Pearl Sensitone Limited Edition Review

Practical Buying Guide

Introduction:

Pearl’s Sensitone series has long been celebrated for its exceptional sound and versatility, and the Limited Edition 6.5” x 14” Black Nickel Snare Drum continues that tradition with style and substance. 

This new snare drum in the line offers some exciting features, so we’d say it’s a great pick to add to your snare drum collection.

In this review, we’ll explore the features, sound quality, construction, and overall performance of the snare, helping you decide if it’s a hit or a miss. 

Key Features

There are a few standout key features to mention. Firstly, the snare drum has a 1mm black nickel-plated brass shell. This is the main part that determines how the snare sounds.

It then has 2.3mm SuperHoop II triple-flanged hoops, which are a staple for high-end Pearl snare drums.

The chrome-over-brass tube lugs and SR017 Pearl strainer keep the snare sounding tight and controlled. 

Lastly, the UltraSound 20-strand snare wires determine the snare drum’s sensitivity. 

Build Quality
95%
Performance
98%
Price to Value Ratio
94%
PROS: THINGS WE LIKED
  • Versatile sound that fits multiple musical styles
  • Premium build quality
  • Beautiful design
  • Very resonant tone with plenty of warmth and projection
CONS: THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
  • Very pricey for a snare drum

FEATURED ON

What to Expect from the Pearl Sensitone Limited Edition Snare Drum?

 

Quality 

The black nickel-plated brass shell is the standout feature of this snare drum. Its 1mm thickness strikes a perfect balance between durability and resonance, producing a tone that is warm, rich, and full-bodied. 

A big standout for us when hearing the snare was its responsiveness, allowing for delicate ghost notes and powerful rimshots. We loved the clarity of tone it produced, no matter how hard or softly you strike it. 

The snare drum feels very premium overall, and that noticeably comes out in the tone. It also helps that you the snare comes included with a Remo Ambassador Smooth White Coated drumhead. It does an amazing job of reflecting the tonal quality from the shell without muffling the snare much. 

Pearl Sensitone Limited-edition Review

Construction

This snare drum is as beautiful as it is functional. The gold-plated hardware contrasts elegantly with the black nickel finish, giving it a luxurious look that will stand out on any stage. 

We love how the 2.3mm SuperHoop II triple-flanged hoops provide excellent tuning stability, ensuring that the snare stays in tune even during extended performances. 

The beauty of high-end snare drums is that they’re easier to tune and their tuning always stands for much longer than lower-priced options. So, we always recommend pricier snares if that’s what you’re looking for. 

The SR017 strainer is smooth and reliable, allowing for quick adjustments on the fly. We already mentioned the included drumhead, but something else to mention is that it’s a great addition that stops you from needing to upgrade immediately. 

Performance

When it comes to sound, we’d say this snare drum is super versatile. The brass shell delivers a harmonically complex tone that’s perfect for genres ranging from funk and jazz to rock and pop.

Its projection is impressive, cutting through dense mixes with ease while maintaining a warm and controlled sound. 

Because of these qualities, brass snare drums are often one of the top options for gigging drummers who play different styles of music. 

We also love how sensitive the included snare wires make the drum. Every ghost note you play is extremely articulate, allowing for plenty of dynamic range. 

Finally, the rimshots are crisp and cutting, while the drum’s balanced resonance ensures it’s equally suited for subtle brushwork or heavy backbeats.

Price to Value:

The Pearl Sensitone Limited Edition Snare Drum comes with a pretty high price tag at around $1000. However, it’s worth every penny for drummers seeking top-notch performance and aesthetic appeal. 

While it doesn’t really make a difference to the sound, it’s the visuals that we love the most. It’s just a really cool-looking snare drum, and some drummers are happy to pay for that. 

Casual drummers should definitely look for something more affordable, though. There are plenty of good options at a fraction of the cost. 

Pearl Sensitone Limited Edition Review
  • Build Quality
  • Performance
  • Price to Value
4.8

Conclusion

The Pearl Sensitone Limited Edition Snare Drum is a masterclass in design and performance. Its black nickel-plated brass shell delivers a warm, resonant tone that’s versatile enough for virtually any genre. 

Whether you’re playing live gigs, recording in the studio, or adding a statement piece to your drum kit, this snare drum exceeds expectations. While it’s an hefty investment, the quality and versatility make it a worthwhile addition for any serious drummer.

I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (DrumeoGuitar GuitarAudioIssuesMusicThinkTank I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.

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