What material is used for the shells of the Premier Artist kit?

The shells are constructed entirely from birch. This material has been used in Premier kits for over 60 years to achieve a classic, resonant sound.

What is included in the 5-piece configuration?

The kit includes a 20-inch bass drum, a 14 x 5.5-inch snare drum, and three additional toms. It also comes with the hardware required to begin playing.

What is the purpose of the ISO suspension mounts?

ISO suspension mounts are designed to hold the rack toms without dampening the shell's natural vibration. This results in improved sustain and projection.

What are low-mass lugs?

Low-mass lugs are smaller, lighter hardware components attached to the shell. They are designed to minimize the amount of metal in contact with the wood, allowing the drum to vibrate more freely.

How does birch affect the sound of the snare drum?

The all-birch 14 x 5.5-inch snare drum is designed to be versatile and work in unison with the bass drum. It offers a clear, punchy sound that works well in many different musical styles.

Are memory locks included with this kit?

Yes, integral memory locks are added to the rack toms. These allow the drummer to quickly set up the drums in the same position every time.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This specific model is finished in Indigo Burst. It provides a professional aesthetic that complements the birch wood grain.

Is this kit suitable for beginners or professionals?

The kit is primarily marketed toward advancing drummers. Its inclusion of hardware makes it accessible for those moving up from entry-level gear, while its shell quality suits professional practice.

How does the Premier Artist 20" compare to a 22" kit?

A 20-inch bass drum typically offers a tighter, punchier response compared to the deeper low-end of a 22-inch drum. This makes the Artist 20" a more compact and versatile option for various stage sizes.

Does this kit come with cymbals?

While the manufacturer description specifies that all hardware required to play is included, cymbals are typically sold separately unless specifically bundled by a retailer. The kit focuses on the 5-piece shell and stand package.

What is the typical price for the Premier Artist 5pc kit?

The typical price range for this specific configuration is approximately £650. This places it in the mid-range category of acoustic drum kits.

How long has Premier been using birch for its drum shells?

Premier has utilized birch shell construction for over 60 years. It remains an integral part of what the company defines as the classic Premier sound.

Gear article

Premier Artist 20" 5pc Drum Kit Indigo Burst

The Premier Artist 20" 5pc Drum Kit is a professional-grade acoustic drum set designed for advancing drummers, featuring all-birch shells and a comprehensive hardware package. It continues the heritage of the Premier sound through modern design elements such as low-mass lugs and ISO suspension mounts.

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Background and Construction

The Artist series represents a core segment of Premier's lineup, focusing on the use of all-birch shell construction. This specific material choice has been a staple of Premier's manufacturing process for over 60 years, defining the brand's reputation for clear, punchy acoustic performance. The shells are designed to provide a balance of durability and resonance, suitable for both practice environments and live performance.

Technical Features and Hardware

This kit incorporates several modern engineering updates to enhance shell resonance. The rack toms utilize an ISO suspension mounting system, which minimizes contact between the mounting hardware and the shell, allowing for increased sustain. Furthermore, the shells are equipped with restyled low-mass lugs that reduce the overall weight on the wood, and integral memory locks are included on the rack toms to ensure consistent positioning during setup and teardown.

Sound Character and Snare

The all-birch construction contributes to a sound profile marked by high levels of projection and sustain. The kit is anchored by a 14" x 5.5" snare drum, also constructed from birch. This snare is designed to work in unison with the 20" bass drum, providing a versatile tonal range that allows the kit to function as a capable 'all-rounder' across various musical genres.

Target Audience and Comparison

Positioned for the advancing drummer, this 5-piece kit provides a complete solution by including the necessary hardware to begin playing immediately. When compared to alternatives such as the Yamaha Rydeen or the Sonor AQ2 series, the Premier Artist distinguishes itself through its specific birch shell heritage and the inclusion of a full hardware set at its price point. While shell packs like the Ludwig Neusonic or DW Performance Series offer different tonal characteristics and configurations, the Premier Artist remains a competitive choice for those seeking a traditional British drum sound with modern mounting technology.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used for the shells of the Premier Artist kit?: The shells are constructed entirely from birch. This material has been used in Premier kits for over 60 years to achieve a classic, resonant sound.
What is included in the 5-piece configuration?: The kit includes a 20-inch bass drum, a 14 x 5.5-inch snare drum, and three additional toms. It also comes with the hardware required to begin playing.
What is the purpose of the ISO suspension mounts?: ISO suspension mounts are designed to hold the rack toms without dampening the shell's natural vibration. This results in improved sustain and projection.
What are low-mass lugs?: Low-mass lugs are smaller, lighter hardware components attached to the shell. They are designed to minimize the amount of metal in contact with the wood, allowing the drum to vibrate more freely.
How does birch affect the sound of the snare drum?: The all-birch 14 x 5.5-inch snare drum is designed to be versatile and work in unison with the bass drum. It offers a clear, punchy sound that works well in many different musical styles.
Are memory locks included with this kit?: Yes, integral memory locks are added to the rack toms. These allow the drummer to quickly set up the drums in the same position every time.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This specific model is finished in Indigo Burst. It provides a professional aesthetic that complements the birch wood grain.
Is this kit suitable for beginners or professionals?: The kit is primarily marketed toward advancing drummers. Its inclusion of hardware makes it accessible for those moving up from entry-level gear, while its shell quality suits professional practice.
How does the Premier Artist 20" compare to a 22" kit?: A 20-inch bass drum typically offers a tighter, punchier response compared to the deeper low-end of a 22-inch drum. This makes the Artist 20" a more compact and versatile option for various stage sizes.
Does this kit come with cymbals?: While the manufacturer description specifies that all hardware required to play is included, cymbals are typically sold separately unless specifically bundled by a retailer. The kit focuses on the 5-piece shell and stand package.
What is the typical price for the Premier Artist 5pc kit?: The typical price range for this specific configuration is approximately £650. This places it in the mid-range category of acoustic drum kits.
How long has Premier been using birch for its drum shells?: Premier has utilized birch shell construction for over 60 years. It remains an integral part of what the company defines as the classic Premier sound.