Gear article

Premier Genista Maple 20" 3pc Shell Pack

The Premier Genista Maple 20" 3pc Shell Pack is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit featuring premium all-maple ply construction. It is distinguished by its 6mm under-sized tom diameters and a distinctive Purple Fade Sparkle finish, designed to provide a balance of warmth, resonance, and punch.

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Background and Design

The Premier Genista series has long been recognized for its distinctive tension lug design and specific shell dimensions. This modern iteration utilises an all-maple ply construction, moving away from the birch shells historically associated with some Genista models, to offer a broader tonal palette. The shell pack is finished in a Purple Fade Sparkle, maintaining a bold aesthetic consistent with the brand's heritage.

A key engineering feature of this kit is the 6mm under-sizing on the tom diameters. This design choice is intended to facilitate easier and more accurate tuning by allowing the drumhead to seat more naturally, resulting in improved clarity and definition.

Shell Construction and Specifications

The Genista Maple shells are precision-cut with 45-degree bearing edges to enhance attack and sustain. The construction varies between the drums to optimise their specific roles:

  • Toms: 5.6mm, 7-ply maple shells designed for warmth and resonance.
  • Bass Drum: 7.2mm, 9-ply maple shell for increased volume and structural integrity.

The bass drum is notably 'undrilled,' meaning it does not feature a mounting bracket for toms, which preserves the resonance of the shell and provides a cleaner aesthetic.

Sonic Characteristics

The use of maple provides a versatile sound characterized by exceptional warmth. Due to the 5.6mm tom shells, the kit produces significant resonance, while the thicker 7.2mm bass drum shell ensures a punchy, high-volume foundation. The 45-degree bearing edges further sharpen the attack, making the kit suitable for environments requiring both sustain and precision.

Target Audience and Comparison

This shell pack is designed for drummers seeking a versatile, mid-sized kit suitable for studio recording and live performance. With a 20-inch bass drum, it occupies a middle ground between compact jazz kits and larger rock setups.

Compared to alternatives like the Ludwig Neusonic 20" Downbeat or the Sonor AQ2 20", the Genista stands out due to its specific under-sized tom design and the heritage aesthetic of its iconic lug shape. While the Yamaha Rydeen provides a more entry-level hardware-inclusive option, the Genista is positioned as a more specialised shell pack for players focusing on shell resonance and tuning precision.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Premier Genista Maple 3pc Shell Pack?
The pack includes three drum shells: a 20-inch bass drum and two toms. As a shell pack, it typically does not include a snare drum, cymbals, or standing hardware.
What makes the Genista tom shells unique?
The tom shells feature a 6mm under-sizing on their diameter. This design facilitates easier tuning and provides greater clarity and definition compared to standard-sized shells.
What is the thickness of the tom shells?
The tom shells are 5.6mm thick and constructed from 7-ply maple. This thickness is chosen to maximise warmth and resonance.
How does the bass drum construction differ from the toms?
The bass drum is thicker at 7.2mm and features a 9-ply maple construction. This provides the necessary strength and punch for a lower-frequency foundation.
Is the bass drum drilled for a tom mount?
No, the bass drum is undrilled. This design choice enhances the resonance and volume of the kick drum by maintaining shell integrity.
What type of bearing edges does this kit have?
All shells in the Genista Maple series feature precision-cut 45-degree bearing edges. These edges are designed to increase attack, resonance, and sustain.
What is the finish of this specific model?
This specific model features a Purple Fade Sparkle finish. It is a gradient sparkle effect that transition across the shells.
What is the typical price for this shell pack?
The typical retail price for this Premier Genista Maple 3pc Shell Pack is approximately £700.
What genre of music is this kit suited for?
The all-maple construction provides great versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of genres including pop, rock, and jazz, especially where warmth and resonance are required.
How does the Genista lug design compare to the original series?
The current Genista series retains the iconic tension lug design from the original 1990s series. It remains a favourite feature for many drummers due to its distinctive aesthetic.
How does this kit compare to the Sonor AQ2 series?
While both offer maple shells, the Genista features 45-degree bearing edges and under-sized toms for specific tuning benefits. The Sonor AQ2 often comes in different configurations like the 5pc or the smaller Safari 4pc.
Does the kit include a snare drum?
No, this specific 3pc shell pack configuration consists only of the bass drum and two toms. A matching snare would usually need to be purchased separately.