Cue the drumroll, please …
Our Drum Event is on, and that means Guitar Center is hyped on all things rhythm. Whether you’re a bedroom beat machine or the backbone of your band, this article will introduce you to a selection of exclusive drum gear to bring new flavor to your setup, from shell packs in eye-grabbing finishes to strictly limited snares.
Join us as we explore unique pieces from Pearl, Ludwig, TAMA and Gretsch, featuring insightful commentary from our very own drum merchant Davis Savage. He teamed up with vendors to conceptualize these exclusives, paying particular attention to what everyday drummers, like yourself, would appreciate.
Of course, from now until August 20, our Drum Event is a time to shop serious savings all around, so you won’t want to miss out on this chance to score new drums and accessories that’ll keep the groove going.
Table of Contents
Exclusive Drums
We're Drumming Up Deals
People Also Ask ...
Exclusive Drums
Pearl M80 Snare Drum
Key Specs and Features:
- 6-ply poplar shell offers a balanced sound
- Piccolo-style snap with enough tonal body to groove
- Compact 12x4" size easily integrates into your kit as a primary or secondary snare
Shop Now: Pearl M80 Snare Drum in Brushed Pewter 12x4"
Davis Savage: After a year-long hiatus, the Pearl M80 snare drum is back and better than ever. When the team at Pearl suggested we take this best-selling snare and give it an upgrade, it seemed like a no-brainer.
Now at 12" in diameter (as opposed to only 10" on the previous version), the M80 has grown into a snare you can actually fit into a snare basket. It’s not confined to just being a popcorn snare, either. Any drummer can get along with it, whether as a full-on primary snare, effects snare or a side snare.
And of course, the M80 has the quality sonic performance you’d expect out of any Pearl snare, while still being affordable.
Pearl GPXS Snare Drum
Key Specs and Features:
- Steel shell is naturally bright and articulate, with enough warmth to sound “solid”
- Eight dual-tuning lugs hold tension under pressure
- Pearl’s rapid-release snare strainer helps you swap sounds quickly
Shop Now: Pearl GPX Limited-Edition Black Nickel Over Steel Snare Drum 14x6.5"
DS: As metal snares have become almost ubiquitous these days, we wanted to work with the team at Pearl to bring a metal snare drum into their best-selling GPX line. That evolution brought about the GPX Steel snare, or GPXS.
It features a 1 mm steel shell coated with black nickel, delivering a rich tone with a powerful crack when you lay into it. At a classic 14x6.5" size, I’d challenge you to find a track you can’t play this snare on. The black nickel gives it some shockingly good looks too.
Ludwig White Mosaic Snare Drum With Gold Hardware
Key Specs and Features:
- 7-ply USA maple shell produces full, warm tone
- Exclusive White Mosaic wrap is made in Italy
- Limited to only 18 pieces
Shop Now: Ludwig Classic Maple Snare Drum in White Mosaic With Brass Hardware 14x6.5"
DS: When we first worked with Ludwig to develop the limited-edition White Mosaic Classic Maple, there was always an itch to see it with gold hardware. The last time we visited their factory in Monroe, North Carolina, they were quick to whip up an incredible sample for us—boom, there it was.
Using all the remaining wrap from this very special series, this Classic Maple snare is just the right amount of class with some subtle flash. There are fewer than 20 of these snare drums available, so it makes for another excellent addition to any snare collection.
Ludwig Hammered Chrome-Plated Copper Phonic Snare Drum
Key Specs and Features:
- Copper Phonic snare drum with unique chrome plating
- Hammered shell slightly darkens the tonality for a harmonically complex sound
- Limited to only 75 pieces
Shop Now: Ludwig Hammered Chrome-Plated Copper Phonic Snare Drum
DS: With a rich, articulate copper shell, you’ll get a ton of warmth and character from the Ludwig Hammered Chrome-Plated Copper Phonic snare drum. That makes this a truly musical drum with lots of sensitivity and overtones. In my humble opinion, it’s a perfect recording instrument.
