Here we have a stunning Pearl Reference that was originally made for a Pearl Artist in 2008. Because the shells are exactly Reference receipt Pearl treated and badged this kit as a Reference but they have advised us that it is essentially a Masterworks tier kit in terms of specs and pricing because of the one time unique finish. The base finish on this kit is White Marine Pearl wrap (Colour 400), the kit was then sprayed in Taiwan with the Red Centre Band which you can intentionally see the marine pearl through. Once sprayed Pearl lacquered the entire finish which is completely unique to this kit. This finish technique has been offered by other companies in the past such as C&C, in terms of Pearl this is the only time they have made one.

Pearl have advised that more drums could be made for this kit but they would be made under the Masterworks program. 

When the kit came to us it was a bit under the weather with a fair few original parts missing, luckily the shells and the finishing were completely intact. Because of the rarity of the set we have sourced everything that was needed to put it back to completely original factory specifications.

About Pearl Reference

Reference Series Drums are the product of what became a two and a half year search for harmonic perfection. Like keys on a piano, each drum in a kit should combine to create a singular instrument without losing its own sonic signature.

With this concept in mind, Pearl explored the many options in the Masterworks crafting process to find the perfect combination of shell material, thickness, and edge profile for each individual size and type of drum. The result is a collective of individualy-engineered drums dialed-in to the best sonic character for that drum’s intended voice.

Truly, the reference standard for quality and sound performance.

Reference Series drums use a combination of task specific bearing edges and 3 time proven woods: Birch, Maple, and African Mahogany. Using Maple as a sole material has long been the traditional choice for shells and for good reason. Maple provides smooth, well balanced tone that is perfect for a 12" tom. Subsequently, all Reference Series 12" toms are composed of 6 plies of Maple. The only single wood shell in the series. The 10" and 8" toms receive 4 plies of Maple with 2 inner plies of Birch for cut and attack. And for maximum response, all 13" and smaller toms have a rounded 45° bearing edge.

Beginning with the 13" tom and larger, Mahogany is added to the inner plies to increase the lower frequencies and accentuate the warmth of the Maple. The 14" toms and larger begin using fully rounded bearing edges for even more shell contact.  The 22" bass drum incorporates an amazing 6 inner plies of Mahogany surrounded by 2 outer plies of Maple for the ultimate in solid responsive bass frequencies.

With Reference Series, it’s not about compromise, it’s about every drum in your kit performing at its optimal capacity.

• 22 x 18 Un-Drilled Bass Drum

• 10 x 8 & 12 x 8 Rack Toms

• 16 x 14 Floor Tom

• Best of Masterworks” Shell Material

• BRL Bridge Lugs w/ Swivel Function

• LB200 Bridge FT Leg Brackets

• LG30 Floor Tom Legs

• SP300 Bass Drum Spurs

• MasterCast Die Cast Hoops

• Aluminum OptiMount Suspension System on both Toms

• Stainless Steel Tension Rods

• Molded Rubber Gaskets

• New Evans G2 Tom Batters & Genera Tom Resonants

• New Evans EMAD BD Batter head and EQ3 NP Black Pearl Branded Reso

• One Time Masterworks program finish: White Marine Pearl with Red Band Lacquer

• Specially made in 2008 for a Pearl Endorsee

• Mix of Birch, Maple & African Mahogany Shells (as detailed above)

• Mix Of Bearing Edges (as detailed above)

• 3 x Floor Tom Legs included

• Pre-Loved - 9/10 Condition a few small scuffs on the finish and very light surface marks on the metal work. A great opportunity to own a completely unique Pearl Reference series set.