The MCX may have fancier finishes and some other cosmetics, but when
you have an identical shell (VMX vs MCX) you can achieve an identical sound.
This goes back to the discontinued pearl lines that used the masters shell, but less expensive hardware.
If you are talking about a purely functional bases, I could get the same sound from a 7.5mm maple VMX that I could from a 7.5mm maple MCX.
In this economy, I go for function over form, not that the VMX are that shabby.
The MCX has more sizes and "virgin" kick option which is overrated.
Personally, this is a great finish, maybe not quite as elaborate as the masters, but it looks pro:
This drum has all I need, to sound and look pro, I don't need to spend 3x as much for the same sound.
I don't care if the kick has a tom mount on it. *I* have no problem making the kick sound great.
This is all the pearl kit I need:
Pearl VMX926FPC266 VMX Vision Maple 6-Piece Shell Pack
ntroducing the all-new Vision Maple VMX, Pearl's most affordable 100% Maple shell pack. Maple, known for its warm, rich tone, has long been the choice wood of professional drummers worldwide. Pearl offers 9 standard Vision Maple configurations, more than any other drum manufacturer. Vision Maple shell packs come standard with professional Two Ply heads and a matching 100% Maple snare drum. These incredible sounding drums are offered in 5 exclusive High-Gloss Lacquer Finishes. Features also include the I.S.S. Tom Mounting System, 1000 Series Uni-Lock Tom Holders, Masters Spurs & Floor Tom Legs, Recessed BD Claws with Rubber Lining, Bridge Lugs with Rubber Gaskets, Wood Bass Drum Hoops, and Perimeter EQ Bass Drum Heads.
This 6-piece shell pack includes 22"x18" Bass Drum, 10"x8" & 12"x9" Toms, 14"x14" & 16"x16" Floor Toms, 14"x5.5 Snare Drum, and 2 Tom Holders.
And it's
$1,200 NOT
$4,200.
You have to ask: what is the kit for? Is it worth 3x the price for some extra conveniences and an expensive finish that could get ruined on a gig?
The only thing I'd change is the snare. I don't like "Intermediate" snares. I'd get the Chad Smith snare or a Ludwig supraphonic.
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