What is included in the Pearl Crystal Beat 4pc Shell Pack?

The shell pack typically includes the bass drum, floor tom, and two rack toms. It does not include hardware such as cymbal stands, a snare drum, or a bass drum pedal.

What are the shells made of?

The shells are made from moulded, seamless acrylic. This construction method avoids seams, which Pearl claims increases both the strength of the shell and its resonant qualities.

What is the benefit of the Opti-Mount system?

The Opti-Mount system attaches to the tom's tension bolts rather than drilling into the shell. This allows the acrylic shell to resonate more freely, resulting in improved sustain.

What finish is available on this specific model?

This specific model features the 'Liquid Smoke' finish. It is a transparent finish with a dark, smoky tint that maintains the visibility of the internal components.

How do 1.6mm triple-flanged hoops affect the sound?

These hoops are lighter and less rigid than die-cast hoops. They allow for a more open, natural sound and provide a softer feel during rimshots.

What are R40 Air Suspension floor tom feet?

These are specialised rubber feet designed with an internal air pocket. They act as shock absorbers to prevent the floor from dampening the drum's resonance.

Is this kit suitable for touring?

Yes, the seamless construction makes these shells significantly stronger than older seamed acrylic designs. They are built to withstand the rigours of the road.

How does acrylic sound compared to maple or birch?

Acrylic has a much sharper attack and higher volume than wood. It lacks the warm mid-tones of maple but provides a very powerful, direct sound with less sustain.

Are the lugs insulated?

Yes, the kit uses CRBL lugs which are insulated. This helps to isolate the hardware from the shell, reducing unwanted vibration interference.

What is the typical price range for this kit?

The Pearl Crystal Beat 22 4pc Shell Pack is typically priced around £1,686. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

Does the kit include a snare drum?

No, this is a 4-piece shell pack consisting of a kick and three toms. A matching Crystal Beat snare drum would usually need to be purchased separately.

How does the Crystal Beat compare to the Natal Arcadia Acrylic?

While both are acrylic kits, the Crystal Beat is positioned as a higher-end professional option. It features more advanced mounting hardware like the Opti-Mount and seamless shell construction.

Gear article

Pearl Crystal Beat 22 4pc Shell Pack Liquid Smoke

The Pearl Crystal Beat 22 4pc Shell Pack is a high-performance acoustic drum kit featuring seamless acrylic shells in a Liquid Smoke finish. Designed for visual impact and high-volume projection, it combines a modern transparent aesthetic with structural reinforcements for professional touring applications.

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Overview

The Pearl Crystal Beat series represents a modern evolution of the acrylic drum kits originally popularised in the 1970s. This 4-piece shell pack is characterised by its Liquid Smoke finish, providing a sleek, dark transparency. Unlike traditional wooden drums, these shells are constructed from moulded acrylic, designed to offer a distinctive tonal profile and a striking stage presence.

Construction and Key Features

The defining feature of the Crystal Beat is its moulded, fully seamless design. By avoiding the rolled-and-seamed construction found in some acrylic kits, Pearl ensures greater structural integrity and a deeper resonance. The shells are fitted with 1.6mm triple-flanged hoops, which encourage a natural and open sound.

Key hardware inclusions include: - Opti-Mount System: A suspension mount for the hanging tom that attaches to the tension bolts, allowing the shell to vibrate freely for maximum sustain. - CRBL Lugs: Insulated lugs that minimize shell contact and vibration dampening. - R40 Air Suspension Feet: These are utilised on the floor tom to decouple the drum from the floor, preserving low-end frequencies.

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Sound and Character

Acrylic shells are renowned for their aggressive attack and high volume. The Crystal Beat's seamless construction balances this inherent brightness with a fuller, deeper resonance than traditional seamed acrylic shells. This results in a kit that is punchy, loud, and clear, making it particularly effective in amplified musical environments where projection is a priority.

Target Audience and Comparison

This kit is primarily aimed at touring professionals and drummers who require a high-impact visual aesthetic. While more affordable options like the Natal Arcadia Acrylic or Tama Superstar Classic exist, the Crystal Beat sits in a premium bracket alongside the DW Performance Series and Ludwig Neusonic ranges. It is particularly suited for genres such as rock, pop, and metal where the combination of high-end bite and visual flair is highly valued.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Pearl Crystal Beat 4pc Shell Pack?: The shell pack typically includes the bass drum, floor tom, and two rack toms. It does not include hardware such as cymbal stands, a snare drum, or a bass drum pedal.
What are the shells made of?: The shells are made from moulded, seamless acrylic. This construction method avoids seams, which Pearl claims increases both the strength of the shell and its resonant qualities.
What is the benefit of the Opti-Mount system?: The Opti-Mount system attaches to the tom's tension bolts rather than drilling into the shell. This allows the acrylic shell to resonate more freely, resulting in improved sustain.
What finish is available on this specific model?: This specific model features the 'Liquid Smoke' finish. It is a transparent finish with a dark, smoky tint that maintains the visibility of the internal components.
How do 1.6mm triple-flanged hoops affect the sound?: These hoops are lighter and less rigid than die-cast hoops. They allow for a more open, natural sound and provide a softer feel during rimshots.
What are R40 Air Suspension floor tom feet?: These are specialised rubber feet designed with an internal air pocket. They act as shock absorbers to prevent the floor from dampening the drum's resonance.
Is this kit suitable for touring?: Yes, the seamless construction makes these shells significantly stronger than older seamed acrylic designs. They are built to withstand the rigours of the road.
How does acrylic sound compared to maple or birch?: Acrylic has a much sharper attack and higher volume than wood. It lacks the warm mid-tones of maple but provides a very powerful, direct sound with less sustain.
Are the lugs insulated?: Yes, the kit uses CRBL lugs which are insulated. This helps to isolate the hardware from the shell, reducing unwanted vibration interference.
What is the typical price range for this kit?: The Pearl Crystal Beat 22 4pc Shell Pack is typically priced around £1,686. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
Does the kit include a snare drum?: No, this is a 4-piece shell pack consisting of a kick and three toms. A matching Crystal Beat snare drum would usually need to be purchased separately.
How does the Crystal Beat compare to the Natal Arcadia Acrylic?: While both are acrylic kits, the Crystal Beat is positioned as a higher-end professional option. It features more advanced mounting hardware like the Opti-Mount and seamless shell construction.