Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist (opens in new tab)
  • Guitar Techniques (opens in new tab)
  • Total Guitar (opens in new tab)
  • Bass Player (opens in new tab)
More
  • 9 next-gen drum plugins
  • SampleRadar: 163 tape loops samples
  • Best free music-making software
  • Best electric guitars 2023

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. News

NAMM 2015: Pearl announces new Masterworks, Export and Chad Smith drums

By Rhythm
published 22 January 2015

New kits and snares from Pearl

  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Chad Smith snare drums
Candy Apple Red finish

Chad Smith snare drums

Originally launched in 1994, Chad Smith's signature snare has been a rip-roaring success for more than 20 years. For 2015 Pearl has given the snare a tweak, and come up with two new versions.

The 2015 model comes in the guise of a 1.3mm steel-shelled, 14”x5.5” drum in a lush Candy Apple Red finish and is sure to pack a sound that the Chilis man would be proud to call his own.

Page 1 of 12
Page 1 of 12
Chad Smith snare drums
Free Floater

Chad Smith snare drums

There's also a super limited edition Free Floating version as well which will be limited to just 25 pieces in Europe, so if you want one you'll have to be quick.

It seems that Chad is pretty pleased with it, saying:“I’ve finally found MY sound,” Chad proclaims. “Three rings of power! This one does it ALL!” Not a bad endorsement.

Page 2 of 12
Page 2 of 12
Pearl Masterworks
Even more Masterworks options

Pearl Masterworks

Pearl's Masterworks series has always been all about customisation, and there's even more options for drummers to drool over in 2015.

New options for this year includean inner-shell Fiberglass treatment for increased tonal projection and a host of new finishes, including varieties of carbon fiber banding and finishing, and a nearly-limitless array of satin, gloss, and metallic lacquers.

Pearl’s innovative Swivel Tube Lug (or STL lug,) is now available on toms as a single swivel nut to reduce the lug’s footprint on the shell. Finally, Pearl’s “Redline” crimson shell gaskets (introduced on a limited number of Reference drums in 2007,) are now available as a custom option in the Masterworks line.

“The goal has always been to give all the options to the drummer, and let them design it as if they were making it by hand,” states Pearl Corp. CEO, Terry West. “Masterworks drums are truly custom, as the drummer is allowed to select every aspect of the kit and make it a genuinely personal statement.”

Page 3 of 12
Page 3 of 12
Pearl ePro powered by Export
A new twist on e-kits

Pearl ePro powered by Export

Pearl has combined two of its hugely popular series - the electronic ePro Live and the industry-standard Export.

ePro Powered by Export is billed by Pearl as the new generation of electronic drums. The combination of the two gives players cutting edge electronic technology with the look and feel of acoustic drums.

Page 4 of 12
Page 4 of 12
Pearl Reference
New USA-only finishes

Pearl Reference

Here's a treat for our US readers, new for 2015 Stateside we have this eye-catching Tangerine Dream finish for the Reference series.

Pearl has also come up with a lush Antique Walnut finish for the Reference range.

Page 5 of 12
Page 5 of 12
Pearl Primero Rock Tambourine
New 9" tambourine

Pearl Primero Rock Tambourine

You might be thinking that there isn't much room for innovation when it comes to a new tambourine. Well, you'd be wrong! Pearl's 9” Primero Rock Tambourine features a smart oval design and six sets of Pearl's Millennium Chrome jingles.

Page 6 of 12
Page 6 of 12
Pearl Export
New finishes!

Pearl Export

The resurgence of Pearl's world-conquering Export line continues with a pair of new finishes.

Pearl has unveiled the Nightshade Lacquer (pictured) and Grindstone Sparkle as part of its 2015 catalogue.

Page 7 of 12
Page 7 of 12
Pearl Afterburner cajon
A US-only percussive treat

Pearl Afterburner cajon

New for the US is the Afterburner cajon.

