What is included in the PDP Concept Maple 5pc Shell Pack?

The shell pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, a 10-ply snare drum, and three toms. Note that cymbals, stands, and pedals are typically sold separately as this is a shell pack configuration.

How many plies are the shells on this kit?

The rack toms and the kick drum are constructed with 7-ply maple shells. The snare drum features a thicker 10-ply maple construction for increased projection and sensitivity.

What is the benefit of the STM (Suspension Tom Mount) system?

The STM system is a DW-inspired design that holds the toms without touching the shell directly. This allows the wood to vibrate freely, resulting in maximum resonance and tone without hardware interference.

What are True Pitch tuning rods?

True Pitch rods have more threads per inch than standard tension rods. This allows for finer, more incremental tuning adjustments and helps the drum stay in tune longer under heavy playing.

What kind of wood is used in the PDP Concept Maple series?

The shells are made from 100% European Maple. Maple is preferred in drum making for its warm, deep tone and balanced frequency response across all volume levels.

What is the specific finish of this model?

This specific model features a Satin Seafoam finish. It is a smooth, non-glossy lacquer that gives the kit a modern, boutique aesthetic.

Is this kit suitable for professional recording?

Yes, the all-maple construction and high-ply snare make it very suitable for studio work. Its warm tone and precise tuning capabilities are often sought after by recording engineers.

Does the kit come with a snare drum?

Yes, unlike some high-end shell packs that only include the kick and toms, the CM5 5-piece configuration includes a matching 10-ply maple snare drum.

How does the PDP Concept Maple compare to the DW Performance Series?

While both brands are under the DW umbrella, the Concept Maple is designed to be more affordable. It shares many features like the STM mounts and True Pitch rods but uses different shell manufacturing processes.

What genres of music is the CM5 best suited for?

Due to the versatile nature of maple and the 22-inch kick drum, it is suitable for almost any genre, including rock, pop, blues, and fusion. It provides enough volume for stage use and enough warmth for jazz.

What hardware finish is used on the shells?

The kit features chrome hardware, including the Dual-Turret lugs, hoops, and the STM mounting brackets.

Is hardware like a hi-hat stand or kick pedal included?

No, this is a 'shell pack,' which traditionally includes only the drums and the tom mounting hardware. Cymbals, thrones, pedals, and stands must be purchased separately.

Gear article

PDP Concept Maple 22" CM5 5pc Shell Pack

The PDP Concept Maple 22" CM5 5pc Shell Pack is a high-performance acoustic drum kit designed to offer professional-grade features at an accessible price point. It features all-maple construction, including 7-ply shells for the toms and bass drum alongside a robust 10-ply snare drum, finished in a distinct Satin Seafoam.

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Overview and Design

The PDP Concept Maple CM5 is engineered as a versatile workhorse for modern drummers. The kit is built around 100% maple shells, a wood choice synonymous with professional studio and stage standards. The shell architecture is specific to the drum type: the toms and kick drum utilize 7-ply construction to balance resonance and weight, while the snare drum is upgraded to a 10-ply build to provide extra crack, projection, and structural integrity.

Finished in a boutique-inspired Satin Seafoam, the kit features chrome hardware and high-end design cues inherited from PDP's parent company, Drum Workshop (DW). This includes the distinct Dual-Turret lugs and the STM (Suspension Tom Mount) system, which allows the rack toms to vibrate freely without the dampening effects of traditional through-shell mounts.

Key Features and Hardware

A primary technical highlight of the CM5 series is the inclusion of True Pitch tension rods. These rods feature a finer thread pitch than standard drum screws, allowing for more precise tuning and better stability during heavy play. The chrome hardware package is designed for both aesthetic appeal and mechanical reliability.

The kit is sold as a shell pack, meaning it includes the drums themselves—typically a 22-inch kick drum, rack toms, a floor tom, and a matching snare—but requires the user to provide their own cymbals and stands. The 22" bass drum provides a solid foundation for various genres, offering a deep, punchy response.

