Bo Eder
Platinum Member
I had a 20/10/12/14 set of Pearl Reference drums and IMO, the build quality is second to no other drumset I've owned or even seen. They are absolutely top shelf drums in every way. Again, my opinion.
I'll take it a step further and say that I think Pearl makes killer stuff all around. Their Sensitone snare drums are nicer quality than the drums they're emulating (at half the price) and their more reasonably priced "pro" drumsets (Masters MCX, Session Studio, etc...) are higher quality than most other sets in that same price range.
I really like their stuff personally.
I've never played/owned a Reference Pure, but I can only imagine how nice it is. Top shelf all the way.
I agree - like Yamaha, everything they make drum-wise is really good and solid. I went in very interested in the Session Studio Classics because my favorite player, Will Kennedy, plays them and those were impressive for the price. But when Pearls' National Manager and President talk with you about the Reference Pures privately, there's something to be paying attention too. Both lines are great, but the Pures seem to have this extra something (visually and aurally) I can't put my finger on.