# Pearl Masters Maple Drummers — Which Metal Drummers Use It? > MetalForge's guide to pro metal drummers who play the Pearl Masters Maple drum kit. > Last updated: 2026-06-25 The Pearl Masters Maple is one of the most celebrated drum kits in modern metal. Pearl's Masters series has been the choice of extreme metal's elite for decades — combining premium North American maple shells with Pearl's OptiMount suspension system for maximum resonance and projection. From the blast-beat-driven world of technical death metal to the groove-focused realm of brutal death metal, the Masters Maple has proven itself as a battle-ready professional instrument capable of handling any style and any volume. --- ## Pro Metal Drummers Who Use the Pearl Masters Maple ### Flo Mounier — Cryptopsy **Years used:** 2000–present **Configuration:** Pearl Masters Maple (22"×18" Bass, 10"×8", 12"×9", 14"×12", 16"×14" Toms) **Endorsee:** Yes Flo Mounier is widely regarded as one of the fastest and most technically accomplished drummers in metal. As the driving force behind Canadian technical death metal legends Cryptopsy since 1992, Mounier's playing is defined by earth-shattering blast beats, gravity blasts, and complex polyrhythmic figures at extreme tempos. His Pearl Masters Maple setup provides the sonic clarity and projection needed to cut through Cryptopsy's dense, layered arrangements. Albums like *None So Vile* (1996) and *Whisper Supremacy* (1998) — recorded during his Pearl endorsement — remain benchmarks of extreme metal drumming. Mounier has also taught masterclasses worldwide, consistently praising the Masters Maple's consistency and responsiveness under brutal playing conditions. See full profile: [Flo Mounier Drummer](/drummers/flo-mounier) ### Paul Mazurkiewicz — Cannibal Corpse **Years used:** 2005–present **Configuration:** Pearl Masters Maple (20"×14" Bass ×2, 10"×8", 12"×9", 14"×12", 16"×14" Toms) **Endorsee:** Yes Paul Mazurkiewicz is the founding drummer of death metal institution Cannibal Corpse and one of the most consistent double bass performers in the genre's history. Since 1988, Mazurkiewicz has been the rhythmic backbone of one of the most prolific death metal discographies in existence, with over fifteen studio albums to his name. His Pearl Masters Maple setup handles his double bass workload with authority — 20"×14" kick drums deliver the explosive punch that Cannibal Corpse's hyper-aggressive compositions demand. His methodical, powerful approach to drumming highlights the Masters Maple's durability and tonal character under the sustained intensity of extended recording and touring cycles. See full profile: [Paul Mazurkiewicz Drummer](/drummers/paul-mazurkiewicz) --- ## About the Pearl Masters Maple The Pearl Masters Maple features premium North American maple shells with Pearl's OptiMount isolation mounting system — allowing the shells to resonate freely without hardware interference. This design choice gives the Masters Maple significantly more sustain and warmth compared to traditionally-mounted kits. **Key specifications:** - Shell: 6-ply North American maple (standard sizes) - Bearing edge: 45-degree with inside counter-cut - Mounting: Pearl OptiMount suspension - Hardware: Nickel-plated hardware (standard) - Notable feature: Free-floating shell resonance via OptiMount - Approximate price range: €2,800–€4,500 (configuration dependent) The kit is available through Thomann and Sweetwater. See the [Pearl brand page](/gear/pearl) for more on the full Pearl drum lineup, including the Pearl Reference Series and Pearl Masters Premium. --- ## FAQ **Q: Which pro metal drummers use the Pearl Masters Maple?** A: Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy) and Paul Mazurkiewicz (Cannibal Corpse) are among the most prominent metal drummers who use the Pearl Masters Maple. Both are confirmed Pearl endorsers who have played the Masters series throughout major recording and touring periods. **Q: Is the Pearl Masters Maple good for metal drumming?** A: Yes — the Pearl Masters Maple is a proven choice for extreme metal. Its OptiMount suspension system allows the shells to ring freely for maximum projection, and the North American maple construction provides the warm, punchy tone that sits well in dense metal mixes. The kit handles blast beats, double bass patterns, and heavy rimshots consistently across extended performance sessions. **Q: What configuration does Flo Mounier use on the Pearl Masters Maple?** A: Flo Mounier's core setup features a 22"×18" bass drum, 10"×8" and 12"×9" rack toms, a 14"×12" mid tom, and a 16"×14" floor tom — augmented by his Pearl Masters 14"×5.5" snare. The Pearl Demon Drive double pedal completes his high-speed setup, delivering the extreme velocity his gravity blast technique requires. **Q: How does the Pearl Masters Maple compare to the Pearl Reference Series?** A: The Masters Maple uses a consistent 6-ply maple construction across all sizes, while the Pearl Reference Series uses size-optimized shells that vary in ply count and material (birch, maple, mahogany) to maximize each drum's resonance. For most metal applications, the Masters Maple offers excellent performance at a lower price point than the Reference. The Reference is the better choice for studio work where every nuance of tone matters.