Pearl are nice, but I think Yamaha sound better

In the 10 years or so I've been doing this, I've played on Yamaha, Pearl, Premier, and Stingray. All I really have to say is DO NOT BUY Yamaha, they do not take abuse very well, the rims crack, you need a wrench to tighten the bottom head at times, and the sound is no better than the Pearl's. On the other hand Pearl drums have proved their durability over and over, I highly recommend it for that reason. Stingray drums are just a joke, they were bought for no other reason than they look cool.

Derek
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97 Butler Vagabond Bass Line
98 Golden Lancer Bass Line
03 Steel City Ambassador Snare Line

Ive used Both... go with the Pearl

Are the manufactured heads that come a bass with the drum recommended to use? Im just wonder because our band just bought 4 Pearl competitor basses.."16in,18in,20in,22in"
and the heads are translucent,like you can see ur hand through the other side..and we are using the Yamaha muffling strips...its seems like they arent producing enough sound or projecting....anyone...PLZ HELP!!!!!!!!!!

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Get new heads.

Evans MX bassheads are the best heads you could possibly buy. they come with a muffling system that works great if you reinforce it with a little tape. Good stuff, I cant believe I marched without them before.

the heads that should come with the drums (smooth white Pearl logo heads) should be fine, as far as projection its sounds like you have too much foam. on smaller drums such as 16,18,20, you don't need a whole ring of foam just about half to 3/4 will do. if u still can't get projection try new heads. like Kevin mentioned

our band uses Yamaha and they sound pretty good, but they do break very easy. i would probably go for Pearl cause they dont break as easy, but Yamaha does have a good tone to it though................

i love the Yamaha drum. plus they look cooler than the Pearl drums. thats just a side note

I have a good feeling that this battle could go on forever. I like them both equally to tell you the truth. Both companies manufacture some nice drums.

I'd have to say Pearl because we play on those and we haven't had any trouble with them. Our old drum directors new line plays on Yamaha and he says they aren't all that good. So go for Pearl!