1973-75? Pearl Downbeat pics - Page 1

Posts: 941 Threads: 51

I spent some time this week playing and working on my 73-75 (can`t say exactly) Pearl Downbeat (Thunderking?) 20/16/12

I recently spent the cash to mount all Remo Fiberskyn 3 FAs on batter and reso- These shells are not luan but some hardwood with grey coated interiors, quite heavy. The wrap was white but like ivory has really yellowed over time. This is not the prettiest kit but I am drawn to it because it`s got a sound altogether different from luan shells- it`s loud and resonant but it`s also got internal mufflers on the toms - I tune the kit high into a jazz tuning and engage the mufflers slightly- this kit sings like a Gretsch in my opinion. Anyway, anyone else playing a vintage Downbeat/Thunderking (same shell construction) and diggin em'?

*The snare is a late 70s Pearl COB (Jupiter)

[IMG]http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn87/Osakabop/P1010001-10.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn87/Osakabop/P1010004-9.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn87/Osakabop/P1010005-7.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn87/Osakabop/P1010006-3.jpg[/IMG]

For info. & live schedule:
www.EricWiegmanndrums.com
*Odery Drums Japan endorser/ representative
*Japan Distributor of Vruk DrumMaster pedals
*D'Addario Japan Evans/Promark/Puresound
*Amedia Cymbals Japan

It's the journey not the destination.

Posted on 14 years ago

jonnistix

Member

Joined 15 years ago

Posts: 4715 Threads: 299

I wouldn't say that is an "unlovely" set. I'll bet they do sing, though. Since these are Japanese, and made in Japan, it would be reasonable to expect they might be Japanese maple, or maybe a type of asian birch, perhaps? The layup of the fiberglass over wood, .ike a boat, it a cool thing, and hard to destroy, as long as the wood is keep in a reasonable climate, lower humidity.

"Ignorance may be overcome through education. Stupidity, however, is a lifelong endeavor." So, educate me, I don't likes bein' ignant...
"I enjoy restoring 60s Japanese "stencil" drums...I can actually afford them..."I rescue the worst of the old valueless drums for disadvantaged Children and gladly accept donations of parts, pieces and orphans, No cockroaches, please...
http://www.youtube.com/user/karstenboy
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coffee...16613138379603

Posted on 14 years ago

OsakaBop

Member

Joined 14 years ago

Posts: 941 Threads: 51

Hey Jonni,

I really thought that this was not a luan kit but going back to a 75 Pearl catalog and translating it- it says

"orthodox wood shell 9ply found on DownBeat, Thunder King, Challenger MKII and Challenger MKI, and Valencia." That clearly means it is luan. All Challenger and Valencias were luan. I would say this one I have on the Downbeat is the best quality luan I have come across and dense/heavy luan at that- maybe the grey interior paint really helps the volume and resonance I am hearing in these.

[IMG]http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn87/Osakabop/shellconstruction75pearl.png[/IMG]

Posted on 14 years ago

jonnistix

Member

Joined 15 years ago

Posts: 4715 Threads: 299

I'll bet the fiberglass has more to do with it than the heavy wood. I have some hihger quality lauan shells as well, and they do seem to be a bit louder than one would think from a 20" bass.

Posted on 14 years ago