What is the shell composition of the Premier Elite?

The shells are constructed using a 4-ply hybrid formula. This includes 2 plies of North American birch and 2 plies of North American maple for a balanced tone.

What does '3mm undersized' mean for the tom shells?

It means the shell diameter is slightly smaller than the standard size. This allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the bearing edge, improving resonance and tuning stability.

How does the ISO mounting system benefit the sound?

The low-profile ISO mount avoids unnecessary contact with the shell. This allows the drum to vibrate more freely, increasing sustain and preventing the hardware from choking the note.

Is this kit suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the thin 4-ply shells and hybrid wood construction are designed to deliver a natural tone that is highly articulate. These characteristics are ideal for the precision required in a studio environment.

What finish is featured on this specific shell pack?

This specific model features a Copper Sparkle finish. Premier designs these finishes not just for aesthetics but to complement the overall build of the drum.

What is included in this shell pack?

It is a 3-piece shell pack, typically including a bass drum and two toms. Being a shell pack, it does not include cymbals, stands, or a snare drum unless otherwise specified.

How does birch affect the sound compared to maple?

Birch generally offers more 'attack' and high-end punch, while maple provides warmth and lower frequencies. The Elite kit blends both to provide a versatile, full-spectrum sound.

What type of drummer is the Premier Elite designed for?

It is designed for professional drummers. Its features, such as the undersized shells and thin-ply construction, cater to those who need high levels of tonal control and articulation.

How does the Premier Elite compare to the Ludwig Neusonic?

The Ludwig Neusonic also uses hybrid shells, but the Premier Elite features a unique 3mm undersized shell design. The Premier kit focuses heavily on maximizing sustain through reduced shell-to-head interference.

Why are thinner shells used in this kit?

Thinner shells vibrate more easily than thick shells. This creates a more 'alive' sound that responds better to subtle playing techniques and lighter touches.

Does the Copper Sparkle finish impact the sound?

While primarily aesthetic, Premier notes that each of their professional finishes is applied in a way that enhances or maintains the drum's natural resonance.

How does the tuning range of these drums compare to standard kits?

Due to the undersized shell design and flat-sitting drumheads, the Premier Elite offers great tuning capabilities. It can be tuned across a wide range while maintaining clear, articulate tone.

Gear article

Premier Elite 18" 3pc Shell Pack

The Premier Elite 18" 3pc Shell Pack is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit featuring a hybrid shell construction of North American birch and maple. Designed for both studio and stage applications, it utilises 3mm undersized tom shells to enhance resonance and tuning accuracy.

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Overview

The Premier Elite series represents the brand's commitment to high-end professional percussion. The 18" 3pc Shell Pack is configured for portability and focused tonal response, making it suitable for jazz, fusion, or small-venue performances. The core of the kit is its unique shell composition, which balances the brightness of birch with the warmth of maple. This specific iteration is finished in a Copper Sparkle wrap, providing a classic aesthetic designed to complement the kit's sonic characteristics.

Shell Construction and Design

The Elite series employs a thin, 4-ply shell construction consisting of 2 plies of North American birch and 2 plies of North American maple. This thin-shell philosophy is intended to produce a more 'alive' and responsive drum. A distinctive feature of Premier's engineering is the 3mm undersized tom shells. By making the shell slightly smaller than the standard diameter, the drumhead sits flatter across the bearing edge. This reduces interference between the head and the shell, leading to improved sustain and a more articulate response during fast fills.

Hardware and Resonance

To maximise the natural vibration of the hybrid shells, the Premier Elite is equipped with a low-profile ISO mounting system. This hardware design attaches to the drum without requiring direct shell contact through drilling, which prevents the hardware from dampening the wood's resonance. The system allows the toms to 'sing' with greater sustain. The combination of the undersized shells and the ISO mounts ensures that the kit maintains a wide tuning range, capable of producing clear tones at both high and low tensions.

Sound Character and Target Audience

The sound of the Premier Elite is characterised as 'authentically natural.' The birch plies provide a sharp attack and structural clarity, while the maple plies add body and low-end warmth. Because the shells are thinner, they require less energy to vibrate, making the kit highly sensitive to different playing dynamics. It is primarily designed for professional drummers who require a versatile kit that excels in controlled environments like recording studios or intimate live stages where tonal precision is paramount.

Market Comparisons

Within the professional market, the Premier Elite competes with several notable shell packs. While it shares a small-footprint philosophy with the Ludwig Neusonic 20" Downbeat or the Sonor AQ2 Safari, its specific use of undersized hybrid shells sets it apart. The DW Performance Series and Tama Superstar Classic offer different tonal profiles based on their specific wood plies (pure maple or maple/birch variants), but the Premier Elite's emphasis on shell-to-head contact via its undersized design offers a distinct advantage for drummers seeking maximum sustain and ease of tuning.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell composition of the Premier Elite?: The shells are constructed using a 4-ply hybrid formula. This includes 2 plies of North American birch and 2 plies of North American maple for a balanced tone.
What does '3mm undersized' mean for the tom shells?: It means the shell diameter is slightly smaller than the standard size. This allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the bearing edge, improving resonance and tuning stability.
How does the ISO mounting system benefit the sound?: The low-profile ISO mount avoids unnecessary contact with the shell. This allows the drum to vibrate more freely, increasing sustain and preventing the hardware from choking the note.
Is this kit suitable for studio recording?: Yes, the thin 4-ply shells and hybrid wood construction are designed to deliver a natural tone that is highly articulate. These characteristics are ideal for the precision required in a studio environment.
What finish is featured on this specific shell pack?: This specific model features a Copper Sparkle finish. Premier designs these finishes not just for aesthetics but to complement the overall build of the drum.
What is included in this shell pack?: It is a 3-piece shell pack, typically including a bass drum and two toms. Being a shell pack, it does not include cymbals, stands, or a snare drum unless otherwise specified.
How does birch affect the sound compared to maple?: Birch generally offers more 'attack' and high-end punch, while maple provides warmth and lower frequencies. The Elite kit blends both to provide a versatile, full-spectrum sound.
What type of drummer is the Premier Elite designed for?: It is designed for professional drummers. Its features, such as the undersized shells and thin-ply construction, cater to those who need high levels of tonal control and articulation.
How does the Premier Elite compare to the Ludwig Neusonic?: The Ludwig Neusonic also uses hybrid shells, but the Premier Elite features a unique 3mm undersized shell design. The Premier kit focuses heavily on maximizing sustain through reduced shell-to-head interference.
Why are thinner shells used in this kit?: Thinner shells vibrate more easily than thick shells. This creates a more 'alive' sound that responds better to subtle playing techniques and lighter touches.
Does the Copper Sparkle finish impact the sound?: While primarily aesthetic, Premier notes that each of their professional finishes is applied in a way that enhances or maintains the drum's natural resonance.
How does the tuning range of these drums compare to standard kits?: Due to the undersized shell design and flat-sitting drumheads, the Premier Elite offers great tuning capabilities. It can be tuned across a wide range while maintaining clear, articulate tone.