Just received my Pearl Elites - These rule!

[drumtramp65]

A while back when I decided to upgrade I asked for opinions on which company and which material to go with. I got some good advice and after much research and thought I decided to go with Pearl. I have to admit that when I initially heard several members here claiming to have Pearl endorsements pushing the company I figured that promoting the product was part of their endorsement deal. Regardless of their motive I can say they were 100 percent right! I had always been an LP guy, mostly because their products were good and because of their reputation. Let me tell you something, LP has nothing on Pearl. The quality of the hardware, the finish, the special features exclusive to Pearl, the stock heads, and the PRICE all beat LP hands down. I would rate the tone of Pearl Elite's as good or better than LP classics, and for about $100 less per drum! Thank s to a recommendation here I bought from Midwest Percussion. They had the best price by far on the web. I got the quinto, conga, tumba and Elite bongos all in Diamond burst finish for under $1,000. Companies like LP better stop relying on their reputation and get in the game. Pearl is really putting an effort into their percussion division and it shows. My thanks to Raymond and JC!

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... C00584.jpg

[ABAKUA]

Congratulations! Having new gear is always exciting. Pearl are making some good percussion products.

However, and I mean no disrespect by saying this, you said:

Let me tell you something, LP has nothing on Pearl. The quality of the hardware, the finish, the special features exclusive to Pearl, the stock heads, and the PRICE all beat LP hands down

I would have to strongly disagree, I recently had the opportunity of testing out and doing a review on these very congas you have as well as the Bobby Allende series, I wasn't too impressed with the hardware and finish etc.
I actually found them inferior to LP's professional range.

While agree with you regarding pricing, Pearls are far cheaper, but you are paying for a lower quality drum compared to say a Giovanni Hidalgo Galaxy or Palladium or Classic.

As for skins.. I wasnt impressed with the skins on the drum, however skins can always be replaced.
At the end of the day, I rate them as an intermediate level drum, perhaps on par with Matadors.

Ive read several comments from some guys in the States, saying you are getting low quality skins from LP...
This is not the case in Sydney, we have some excellent quality skins arriving here, thick also, several well known overseas percussionists have also confirmed there is a difference between our skins here and that offered back in the States/Puerto Rico etc but thats another topic...


Again, please dont get me wrong, I think those congas are good for what they are, and of good quality, but not great or above LP's pro series.

Like I said, congrats again on new drums, Im sure you love them, and at the end of the day, if you are happy with them, and get good sounds from them, thats all that matters bro.

[congamyk]

Fantastic and best wishes with your new drums.

The most incredible congas i've ever played were the old "Afro" line by Pearl about 8 years ago. I'm sure they've improved thier drums even more since. I'm looking to purchase a new set of fiberglass so i'll check out Midwest Percussion.

[drumtramp65]

I see your point and it is well taken. I wasn't comparing the Elites to Gio Palladiums. However I would definitely say they are just as good as LP classics. LP does make some great stuff and I've used their products for years but my point was that they should be looking over their shoulder because there's a new dog on their heels. BTW, can you take a look at my posting regarding timbs? Maybe you can help...TYVM

[ABAKUA]

they should be looking over their shoulder because there's a new dog on their heels

I agree wholeheartedly.
Competition is a good thing, as companies strive to achieve and deliver better results, it will result in the end consumer (us) benefiting from better products I believe.
I dont use and endorse LP because of the 'name brand', I do so because of its superior quality and finish etc.

If brand XYZ for example comes along tommorrow and proves to be better for what i am after, then I will go with that.
Supply and demand vs quality and consumer interest.

You cant always rely on the brand name to deliver and be top dog, there is always someone scheming up something just as good if not better and vowing for that top position.
Pearl have definately come to the party.


Interesting times are ahead of us!

[Isaac]

Congcmyk mentioned the older "AFRO" model by Pearl.
They were superior drums and have not really been improved upon. In fact they were exceptionally good, they were heavier and therefore had more power. They also had good skins. The Pearl Co. was losing money on them and started cutting corners.
The endorsers for AFRO were none other than Armando Peraza and Orestes Vilato, who then withdrew their
endorsement when the quality went down and/or the
business deal went sour.
Pearl is good now, but it took them a few years to re-tool and catch up to LP. For their fiberglass, the Allende series
have a nice sound and you won't break your back carrying
them.
I have my custom JCRs (whom I rep.) for my wood drums, but am looking into the Pearl Bobby Allende model for a lighter fiberglass set. I tried them out at a store and ended up in a nice 15 minute rumba with another 2 customers. It turns out they were Bobby's Uncle - the studio percussionist
Angel "Papiro" Allende, and Bobby's brother. What a small
world!

[Raymond]

Drumtrap,

Congratulations on your new Pearl Elites! You have one of the new styles. Great!

People will think I am bias because I am a Pearl Endorser but you have to give me the benefit of the doubt why I have chosen to go with Pearl instead of pursuing something with LP, which is the brand I knew since I was a kid!

LP is a great company! Like I've said before 40 plus years in the market becoming an innovator and becoming the standard to follow is not easy and LP has done that! Their instruments are of great quality and their range in products in unsurpassed.

However, Pearl provides the same quality in most of the percussion instruments they are currently making and they are working for more to be offered or to improve the quality in some others. (People have not noticed but Pearl has some of the former "young" top endorsers LP used to have and continues to add up to the list...that has to tell you something) To make things better, their (Pearl) instruments are priced a lot better than LP. (LP is basking in their brand recognitition and they are taking notice that the competion is fierced and they are not the main game in town. I've noticed they have taken measures to upgrade their Matador line and keep the prices of the LP instruments without going too high)!

At this time, Pearl is making the comeback and redirecting their efforts in the percussion market. (Some of you have documented the Afro part and that is a lesson learned that is helping the Pearl Percussion brand recognition that is going on now....). In regards to range...you can't compete with LP that has broad lines and differente products of great quality like the Giovanni line, etc. (40 plus years is a lot)! Pearl is just starting to get into that gear...has a lot to catch up to LP in the range of products but not in the quality of its instruments. (Regarding range...give Pearl time)!

I recommend Pearl instruments because they provide great sound, they are reliable and above all priced much better. LP is great but why get the same everybody else has when you could have something of great quality and value! The decision is personal in regards what to get....LP is great but Pearl has great if not better instruments in some areas!

Again, congrats on your drums and give us a "long term test" whenever you can!

Saludos!