What is included in the Premier Artist 22" 5pc Shell Pack?

This is a five-piece shell pack which typically includes the bass drum, rack toms, and floor tom. As a shell pack, it does not include cymbals, stands, or a bass drum pedal, which must be purchased separately.

What material are the shells made from?

The shells are constructed entirely from birch. This material has been a staple of Premier's drum manufacturing for over six decades.

What is the benefit of the ISO suspension mounts?

The ISO suspension mounts decouple the rack toms from the mounting hardware. This allows the shells to vibrate more freely, resulting in increased sustain and a fuller tone.

Is this drum kit suitable for recording?

Yes, the Premier Artist series is specifically designed for practice, performance, and recording. The birch shells provide the projection and clarity needed for studio environments.

What finish does this specific model come in?

This specific model is finished in Matte Black. It provides a modern, understated aesthetic suitable for various stage settings.

Do the toms include memory locks?

Yes, the rack toms feature integral memory locks on the ISO mounts. This allows the drummer to maintain consistent positioning every time the kit is set up.

How do low-mass lugs affect the sound?

Low-mass lugs reduce the physical weight and surface contact on the shell. This minimizes dampening, allowing for better resonance and sustain from the birch wood.

What size is the bass drum in this pack?

The bass drum in this Heavy Rock configuration is 22 inches in diameter. This size is standard for rock and pop genres due to its low-end punch.

Is the Premier Artist kit good for beginners?

While beginners can use it, it is specifically marketed toward 'advancing drummers.' Its features and construction are intended for those who need a higher level of performance than a standard starter kit.

How does birch compare to maple shells?

Birch generally offers a brighter, punchier sound with more emphasized high frequencies compared to the warmer, low-end focused sound of maple. Birch is often described as having a 'naturally equalized' sound.

Can this kit handle heavy rock playing styles?

Yes, the Heavy Rock shell pack is designed for projection and reliability. The birch shells and hardware are built to withstand and project in high-volume performance scenarios.

What is the typical price for this shell pack?

The typical price for the Premier Artist 22" 5pc Shell Pack is approximately £600. This places it in the competitive mid-range category of acoustic drums.

Gear article

Premier Artist 22" 5pc Heavy Rock Shell Pack

The Premier Artist 22" 5pc Heavy Rock Shell Pack is a professional-tier acoustic drum kit featuring an all-birch shell construction. Designed for advancing drummers, it incorporates modern hardware refinements like ISO suspension mounts to deliver the signature sustain and projection associated with the Premier brand.

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Overview

The Premier Artist 22" 5pc Heavy Rock Shell Pack is a versatile drum set tailored for drummers seeking a balance between heritage sound and contemporary reliability. Positioned for the advancing player, this kit is available in a Matte Black finish and is configured to handle high-energy genres while maintaining clarity for recording and practice environments. As a shell pack, it focuses on the drums themselves, allowing users to pair them with their preferred hardware and cymbals.

Historical Context

Premier has utilized birch shells as a foundational element of their drum manufacturing for over 60 years. This specific Artist series kit carries forward that legacy, utilizing the same shell material found in many of the brand's most iconic vintage and modern kits. The series represents a refined iteration of Premier's mid-to-high-level offerings, incorporating updated hardware to meet the demands of modern touring and studio sessions.

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Shell Construction and Hardware

The core of the Artist series is its all-birch shell construction. Birch is traditionally valued in drum making for its structural integrity and acoustic properties. This kit features several hardware upgrades designed to maximize these traits:

Low-mass Lugs: Restyled lugs reduce the amount of metal in contact with the shell, allowing the wood to vibrate more freely.
ISO Suspension Mounts: These mounts isolate the rack toms from the mounting hardware, preventing dampening of the shell's natural resonance.
Memory Locks: Integral to the rack toms, these ensure consistent setup heights and angles, aiding reliability during frequent transport.

Sound Character

The Premier Artist sound is defined by its sustain, response, and projection. The all-birch shells provide a bright, punchy tone with a pre-EQ'd quality that is highly sought after in recording studios. The combination of the birch wood and the ISO mounting system results in an impressive level of sustain, ensuring that the notes do not decay prematurely even during heavy rock performances.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This kit is primarily designed for advancing drummers who have outgrown entry-level gear and require a professional sound for performance and recording. In the market, it competes with other birch or hybrid shells such as the Yamaha Rydeen or the Tama Superstar Classic. While the Ludwig Neusonic or DW Performance Series offer different tonal profiles through their specific wood blends (like maple/cherry or North American maple), the Premier Artist distinguishes itself through its specific 'British' birch heritage and functional hardware like the integrated memory locks.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Premier Artist 22" 5pc Shell Pack?: This is a five-piece shell pack which typically includes the bass drum, rack toms, and floor tom. As a shell pack, it does not include cymbals, stands, or a bass drum pedal, which must be purchased separately.
What material are the shells made from?: The shells are constructed entirely from birch. This material has been a staple of Premier's drum manufacturing for over six decades.
What is the benefit of the ISO suspension mounts?: The ISO suspension mounts decouple the rack toms from the mounting hardware. This allows the shells to vibrate more freely, resulting in increased sustain and a fuller tone.
Is this drum kit suitable for recording?: Yes, the Premier Artist series is specifically designed for practice, performance, and recording. The birch shells provide the projection and clarity needed for studio environments.
What finish does this specific model come in?: This specific model is finished in Matte Black. It provides a modern, understated aesthetic suitable for various stage settings.
Do the toms include memory locks?: Yes, the rack toms feature integral memory locks on the ISO mounts. This allows the drummer to maintain consistent positioning every time the kit is set up.
How do low-mass lugs affect the sound?: Low-mass lugs reduce the physical weight and surface contact on the shell. This minimizes dampening, allowing for better resonance and sustain from the birch wood.
What size is the bass drum in this pack?: The bass drum in this Heavy Rock configuration is 22 inches in diameter. This size is standard for rock and pop genres due to its low-end punch.
Is the Premier Artist kit good for beginners?: While beginners can use it, it is specifically marketed toward 'advancing drummers.' Its features and construction are intended for those who need a higher level of performance than a standard starter kit.
How does birch compare to maple shells?: Birch generally offers a brighter, punchier sound with more emphasized high frequencies compared to the warmer, low-end focused sound of maple. Birch is often described as having a 'naturally equalized' sound.
Can this kit handle heavy rock playing styles?: Yes, the Heavy Rock shell pack is designed for projection and reliability. The birch shells and hardware are built to withstand and project in high-volume performance scenarios.
What is the typical price for this shell pack?: The typical price for the Premier Artist 22" 5pc Shell Pack is approximately £600. This places it in the competitive mid-range category of acoustic drums.