New Pearl MHP Kit

[ManaTau80]

So I'm new to the forums, but what better way to introduce myself than by showing off?

I just recently sold my old drumset, an all birch Starclassic Performer I played for over a decade. I loved it, but it was time for something new. I was planning on getting a maple kit -- either a Starclassic Maple or a Pearl MCX -- when I found a brand new Pearl MHP Limited Edition kit from 2009! Only thirty of them (I think) were released in the US, but a drum shop in Maine had one still in their warehouse. Don't ask me how -- the rest sold out within weeks. It's #341 Red Mahogany Fade, and still in its boxes.

For those that don't know, it's four ply African Mahogany with 6 ply maple reinforcement rings. Tonally, pretty different from what I had, so I'm quite excited. The wood grain alone is shockingly gorgeous.

22" kick and 10", 12" and 16" toms. Just got it today, but still need a place to practice. As soon as it's set up, I'll post pictures (sorry to be such a tease...). Hopefully by next week...

Anyway, anyone have experience with either this exact kit, or any of the old MHX kits? I'm pretty sure the MHX's had the same ply configuration, with maybe different bearing edges? Mine has rounded 45s, I believe.
Also, any Chicagoans know of really cheap practice spaces in the city?

[Bish]

Welcome to Drum Chat, MT80.

Great choice of drums. Get connected with an on line picture host like Photobucket or something and get some pictures up. Hurry, too. The forum members will be all over you until you post pictures.

Your drum set sounds incredible. I hope it's everything you are looking for in a new kit.

Enjoy your stay here at Drum Chat and don't be shy about posting and getting to know everyone.

Thank you for joining and sharing your drumming journey here.

[Deedubs!]

Pics or it didn't happen

[spesman]

pics or it didn't happen

+1.

[Bubingabill]

Must see pics

[Russ]

Mahogany isn't as common as I feel it should be, it's darkness and focus is the sound of legend. I am a very big fan of the sound mahogany makes, and from what I can tell that is true African mahogany and not the less costly Philippine mahogany which should change it's name to lauan. Expect strong lows, a quick attack, and an overall fat sound. You won't have any problem with an overage of sustain here, but sooner or later you might want to try opening the kit up with warm heads. Enjoy one of the greatest treasures of the drum world my friend!

[marko138]

NEED PICS! I'd love to see the old Starclassic too!

[Pearl MCX Man]

Can't go wrong with Pearl Mahogany cause they use true African Mahogany which is suppose to be the best in the world. Congrats and we want some pics.

[Bish]

Pics or it didn't happen

+1.

Must see pics

NEED PICS! I'd love to see the old Starclassic too!

Can't go wrong with Pearl Mahogany cause they use true African Mahogany which is suppose to be the best in the world. Congrats and we want some pics.

I warned him this would happen. You guys are on the ball.

[ManaTau80]

Haha -- Bish, you were right!

I think I found a temporary practice space -- sort of a time share with three other drummers -- so I should have pics soon...hang in there!

Thanks for all the comments.

Russ -- yeah, it's real African Mahogany, just like the older MHX kits.

Marko -- I already sold the Starclassic Performers, but I'll try to find some old pics from gigs I played in high school. I'll miss the finish, a beautiful Indigo Blue...

Just ordered some protection racket cases today. Soon, soon, I'll be set up. Must...wait...a little...longer...

[DrumRookie]

Haha -- Bish, you were right!

I think I found a temporary practice space -- sort of a time share with three other drummers -- so I should have pics soon...hang in there!

Thanks for all the comments.

Russ -- yeah, it's real African Mahogany, just like the older MHX kits.

Marko -- I already sold the Starclassic Performers, but I'll try to find some old pics from gigs I played in high school. I'll miss the finish, a beautiful Indigo Blue...

Just ordered some protection racket cases today. Soon, soon, I'll be set up. Must...wait...a little...longer...

We can't wait to see pics! Oh yeah, and welcome to Drumchat!

[DrummerD]

Welcome to DC! Looking forward to seeing that Red Mahogany Fade!

[Russ]

Haha -- Bish, you were right!

I think I found a temporary practice space -- sort of a time share with three other drummers -- so I should have pics soon...hang in there!