The hammered shell is my favorite cherry on top, as it makes for a striking visual effect on top of the classic chrome plating that legendary Supraphonic snare drums are best known for. With 75 of these going into production, you’ll have to decide whether it goes into your studio arsenal or becomes your go-to for touring. Either way, I think you’re looking at a new favorite here.
TAMA Superstar Classic 7-Piece Shell Pack in Coastal Drift
Key Specs and Features:
- Expansive 7-piece kit in an 8"/10"/12"/14"/14"/16"/22" configuration
- Cool Coastal Drift finish fades from blueish green to natural maple
- Affordably priced for passionate players and aspiring professionals
Shop Now: TAMA Superstar Classic 7-Piece Shell Pack in Coastal Drift
DS: I don’t think it’s any secret the team at TAMA absolutely kills it with their finishes every time. We ended up calling this one “Coastal Drift,” and honestly, it just fits. When you look closely at the woodgrain on these 100% maple shells, it looks like waves washing up on a beach. That aquamarine/teal in the middle gives it a bit of a tropical feel, almost like you’re catching a glimpse of clear ocean water.
To be honest, we spent several months going back and forth on color swatches until we hit the perfect combination. I still have the dozen or so rejects in my office somewhere.
I’ve always loved the sound and resonance of these drums, too. Maple shells have a classic sound, but the way these are built with the Star-Mount tom system really brings out something special in the tone. TAMA’s engineering just hits the mark on this one.
I also love the fact this kit is huge. You can play any of your favorite prog tracks or pack up just a few pieces and bring it to a stripped-back country gig. My hope is this TAMA Superstar Classic drum set will inspire you to lay back, relax and get deep into the pocket.
Gretsch Catalina Club 4-Piece Shell Pack in White Satin Flame
Key Specs and Features:
- 4-piece kit featuring a 10"/12"/16"/22" configuration
- Exclusive White Satin Flame finish exudes vintage cool
- Limited to only 150 shell packs
Shop Now: Gretsch Drums Catalina Club 4-Piece Shell Pack with 22" Bass Drum in White Satin Flame
DS: It’s been some time since a brand-new Gretsch drum kit has hit the market, so I’m incredibly excited to introduce the Catalina Club in White Satin Flame.
When Gretsch let us know this super cool wrap was about to go away, we knew we wanted to do something unique to give it a good send-off. As a result, we developed the first-ever Catalina Club with a 22" bass drum. You can really dig in and get some punchy low end.
For the price, this is the perfect gigging kit—it sounds great and looks phenomenal. It’s still a classic Gretsch kit too, with 7-ply mahogany shells that can be tuned up for a jazz gig or lowered in pitch for powerful rock drumming.
If you’re looking for a serious kit without a serious price tag, this is the one for you.
We're Drumming Up Deals
There’s no fitter time than our August Drum Event to announce these groovy Guitar Center-exclusive snares and shell packs. You’ll want to jump on these fast, as it’s hard to say how long they’ll stick around.
For a limited time, you can also save a little moolah on every part of your rig, so upgrade that hardware, bring home those cymbals and pick up that double bass pedal you’ve had your eye on—now through August 20.
Scope the deals at your local store, or hop on a chat with one of our expert Gear Advisers—your throne awaits.
People Also Ask ...
What other exclusive drum gear does Guitar Center carry?
We recently debuted a few new exclusives for the 4th of July. These include the DW Design Series acrylic shell pack in Ruby Glass, the Ludwig Heritage Cherry 3-piece shell pack in Resolute Blue and the limited-edition Ludwig Maple Exotic snare drum featuring a Steinway Crown Jewel veneer.
You can check out all of our exclusive drum gear here.
What makes music gear “exclusive” to Guitar Center?
Exclusive means you won’t find it anywhere else. Guitar Center merchants have direct access to top brands, which allows them to dream up one-off color schemes or fresh takes on classic designs. Most importantly, exclusives bring something truly unique to players like you.
If an item is exclusive, is it also limited edition?
Many Guitar Center exclusives are produced in limited quantities. That’s our way of offering cool, rare instruments sure to be conversation starters. Occasionally, if players are going crazy for something, an exclusive item will remain in production for a longer period so people can get their hands on it. If you’re unsure about a particular piece, feel free to contact one of our Gear Advisers for more info.