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Katsumi Yanagisawa starts Pearl with two employees in 300 sq. factory in Sumida, Japan, making music stands and accessories. Compiled by Slagwerkkrant Magazine - based on information and images provided by Pearl.
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Timeline compiled by Slagwerkkrant Magazine - based on information and images provided by Pearl. www.slagwerkkrant.nl
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Recognizing an emerging market, Katsumi shifts focus to manufacturing drums. (photo: Katsumi Yanagisawa)
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Pearl Musical Instruments enjoys rapid growth in Japan, expanding to 30 employees by producing basic drum sets, and marching and concert drums and accessories. (Photo: Pearl factory Japan)
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Katsumi’s eldest son Mitsuo Yanagisawa forms an export division to meet international demand. (photo: Mitsuo Yanagisawa)
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Pearl expands by building 15000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Chiba, Japan. Pearl World Headquaters remains in Chiba to this day. (Photo: Building drums in the manufacturing facility)
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Pearl's long-range plan includes an increase in product variety and development, a new series of professional drum sets, and expanding Pearl’s worldwide distribution network to offer unparalleled service and support.
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President Series professional drums are launched in Japan. Their unique Phenolic shell design and sound catch the ear of visiting drummers of touring pro's such as Art Blakey and JC Heard.
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Pearl debuts Wood/Fiberglass hybrid drums, the President Export professional all Fiberglass kit, begins production at the Pearl Taiwan drum factory, and opens the its first distribution facility in Nashville, TN. USA.
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Crystal Beat seamless acrylic drums are introduced. Pearl USA welcomes a host of high-profile artists including Peter Criss, Louis Bellson, Ed Shaughnessy, and Larrie Londin.
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Pearl develops its first all Maple drum kit, the Giant Step, for Japanese market.
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Giant Step series expands with fiberglass-lined Maple drums, solidifying Pearl’s reputation as a top percussive innovator. The Patented Vari-Set gearless tom holder is released.
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Pearl advances electronic percussion with the introduction of the Syncussion SY1 drum synthesizer. (1980 image)
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Pearl introduces its “Blues Flavor” series drums featuring 100% Birch shells.
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USA-made Criterion Marching Drums signal Pearl’s first entry in pro field percussion. The Free-Floating Snare Drum and the Jeff Porcaro-designed Pearl DR1 drum rack are launched. (Photo: Jeff Porcaro)
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Innovation shifts into high gear at Pearl Taiwan with the production of MX, MLX, and GLX pro Maple drums. Export Series becomes the drum set choice of a generation of players.
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Pearl’s Drum-X System presents the next phase of electronic drums. (1986 Syncussion X photo)
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Pearl’s first double bass drum pedal (P850TW) debuts along with 800 and 900 Series tour-grade hardware. Syncussion X electronic drums take e-synthesis percussion a step further.
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The biggest names in rock play Pearl as Prestige Custom (MLX Maple,) and Studio (BLX Birch,) are launched. Tommy Lee’s “Spinning Drum Solo” defies gravity in arenas worldwide. (image 1987 World Kit)
Watch Tommy Lee's drum solo here -
Pearl’s groundbreaking Zenithal Resonator (CZX) 8-ply thick Maple shells debut worldwide in stunning Champagne Birdseye finish, setting a standard as the next level in pro drums.
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Masters Series Maple (MMX) and Birch (MBX) drums raise the bar for the pro player. Pearl Corporation’s expanded USA Headquarters in Nashville, TN open at its current home on Metroplex Dr. Pearl’s first FFX Marching Snare drum sets a new standard for Field Percussion. (photo: 1993 4-ply Maple kit)
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Export becomes the best-selling drum set of all time with over a million drums sold worldwide. (photo: 1985 export kit)
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Pearl’s 50th Anniversary Ltd. Edition Solid Maple snare, Signature snares for Chad Smith, Omar Hakim, J.R. Robinson, and Dennis Chambers, and Powershifter pedals are introduced.
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Pearl sets a new level in totally customized drums with Masterworks. The OptiMount tom suspension system is developed. Pipe Band marching snares debut, as well as new Signature snares for “Smitty” Smith and Steve Ferrone.
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Pearl Percussion makes a grand entrance at NAMM 2001. Tico Torres' custom U.S. Flag-painted Masters kit -played at the Concert for NYC with Bon Jovi- is auctioned off to benefit 9/11 victim relief.
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More Signature Snare Drums from Ian Paice, Tico Torres, and Eric Singer. Eric and Tico (with KISS and Bon Jovi) play the closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Pearl Music Europe’s European Headquarter opens at its current location in the Netherlands.
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Masakatsu, the third generation of the Yanagisawa family, becomes Pearl CEO. (Photo: Masakatsu Yanagisawa)
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Reference Series drums launch and immediately win the prestigious Musikmesse International Press Award for Best Drum Set
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Pearl artist Mike Mangini becomes the World’s Fastest Drummer by breaking the world record for the most single-stroke hits (1,203) in one minute.
Watch the world record here! -
Chad Smith and Red Hot Chili Peppers win Grammy for Best Rock Album. Vision Series, the first drum sets from Pearl’s new China facility, are launched Watch the grammy rehearsal here.
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ePro Live, Pearl’s electronic drum powerhouse, is launched fusing real drum shells with TruTrac head technology. Joey Jordison is voted “Best Drummer of the Last 25 Years” by Rhythm Magazine readers
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2011: Thin Ply shells are introduced; both can be found on the Reference Pure Series drums and the Masters Premium Legend Drums. (Photo: Masters Premium Legend Kit)
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Pearl brings back the best-selling drum set of all time with a completely redesigned Export Series kit. The Demon Chain pedal and redesigned Advanced Hardware System stands debut.
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A true revival of the 70ties, with the introduction of the Wood Fiberglass sets and the Crystal Beat Series. First in USA and in 2015 in Europe. (Photo: 2015 Crystal Beat)
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Pearl introduces a new version of the Crystal Beat series.
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The Vision series are scrapped and make way for the new Decade series.
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Pearl introduces a whole new line up of drums, by introducing 5 new Series, a new Redline Eliminator Pedal Series, Lightweight hardware line and a new Dennis Chambers signature snare drum. Compiled by Slagwerkkrant Magazine - based on information and images provided by Pearl.
To stay informed about the future of Pearl, visit their website.
