First set: Tama or Pearl?

I'm buying a first set for my 13 y/o son. After looking at $199 kits and quickly deciding they weren't worth burning for firewood, I've narrowed it down to either Tama or Pearl.

In the $500 - $700 (complete set) range is there a big difference in quality between the two brands? Resale isn't a big issue because my older son plays and would be more than happy to have them if his brother loses interest.

Opinions and advice are more than welcome. My musical ability is limited to turning on the stereo.

Thanks!

Renay Shanahan

The Tama Swingstar and Pearl Forum (or, at the next level up, Tama Rockstar and Pearl Export) are comparable in quality. Get the one that comes with more stuff or the one that has the better color. -strat81

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Proud Uncle of Mary Elizabeth, born 8/15/00 Proud Newscaster at 89.5 FM WSOU- Seton Hall's PIRATE Radio Proud Apprentice at MRP Custom Drums www.mrpdrums.com *****************************************

is limited to turning on the stereo.

My brother still plays his 1987 Tama Swingstars and they sound fine and have lasted.

Pearl, Pear, Pearl.

No contest really. Pearl give a great entry and their hardware is a million times cheaper and easier to find than Tama.

Tama are a cheesy rock style drum made by inferior craftspeople.

I have a Yamaha kit so this really is impartial opinion.

I have an Export set that sounds very good and withstands some heavy hitting. This year the Export and Export Select both have the IIS suspension holders for the toms above the kick drum. That allows the tom drums to sound with less noise from hardware and other drums. Change the heads to Evans or another brand the 'peal heads stink.The kickdrum that ships on the Export is OK, no need to change that one.

Don't Diss the CB Percussion, its great for punk music like i play. Just get good heads and its all good. CB percussion doesn't sound that bad really. 9-ply mohagny