What shell material is used in the Premier Artist series?

The shells are constructed from 100% birch. This material has been a staple of Premier's iconic drum kits for over 60 years.

What is included in this 5-piece kit?

The kit includes a 22-inch bass drum, a 14 x 5.5 snare drum, toms, and the necessary hardware to begin playing. The specific hardware is intended to support advancing drummers.

How does the ISO suspension mount affect the sound?

The ISO suspension mount allows the rack toms to vibrate independently of the mounting hardware. This results in increased sustain and better projection.

Is the snare drum made of the same material as the toms?

Yes, the 14 x 5.5 snare drum features all-birch construction. This ensures it works in sonic unison with the bass drum and toms.

What is the purpose of the low-mass lugs?

Restyled low-mass lugs are used to reduce the amount of metal in contact with the shell. This design choice helps to maximise the shell's natural resonance and response.

Are there memory locks included on the toms?

Yes, the kit features integral memory locks added to the rack toms. These allow for quick, consistent setup and prevent the toms from slipping during play.

For which playing style is this kit most suitable?

While described as a 'Heavy Rock' kit due to its 22-inch bass drum and projection, the all-birch snare and shells make it a versatile all-rounder for many genres.

What is the typical price for the Premier Artist 22" 5pc kit?

The kit is typically priced at approximately £680 in the UK market. This price includes both the shells and the hardware package.

Does this kit include hardware?

Yes, the manufacturer description states that it includes all of the hardware required to begin playing. This makes it a comprehensive package for drummers moving up from entry-level gear.

How does the Artist series compare to the Yamaha Rydeen?

Both kits often include hardware, but the Premier Artist features all-birch shells and ISO mounts. These features are generally considered an upgrade in resonance and tonal clarity.

Is this kit suitable for beginners or professionals?

Premier describes the Artist series as a natural choice for 'advancing drummers.' It offers professional features like birch shells and suspension mounts at a mid-range price point.

What are the dimensions of the snare drum?

The included snare drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 5.5 inches in depth. This is a standard size known for its versatility across different musical styles.

Gear article

Premier Artist 22" 5pc Heavy Rock Drum Kit

The Premier Artist 22" 5pc Heavy Rock Drum Kit is an acoustic drum set featuring all-birch shells, a hallmark of Premier's design heritage for over six decades. Finished in Cherry Red, it is designed as a comprehensive package for advancing drummers, inclusive of a 14 x 5.5 snare drum and essential hardware.

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Background and Design

The Artist series represents Premier's commitment to providing intermediate players with professional-grade shell construction. By utilizing all-birch shells, Premier maintains a manufacturing tradition that has defined their brand for sixty years. The Cherry Red finish provides a classic aesthetic suitable for various stage environments.

Modern updates to this series include restyled low-mass lugs designed to minimise shell contact, allowing the wood to vibrate more freely. This is paired with ISO suspension mounts, which are engineered to decouple the toms from the mounting hardware to improve resonance.

Technical Features

The kit is built around a 22-inch bass drum, providing a solid foundation for heavy rock and contemporary styles. The rack toms feature integral memory locks within the ISO suspension mounts, ensuring that setups remain consistent and stable during heavy play. The included hardware pack ensures that the kit is ready to play out of the box.

The 14" x 5.5" snare drum is also constructed from all-birch, ensuring tonal consistency with the rest of the shells. This snare is positioned as a versatile 'all-rounder,' capable of high-tuning snap or a lower-tuned punch depending on the player's preference.

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Sound Profile

Birch is renowned in drum manufacturing for its boosted high frequencies, slightly reduced mids, and a punchy low-end. In the Artist series, these characteristics translate to a kit with impressive levels of sustain, response, and projection. The low-mass lugs and suspension mounts further enhance this natural sustain, preventing the hardware from choking the shell's vibrations.

Market Comparison

The Premier Artist occupies a competitive mid-range space. While alternatives like the Ludwig Neusonic or DW Performance Series often focus on shell packs, the Premier Artist includes hardware, making it a more complete solution for those upgrading from a beginner setup. Compared to the Yamaha Rydeen, which is also a hardware-inclusive kit, the Artist series offers an all-birch construction and ISO mounting, which are typically found on higher-tier models.

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Frequently asked questions

What shell material is used in the Premier Artist series?: The shells are constructed from 100% birch. This material has been a staple of Premier's iconic drum kits for over 60 years.
What is included in this 5-piece kit?: The kit includes a 22-inch bass drum, a 14 x 5.5 snare drum, toms, and the necessary hardware to begin playing. The specific hardware is intended to support advancing drummers.
How does the ISO suspension mount affect the sound?: The ISO suspension mount allows the rack toms to vibrate independently of the mounting hardware. This results in increased sustain and better projection.
Is the snare drum made of the same material as the toms?: Yes, the 14 x 5.5 snare drum features all-birch construction. This ensures it works in sonic unison with the bass drum and toms.
What is the purpose of the low-mass lugs?: Restyled low-mass lugs are used to reduce the amount of metal in contact with the shell. This design choice helps to maximise the shell's natural resonance and response.
Are there memory locks included on the toms?: Yes, the kit features integral memory locks added to the rack toms. These allow for quick, consistent setup and prevent the toms from slipping during play.
For which playing style is this kit most suitable?: While described as a 'Heavy Rock' kit due to its 22-inch bass drum and projection, the all-birch snare and shells make it a versatile all-rounder for many genres.
What is the typical price for the Premier Artist 22" 5pc kit?: The kit is typically priced at approximately £680 in the UK market. This price includes both the shells and the hardware package.
Does this kit include hardware?: Yes, the manufacturer description states that it includes all of the hardware required to begin playing. This makes it a comprehensive package for drummers moving up from entry-level gear.
How does the Artist series compare to the Yamaha Rydeen?: Both kits often include hardware, but the Premier Artist features all-birch shells and ISO mounts. These features are generally considered an upgrade in resonance and tonal clarity.
Is this kit suitable for beginners or professionals?: Premier describes the Artist series as a natural choice for 'advancing drummers.' It offers professional features like birch shells and suspension mounts at a mid-range price point.
What are the dimensions of the snare drum?: The included snare drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 5.5 inches in depth. This is a standard size known for its versatility across different musical styles.