The piece, which is at present for the US market only,features a 100% Birch body, with a premium natural grain finish. From the designer of the Sonic Boom Series cajons, the Afterburner Cajon delivers the rich low end punch you expect from a Pearl cajon.

Page 8 of 12
Page 8 of 12
Pearl Mach 3 cajon
New US-made cajon

Pearl Mach 3 cajon

The Mach 3 cajon is Pearl's latest addition to its Sonic Boom family.

Featuring a 100% Birch body, and three isolated playing zones that simulate snare, bass and tom sounds, the cajon ships with internal chambers which isolate playing zones anderadicatecross talk.

In common with its brothers and sisters in the Sonic Boom family, the Mach 3 features a backwards tilted front plate that provides the player a comfortable playing position, eliminating the need to hunch over or rock the cajon backwards to strike the face. This Made-in-America beauty has a multi-tonal impact like no other cajon on the market and is perfect for the small acoustic setting or larger amplified venues.

Page 9 of 12
Page 9 of 12
Pearl CentiGRADE cajon
With unique front faceplate!

Pearl CentiGRADE cajon

One of several new products from Pearl's mighty percussion arm, the CentiGRADE cajonfeatures a front faceplate with 100 degrees of angle, that automatically straightens the players posture and reduces stress on your lower back.

The cajon’s fiberglass shell is finished in an exquisite Mango Cherry Burst finish and features a blended Asiatic hardwood faceplate that provides a crisply articulate voice with remarkable projection.

Page 10 of 12
Page 10 of 12
Pearl Elite Congas
Satin Black models

Pearl Elite Congas

Satin Black is a new finish for Pearl's Elite range of congas and bongos.

The Satin Black lacquer finish is complemented by gold hardware making these drums look as rich as they sound.

Page 11 of 12
Page 11 of 12
Pearl Wood/Fiberglass Series
A return of these fusion shells

Pearl Wood/Fiberglass Series

Having worked on wood/fiberglass drums way back in the late '60s, Pearl has today announced a return to these shells for a limited run in 2015.

These drums are made up of7-ply Poplar/Kapur shells which feature an inner layer of Fiberglass that is hand-applied and lacquered through a painstakingly precise process.

“This is a truly exciting moment in Pearl’s 74-year history,” states Pearl’s Director of Product Development, Raymond Massey. “Pearl was first-to-market with a synthetic-fused organic drum shell, and produced a tone that would define the sound of the recordings of that era.”

NAMM 2015 coverage in association with Andertons Music Co.

Page 12 of 12
Page 12 of 12
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Rhythm
Social Links Navigation
  1. Behringer BMX drum machine
    1
    The Oberheim DMX drum machine is set to ride again as Behringer wheels out its BMX “homage”
  2. 2
    A firmware update for the cut-price Yamaha DX9 synth makes it more like a DX7
  3. 3
    Fender and session ace Michael Landau team up for the Coma Stratocaster – a bespoke electric guitar for all occasions
  4. 4
    Bruce Foxton of The Jam's 11 career-defining songs: "Start isn’t exactly the same as Taxman... otherwise I’m sure Paul McCartney would have thought about suing us!"
  5. 5
    Peter Gabriel on music and AI: “I think you do better if you work with a powerful new tool than just grumble or pretend it doesn’t exist”
  1. Yamaha DX9
    1
    A firmware update for the cut-price Yamaha DX9 synth makes it more like a DX7
  2. 2
    Fender and session ace Michael Landau team up for the Coma Stratocaster – a bespoke electric guitar for all occasions
  3. 3
    Positive Grid reveals the Spark GO: a really small guitar and bass amp
  4. 4
    Roland’s Zenology Pro plugin hits version 2.0: more sounds and a refined user interface
  5. 5
    This video of session dons Dann Huff and Tom Bukovac discussing the greatest guitar tones of all time is a real education

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab).

  • About Us (opens in new tab)
  • Terms and conditions (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy policy (opens in new tab)
  • Cookies policy (opens in new tab)
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers (opens in new tab)

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.