A Detailed Review of the Pearl Rhythm Traveler RT705
Introduction
Are you in search of the perfect drum set for your musical needs? Look no further than the Pearl Rhythm Traveler RT705. In this unbiased review, we will explore the features, quality, and performance of this exceptional drum kit. As an avid drummer myself, I have owned multiple RTs over the years and can attest to their impressive capabilities.
Quality and Tolerances
Let’s start by examining the overall quality and tolerances of the Pearl Rhythm Traveler. In terms of price-range, the craftsmanship and finishing of these drums are truly excellent. Each drum possesses its own unique characteristics, including trueness of the bearing edge, out-of-roundness, bearing edge finish, and rim/hoop flatness. The tolerances vary slightly among the different drums.
For instance, the 10″ Tom has a nearly perfect bearing edge, with slight imperfections in the finish. On the other hand, the 14″ Tom has a bearing edge that is less flat, but still within the expected range. The 20″ Bass boasts a perfectly flat bearing edge and a slightly out-of-flat hoop. The 13″ Snare, despite its higher out-of-flatness, surprisingly tunes easily with a regular coated head.
Notably, the snare bed is superbly crafted, featuring a gentle taper on both sides. This attention to detail sets the Pearl Rhythm Traveler apart from other drum kits on the market.
Hardware
Moving on to the hardware, the snare stand and cymbal stand may appear lightweight, but they are remarkably sturdy and durable. The high hat stand might feel sluggish at first, but with time, it becomes more responsive. While the bass pedal is well-constructed, personal preferences may lead some to replace it. However, all the included hardware, including lugs and spurs, exceed expectations in terms of quality and finish.
Heads
One common complaint with drum kits is the quality of the heads. However, the included heads on the Pearl Rhythm Traveler are exceptional, especially on the toms. The dual-ply hydraulic heads provide a satisfying, thud-like sound and minimize unwanted timbale effects. The snare’s coated head is satisfactory, but not ideal, and could benefit from replacement.
Silent Practice
What sets the Pearl Rhythm Traveler apart is its ability to cater to silent practice needs. The kit comes with batter side mesh heads and plastic cymbals with foam dampers. The single-ply Muffle Heads are of high quality and offer just the right amount of sound for practicing in close proximity to others. Even the snare responds with a subtle vibration, making it a perfect choice for quiet practicing sessions.
Portability, Set-up and Tear-down
If you’re looking for a portable drum set, the Pearl Rhythm Traveler is an excellent choice. Disassembling the kit takes only a matter of minutes, and with the correct use of memory locks, set-up is a breeze. The entire shell pack can easily fit in the front passenger seat of your car. This level of convenience makes it ideal for musicians constantly on the move.
Sound
Subjectivity plays a significant role when evaluating the sound of a drum kit. I highly recommend listening to the Pearl Rhythm Traveler in person before making a purchase decision. That being said, this kit exceeds expectations for its price range. The bass drum sounds much larger than its size, providing a deep and resonating tone. Although the toms cannot replicate the sound of dual-headed drums, they excel as concert toms and can tune lower than anticipated. The snare, while not offering an extensive range, delivers an overall pleasing sound that surpasses many higher-priced alternatives.
Suggested Improvements
While the Pearl Rhythm Traveler is already an impressive drum set, a few adjustments could further enhance its performance. Sealing and clear-coating the inside of the snare drum shell would greatly improve its tone and “crack.” Additionally, stuffing the L-arms with foam and capping the ends would reduce interference with the drums’ primary tones.
Summary
Overall, the Pearl Rhythm Traveler RT705 is an exceptional drum set that offers more pros than cons. The quality, performance, and portability of this kit make it an excellent value for your money. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced drummer, the Pearl Rhythm Traveler will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Discover the joys of playing the drums with this outstanding set from DHPL Travels.
Note: All images belong to DHPL Travels.
