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Pearl Masters MCX Maple Snare Drum - 14" x 6.5"

By Joseph "Stix" Davis - 9/19/18

The first 6.5" deep snare and the first dedicated studio snare I bought. The Pearl Masters MCX. Let's dive right into the details!

Price

Prices listed are an average from several different online stores.

New: $425

Used: $300

Size

14" x 6.5". It is also available in 14" x 5.5". Between the two, I always prefer the 6.5" depth. The extra inch of depth allows for a warmer and more full tone, but can still be tuned up for a nice crack.

Shell

The shell is a 6-ply, 7.5mm thick, 100% maple. This shell is made using Pearl’s Superior Shell Technology (SST) method, and utilizes scarf joints.

Finish

The finish for this particular snare drum is Natural Birdseye Maple. I typically don't go for natural finishes, but this one was for my studio, so the look wasn't a contributing factor, though this is a gorgeous finish.

Hardware

MasterCast (Die Cast)

CL-65 Bridge Lugs

T-062 Tension Rods

S-022N 20 Strand Snare

SR-017 Strainer

The hoops are die cast, so they are thick, producing a more focused sound. The bridge lugs are sleek. This is a 10 lug snare drum. The tension rods come with nylon washers to prevent metal on metal contact. The snares are 20 strands. The strainer is a side lever style throw.

Demonstration

For this demonstration, I used two Audix F9 overhead, an Audix F5 snare, and an Audix F6 kick drum microphones. I used no EQ or compression. I wanted the drum to sound as authentic as possible to give you an idea of what it sounds like. I play the snare drum with no muffling, then a studio ring, then a wallet. These are not the stock heads. I use Aquarian Drumheads. Texture Coated for the batter head, Hi-Performance for the resonant head.

Final Thoughts

Although this series of drums is discontinued, I was still able to find dozens of stores still selling them brand new. It's a little bit thicker than the Pearl Masters Maple Complete drums.

Being 100% maple, it's versatile and can cover a variety of genres. It can be tuned low for a full, punchy sound. It can be tuned high for a nice crack. It can be tuned anywhere in between.