i just read about the pearl Session SRX range. we're talking 100% maple shells, and many cool features of the masters series (optimount, low mass luigs, special washers, telescopic spurs), nice finishes with shell packs inc. a snare costing less than the tama shell packs excluding a snare! why? are they naff? because it seems to me like its a cool deal. i am thinking of trying to get maple now as i have read worrying things about birch kits being a little low on the resonance side, i'd rather have resonance and being able to control it than struggling my ass off to get resonance that isnt there! especially since i mainly play live and have heard that birch kits fall on the way side on that department.

please give me your thoughts on the SRX, what are the main differenecs between the SRX and Master maple and the starclassic performers?

thanks very much
~Karl

Some of the differences between the Session SRX and the Masters MMX or MRX (maple):

Masters uses stainless steel tension rods (not plated); Masterworks-type rubber gaskets under the lugs; the wood is top "A" quality; hardware is also available in black chrome, satin chrome, and gold; more color options; MasterCast die cast hoops on all drums; recessed bass drum claws with scratch-proof rubber gaskets that preserve the bass drum hoops; available in 4-ply 5mm 100% maple (MMX) or 6-ply 7.5mm maple (MRX); Masters drums also available in Birch and Mahogany.

Session: shares many features of the Masters; 6-ply maple; Masterworks style rubber gaskets, SuperHoop II rims; low mass lugs; etc.

Pearl's site lists all the specifics: www.pearldrum.com.  By the way, I found a surprising number of people who use the Pearl Masters BRX birch kits and they aren't that much more than the Session series....only a few $$....and they say they're great for playing live as they reallly cut through.  There is a really cool Flash program on Pearl's site that allows you to build a kit using any size drums you want and then playing them on a timeline.  You can then change the shells to maple, birch, or mahogany without having to rebuild the kit.  This allows you to hear what the kit sounds like.  I used my AKG headphones to get a better idea of the differences, but a good computer speaker system should do the job well.

Pearl's kits are most definitely a great deal.  IMO they are, dollar for dollar, the BEST deal out there and some of the best sounding drums.  I have played on Tama, but I prefer Pearl.  However, I believe you'd be happy either way.  Just play them, check out the hardware and color options, and then compare price.

You might run into one or two people who have a distaste for Pearl drums, perhaps for no other reason than blind loyalty to some other brand.  I suggest you just look at both drum brands (or others) objectively when making your decision.  Good luck.

Tom

do a search on the forum here for die cast hoops and youll get the skinny on the differences they make ... two big differences i can tell you now are cost and weight.  you pay more for cast, and they weigh more.  id be relatively hesitant to gig with cast hoops.  i have to carry my own drums and id be at the mercy of a soundman and pa anyway.  but they each have thier pros and cons.

as for leaning toward maple being the right idea, i cant tell you ... only you can.  i play live and im looking for the quietest drums i can find.    i feel safe in saying im sure maple can give you what you want.  but think about this, john dolmayan of system of a down (and other folks including our own felix) play live rock music ... and play birch.  its just a matter of what you want and what you need.

according to tama you are right and im wrong    so be it, the point remains that plenty of folks play birch live