As our viewers already know, some time ago we locked ourselves away at Perlazza Studio (based in Poznań, Poland), where we tested quite a number of vintage drum kits and snares provided by Mateusz Wysocki and his MW-Vintage company, which (as the name suggests) specializes in vintage drums. We performed the test under the sonic supervision of musician, award-winning producer, studio owner and, most of all, a drum maniac, Przemysław Wejmann. To be more exact, it was drummer Max Psuja, who tested all the gear while the beatit.tv team recorded the video and the sound engineer/producer took care of the sonic side of things.
Photo: MW-Vintage
Max Psuja, as an utter vintage drum maniac, a former employee of a drum shop, and a great drummer, who has collaborated with a host of popular acts in Poland, such as Kumka Olik, Holak, Lilly Hates Roses or Yoachim, was perfect for the role of ’lab tester’. Needless to say, he was more than eager to do the job.
We have been publishing the results of our tests successively throughout the summer, and there’s lots more to come. Today…
We are testing a late 70s Pearl Jupiter Chrome Over Brass snare drum
Photo: beatit.tv
1. Product
It is a pro level snare from Pearl with a chrome-over-brass shell. According to Mateusz Wysocki, it was manufactured in the late 1970s. The Jupiter came in a number of versions: with diecast or standard hoops, and two types of throw-offs – the standard one or parallel action, which is reminiscent of the Super Sensitive. The instrument was made in Japan.
photo: en.beatit.tv
2. Basic instrument specification:
- Manufacturer: Pearl
- Model: Jupiter
- Size: 14″ x 6.5″
- Year of production: Late 1970s
- Material: Brass
- Finish: Chrome Over Brass (COB)
- Rims: Pearl Triple Flange, 10 tension rods
- Strainer: Super Sensitive
- Lugs: Coffin Style
- Snares: Pearl Jupiter
- Heads: Remo Ambassador Coated / Ambassador Snare
3. Test and sound
When testing the 14″ x 6,5″ Pearl Jupiter Chrome Over Brass snare, we also used a Pearl Masters MMX drum kit, a set of Impression cymbals, Aquarian heads (Response 2 Coated on the toms, Super Kick I Coated on the bass drum) and a Remo Ambassador on the snare.
Max first presented the sound of the snare drum produced by single strokes at different levels of dynamics, then the kick drum together with the snare drum, only to finish off with a rhythm figure using all the kit elements as well as performing a groove.
The sound of the Pearl Jupiter is quite versatile as it fits both heavy music styles as well as those lighter ones. The attack is very distinct and clear, while the cross stick sound is nicely round and loud. The snares react quickly and with absolutely no problems. The sound characteristic is warm, rather dark, and very much in line with the Pearl Masters MMX it was tested with.
This is what Max Psuja had to say about this instrument: “The sound of this snare drum can be described as loud, with lots of attack. It is a very focused, but also massive-sounding drum. Perfect for rock”.
The snare drum are available for purchase at MW-Vinage Internet store under this link: http://mw-vintage.pl/pearl-jupiter-chrome-over-brass-14-x-65/
Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the 14″ x 6,5″ Pearl Jupiter Chrome Over Brass snare to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test! Exclusively for you, we give you Max Psuja!
