The problem with Pearl drums, is they have so many top lines of drums, you have no clue what to buy lol they're all so amazing sounding. Sonor has SQ1/2, DW has collectors series, Tama has their Star line and so on. Pearl just hits you with like 5 different families that are astounding lol
Are these made of birch?
Nope, a mix of different woods depending on the size of the shell... check it out on the website, it's a whole thing
From what I know its a blend of Maple / Birch & Mahogany and barrowing the concept from their Masterworks program, they change the mix as the size of the shell changes.
Love the warm tones of Pearl drums. Those toms are beautifully resonant.