Pearl's Reference Pure proudly builds upon the legacy started by Pearl's original Reference Series Drums by using the exact shell composition formula, the same number and type of wood plies, and the same targeted task specific bearing edges to create a thin shell, highly resonant, lower mass version of the original.
FEATURES
We start the process by choosing thinner plies of prized Maple, hand selected Birch and rare African Mahogany. While Reference drums use a rotating combination of both 1.6mm and .9mm wood plies in its shell construction, the Reference Pure uses only .9mm thick plies in its construction. The result is a thin, resonant, extremely vibrant yet powerful near-field experience for the player with the wonderful accentuation effects of Birch and African Mahogany placed exactly where they are needed most.
To maintain maximum resonance, Pearl's Reference Pure features our super low-mass elegantly designed STL Tube Lugs and our thin Fat Tone Hoops with our exclusive hemmed and welded edge resulting in a hoop that is both lightweight and extremely strong to further promote maximum resonance.
For those looking for a thin shell alternative to our legendary Reference Series drums, your wait is over.
Reference Pure. Pure Tone. Pure Resonance. Pure Perfection.
- "Best of Masterworks" Shell Material
- Low Mass Even-Ply Shells
- STL Bridge Lugs w/ Swivel Function
- Fat Tone Hoops
- LB200 Bridge FT Leg Brackets
- LG200 Floor Tom Legs
- SP300 Spurs
- Aluminum OptiMount Suspension System
- Stainless Steel Tension Rods
- Molded Rubber Gaskets
- Remo Clear Emperor Tom Batters
- Remo Clear Powerstroke3 BD Batter
- Remo "Window" Snare Batter Head
- Super High Gloss Lacquer/Lacquer Sparkles
- Choice of Chrome (C), Nickel (N), Gold Plated** (G), or Black Chrome Plated** (B), & Black Nickel** (BL) Drum Hardware (**Extra Charge For Nickel, Gold & Black Chrome Plating Black Nickel)
SHELL COMPOSITION
OPTIMIZED SHELL COMPOSITION
Reference Pure Series drums use a combination of task specific bearing edges and 3 time proven woods: Birch, Maple, and African Mahogany. Using Maple as a sole material has long been the traditional choice for shells and for good reason. Maple provides smooth, well balanced tone that is perfect for a 12" tom. Subsequently, all Reference Series 12" toms are composed of 6 thin plies of Maple. The only single wood shell in the series. Our 10" and 8" toms receive 4 thin plies of Maple with 2 inner thin plies of Birch for cut and attack. And for maximum response, all 13" and smaller toms have a rounded 45° bearing edge.
Beginning with our 13" tom and larger, Mahogany is added to the inner plies to increase the lower frequencies and accentuate the warmth of the Maple. The 14" toms and larger begin using our fully rounded bearing edge for even more shell contact. Our 18" and 20" bass drums use 4 inner thin plies of Mahogany with 2 outer thin plies of Maple. As the size of the bass drums increase, so does the amount of Mahogany. Our 22" and 24" bass drums incorporate an amazing 6 inner thin plies of Mahogany surrounded by 2 outer thin plies of Maple for the ultimate in solid responsive bass frequencies.
With Reference Series, it’s not about compromise, it’s about every drum in your kit performing at its optimal capacity.
Maple
Maple is a fine grain wood with a smooth even texture. This highly respected wood offers a very wide dynamic range with extremely well balanced acoustic properties. Rich lustrous lows, with an even balance of mid tones and high frequencies have made this the all around accepted premium shell material for years in the acoustic drum industry. This mix of creamy warm resonant mid to high frequencies, balanced with the propensity for powerful bass response, makes it the logical choice for our 12" toms, which also happens to be the only single wood shell in the series.
Birch
A straight grained wood with a fine, even texture, Birch is known for its strength and resilience. It provides a lively interior springboard for sound waves, which in turn creates a noticeable increase in the higher frequencies. This makes it the perfect interior for smaller tom-toms. Birch’s tightly bound network of cells also promotes a perfect balance of mid-range frequencies, with a smooth transition from the lower register to middle register. The 8" and 10" toms incorporate 2 inner thin plies of Birch for cutting attack and high frequency presence.
African Mahogany
African Mahogany is a relatively "soft" hardwood that offers a dramatic boost in lower frequencies. This bass boost effect is most likely due to its loosely packed cellulose network, which creates a natural resonator effect in the lower frequencies. This predisposition for powerful lows makes it the logical choice for the interior of 13" and larger toms. All Reference Series bass drums utilize 4 to 6 inner thin plies of Mahogany to produce a noticeably present bass response, as well as a naturally smooth sonic transition into the mid-range frequencies.
