PEARL REFERENCE SERIES

[SabianKnight]

any kit that is totally custom is always gonna be a prototype - as in NOT A REGULAR PRODUCTION MODEL - so, the reference is a nice bite-sized masterworks prepackaged and regularly produced to the same spec each time

I meant prototype to the Reference line. No one was really doing the mixing on a large scale before them. Most people couldn't afford the $5,000 price tag when the Masterworks rolled out either. Even folks whom could afford them I don't really think knew what the were really ordering... maybe their drum tech's did or engineers.

The Reference is more the company's take on what sound people were really looking for (but didn't know how to get it). And yeah you could say it is a pre-packaged Masterworks with a smaller price-tag.

[JFunky]

...Yo, I personally would take a Yamaha Maple Custom Nouveau over the Reference kit.  Sabian and jkay know I would.  I love that kit.   I can use the spare change and buy a cymbal or two. 

[drummer779]

I play a masters custom mmx kit and it is in my opinion the best kit for the money in terms of quality,shells and color options.....I have played the reference and masterworks kits and I honestly cannot find much diffrence between the toms and the kicks...but the 20 ply reference snare there is a obvious difference.

[JFunky]

...the only Pearl Kits I'm feeling is the Masters Maple 6ply and the Sessions Maple 6ply.  Other than that, the rest are okay.  I really don't like the MMX but I think that the 4ply snare with reinforcement hoops sounds great.

[Eccentric-Rhythm]

...Yo, I personally would take a Yamaha Maple Custom Nouveau over the Reference kit.  Sabian and jkay know I would.  I love that kit.   I can use the spare change and buy a cymbal or two. 

Now I gotta start praying for you too!!! You can get a Maple Custom Nouveau cheaper than a Reference? WOW...I need to move to Orlando. For me, the Reference is $600 cheaper than the MCN. So I will be getting an extra cymbal or 2!

and for someone to say that Reference sounds like a MMX??? thats like saying that a 13x3 Steel Piccolo sounds like a 14x6.5 Maple Snare. it has no bearing. Now, if someone wishes to argue quality or preference, thats a different story. but you are not going to get a drum with different woods to sound like an all maple. sorry, it just doesnt happen.

God Bless.

[JFunky]

The Pearl Reference kit is expensive man.  If I were to buy one of those I'd have to add it to my mortgage. 

[Eccentric-Rhythm]

The Pearl Reference kit is expensive man.  If I were to buy one of those I'd have to add it to my mortgage. 

My shop quoted me for a 4 piece Fusion kit, 20"BD 10,12,14. Yamaha Custom Nouveau $2500, Pearl Reference $1900. So i guess its the matter of where you live, or which your shop sells more of. Maybe thats where a better deal comes into play.