The Japanese Pearl Musical Instrument Company was established in 1952 and predominately manufactures drums kits, drum shells and hardware as well as percussion instruments.  For more information on the Pearl brand check out the Pearl Drums page.

Some drummers debate upon the classification of drums as professional or intermediate, the drums kits below are lines produced by Pearl that meet medium to high quality standards but are still mass produced.

If you think we are missing a Pearl Drum Kit from this section please leave the drum series name and your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Vision

The Vision series is the successor to the famous Export and Session drum lines.  Pearl’s Vision drum kit comes in four (4) different 6ply shell configurations:

• Vision Maple (VML)
• Vision Birch (VBL)
• Vision Ultra Exotic (VBA)
• Vision High Gloss (VB)

Each shell option comes in three (3) different five (5) piece configurations and features a matching snare.

Vision drum kits come with two-ply Remo heads and feature Reference Series look-a-like hardware.  Vision drums also feature the ISS Tom Mounting System.  Because of the wide variety in shell composition, finish and configuration, Vision drum kits can range from $400 to $1000.

Update: The Vision has since been discontinued by Pearl.

 | Auctions on eBay

 

Session Studio Classic (SSC)

Pearl Session Studio Classic (SSC) drum kits feature 6ply Session Formula hybrid shells made of Birch and Kapur.  Shells also come standard with Session lugs and Remo drum heads.  Pearl utilizes the OptiMount tom holders for the SSC kits.  Available in 3 preset configurations the Session Studio Classic can be purchased for between $1,000 and $1,500 brand new.

Some drummers argue that the SSC drum kit should fall into Pearl’s professional line because they are made in Taiwan, however based on the mass produced nature and price point they fall into a more intermediate range.  Pearl has also been known to run heavy promotions on the Session series including giving away additional drums or cymbal packs with purchase, something not typically done with high end drum kits.

Pearl SSC 5-Piece Shell Pack – Sheer Blue | For Sale on Amazon

 

Masters (MCX)

The Pearl Master MCX drum kit is a more affordable line of drums that still retains many of the quality features of higher end professional drums.  This includes 6 ply 100% maple shells with Artisan II lacquer finishes and pure maple bass drum hoops.  From a hardware standpoint the Masters MCS kit is held together by Masters bridge lugs, MasterCast die cast hoops and supported by OptiMount tom holders.

The Master kit has the option for two different size snare drums and while three preset 5-pc configurations are available, the buyer can also choose from eight (8) bass drums, three (3) floor toms and eighteen (18) tom-tom options.  Priced at $1,500 to $2,500 depending on drum sizes chosen the Masters is made in Taiwan like high end kits but  is also mass produced and stocked to lower cost and lead time.

Pearl MCX Masters Fusion Shell Pack | For Sale on Amazon

• Do you own any of these Pearl Intermediate Sets?
• Are there any we missed?
  
• Have any questions or thoughts?
• Leave your comments below