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

The shells are constructed entirely from birch. This choice of wood has been a foundational element of Premier's drum manufacturing for over 60 years.

What is included in the '5pc Heavy Rock' shell pack?

The pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, rack toms, a floor tom, and a matching 14 x 5.5-inch snare drum. As a shell pack, it typically does not include cymbals or stands unless specified by the retailer.

How does the ISO suspension mount improve the sound?

The ISO suspension mount allows the tom to vibrate more freely by reducing the dampening effect of the mounting hardware. This results in better sustain and a more open tone.

What are low-mass lugs?

Low-mass lugs are hardware components designed with a smaller footprint on the drum shell. By reducing the metal-to-wood contact, they allow the shell to resonate more naturally.

Is the snare drum made of the same material as the rest of the kit?

Yes, the included 14 x 5.5-inch snare drum is also constructed from all-birch. This ensures tonal consistency across the entire drum set.

What is the primary visual finish for this model?

This specific model features an Indigo Burst finish. It is a gradient aesthetic that provides a modern look for the stage.

Who is the Premier Artist series designed for?

It is primarily designed for advancing drummers who require a higher quality sound and more robust hardware than entry-level kits provide. It is positioned as a versatile 'all-rounder' kit.

Are memory locks included with this kit?

Yes, integral memory locks are included on the rack toms. These allow for precise and repeatable positioning of the drums during setup.

How does birch compare to other woods like maple in this context?

Birch is often praised for its boosted high frequencies and punchy low end, whereas maple is known for a warmer, more balanced midrange. The Premier Artist uses birch to achieve high projection and clarity.

What is the typical price range for this shell pack?

The kit is typically priced around £530. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

Can this kit be used for genres other than heavy rock?

Yes, despite the 'Heavy Rock' name in the configuration title, the manufacturer describes it as a great 'all-rounder.' The birch snare and bass drum are versatile enough for various styles.

How does this kit compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?

Both kits offer all-birch shells and are aimed at similar skill levels. The Premier Artist is distinguished by its specific hardware design, such as its restyled low-mass lugs and its historical British sound profile.

Gear article

Premier Artist 22" 5pc Heavy Rock Shell Pack

The Premier Artist 22" 5pc Heavy Rock Shell Pack is a mid-tier acoustic drum kit featuring all-birch shells and an Indigo Burst finish. Designed for advancing drummers, it incorporates classic Premier construction methods to provide high levels of sustain and projection.

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Background and Construction

The Artist series represents a continuation of Premier's heritage in drum manufacturing, utilising all-birch shell construction. Birch has been a staple of the Premier sound for over 60 years, known for its consistency and durability. This specific 5-piece configuration is tailored for rock applications, featuring a 22-inch bass drum and a matching all-birch snare drum.

The shells are engineered to balance traditional tonal characteristics with modern hardware updates. The Indigo Burst finish provides a contemporary aesthetic that complements the kit's professional-leaning features.

Hardware and Mounting

A key design element of the Artist series is the inclusion of restyled low-mass lugs. These lugs are intended to minimise the contact area with the shell, allowing for increased resonance. The rack toms are equipped with ISO suspension mounts, which decouple the drum from the mounting hardware to improve sustain.

For reliability during setup, the kit includes integral memory locks on the rack toms. This ensures that drummers can achieve consistent positioning every time the kit is assembled, making it suitable for both studio and live environments.

Sound Character

Due to its all-birch construction, the Premier Artist pack delivers a focused sound with a strong attack and clear projection. The 14 x 5.5-inch snare drum is designed to work in unison with the bass drum, offering a versatile range that suits various musical genres beyond just heavy rock.

The combination of the ISO suspension system and low-mass lugs contributes to a responsive sustain. The result is a kit that sounds controlled yet powerful, maintaining the 'classic Premier sound' that the brand has established over several decades.

Market Comparison

In the mid-range drum market, the Premier Artist competes with several notable alternatives. While the Ludwig Neusonic and DW Performance Series offer different shell blends and price points, the Premier Artist maintains its position through its specific birch voicing.

Compared to entry-level kits like the Yamaha Rydeen, the Artist series provides more sophisticated mounting hardware and shell materials. It sits alongside other reputable birch or hybrid options such as the Tama Superstar Classic and the Sonor AQ2 series, offering a British-designed alternative for players moving beyond their first instrument.

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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 choice of wood has been a foundational element of Premier's drum manufacturing for over 60 years.
What is included in the '5pc Heavy Rock' shell pack?: The pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, rack toms, a floor tom, and a matching 14 x 5.5-inch snare drum. As a shell pack, it typically does not include cymbals or stands unless specified by the retailer.
How does the ISO suspension mount improve the sound?: The ISO suspension mount allows the tom to vibrate more freely by reducing the dampening effect of the mounting hardware. This results in better sustain and a more open tone.
What are low-mass lugs?: Low-mass lugs are hardware components designed with a smaller footprint on the drum shell. By reducing the metal-to-wood contact, they allow the shell to resonate more naturally.
Is the snare drum made of the same material as the rest of the kit?: Yes, the included 14 x 5.5-inch snare drum is also constructed from all-birch. This ensures tonal consistency across the entire drum set.
What is the primary visual finish for this model?: This specific model features an Indigo Burst finish. It is a gradient aesthetic that provides a modern look for the stage.
Who is the Premier Artist series designed for?: It is primarily designed for advancing drummers who require a higher quality sound and more robust hardware than entry-level kits provide. It is positioned as a versatile 'all-rounder' kit.
Are memory locks included with this kit?: Yes, integral memory locks are included on the rack toms. These allow for precise and repeatable positioning of the drums during setup.
How does birch compare to other woods like maple in this context?: Birch is often praised for its boosted high frequencies and punchy low end, whereas maple is known for a warmer, more balanced midrange. The Premier Artist uses birch to achieve high projection and clarity.
What is the typical price range for this shell pack?: The kit is typically priced around £530. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
Can this kit be used for genres other than heavy rock?: Yes, despite the 'Heavy Rock' name in the configuration title, the manufacturer describes it as a great 'all-rounder.' The birch snare and bass drum are versatile enough for various styles.
How does this kit compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?: Both kits offer all-birch shells and are aimed at similar skill levels. The Premier Artist is distinguished by its specific hardware design, such as its restyled low-mass lugs and its historical British sound profile.