Thanks for all the comments.

Russ -- yeah, it's real African Mahogany, just like the older MHX kits.

Marko -- I already sold the Starclassic Performers, but I'll try to find some old pics from gigs I played in high school. I'll miss the finish, a beautiful Indigo Blue...

Just ordered some protection racket cases today. Soon, soon, I'll be set up. Must...wait...a little...longer...

What's the difference between MHP and MHX? Aren't they both the same design?

[ManaTau80]

Russ --

They are the same, but I believe Pearl just called the limited edition kit MHP, in order to distinguish it from the MHX. Regardless, the specs are the same.
I'm new to Pearl, so any diehard Pearl fanatics can correct me if I'm wrong.

[almostmatt1]

Do I hear an echo in here?

PICS PICS PICS PICS PICS PICS PICS

[Pearl MCX Man]

I am a die hard Pearl man and no correction needed cause I think you are right I will take your word for it. Enjoy them and oh YEAH welcome to DC ManaTau 80.

[marko138]

Haha -- Bish, you were right!

I think I found a temporary practice space -- sort of a time share with three other drummers -- so I should have pics soon...hang in there!

Thanks for all the comments.

Russ -- yeah, it's real African Mahogany, just like the older MHX kits.

Marko -- I already sold the Starclassic Performers, but I'll try to find some old pics from gigs I played in high school. I'll miss the finish, a beautiful Indigo Blue...

Just ordered some protection racket cases today. Soon, soon, I'll be set up. Must...wait...a little...longer...

Great, I hope you find a few. I have a Starclassic birch kit in charcoal silk wrap. I love those kits.

[Russ]

Russ --

They are the same, but I believe Pearl just called the limited edition kit MHP, in order to distinguish it from the MHX. Regardless, the specs are the same.
I'm new to Pearl, so any diehard Pearl fanatics can correct me if I'm wrong.

Interesting business move. Most of the time when I see Pearl use the same first two letters, and a different third letter it usually denotes a different type of finish used(wrap, stain, lacquer, etc) but not so much an emphasis on whether it's a limited run or not. I do remember hearing about the MHX series, which I guess they scrapped along with the maple and birch premiums(MMP and BMP I believe they called them). As far as I know the only way you can even pray to replicate those specs via Pearl is through their Masterworks line, but you are in for a ride on the high dollar express should you take that on! Congrats on scoring a rare and wonderful kit, i'm sure those pics will come out great.

[doctor dirt]

I had one of the first "special edition" african mahogany kits and latter owned a beautiful MHX in the only finish you could have then which was #141. Its easily one of the very best kits I've owned or played. The 4ply thin shells resonant beautifully and if you want to open them up use 1 ply heads. I used Aq. SK 1 on the batter and the stock Pearl reso and didn't port it. I had a 16x22 and a speacially ordered 14x20 and that 20 kicked big!!!! Love those drums if I could find a 20 kick 10/12/14 (legs) that was priced fairly I'd buy it right now. Those drums and the brother MMX 4ply maple are wonderfull drums. The MHX can be tuned up high and your bottom never goes away thats the african mahogany that outshines any other wood in that respect. My current Premier Signia is very simular to the MMX and the Signia is slightly thinner and the undersized shells work great for an addition to the wide open tuning.

Good luck those drums are keepers, I wish I kept mine along with my original Eames Finetones (6ply N/A Birch), some kits just aren't worth selling. Most aren't worth buying hahahaha!!! Doc

[Ricardo]

Mahogany isn't as common as I feel it should be, it's darkness and focus is the sound of legend. I am a very big fan of the sound mahogany makes, and from what I can tell that is true African mahogany and not the less costly Philippine mahogany which should change it's name to lauan. Expect strong lows, a quick attack, and an overall fat sound. You won't have any problem with an overage of sustain here, but sooner or later you might want to try opening the kit up with warm heads. Enjoy one of the greatest treasures of the drum world my friend!

+ 1.

I had 1973 Ludwigs that were "Mahogany" finished but I'm certain the shells were maple...............loved that 18" floor tom and the 22" basses.
Didn't care much for concert toms and the steel snare.

I don't have much knowledge about Pearl shells but I would really love to see (and hear) this mahogany kit.