Undoubtedly the most iconic manufacturer of drum kits is Pearl Drums. The Japanese company, set up in 1946, initially manufactured just single drums. However, it soon expanded to manufacture a variety of percussion instruments. It was not until 1961 when Pearl began manufacturing drum kits, following the worldwide popularity of rock and roll music. However, these were inexpensive, and did not bear the Pearl Drums brand name; instead Pearl produced for various distributors.
It was in 1965 that the company began to develop into what we know it as today. A plan was created to turn Pearl into the world’s foremost drum manufacturer. Pearl began to develop high-end drum kits, surpassing the quality offered by well-established brands. It also increased its rate of production through the creation of new factories, and expanded its credentials as an international company.
Pearl not only has a reputation as a company of high-quality products, but also as one of great innovation. Since the 1970s, Pearl has pioneered new technology, using materials previously unheard of in drum manufacturing to try and optimise the quality and strength of its products. As a result of such things, Pearl Drums is one of the largest percussion companies in the world.
Dozens of notable drummers from a wide range of styles, such as Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Joey Jordison of Slipknot use Pearl drum kits, highlighting the quality of the products they offer. However, Pearl do not cater exclusively for professionals; it also offers mid-priced drum kits (around the £500 mark) for semi-professional drummers.
