This is like a perfect drum. Bubinga has a warmth that exceeds mahogany and a density and projection that exceeds birch. And the fact that it’s a thick shell adds volume and some brightness back into the mix. Incredible.
I've had this snare for about six months. Played live with and without a microphone, and recorded with it. I can honestly say it's the best snare I've ever owned. Obviously you can drop $1,000 on a black beauty or something like that but as far as mid-range priced snares go, you're not going to find anything better than this if you like wood snares. I have the bottom head cranked really high and the top head between medium and high, with a half of a moon gel. I've gotten so many positive comments on how good it sounds and how much body and crack it has. On top of it all, it looks amazing. You can definitely bring the funk with this thing and blast beats sound savage if that's your thing.
Freakin' love mine too; the crack is amazing, and cross sticking is awesome. For a Phatt sound, I sometimes tone the shell down with a studio ring on the batter, which is quickly removable for the next song. Haven't looked back since, no need!
Use this snare in a punk/hardcore band and it's cuts really well, especially tuned slightly high. You get the snap and the feel you need. Very versatile snare.
I have this drum in an 8-inch-deep version, which is a limited edition Tama made for a particular music store. I put cast hoops on it and wow, just wow.
I picked this up along with a vintage hand hammered steel snare. Using this as my classic rock/ blues snare. 42 strand snares to, snappy! Tama snares are just the best, and I still want more for all recording purposes!
Great job Nick ! You give very professional demonstrations and tutorials. Sweetwater picked the right person for the job. You are making a good impression on all us Drummers out here. Keep on trappin 🥁 Nick and Keep sending us interesting videos on new Gear. T Y S.R.PURDY 🥁 GOD BLESS
Man, these, and the 8 deep snares used to be a HELL of a bargain, it sounds great, and they were somewhat limited. I picked up several of each as much as an investment as anything else. I like it better than the Starphonic Bubinga
Hi. I'm deciding between getting either this snare drum or the DW Performance Series 6.5x14 steel snare drum. Which one would you say would be the superior snare to get? I like a wide tuning range, but mostly getting a nice Stuart Copland-like crack with minimal ring
Hi Paul, It is hard for me to tell you exactly which snare to get because they are both very nice. It should come down to what needs you have. A wood drum will never get the metal "ping" of a steel drum, but you can tone down a metal drum to sometimes make it more "wood-like". I'm not trying to be vague. I just want to try and give you some tools to help you pick a great drum for you and your style. I hope that helps :) Take care, Nick
This drum sounds kind of compressed on rim shots, which is a sound I personally dig, I'm just wondering if compression was used in the mixing to bring out that sound?
The drum has one air hole and no built in muffler. It’s got an amazing sound and tunes really well low, mid or high. It does have a little ring tuned high easily fixed with moongel if needed. This is my favorite wood snare. Period.
Well... Chris Adler uses a 12" snare on Lamb of God but some uses a 14x 8 snare. As time Goes by you undertand that is all about taste for sound. Theres no "wrong" really. But "apropriate" could happen a little.
Yannik Steindl high and fat might be the best description for this snare honestly. It’s high cause of the thick g bubinga shells but it’s fat because bubinga wood naturally has a deep fat sound. Both of those things make this snare exactly what you wanted in a high fat tone but it can go low and fat or high with a crack. Very versatile snare drum. I use this in my metal band and it’s perfect.
Keep in mind the batter head on this video does not come on the drum. From everything I've seen most people replace the stock head. I'm surprised that wasn't mentioned in this video.
+Rico Horton It looks better than cheap to me. The made in USA snares use cheap flared-over air vents, including the Ludwig Black Beauty. It serves the purpose regardless. The Tama's may be made in China, but the build quality is excellent.
+ibleebinU Well I have a Starclassic Bubinga built in china. It has good quality airvent. No reason why Tama China can not put decent airvent on the SLP snares. Even the BB Performer has the nicer airvents now.
This is like a perfect drum. Bubinga has a warmth that exceeds mahogany and a density and projection that exceeds birch. And the fact that it’s a thick shell adds volume and some brightness back into the mix. Incredible.
anything that nick played on, reviewed, i want to buy them all..he seems to be a very nice guy, great drummer,and a better salesman..
Anjas Fajaryan facts
I've had this snare for about six months. Played live with and without a microphone, and recorded with it. I can honestly say it's the best snare I've ever owned. Obviously you can drop $1,000 on a black beauty or something like that but as far as mid-range priced snares go, you're not going to find anything better than this if you like wood snares. I have the bottom head cranked really high and the top head between medium and high, with a half of a moon gel. I've gotten so many positive comments on how good it sounds and how much body and crack it has. On top of it all, it looks amazing. You can definitely bring the funk with this thing and blast beats sound savage if that's your thing.
This. I freaking love mine!
Freakin' love mine too; the crack is amazing, and cross sticking is awesome. For a Phatt sound, I sometimes tone the shell down with a studio ring on the batter, which is quickly removable for the next song. Haven't looked back since, no need!
