Tama Introduces Steel Shell Starphonic Snare

Tama scored such a major win a couple years back with the introduction of Starphonic snare drums that the company decided to augment the lineup with a brand new 14" x 6" hardened steel shell model. And it’s a beaut – finished in a high-gloss black nickel plating, the drum is fitted with a solid triple-flanged grooved hoop, freedom pivot release lugs and claw hooks, and a “linear-drive” strainer system with ratchet style tension adjuster. Tama promises that this metal masterpiece will speak with a crisp, sharp, open sound, and concert snare sensitivity. Keep in mind that just 200 have been released in the U.S., so you’d better act fast if this instrument calls your name. List price: $615. (For a video tour of the Steel Shell Starphonic snare shot at the 2011 Winter NAMM show, go here.)