This month we are taking a look at a Pearl Valencia kit from the early to mid-sixties. I recently acquired this kit from Jim Pettit at the Memphis Drum Shop. This kit is a real time capsule and has an interesting story.
These drums were traded in at the Memphis Drum Shop several years ago by the original owner. They were purchased new in Japan while the owner was stationed there in the service. At the end of his tour, he brought the kit home. After his return, the kit remained in storage for a number of years before they were brought to the Memphis Drum Shop. The kit was incredibly clean and complete, so Mr. Pettit kept it as part of the shop’s vintage drum collection. While this kit was in Jim’s collection, it was loaned to Pearl who displayed it in their offices in Nashville for a time. When the drums returned to Memphis, they were put on display in the shop. Recently, I purchased the set and it is now a part of my collection.
Valencia drums were Pearl’s lower-priced kit during the 1960’s; similar to Ludwig’s Club Date and Slingerland’s Stage Band outfits. They feature thin, three-ply Luan shells with reinforcement rings and center-mounted lugs thus making the drums extremely light and very resonant. During the early to mid-sixties, Valencia bass drums included a third reinforcement ring in the center which was deleted around 1966 or so. This kit has the third ring which makes it an earlier example. Sizes are 14x20, 8x12, 14x14, and a 5x14 snare. They are wrapped in a beautifully deep and vibrant Black Diamond Pearl and are in excellent condition. The set has the original stands, bass drum petal, high-hat, and throne. One of the most unique features is the original Pearl cymbals which are stamped with the Pearl Pig logo. These drums sound really great; the cymbals not so much. Even so, they are a lot of fun to play. I am pleased to have this cool little set in my collection.