What is the shell thickness of the Pearl Decade Maple?

The kit uses Pearl's EvenPly-Six construction, which results in a 5.4mm thin maple shell. This design is intended to increase resonance and sensitivity compared to thicker shells.

What cymbals are included with this specific kit?

This professional bundle includes a set of Sabian XSR cymbals. These are B20 bronze cymbals designed to provide professional-grade sound for the advancing drummer.

What is the Optiloc mounting system?

Optiloc is Pearl's proprietary tom mounting design that attaches to the drum via two tension rods and one of the drum's two air vents. This three-point attachment allows the shell to vibrate more freely for better sustain.

What type of finish does this model have?

This specific model features a Satin Brown Burst finish. It is a matte-style lacquer that showcases the wood grain with a gradient darkening toward the edges of the shells.

Is a snare drum included in the 6-piece shell pack?

Yes, this kit includes a matching 14 x 5.5-inch maple snare drum. It is designed to offer a sensitive and powerful sound that complements the rest of the kit.

What are NDL Mini Lugs?

NDL (New Design Lugs) Mini Lugs are small-footprint lugs developed by Pearl to minimize the amount of metal touching the maple shells. This helps preserve the drum's natural resonance.

How does maple compare to other wood types like birch or poplar?

Maple is known for its balanced tone, featuring resonant highs and strong low-end warmth. Compared to poplar (often found in kits like the Yamaha Rydeen), maple offers greater projection and a more complex tonal character.

Is this kit suitable for professional use?

Yes, Pearl markets the Decade Maple as a kit suitable for both beginners and professionals. Its robust construction and all-maple shells make it durable enough for regular gigging and recording.

What is the typical price for this 6-piece bundle?

This specific 6-piece configuration with Sabian XSR cymbals typically retails for approximately GBP 2495. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific hardware inclusions.

How does this kit compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?

Both are popular all-maple kits, but they differ in hardware; the Pearl Decade Maple uses the Optiloc mounting system and NDL lugs, whereas Tama uses the Star-Mount system.

What does 'EvenPly-Six' mean?

EvenPly-Six refers to Pearl's manufacturing process where six thin plies of maple are cross-laminated. This creates a shell that is 30% thinner than standard shells while maintaining structural integrity.

What genre of music is the Pearl Decade Maple best for?

Due to its wide tuning range and resonant maple shells, it is a versatile kit. It is designed to provide a solid foundation for a wide range of tones and textures, from jazz to rock.

Gear article

Pearl Decade Maple 6-Piece Professional Drum Kit

The Pearl Decade Maple is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit constructed from thin 6-ply maple shells designed to offer high resonance and a wide frequency range. This specific configuration features a Satin Brown Burst finish and includes a 6-piece shell pack paired with Sabian XSR cymbals, catering to both advancing students and working professionals.

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Overview

The Pearl Decade Maple series represents a significant milestone in Pearl's drum manufacturing history, aimed at providing an all-maple kit at a competitive price point. The 'Decade' moniker refers to the ten years of research and development Pearl invested in perfecting the thin-shell maple design. This 6-piece configuration is built around a 22-inch bass drum and includes a matching 14 x 5.5-inch snare drum, providing a complete rhythmic foundation for various musical genres.

Construction and Hardware

The kit features Pearl's proprietary EvenPly-Six (5.4mm) maple shells. These thin shells are designed to react quickly to the stroke, enhancing the natural resonance of the wood. The hardware appointments include NDL Mini Lugs, which reduce the amount of metal-to-shell contact, and the Optiloc mounting system. The Optiloc design utilizes a three-way attachment point to allow the toms to vibrate freely while maintaining stability during play.

Sound Profile

The sonic character of the Decade Maple is defined by its balanced frequency response. The maple construction produces resonant highs and deep, 'thundering' lows. Because of the thin shell design, the drums are highly sensitive to dynamics, making them suitable for subtle jazz playing as well as high-volume rock performances. The included 14 x 5.5-inch snare drum is tuned to offer a sensitive response for ghost notes while retaining enough power for backbeats.

Comparison to Market Alternatives

In the mid-to-high-end market, the Pearl Decade Maple competes with several notable shell packs. While the Tama Superstar Classic offers similar all-maple construction, the Pearl kit is often distinguished by its Optiloc mounting system. Compared to the Yamaha Rydeen, which is aimed more at the entry-level market with poplar shells, the Decade Maple provides the superior resonance of maple. For those seeking a different tonal character, the Ludwig Neusonic series offers a maple/cherry hybrid shell, while the Natal Arcadia Acrylic provides a distinct aesthetic and sharper attack.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell thickness of the Pearl Decade Maple?: The kit uses Pearl's EvenPly-Six construction, which results in a 5.4mm thin maple shell. This design is intended to increase resonance and sensitivity compared to thicker shells.
What cymbals are included with this specific kit?: This professional bundle includes a set of Sabian XSR cymbals. These are B20 bronze cymbals designed to provide professional-grade sound for the advancing drummer.
What is the Optiloc mounting system?: Optiloc is Pearl's proprietary tom mounting design that attaches to the drum via two tension rods and one of the drum's two air vents. This three-point attachment allows the shell to vibrate more freely for better sustain.
What type of finish does this model have?: This specific model features a Satin Brown Burst finish. It is a matte-style lacquer that showcases the wood grain with a gradient darkening toward the edges of the shells.
Is a snare drum included in the 6-piece shell pack?: Yes, this kit includes a matching 14 x 5.5-inch maple snare drum. It is designed to offer a sensitive and powerful sound that complements the rest of the kit.
What are NDL Mini Lugs?: NDL (New Design Lugs) Mini Lugs are small-footprint lugs developed by Pearl to minimize the amount of metal touching the maple shells. This helps preserve the drum's natural resonance.
How does maple compare to other wood types like birch or poplar?: Maple is known for its balanced tone, featuring resonant highs and strong low-end warmth. Compared to poplar (often found in kits like the Yamaha Rydeen), maple offers greater projection and a more complex tonal character.
Is this kit suitable for professional use?: Yes, Pearl markets the Decade Maple as a kit suitable for both beginners and professionals. Its robust construction and all-maple shells make it durable enough for regular gigging and recording.
What is the typical price for this 6-piece bundle?: This specific 6-piece configuration with Sabian XSR cymbals typically retails for approximately GBP 2495. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific hardware inclusions.
How does this kit compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?: Both are popular all-maple kits, but they differ in hardware; the Pearl Decade Maple uses the Optiloc mounting system and NDL lugs, whereas Tama uses the Star-Mount system.
What does 'EvenPly-Six' mean?: EvenPly-Six refers to Pearl's manufacturing process where six thin plies of maple are cross-laminated. This creates a shell that is 30% thinner than standard shells while maintaining structural integrity.
What genre of music is the Pearl Decade Maple best for?: Due to its wide tuning range and resonant maple shells, it is a versatile kit. It is designed to provide a solid foundation for a wide range of tones and textures, from jazz to rock.