Finding a drum kit with solid sound and a reliable build at a fair price isn’t easy. We recently tried out the Pearl Export EXX double bass set and figured it deserved a closer look.
After running it through a handful of sessions, the rich tone from its maple and poplar shells really jumped out. Those two 22-inch bass drums hit hard and add plenty of punch.
The Burgundy finish? It looks sharp—classic and professional without trying too hard.
The kit brings solid value, though it’s not perfect. Some of the hardware feels pretty basic if you’re used to higher-end gear, and dialing in the tuning takes a bit of patience.
Still, for what you pay, it covers all the essentials and the multiple tom sizes give you options.
Overview of the Pearl Export EXX 8-Piece Double Bass Drum Set with Hardware - Burgundy
This drum set stands out for players who want a full double bass kit without blowing their whole budget. The burgundy finish looks great and seems tough enough for gigging.
You get a mix of tom sizes and two big 22" bass drums, so there’s a lot of sonic range to play with. Assembly took a while—honestly, the instructions could use work.
The stock drum heads do the job, but we swapped them out for better ones and the sound improved a lot. Hardware holds up well, though advanced players might find the pedals a bit plain.
Strengths:
- Consistent, nice-looking finish
- Sturdy hardware
- Versatile drum sizes
Weaknesses:
- Setup instructions are confusing
- Stock heads aren’t great
Key Features
Setting up this drum set, it was obvious the design aims for both flexibility and power. The full kit lets you cover a bunch of styles, and the build does a good job balancing strength and tone.
Versatile 8-Piece Shell Pack
This shell pack gives you a good mix of sizes, so you can switch from tight fills to deep grooves without missing a beat. The 8", 10", and 12" toms sound bright and punchy.
The 14" and 16" floor toms add a beefy low end, which is great for more dynamic playing. Having all eight pieces means you can experiment with setups or just strip it down if you want.
The stock drumheads? Not the best. We swapped them out and the tuning and tone got better fast.
Dual 22-Inch Bass Drums
The two 22-inch bass drums are the real highlight here. They give you a deep, booming foundation that’s hard to miss.
This size isn’t common in beginner kits, so double bass patterns come through with more clarity and power. The response is solid, and there’s enough rebound for fast footwork, but just know you’ll need a bit more space for the setup.
Durable Mahogany/Poplar Construction
Pearl used a mix of mahogany and poplar for the shells, and you can feel the balance between warmth and durability. We put the kit through long practices and gigs, and it held up well.
The finish looks smooth under lights and didn’t show much wear after a few uses. The wood combo gives the drums a fuller sound than most entry-level kits, though it’s not quite as bright as an all-maple set.
Complete Hardware Included
All the basic hardware comes in the box, which is nice if you don’t already have gear. Stands and pedals felt sturdy—some parts were heavier than we expected.
The bass drum pedals did the job and hooked up easily. We had to tweak a few things to get everything just right, but it’s enough for gigging or practice. If you want top-tier gear, you’ll probably upgrade later.
Drum Kit Finish and Design
The overall look of this kit is straightforward and solid. The burgundy finish stands out but doesn’t go overboard.
It works in home studios, small venues, or wherever you want to set up. The lacquered finish catches the light nicely and gives the drums a smooth, polished surface.
The shine is consistent across all the drums, which shows some attention to detail. The color is deep but not too dark—attractive without being distracting.
The finish feels more standard than fancy, though. After a few sessions, we noticed some minor scratches and fingerprints, so you’ll want to wipe it down now and then. The hardware matches the look but doesn’t really pop visually.
Pros and Cons
Trying out this drum set, a few things stood out right away. There’s plenty to like, but also a couple of drawbacks you should know about.
Pros
- Rich Sound Variety: Multiple tom sizes and dual bass drums let you dial in a wide range of tones for all kinds of styles.
- Solid Build: Mahogany and poplar shells feel tough, and the hardware keeps up with regular playing.
