Here we have a very rare Pearl MLX Jazz kit circa 1988 - 1990.

Pearl MLX sometimes referred to as 'Prestige Custom' 100% Maple Kit. The MLX was Pearl's top of the line series between 1988 and 1995 until Pearl phased it out to introduce the new thinner shelled Master Series. For a while the Masters MMX (4 ply Maple) was Pearls only Maple shell offering but later the original six ply Maple shell as found on the MLX was introduced back by popular demand in to the Masters line up as MRX.

The MLX was a major favourite in Pearls line up, its competition at the time was the Sonor Hilite and Yamaha Maple Custom and tonally this kit delivers a very similar vibe and has similar looks in terms of it's hi-tension lugs etc. Research and Designed by Pearl Japan, the MLX was one of the first kits to be produced in the new Taiwanese facility which went on to produce all of Pearls drums across the series (with the exception of CZX)

Notable users of the MLX include players such as Dennis Chambers, Jeff Porcaro, Greg Bissonette, Tico Torres & Marvin 'Smitty' Smith.

The MLX and BLX (birch alternative) and Big Brother series CZX (thicker maple) were the drums that put Pearl on the map, new hardware innovations, improved shell design and finishing techniques, striking looks and solid sound! There are still current Pearl Endorsees favouring to use this era of Pearl in the studio and live up to the present day, when you sit behind one and play it, there is no surprise why.

The kit we have here is from circa 1988 - 90. This set is from the second production phase of the series with - hi-tension lugs, red writing 'all maple shell' badges, SP30 bass drum spurs and cast air vents. The Liquid Amber finish on this set is in great condition, there are a few tiny nicks on the bass drum hoops. The Hi-Tension lugs are showing pitting which is typical for this age and era. Incredibly this kit has come in with near perfect condition Pearl Ambassador Coated tom heads which were the factory issued standard head for these Jazz kits. This particular configuration was Pearl's offering for Jazz players, the standard depth 12 x 8 & 13 x 9 toms, 14 x 14 floor tom and 20 x 14 bass drum are extremely rare sizes to get in the MLX, favoured at the time by players such as Dennis Chambers and Jeff Porcaro. Whilst the kit lends itself very well for Jazz, the MLX shells are extremely powerful, with double ply heads this kit would also be a fantastic compact set up capable of all contemporary styles too.

• Pearl MLX Prestige Custom Professional Series Jazz Kit

• 12 x 8 & 13 x 9 Toms

• 14 x 14 Floor Tom

• 20 x 14 Drilled Bass Drum

• 6 Ply, 7.5mm 100% Premium Maple Shells

• Liquid Amber Lacquer Finish (No. 114)

• Stunning Maple Warmth with additional Projection

• Hi-Tension Lugs

• SP-30 Bass Drum Spurs

• LB30 - Hinged Floor Tom Leg Brackets with Memory Locks

• 2.3mm Super Hoops throughout

• Includes 2 x TH95 tom holders and 3 floor tom legs

• Original Pearl Logo Head and Ambassador Coated Batter Heads. New EMAD Bass Drum Batter head and Evans G1 Coated Tom Resonant Heads fitted.

• Cast Vent Holes

• 7/10 condition - Shells are in superb condition, a few nicks on the bass drum hoops, typical age related pitting on the hi-tension rods.