Sound Character

Maple shells are celebrated for their warm, full-bodied tone and even frequency response. The Concept Maple CM5 delivers a deep low-end punch paired with clear mid-range projection and smooth highs. Because of the 10-ply snare, the kit offers a wide dynamic range, capable of sensitive ghost notes or high-volume rimshots. The use of the STM system ensures that the natural resonance of the maple is not choked, resulting in a kit that sounds open and lively in both live and recorded environments.

Target Audience and Market Position

This kit is positioned as a 'pro-sumer' instrument, suiting intermediate players looking to upgrade from an entry-level set, or working professionals who require a reliable, great-sounding kit for touring that does not carry the high price tag of custom boutique lines. Its versatility makes it appropriate for a wide range of musical styles, including rock, pop, jazz, and fusion. At a typical price point of approximately £899, it competes directly with other mid-to-high tier maple offerings.

Comparisons to Alternatives

When compared to other kits in the market, the PDP Concept Maple holds a unique position. It offers more plies in the snare drum than the Yamaha Rydeen or the Ludwig Neusonic series, which often focus on hybrid shells or lower ply counts for portability. While the DW Performance Series offers a similar pedigree with more premium finishes, the PDP Concept Maple provides many of the same functional technologies—like the STM mounts and True Pitch rods—at a more affordable price. Those seeking a more compact or vintage sound might look toward the Sonor AQ2 Safari or the Ludwig Downbeat configurations, but for a full-scale 22-inch stage presence, the CM5 remains a standard-bearer.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the PDP Concept Maple 5pc Shell Pack?: The shell pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, a 10-ply snare drum, and three toms. Note that cymbals, stands, and pedals are typically sold separately as this is a shell pack configuration.
How many plies are the shells on this kit?: The rack toms and the kick drum are constructed with 7-ply maple shells. The snare drum features a thicker 10-ply maple construction for increased projection and sensitivity.
What is the benefit of the STM (Suspension Tom Mount) system?: The STM system is a DW-inspired design that holds the toms without touching the shell directly. This allows the wood to vibrate freely, resulting in maximum resonance and tone without hardware interference.
What are True Pitch tuning rods?: True Pitch rods have more threads per inch than standard tension rods. This allows for finer, more incremental tuning adjustments and helps the drum stay in tune longer under heavy playing.
What kind of wood is used in the PDP Concept Maple series?: The shells are made from 100% European Maple. Maple is preferred in drum making for its warm, deep tone and balanced frequency response across all volume levels.
What is the specific finish of this model?: This specific model features a Satin Seafoam finish. It is a smooth, non-glossy lacquer that gives the kit a modern, boutique aesthetic.
Is this kit suitable for professional recording?: Yes, the all-maple construction and high-ply snare make it very suitable for studio work. Its warm tone and precise tuning capabilities are often sought after by recording engineers.
Does the kit come with a snare drum?: Yes, unlike some high-end shell packs that only include the kick and toms, the CM5 5-piece configuration includes a matching 10-ply maple snare drum.
How does the PDP Concept Maple compare to the DW Performance Series?: While both brands are under the DW umbrella, the Concept Maple is designed to be more affordable. It shares many features like the STM mounts and True Pitch rods but uses different shell manufacturing processes.
What genres of music is the CM5 best suited for?: Due to the versatile nature of maple and the 22-inch kick drum, it is suitable for almost any genre, including rock, pop, blues, and fusion. It provides enough volume for stage use and enough warmth for jazz.
What hardware finish is used on the shells?: The kit features chrome hardware, including the Dual-Turret lugs, hoops, and the STM mounting brackets.
Is hardware like a hi-hat stand or kick pedal included?: No, this is a 'shell pack,' which traditionally includes only the drums and the tom mounting hardware. Cymbals, thrones, pedals, and stands must be purchased separately.