PDP Concept Maple 5pc Shell Pack

Overview

The PDP Concept Maple 5pc Shell Pack is a flagship-tier offering from Pacific Drums and Percussion, a subsidiary of DW (Drum Workshop). The kit is defined by its use of high-quality maple wood, a material traditionally associated with premium drum manufacturing due to its resonant and warm characteristics. The Satin Charcoal Burst finish provides a contemporary aesthetic that complements the kit's versatile sound profile.

The 5-piece configuration is built around a powerful 22" x 18" bass drum, which serves as the sonic foundation for the set. It includes two rack toms (10" x 8" and 12" x 9"), a floor tom (16" x 14"), and a matching 14" x 5.5" snare drum. This arrangement is a standard for modern drummers, offering a wide range of intervals for melodic fills and rhythmic patterns.

Construction and Features

The construction of the Concept Maple series focuses on shell thickness and wood density to optimise resonance. The rack toms, floor tom, and bass drum are all constructed from 7-ply maple. This thickness is chosen to balance structural durability with the natural vibration of the wood, allowing for a sustained decay and a full-bodied note.

The snare drum is distinct in its construction, utilising a thicker 10-ply maple shell. This added density increases the drum's crack and projection, allowing it to cut through high-volume musical environments. Furthermore, the snare is equipped with copper snare wires, which are designed to provide a crisp, sensitive response that reacts to subtle ghost notes and heavy backbeats alike.

Sound Profile

The primary tonal characteristic of the Concept Maple shell pack is warmth. The 7-ply maple shells produce a classic vintage tone that avoids the harsh high-end frequencies found in metal or birch shells, instead favouring a smooth, mid-range presence.

• Bass Drum: The 22" x 18" kick drum delivers substantial bottom-end power and projection. It is designed to maintain its tonal clarity even in dense studio mixes or loud stage performances.
• Snare Drum: The 10-ply shell offers a versatile tuning range, capable of producing a deep 'thud' when tuned low or a sharp, articulate pop when tuned high.
• Toms: The rack and floor toms provide a resonant, singing quality that suits expressive playing styles.

Target Audience

Due to its construction and tonal flexibility, the PDP Concept Maple is marketed as an all-rounder. It is suitable for:

1. Session Musicians: The kit's ability to transition between jazz, rock, and metal makes it a reliable choice for studio work where diverse sounds are required. 2. Gigging Professionals: Built with modern durability in mind, the hardware and shells are designed to withstand the rigours of transport and frequent setup. 3. Advancing Students: While priced in the intermediate-to-pro bracket, the kit offers a significant upgrade for players moving away from entry-level sets who require a professional sound.

Market Comparison

The PDP Concept Maple competes in a crowded market of maple and hybrid kits. Compared to the Tama Superstar Classic 22 3pc, the PDP offers a more comprehensive 5-piece setup including a snare. In contrast, the DW Performance Series is a higher-tier sibling that shares some design DNA but typically commands a higher price point.

For those seeking a more compact or unique tone, the Sonor AQ2 Safari or Natal Arcadia Acrylic offer smaller footprints or different shell materials (acrylic vs maple). However, the PDP Concept Maple remains a benchmark for those seeking the specific 'all-maple' sound in a full-sized 22-inch kick configuration.