Pearl Compact Traveler 2-piece Drum Set (PCTK1810d1)

I’ve been playing drums since the late 90s and worked at a major music instrument retailer for just shy of 4 years in the mid 2000s. I feel that I’m well-versed regarding the topic of the modern drumset. With that I am writing this review with the knowledge that this is not a typical drum set and thus would not expect the same experience as playing my Tama Superstar set.

I have a fascination, I suppose, with compact / mini drum kits. I made a mini set for myself to play out of a kids kit. During my research of this topic I found this Pearl Compact Traveler kit and after some musings I finally decided to try one out. I also anticipated the sound and feel to be very different from what I’m used to.

Now that I’ve spent some time with it I can say that I agree with some other reviewers here regarding the overall build quality. It doesn’t line up with what you would come to expect from Pearl as a musical instrument manufacturer. One reviewer wrote that it appears to be made by someone who doesn’t usually manufacture instruments. I can see what they’re talking about. It feels more like a piece of hardware, like a stand for a table saw or something similar rather than a drum set. The materials (steel maybe?) feel solid and I never thought that I could stomp on this thing so hard that I could bend pieces or otherwise damage it. But because it’s so narrow (or shallow) the bass drum doesn’t have a very large footprint. That is great for the small spaces this is designed for but on anything besides a hard floor the whole rig wiggles while you play. I don’t think it’s problematic but it’s obvious that it’s moving around. I wouldn’t try to mount a lot of accessories on it. In fact, if you want to add percussion accessories or toms then I suggest mounting them on their own stand. Also, I attempted to mount 2 different 18″ bass drum heads on it and the verdict is that they don’t fit. I tried a Remo Powerstroke Pro and an Evans EMAD. While the hoop fits over the head the collar of the head is much thicker as well as the shoulder height from the collar to the surface of the head. Overall the Evans and Remo heads are almost twice as tall as the stock Pearl head. This caused the backside of the collars to bump into the phillips head screws that attach the bass drum to the stand which prevented the hoop from fully tensioning the head against the bearing edge. It appears that only 18″ floor-tom heads or another stock Pearl head are the only options.

The top mounting bracket which doubles as both a carry handle and the snare stand is made of a strong material and has textured surfaces to help keep it in place when you tighten the clamps. But depending on your setup, the snare can hang out towards the end of the arm and sometimes wants to rotate. I guess just be sure the clamps are snug. I don’t know how much stress they can take before they might strip.

As for the snare itself, it’s a 10″ head with wires pushed up against it from the underside stretched over a metal “shell” which is just over an inch deep. It’s construction is solid and the hoop is a standard triple flanged 6-hole in black finish. It seems that any standard drumset head will fit on it. I think LP and DW make similar types of snares as accessory drums. The wires tension can be adjusted with a thumbscrew on the underside. I don’t think it sounds bad as some say. It’s not the typical snare sound you’re used to. It can be used to create some unique sounds when added to your standard drum set. It’s pretty much a 1-headed popcorn snare. It works but may not fit in with all styles of music. If you want a fuller sound, try a 13×3.5″ piccolo on a snare stand.

My thoughts overall are 4 out of 5 stars because while I was mildly disappointed with some aspects of the design and features I felt that it’s still reasonably strong and is a good musical instrument. It’s not going to win any contests for it’s looks but overall it functions well for what it is. Keep that in mind, this is a specialty instrument with unique features; it had to forego some attributes of traditional drums which allow Pearl to make it as compact as it is. It has its uses as it is built; obviously for cramped spaces or as a practice kit in a room where space is also an issue. I’ve done some experimentation with incorporating this set into my Tama Superstar setup. The bass drum can be tune up a a bit more and played as an auxiliary drum beside your normal bass.

Maybe the “bang for the buck” verdict is still out. I don’t know how I feel about its value. Maybe I expected more. But I also want to add that I realized this is a shell-pack, not a full drum set. Most drums are sold this way; drums only. The entry-level beginner sets are usually the only sets to include a basic hardware setup with starter cymbals. You still need all hardware and cymbals if you intend to play this as a stand-alone drum set. I considered what else you might be able to buy for about $200-$250. There is the Tama Club-Jam, which I have no experience with, but it uses wood shells and I would expect it to have a more desirable sound. But it’s slightly larger, doesn’t fold up like this does and costs a little more. I guess it all depends on what YOU need in a drum set.

I have started hosting a bi weekly social distanced jam on my back patio. This kit is perfect for that, easy to maneuver and set up, also easy to pick up and get back inside in the case of a sudden thunderstorm. The sound is fine, in fact the snare sounds surprisingly good once it is tuned properly and the snares are adjusted. The bass drum rings into next week, 4 moon gel pads dampened that. I supplemented the kit with the high hat and 18” crash from my full size kit, and bought a Tama Iron Cobra 200 kick drum pedal to use with this kit. I agree with the reviews that say the illustrations are misleading. There is no hardware or cymbals included with this kit. Despite the price, this really isn’t a good kit for a beginner. It is an excellent secondary kit for a drummer who wants extreme portability. A newcomer would do better with an entry level fill size kit that comes with cymbals and hardware. They can be had from Pearl and others for around $500.00 to $700.00. The Compact Traveler is an excellent value, well made, and extremely portable. But, if you are looking for your first kit, this probably isn’t it. Update 06/27/2021. When I wrote my original review I paid $215.00. I’m not sure this product is worth what Pearl is charging now. Update 01/09/2022. I see Pearl has dropped the price to $234.00. That is reasonable for what you get.

Buy this set up to jam acoustic with my freinds in the studio. There’s no place for an acoustic drum,so a buy that gear cause it’s so tight. Perfect for my purpose !
I got the cymbal low volume an a tom to give me more possibility.
It only the kick an the snare that you buy For that price , it’s impossible to have all that. But for a start it could do the job. But honestly, you have to buy at least some cymbals. 😉 Very happy with and my freind were surprised how it sound,when they hear it. Sound perfect for us. I use some Jazz stick cause it quieter that normal stick.
Recommend it. It’s solide made, you can upgrade de skin if you wan.

El bombo tiene una sonoridad propia de uno normal. La tarola o cajón, por razones de dimensión, tiene un desempeño entre regular y bueno, pero el ahorro de espacio es impresionante. Incluso, con micrófonos, su sonido sería equivalente a un equipo de dimensiones normales. A mi me pareció excelente.

This compact kit really exceeded my expectations. I was concerned that it may sound toy like because of its size but got the total opposite. Very pleasantly surprised of the solid and full bass sound it has and the tight in the pocket snare sound. I have had Gretsch, Yamaha, mapex and tama drums in the past. Pearl is my new favorite for band practice and busking. During band practice recording, you cant even tell that the drums are this small, add to cart then check out. You will not regret this purchase.

Oh boy. Where to start. Amazing kit, even better price. I play with a bandana over the snare and bass. An absolute must with this kit is the sabian quite tone cymbals. A side review on them beauties… I went with the sabians over the zildgens. Am not regretting. Everyone including myself love the tone. Paired with this kit, The only limit is who you are playing with

Small enough to fit in my closet. The kit itself sounds better than anticipated, especially the snare.