BEARING EDGE
45° Bearing
The 45° bearing edge on Reference snare shells brings all 6 thin plies into play by promoting a tightly focused shell contact area for extreme sensitivity and maximum volume. The six inner thin plies of Birch provide a resilient crack, which is balanced and warmed by the 14 outer thin plies of Maple. The ultimate balance of power, projection and resonance, Reference Snare Drums are unlike anything you have ever experienced.
Round 45° Bearing
The rounded 45° bearing edge featured on our 8" through 13" Toms offer cutting attack and projection, all balanced with a solid punch. This edge promotes a finely balanced interaction between the individual wood plies that allow the smaller toms to sing with amazing clarity, without premature delay. The journey of the energy from the head to the shell is given a much more direct path with the rounded edge.
FullRound Bearing;
The fully rounded bearing edge provides the ultimate solid punch and resonance by raising the overall contact area of the head to the shell. This allows maximum kinetic energy transfer from the head to the shell, resulting in maximum shell resonance. This is the logic for using the fully rounded edge on 14" through 18" toms, for absolutely thunderous tom fills. Our 18" to 24" bass drums utilize also utilize this edge for a deep solid punch, creating sound pressure levels that are felt just as much as they are heard.
OPTIMIZED WOOD THICKNESS
Lower frequencies require greater energy to equal the projection of the higher frequencies, requiring the larger diameter drums to be thicker than the smaller drums. Reference drumsets feature two very different shell thicknesses: 6 thin plies on rack toms and 8 thin plies on bass drums and floor toms, for incredibly balanced sound. The Reference Snare Drum has an alarmingly thick 20-ply shell, giving it incredible projection and cut, perfect for higher volume musical settings.
Pearl’s Superior Shell Technology utilizes a proprietary technique for achieving the ultimate air chamber. It begins with select woods chosen for their unique acoustic attributes, milled to precise thickness with overlapping scarf joint seams, for a perfect air-tight fit. The wood plies are saturated with Pearl’s proprietary “AcoustiGlue” that permeates every pore and dries to the exact consistency of the wood for optimum resonance. Finally, the plies are formed in high-temperature molds with 1000 PSI of hydraulic pressure to produce perfect drum shells that exhibit superior tone, optimal resonance and extreme strength.
SNARE DRUMS
REFERENCE PURE WOOD SNARES
2 inner plies of Birch are united with 4 outer thin plies of Maple to create an incredibly resonant shell. The 45 degree bearing edge brings all 6 thin plies to the party in a highly focused sweet spot. This projects the volume that you would expect from such a thin shell without losing sensitivity or articulation. The state-of-the-art in modern hardware adorns these snares to maximize every nuance of the shell construction.
The 45 degree bearing edge on Reference snare shells brings all 6 thin plies into play by promoting a tightly focused shell contact area for extreme sensitivity and maximum volume. The 2 inner plies of Birch provide a resilient crack, which is balanced and warmed by the 4 outer thin plies of Maple. The ultimate balance of power, projection and resonance, Reference Snare Drums are unlike anything you have ever experienced.
REFERENCE BRASS AND CAST STEEL SNARES
14"x6.5" Steel
14"x5" Steel
14"x6.5" Brass
14"x5" Brass
Reference Series metal snare drums are some of the most advanced snare drums in the world. The winning combination of extreme sensitivity and powerful volume make these snare drums a must-have instrument for the working drummer. Whether you choose the “wet and ringy” tone of 3mm Brass, or the brightly assertive 2.5mm Cast Steel, these drums will satisfy the most demanding of players.
PEARL'S INNOVATIVE FEATURES
Pearl’s revolutionary BRL-65/55 lugs assure the ultimate in head seating and tuning integrity. The unique swivel function allows the tension rods to align perfectly into the lugs. This ensures that there is no pressure against the hoops, allowing for maximum resonance and sustain. Stainless Steel Tension Rods instill a level of confidence with their consistent and precisely milled exterior.
All Reference Snare Drums feature Pearl’s SR-1000 Glide-Lock Strainer, which includes a locking throw off lever and tension knob that won’t loosen no matter how hard you play. Low-friction technology permits smooth gliding action for ultra quiet, super precise motion.
DRUM HARDWARE
THE PERFECT COMPLIMENT TO A GREAT SET OF DRUMS
The same tireless pursuit of perfection that goes into our legendary drums is found in our hardware. Hardware designed to maximize the sound of your drums. Pearl Hardware has set the standard for strength, durability and innovation. It’s the choice of working professionals who depend on their equipment. Surefooted on stage or in the studio, when the show must go on, count on Pearl hardware.
Reference Pure features STL swivel tube lugs with minimal contact and super low-mass that allows the drums to vibrate freely for ultimate resonance. Unlike standard tube lugs that often bind when tension rods are misaligned causing the drum to choke, STL Lugs feature a swivel nut that keeps the tension rods perfectly aligned and free for absolutely no binding for PURE TONE with accurate and precise tuning. Choice of Chrome, Nickel, Gold Plated, or Black Chrome Plated, & Black Nickel Drum Hardware (**Extra Charge For Nickel, Gold & Black Chrome Plating Black Nickel)
Our bass drum claws incorporate rubber hoop isolators for scratch prevention on lacquered hoops, provide evenly distributed clamping force for consistent tuning. The key bolts are recessed for snag-free fit in carrying cases and to eliminate accidental detuning.