- Attractive Finish: Burgundy looks sharp and gives the kit a solid stage presence.
- Complete Package: You get all the hardware you need to start playing—no extra shopping trips.
Cons
- Assembly Complexity: Setting up all eight pieces takes time, especially if you’re new to double bass kits.
- Pedal Feel: Kick pedals feel stiff at first, though they loosen up after some play.
Customer Reviews
Most folks agree the set feels sturdy and looks great, especially the burgundy finish. Hardware holds up, but some parts needed a little extra effort during assembly.
Tuning the drums was tricky at first, but swapping the stock heads made a big difference. A lot of people mentioned the instructions were unclear and the packaging didn’t match the photos, which was confusing.
Customer support from the seller was helpful when issues popped up. The set works well if you’re willing to spend some time setting it up and making it your own.
Assembly Experience
Putting this kit together was a mixed bag for us. Once we tightened everything down, the hardware felt solid and sturdy.
The instructions left a lot to be desired, so things took longer than we hoped. We had to double-check parts since there wasn’t a clear inventory list, which meant unpacking and sorting all five boxes before even starting.
Some steps took extra patience, especially lining up the drums and hardware. If you’re comfortable with basic drum setup, you’ll manage—just plan to spend a little extra time. Having your own tools and a bit of experience definitely helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
We spent some time with this drum set and a few questions kept coming up—stuff most drummers want to know before buying. Here are the main things we found.
How does the Pearl Export EXX 8-Piece compare to the TAMA 8 Piece Drum set in terms of quality and features?
The Pearl EXX 8-piece has solid build quality thanks to its mahogany/poplar shells, which give a warm sound. The TAMA 8-piece usually costs more and comes with higher-end hardware and fancier tuning features.
Pearl’s kit is great if you want a double bass setup without spending a fortune. The TAMA feels a bit more polished and maybe tougher, but the Pearl holds its own in most situations.
What are the specific cymbals included in the Pearl Export EXX 8-Piece Double Bass Drum Set?
This version doesn’t include cymbals. When we opened the box, it had just drums and hardware—no cymbals. You’ll need to buy those separately, which isn’t a bad thing if you want to pick your favorites.
Some sellers have bundles with cymbals, but the standard set sticks with drums and stands.
Is there a difference in the sound quality between the Pearl Export EXX 8-Piece and the 9 piece drum set?
The 9-piece adds more toms, so you get extra options, but the core sound doesn’t change much. Both use the same shell materials and construction, so the tone is nearly identical.
The 8-piece covers most styles just fine. If you want more tom variety, the 9-piece gives you that, but it’ll cost more.
Which hardware and accessories come standard with the Pearl Export 8-piece Drum Set?
You get sturdy hardware—bass drum pedals, stands for toms and cymbals, and a snare stand. The hardware’s solid, but some parts feel basic compared to pricier kits. The pedals work, but you may want to upgrade for smoother action down the road.
Still, the package gives you everything you need to start playing right away.
How does the size and configuration of the Pearl Export EXX 7 piece differ from the 8-Piece Double Bass Drum Set?
The 7-piece has a single bass drum, so it’s lighter and fits in smaller spaces. It has fewer toms and no double bass setup.
The 8-piece works better if you’re into heavier or faster genres that use dual bass drums. Really, it comes down to how much kit you want and what kind of music you’re playing.
What upgrades does the Pearl Export EXL series offer over the EXX series?
The EXL series usually gives you upgraded shell finishes and slightly better hardware. We noticed the EXL comes with improved tuning lugs and more durable pedals.
The sound difference? It's subtle, but honestly, the EXL just feels a bit more professional. For beginners or intermediate players, the EXX is a solid choice.
If you want a smoother setup and nicer details, the EXL might be worth a look.
Vic Firth Drumstick Wax for Better Grip
Keep your sticks firmly in hand and improve your playing with this easy-to-use drumstick wax
Product information
Product Review Score
4.21 out of 5 stars
153 reviewsProduct links
