Early Drum Kits and Outfits (1920s – 1930s) Premier's early drum kits, referred to as "Combination Outfits," were developed during the 1920s for use in
dance halls,
theaters, and
cinemas. These sets typically featured a bass drum outfitted with traps, a snare drum,
temple blocks, and
cymbals mounted on a rolling console. Early Premier kits often included telescopic bass drum pedals and hand-tuned
tom-toms, designed for the needs of
silent film accompanists and
vaudeville performers.
Military and Regimental Drums (1920s – 1940s) Alongside its dance and theater kits, Premier produced a broad range of military and regimental drums during the
interwar period. These included rope-tension and rod-tension side drums, tenor drums, and bass drums, many of which featured decorative painted crests and regimental insignia. These instruments were used by British and Commonwealth regiments, as well as in school
cadet bands. The Resonator line became popular among professional players in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in live performance contexts where its enhanced projection was beneficial. A limited-edition black-lacquered version, known as the Black Shadow, was produced during this period and has since become a collectible variant of the line. While the series was eventually discontinued, its engineering approach influenced future drum design and remains associated with Premier’s period of technical innovation.
Projector (late 1970s) Premier introduced the Projector series in the late 1970s as a mid-range alternative to the flagship Resonator line. Designed for gigging musicians and semi-professional players, Projector kits featured robust construction and straightforward hardware, offering durability without the acoustic complexity of the double-shell design found in the Resonators. The Projector series utilised birch shells with standard reinforcement rings and Premier’s classic flush-braced lugs. Kits were available in standard four- and five-piece configurations and came finished in a range of wrap and lacquer options. These drums were known for their solid tone, especially in
live settings, where their focused projection and reliability made them a popular choice for touring bands. While the Projector lacked the high-end appeal of Premier’s top-tier offerings, it became a dependable and widely adopted line during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The series contributed to Premier's continued visibility among working musicians and schools, balancing affordability with professional-level features.
Royale and Crown (1982–1988) The Royale and Crown series were launched by Premier in the 1980s as successors to the Olympic range, targeting entry-level and intermediate drummers. These kits retained many of the visual features associated with Premier’s higher-end lines but used more cost-effective materials and simplified hardware. Both lines featured standard six or eight-lug configurations on bass drums and toms. The Royale series was aimed at beginners and schools, while the Crown range offered slightly upgraded components and finishes, serving as a stepping stone for students progressing to semi-professional use. Both lines were produced in the UK and retained Premier’s manufacturing standards, offering an accessible option for drummers seeking a British-made kit without the premium pricing of the Resonator or Projector series. Though not marketed as professional kits, Royale and Crown sets became widely used in educational settings and home practice studios, contributing to Premier’s continued visibility in the mass market during the 1980s.
APK and XPK (1985–1999) Premier introduced the APK and XPK series in the mid-1980s to address the growing demand for
mass-market drum kits suitable for students, schools, and semi-professional players. These lines offered updated styling and manufacturing efficiencies while maintaining the core visual identity of Premier drums. The XPK, marketed as a step up from APK, utilised an outer ply of higher-grade birch. Both lines were available in a wide range of configurations and finishes, including lacquered and wrapped options. Hardware was kept simple but reliable, using low-mass lugs and basic tom mounts. The XPK, in particular, gained popularity in schools and recording studios due to its improved shell construction and balanced sound profile. While not considered high-end kits, both APK and XPK played a crucial role in maintaining Premier's brand presence during the late 1980s and 1990s, particularly as competition from Asian manufacturers intensified.
Signia (1992) Launched in 1992, the Signia series was Premier’s first full
maple drum line, notable for its undersized shell diameters designed to enhance resonance. The 5mm maple shells featured beech reinforcement rings and were joined using
scarf joints, a method typically found in acoustic instrument making, to improve structural integrity. Developed by Premier’s in-house team, this construction aimed to maximise tonal clarity, sustain, and projection. The Signia series was fitted with precision-engineered hardware, lugs, triple-flanged hoops and tube brackets. Attention to finish quality was central to the line, with deep gloss lacquers and premium wood veneers offered as standard. The Signia quickly became popular among touring and
session musicians, valued for both its aesthetics and performance. Premier also introduced a companion line, Signia Marquis, which retained much of the same build quality but with alternative component choices such as die cast hoops and unsupported shells. Together, these models marked Premier’s most significant professional offering of the 1990s, reinforcing its competitiveness in the high-end market during a time of strong international rivalry.
Genista (1994) Premier introduced the Genista series in 1994 as its first unsupported
birch shell kit. The original Genista kits were constructed from 100% Scandinavian birch, delivering a focused tone with strong attack and clarity, characteristics particularly favoured in live settings. They featured distinctive lugs, precision-engineered hardware, and a variety of high-gloss finishes. In 2022, Premier reimagined the Genista range as part of its centenary celebrations, offering three sub-lines: Genista Classic, Genista Heritage, and Genista Maple. These modern editions retained many of the original core features of Genista, updating the aesthetic and hardware options for contemporary drummers while drawing heavily on the original’s design DNA.
Centenary Models (2022) To commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2022, Premier launched several centenary products. The range included two key models: the Genista 100SE and the Della-Porta 100. The latter was UK-built, with both featuring high-spec materials, bespoke hardware and unique finishes referencing Premier’s legacy. The Genista 100SE was a special edition of the classic Genista line, built from premium American birch shells, 7-ply for toms and snares (5.6mm thick) and 9-ply for the bass drum (7.2mm). The toms retained Premier’s historic 6mm undersized shell diameters for improved tuning and resonance. Additional features included 45-degree bearing edges, low-profile ISO mounting systems, triple-flange hoops, and retooled tension lugs based on original Genista castings. The set was finished in a tri-band lacquer and fitted with original “P” badge plinths. The Della-Porta 100 was a UK-built, limited-run walnut snare drum named after Premier’s founder, Albert Della Porta. Each drum featured a 5mm, 4-ply walnut shell with 6mm beech reinforcement rings, constructed using traditional rolled and lapped scarf joints. A 30-degree round-over bearing edge and single-flange steel hoops with vintage claw hooks completed the design. The drum was fitted with Premier’s 610 snare mechanism and custom Evans/Calftone centenary heads. Each unit came with a numbered
certificate of authenticity and a matching UK-made hard case.
Elite, Genista, Artist and Revolution (2022-Present) Following the 2021 acquisition by Gear4music, Premier restructured its acoustic drum range into four distinct tiers to serve different segments of the market. The top-tier Elite line is targeted at professional touring and studio musicians, offering high-grade shells and detailed finishes. Genista occupies the upper-mid level, preserving its legacy as a premium birch line with modern refinements. The Artist series is aimed at intermediate players, offering performance-grade kits with accessible pricing. Revolution, designed as an entry-level offering, includes cymbals and hardware to provide a complete setup for beginners and educational use. All four lines reflect Premier’s continued commitment to UK-led design and broad global distribution. == Snare Drums ==