Full height adjustment with our built in memory lock keeps floor tom positioning perfectly set. Our patented Air Suspension Rubber Tip allows your floor tom to rest on a cushion of air. These large rubber feet prevents premature sound decay from floor contact. Floor toms never had it so good.
The OptiMount Suspension System provides tom mounting with zero shell contact for ultimate resonance. By attaching to the tension bolts via isolated rubber bushings the shell is allow to float which in turn allows it to sing to its fullest capabilities.
Pure features Pearl's 1.6mm Fat Tone Hoops that combine low-mass for incredible resonance with our exclusive hemmed and welded edge that adds amazing strength and rigidity at the point of contact for tremendous rim shots and cross sticking.
Our telescoping spurs feature rubber or spike tips for maximum traction control. The high-grip rubber tip can be retracted to allow a recessed spike to be exposed for maximum “bite” on carpeted surfaces.
Pearl’s stainless steel tension rods are machined from a single piece of stainless steel to the most exacting tolerances in the industry. They feature super smooth and precise tensioning with absolutely no play. Each is matched with a precision-machined brass swivel nut for ultra-precise performance.
CONFIGURATIONS
RFP924XEDP
- 22x18 bass drum
- 10x7 tom
- 12x8 tom
- 16x16 floor tom
RFP924XSP
- 22x18 bass drum
- 10x8 tom
- 12x9 tom
- 16x16 floor tom
RFP923XSP
- 22x16 bass drum
- 12x8 tom
- 16x16 floor tom
RFP943XP
- 24x14 bass drum
- 13x9 tom
- 16x16 floor tom
RFP903XP
- 20x14 bass drum
- 12x8 tom
- 14x14 floor tom
REFERENCE PURE MODEL NUMBERS
Snare Drum
| Dimensions | Model Number |
|---|---|
| 13" x 6.5" Wood | RFP1365S |
| 14" x 5" Wood | RFP1450S |
| 14" x 6.5" Wood | RFP1465S |
Bass Drum w/o BB-3
| Dimensions | Model Number |
|---|---|
| 18" x 14" | RFP1814BX |
| 18" x 16" | RFP1816BX |
| 20" x 14" | RFP2014BX |
| 20" x 16" | RFP2016BX |
| 20" x 18" | RFP2018BX |
| 22" x 16" | RFP2216BX |
| 22" x 18" | RFP2218BX |
| 22" x 20" | RFP2220BX |
| 24" x 16" | RFP2416BX |
| 24" x 18" | RFP2418BX |
| 26" x 14" | RFP2614BX |
| 26" x 16" | RFP2616BX |
| 26" x 18" | RFP2618BX |
Bass Drum w/BB-3
| Dimensions | Model Number |
|---|---|
| 18" x 14" | RFP1814BB |
| 18" x 16" | RFP1816BB |
| 20" x 14" | RFP2014BB |
| 20" x 14" | RFP2014G Gong Drum w/ (2) BT- |
| 20" x 16" | RFP2016BB |
| 20" x 18" | RFP2018BB |
| 22" x 16" | RFP2216BB |
| 22" x 18" | RFP2218BB |
| 22" x 20" | RFP2220BB |
| 24" x 16" | RFP2416BB |
| 24" x 18" | RFP2418BB |
| 26" x 14" | RFP2614BB |
| 26" x 16" | RFP2616BB |
| 26" x 18" | RFP2618BB |
Floor Toms
| Dimensions | Model Number |
|---|---|
| 14" x 14" | RFP1414F |
| 16" x 16" | RFP1616F |
| 18" x 16" | RFP1816F |
Tom w/ Aluminum OptiMount
| Dimensions | Model Number |
|---|---|
| 8" x 7" | RFP0807T |
| 8" x 8" | RFP0808T |
| 10" x 7" | RFP1007T |
| 10" x 8" | RFP1008T |
| 10" x 9 " | RFP1009T |
| 10" x 10 " | RFP1010T |
| 12" x 8" | RFP1208T |
| 12" x 9 " | RFP1209T |
| 12" x 10" | RFP1210T |
| 13" x 9" | RFP1309T |
| 13" x 10" | RFP1310T |
| 13" x 11" | RFP1311T |
| 14" x 10" | RFP1410T |
| 14" x 11" | RFP1411T |
| 14" x 12" | RFP1412T |
| 15" x 13" | RFP1513T |
| 15" x 14" | RFP1514T |
| 16" x 13" | RFP1613T |
| 16" x 14" |
RFP1614T |