custom vs. mass produced
The saying goes "familiarity breeds contempt."
Pearl is to drums what, say, Toyota is to automobiles or Panasonic is to TV sets--a popularly-priced, good-quality product that caught the Slingerlands and Ludwigs and Gretsches of the industry off-guard at a time when the prices were going up as the quality was going down.
Like ya said, drummer, you get what you pay for. You're going to find cheapo Pearl sets that don't sound as good as the top-of-the-line models--but if you buy a Toyota Yaris and expect the amenities of a Toyota Avalon, you're naturally going to be disappointed.
Another cliche fits here, too: "All drums (from the same manufacturer) are created equal; the dealer makes the difference." Pricey, it sounds like you had a bad experience with a Pearl dealer. You're going to find good dealers and bad dealers with all makes of drum kits...
keep the beat goin' ... Don't keep it to yourself!
Charlie
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." --Henry David Thoreau, "Walden," 1854
"There's a lot to be said for Time Honored tradition and value." --In memory of Frank "fiacovaz" Iacovazzi
"Maybe your drums can be beat, but you can't."--Jack Keck
Bookmarks