extreme portability of the 16" New Yorker configuration.

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Frequently asked questions

What drums are included in the PDP New Yorker 4pc shell pack?: The kit includes a 16 x 14" bass drum, a 10 x 8" rack tom, a 13 x 12" floor tom, and a 14 x 5" snare drum.
What material is used for the shells?: The shells are constructed from 7-ply poplar, which provides warm, open tones suitable for various genres.
Does this kit come with hardware and cymbals?: No, this is a shell pack. It includes the drums and tom mounting hardware, but cymbals and stands must be purchased separately.
What makes the tuning on this kit different?: The kit features DW’s True-Pitch tuning rods, which have more threads than standard rods to allow for more accurate and fine-tuned adjustments.
Are the drumheads high quality?: Yes, the kit comes factory-fitted with Remo drumheads, which are industry-standard for accurate response and durability.
Is the PDP New Yorker suitable for rock music?: While compact, its warm and full tones make it versatile enough for alternative rock, though it is particularly popular for jazz and hip-hop.
What is the benefit of the low-mass mini turret lugs?: These lugs reduce the kit's overall weight and minimise the hardware's footprint on the shell, which helps improve resonance.
Is this kit good for traveling drummers?: Yes, the compact 16-inch bass drum and lightweight design are specifically intended for easy transport and use in small spaces.
What finish does this specific model come in?: This specific model features an Electric Green Sparkle finish.
How does the bass drum size affect the sound?: The 16 x 14" bass drum offers a punchy, focused sound that is less boomy than a standard 22" drum, making it ideal for smaller venues.
What is the typical price for this shell pack?: The PDP New Yorker 16 4pc Shell Pack is typically priced at approximately £449.
Who owns the PDP brand?: PDP (Pacific Drums and Percussion) is a brand owned by DW (Drum Workshop), incorporating many DW design features into more affordable instruments.