The tour custom is a mid line drum. They sound fine but personally I’m not a fan of the deeper toms.

I think those pearls are nicer shells and probably a nice lacquer finish too.

Either get the pearls or go with the stage custom birch. They are literally recording customs with different lugs. You do need to upgrade to USA remo heads but otherwise those are the best birch drums for the money.

Thanks J!m.....i prefer the pearl as well but always like others opinions.

Back in the 80’s I wasn’t a pearl fan. It seemed everyone had a set of pearls. Nice enough and I did take a look when I got my blue kit but they weren’t doing standard depth toms then (1993-ish) either. No regrets but a friend got a set of newer pearls. Studio birch maybe? I’m not sure but they look and sound great. And used they are a no brainer.

I wouldn't spend a dime on either one of those. My advice would be to buy decent vintage players kit. At least the vintage one will hold it's value if you ever decide to sell, not to mention they will sound better than either one of those import kits.

Personally I'd go with the Pearl. I have a Session maple and for all intents and purposes it is a Masters kit. One of my favorites in my collection. With regard to what Johnnyringo said it may not be a bad idea to look into a vintage players kit. However I don't agree with the sentiment of it will sound better than one of these import kits. I think a lot of us on this forum have MIJ kits, which last I checked were all imported,lol. None of the Major companies are produced in Japan anymore, they switched to Taiwan production. But in all honesty ( and I was always reserved about Taiwan kits ) Pearl still does their high end drums spot on.

Jay, with all do respect, no MIJ kit sounds as good as any American made vintage kit.D' Drummer

That's not to say some MIJ kits can't be made to sound decent, I've owned a few and was able to get a good sound, but not on the same level as my vintage American made drums. As far as these new Pearl or Yamaha kits go, in my opinion, they all sound the same, there's no character. And I'll take it a step further, that goes for the mighty dw or any host of new high end kits. Besides, is this not a vintage drum forum? I will always suggest a vintage drum over any modern drum.Cool1

Cannot afford American vintage anyway. I was a slingerland m an most of my life, but only have a Maoex kit now and was trying to upgrade for our traveling worship team.

Maybe you didn't see my other thread, I just found a Slingerland 14x14, 14x20 and two no name toms in a red satin flame finish for $200. There are a lot of nice vintage players kits for the same price or less than a new Yamaha Power Tour Custom or Pearl Session Select. You just need to look for them.

I have a 5 piece Ludwig rockers kit American made maple for $225.00 + ship cost