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Pearl is founded
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. -
Pearl 70 Years Slagwerkkrant Timeline
Timeline compiled by Slagwerkkrant Magazine - based on information and images provided by Pearl. www.slagwerkkrant.nl -
Shift of focus
Recognizing an emerging market, Katsumi shifts focus to manufacturing drums. (photo: Katsumi Yanagisawa) -
Success in Japan
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) -
Export division is formed
Katsumi’s eldest son Mitsuo Yanagisawa forms an export division to meet international demand. (photo: Mitsuo Yanagisawa) -
Manufacturing facility is built
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) -
Pearl forms long range plans
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. -
Launch of President Series
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. -
Debut of Wood/Fiberglass hybrid drums and first facility in USA
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. -
Crystal Beat Acrlyc drums are introduced
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. -
Giant Step is released
Pearl develops its first all Maple drum kit, the Giant Step, for Japanese market. -
Giant Step series expansion
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. -
Electronic percussion 'Syncussion' is introduced.
Pearl advances electronic percussion with the introduction of the Syncussion SY1 drum synthesizer. (1980 image) -
Blues Flavor series introduced
Pearl introduces its “Blues Flavor” series drums featuring 100% Birch shells. -
Pearl enters pro field percussion
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) -
High focus on innovation
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. -
Drum X launched
Pearl’s Drum-X System presents the next phase of electronic drums. (1986 Syncussion X photo) -
Pearl's first double bass drum pedal is released
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. -
(Video) Biggest names in rock play Pearl & Tommy Lee's Spinning Solo
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 -
Zenithal Resonater (CZX) Debut
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. -
Master Series raise the bar & first FFX Snare drum
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) -
Export series best selling drum set of all time
Export becomes the best-selling drum set of all time with over a million drums sold worldwide. (photo: 1985 export kit) -
50 year anniversary + Powershifter pedals introduced
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. -
Masterworks is released
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. -
Custom U.S. Flag kit is auctioned
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. -
Pearl opens European Headquarters in the Netherlands
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. -
Masakatsu Yanasigawa becomes Pearl CEO
Masakatsu, the third generation of the Yanagisawa family, becomes Pearl CEO. (Photo: Masakatsu Yanagisawa) -
Reference Series wins Best Drum Set at Musikmesse
Reference Series drums launch and immediately win the prestigious Musikmesse International Press Award for Best Drum Set -
Pearl artist becomes World's Fastest Drummer (Video)
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! -
(Video) Vision series launched & Chad Smith wins Grammy
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. -
ePro Live is launched
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 -
Introduction of Thin Ply shells
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) -
Export Series kit redesigned
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. -
Wood Fiberglass sets and Crystal Beat Series introduced
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) -
Crystal Beat series re-introduced
Pearl introduces a new version of the Crystal Beat series. -
Decade series replace the Vision series
The Vision series are scrapped and make way for the new Decade series. -
70 Year Anniversary: introduction of 5 new Series
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.