I bought mine yesterday and I'm playing it on Easter Sunday
Use this snare in a punk/hardcore band and it's cuts really well, especially tuned slightly high. You get the snap and the feel you need. Very versatile snare.
I have this drum in an 8-inch-deep version, which is a limited edition Tama made for a particular music store. I put cast hoops on it and wow, just wow.
I picked this up along with a vintage hand hammered steel snare. Using this as my classic rock/ blues snare. 42 strand snares to, snappy! Tama snares are just the best, and I still want more for all recording purposes!
Tama snares are great. Best for the money.
So...
I‘ve read eight reviews, watched abdozent demos... BUT ...
As always Nick‘s opinion is the best advice
Great job Nick ! You give very professional demonstrations and tutorials. Sweetwater picked the right person for the job. You are making a good impression on all us Drummers out here. Keep on trappin 🥁 Nick and Keep sending us interesting videos on new Gear. T Y S.R.PURDY 🥁 GOD BLESS
Man, these, and the 8 deep snares used to be a HELL of a bargain, it sounds great, and they were somewhat limited. I picked up several of each as much as an investment as anything else. I like it better than the Starphonic Bubinga
I just got one for a great price, almost too good. Should be here soon. I'm very excited
This would be the best review on the market if the snare mic'd as well as the vocal
Correction: Starclassic lugs have 2 screws holding it into place, not one. Just fyi :)
+yogi357 You are correct, I just checked mine.
The snap on those rim shots.
your awesome nick! I really enjoy your videos!
Hi. I'm deciding between getting either this snare drum or the DW Performance Series 6.5x14 steel snare drum. Which one would you say would be the superior snare to get? I like a wide tuning range, but mostly getting a nice Stuart Copland-like crack with minimal ring
Hi Paul,
It is hard for me to tell you exactly which snare to get because they are both very nice. It should come down to what needs you have. A wood drum will never get the metal "ping" of a steel drum, but you can tone down a metal drum to sometimes make it more "wood-like". I'm not trying to be vague. I just want to try and give you some tools to help you pick a great drum for you and your style.
I hope that helps :)
Take care, Nick
Good day! Sounds great! On what the note is configured with upper and lower plastic?
I really love your buzz roll, fantastic. please teach me how!
Squeeze tight in the fulcrum and dig into the head
that's a really nice snare!!!! tanks for the video!
This drum sounds kind of compressed on rim shots, which is a sound I personally dig, I'm just wondering if compression was used in the mixing to bring out that sound?
Sounds like compression and maybe a gate is used.
Do you have a review of the Tama S.L.P. Birch/Bubinga snare drum?
How much does this drum cost in general, retail price?
Hey Nick, does this drum have any airvents? If so, how does this affect the sound?
The drum has one air hole and no built in muffler. It’s got an amazing sound and tunes really well low, mid or high. It does have a little ring tuned high easily fixed with moongel if needed. This is my favorite wood snare. Period.
Can this snare also be used for Metal/Metalcore?? I'm searching for a snare with high/fat sounding tone.
I just got the SLP Figured Birch 14" x 6,5" perfect for that IMHO
Well... Chris Adler uses a 12" snare on Lamb of God but some uses a 14x 8 snare. As time Goes by you undertand that is all about taste for sound. Theres no "wrong" really. But "apropriate" could happen a little.
Yannik Steindl high and fat might be the best description for this snare honestly. It’s high cause of the thick g bubinga shells but it’s fat because bubinga wood naturally has a deep fat sound. Both of those things make this snare exactly what you wanted in a high fat tone but it can go low and fat or high with a crack. Very versatile snare drum. I use this in my metal band and it’s perfect.
which one you prefer. slp steel or bubinga?
Hi Francisco Nawrath! Well, I do like both, but I think I would go with the Steel shell first over the Bubinga. That's just me though…Take care, Nick
Or walnut or spruce?
I love the SLP line, however, the Tama Starphonic in this , sounds better ...to me anyway..
Can anyone tell me what the 'G-' stands for?
Gangstuh!
James Jackson
Gee, this sounds good 😊
Keep in mind the batter head on this video does not come on the drum. From everything I've seen most people replace the stock head. I'm surprised that wasn't mentioned in this video.
It's pretty much the same though. He's using an Ambassador and it comes stock with an Evans G1. Basically the same thing.
Bubinga is expensive but worth it.
i have the snare and i don't like that Tama China put a cheap pressed metal airvent on this nice bubinga snare.
+Rico Horton It looks better than cheap to me. The made in USA snares use cheap flared-over air vents, including the Ludwig Black Beauty. It serves the purpose regardless.
The Tama's may be made in China, but the build quality is excellent.
+ibleebinU Well I have a Starclassic Bubinga built in china. It has good quality airvent. No reason why Tama China can not put decent airvent on the SLP snares. Even the BB Performer has the nicer airvents now.
dat rim pop
7headed1 oh yeah
Two bolts per lug, btw.