Tama or Pearl drums?

Question

Im looking to buy a new set. My current is a beginner Mapex set so I want to sell it. Ive gotten better and im about at intermediate to advanced level and I want something with Maple shells. Ive considered the Pearl Export 5 piece set or one of the Tama equivalents. If I manage to sell my drumset that would make my budget around 800 dollars I predict. I already have cymbals, I just need a great sounding AND customizable set. I need something thats easy to add more drums and hardware too because I like expanding. Looking for something with relatively small mounted toms (10" or 12") to start. I saw 2 nice Tama sets, the 8 piece Rockstar set and the 6 Piece Superstar Hyper Drive set. Ive never tried these out but for the price they look good. Any help would be highly appreciated thanks!

Answer 1

Tama... but DW is really the best. (i agree with the guy)

Answer 2

Pearl exports are great, although as far as non custom brands  I say DW is the best, as its made in the U.S. with quality material.  Pearl is also made with quality material, but its lower quality than DW.  If you can afford it, I definitely say to get a custom drum kit.  My drummer uses Orange County drums and percussion (hes sponsored) and they sound like angels.  DDrum also makes some pretty good stuff especially at those low prices, but you might be lookin for something with a bit more prestige.

edit: not all DW kits are custom, they have one for 600 and one for 900.  I say go with pearl export.  My exgirlfriend had one of those for like a year or two so i got to play one all the time and it was pretty good.  Tamas are reliable but theyre kinda crappy in my opinion.  I don't really like the timbre at all. I say look into  DDrum, theres a great bang for the buck.  Pulse isn't too bad, kinda cheap but great price for a pretty good sound.  PDP by DW also makes great kits for a great price.  I know a ton of pros who use PDP, and even the 300 dollar pdp kit comes with quality shells, it just comes with S****y hardware and heads.  Gretsch is also a pretty d**n good brand, expensive though.  Thats all that comes to mind right now.  So I say go DW or PDP, Pearl export and Ddrum coming in second

Answer 3

I'd say you should get either DWs or Porkpies because personally I think those are the best drums around.  But it's up to you.  You should go to guitar center or something and just see what you like best and what feels good to your ear.

Answer 4

It's a win-win situation. I've owned both Tama and Pearl and they have both been great.  Easy to add on with lots of options for customizing.

Answer 5

I've had a Tama Rockstar from 1988 onto 1990  

...then years later I bought another Tama Superstar kit from 1999 to 2003...then I won a Pearl Forum kit in 2003 from a contest...

So, I say get a Tama...they are pretty reliable kits. I still miss my old Tama Superstar kit. Hey...have you checked out the 5 piece Tama Imperialstar kits for $700?  They come with a set of Meinl cymbals ( a pair of hi-hats, a Ride, a Crash and a China too)  with it too.  Also check out DDRUM kits too. They are pretty cool as well.

www. guitarcenter.com

www. samash.com

www. midwestpercussion.com

www. westcoastdrumcenter.com

Hope this helps and good luck

Answer 6

Pearl and Tama are almost 2 sides of the same coin. Either would be great. Pearl is a great all around kit, while Tama is more geared for Rock. Also, Tama has the best hardware on the market; stands, cages, pedals, etc.

Make an educated decision, but personally, I would go with Tama.