What is included in the PDP New Yorker 16 4pc Shell Pack?

The pack includes four drum shells: a 16-inch bass drum, a rack tom, a floor tom, and a snare drum. It also includes the bass drum lifter and the tom mount.

Are cymbals included with this kit?

No, cymbals are not included with the shell pack and must be purchased separately.

Does the kit come with hardware like a throne or cymbal stands?

No, this is a shell pack only. You will need to provide your own stands, pedal, and drum throne.

What material are the shells made from?

The shells are constructed from poplar, which is known for producing a warm and full acoustic tone.

What is the purpose of the bass drum lifter?

Since the bass drum is small (16 inches), the lifter raises it so that a standard bass drum beater hits the centre of the drum head for optimal sound.

What are True Pitch tension rods?

True Pitch rods feature a tighter thread pattern than standard tension rods, allowing the drummer to achieve more precise and stable tuning.

What is the benefit of the Teardrop Mini-Turret lugs?

These are low-mass lugs designed to minimise the amount of hardware touching the shell, which helps the drum resonate more freely.

What finish is used on this specific model?

This model features a Pale Rose Sparkle finish wrap.

Are the drum heads of good quality?

Yes, the kit comes fitted with Remo heads, which are a professional industry standard for drum skins.

Who is the primary target audience for the PDP New Yorker?

It is designed for students, street performers, and drummers playing on very small stages where space is limited.

How does the 16-inch bass drum affect the sound?

A 16-inch bass drum provides a punchy, higher-pitched 'bop' sound compared to larger 20 or 22-inch drums, making it great for jazz and street music.

How does this kit compare to the Sonor AQ2 Safari?

Both are 4-piece compact kits, but the PDP New Yorker uses poplar shells and specific DW-inspired hardware like True Pitch rods, offering a different tonal character and price point.

Gear article

PDP New Yorker 16 4pc Shell Pack Pale Rose Sparkle

The PDP New Yorker 16 4pc Shell Pack is a compact acoustic drum kit designed for portability and efficiency in tight performance spaces. Constructed from poplar shells and featuring a distinctive Pale Rose Sparkle finish, it provides a warm tonal profile suitable for students and street performers.

See live prices

Overview

The PDP New Yorker 16 is a four-piece shell pack engineered for drummers who require a smaller footprint without completely compromising on acoustic volume or tonal depth. It is particularly aimed at the mobile drummer, including street performers (buskers), students, and jazz musicians playing in small clubs. The kit is built around a 16-inch bass drum and is finished in a Pale Rose Sparkle wrap.

Design and Hardware

The kit features several specific hardware innovations to assist with stability and tuning precision:

Poplar Shells: These provide a balanced, warm sound across the dynamic range.
Teardrop Mini-Turret Lugs: These low-mass lugs are designed to reduce the amount of metal-to-wood contact, thereby minimising shell tension and allowing for better resonance.
True Pitch Tension Rods: A finer thread count compared to standard rods allows for more granular control over the tuning process.
Bass Drum Lifter: Because the bass drum is only 16 inches in diameter, a lifter is included to ensure the beater strikes the centre of the head.
Tom Mounting: A 10.5mm L-arm mount is integrated into the bass drum to provide stable positioning for the rack tom.

Ludwig Neusonic 20" Downbeat 3pc Shell Pack Blue Super Sparkle

Sound Character

Utilising poplar as the primary shell material, the New Yorker delivers a full, warm sound that is versatile enough for various musical genres. While smaller kits can sometimes sound thin, the construction of these shells is intended to maintain a 'big' sound despite the reduced dimensions. The kit comes pre-fitted with Remo heads to ensure it is ready for performance immediately upon assembly.

Suitability and Applications

This shell pack is ideal for users where space is at a premium. It is highly recommended for students who may have limited room for a full-sized kit, as well as gigging professionals who frequent 'tight-stage' venues. Its lightweight nature makes it a practical choice for street gigs or transit-heavy schedules. It should be noted that as a shell pack, it does not include cymbals, stands, or a bass drum pedal, which must be sourced separately.

Market Comparison

In the portable drum market, the New Yorker competes with other 'bop' or 'safari' style kits. For instance, the Sonor AQ2 Safari also offers a 4-piece compact configuration but sits in a different tier regarding hardware and shell composition. Compared to full-sized kits like the Tama Superstar Classic or the DW Performance Series, the New Yorker sacrifices low-end sub-bass frequencies for portability and ease of transport. While the Ludwig Neusonic series offers different sparkle finishes like Blue Super Sparkle, the PDP New Yorker provides a specific entry-level to mid-range price point for those specifically seeking a 16-inch kick drum setup.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the PDP New Yorker 16 4pc Shell Pack?: The pack includes four drum shells: a 16-inch bass drum, a rack tom, a floor tom, and a snare drum. It also includes the bass drum lifter and the tom mount.
Are cymbals included with this kit?: No, cymbals are not included with the shell pack and must be purchased separately.
Does the kit come with hardware like a throne or cymbal stands?: No, this is a shell pack only. You will need to provide your own stands, pedal, and drum throne.
What material are the shells made from?: The shells are constructed from poplar, which is known for producing a warm and full acoustic tone.
What is the purpose of the bass drum lifter?: Since the bass drum is small (16 inches), the lifter raises it so that a standard bass drum beater hits the centre of the drum head for optimal sound.
What are True Pitch tension rods?: True Pitch rods feature a tighter thread pattern than standard tension rods, allowing the drummer to achieve more precise and stable tuning.
What is the benefit of the Teardrop Mini-Turret lugs?: These are low-mass lugs designed to minimise the amount of hardware touching the shell, which helps the drum resonate more freely.
What finish is used on this specific model?: This model features a Pale Rose Sparkle finish wrap.
Are the drum heads of good quality?: Yes, the kit comes fitted with Remo heads, which are a professional industry standard for drum skins.
Who is the primary target audience for the PDP New Yorker?: It is designed for students, street performers, and drummers playing on very small stages where space is limited.
How does the 16-inch bass drum affect the sound?: A 16-inch bass drum provides a punchy, higher-pitched 'bop' sound compared to larger 20 or 22-inch drums, making it great for jazz and street music.
How does this kit compare to the Sonor AQ2 Safari?: Both are 4-piece compact kits, but the PDP New Yorker uses poplar shells and specific DW-inspired hardware like True Pitch rods, offering a different tonal character and price point.