What is the primary function of the Big Fat Snare Drum 14 Medford Square?

Its primary function is to provide instant warmth and thickness to a snare drum's sound. It transforms a standard snare tone into a dry, punchy sound characteristic of the 1970s.

How do you install the 14 Medford Square?

The installation is a simple 'pop on' process. You place the device directly on top of the snare drum's batter head without needing any tape or gels.

Does this product require adhesive to stay in place?

No, it does not require any adhesives. It is designed to sit securely on the drum head, allowing for quick removal and application.

What size snare drum is the Medford Square compatible with?

This specific model is designed for 14-inch snare drums. It is compatible with standard models like the British Drum Co. Maverick or the Tama Starclassic Performer.

How does the Medford Square affect the pitch of the drum?

It lowers the fundamental pitch of the snare drum. By adding mass to the head, it creates a deeper, 'fatter' sound without having to retune the tension rods.

Is the Medford Square suitable for live performances?

Yes, it is highly suitable for live use because it allows for an instant tonal change. A drummer can quickly add or remove it between songs to vary the kit's sound.

Can it be used on deep snare drums like a 14x8 inch model?

Yes, it can be used on deep snares such as the Natal Originals Walnut 14x8. It will further enhance the natural depth and warmth of such large shells.

How does it compare to using dampening gels?

Unlike gels which only dampen small areas, the Medford Square covers the whole head to change the entire character of the drum. It provides a much more significant transformation into a dry, 70s-style tone.

Is the sound produced by the Medford Square suitable for recording?

It is excellent for recording, especially when a dry and punchy snare sound is required. It helps in controlling overtones that can be difficult to manage with microphones.

What is the typical price for this accessory?

The typical price for the Big Fat Snare Drum 14 Medford Square is approximately £30.00. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to buying new drum heads for specific sounds.

Will this work on a stainless steel snare drum?

Yes, it works well on metal snares like the DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel. It helps to mellow out the aggressive ring often found in metal shells.

Does the Medford Square work on electronic kits?

While the manufacturer produces various accessories, the Medford Square is designed for acoustic drum heads. Using it on an electronic mesh head would likely interfere with the trigger sensitivity.

Gear article

Big Fat Snare Drum 14 Medford Square

The Big Fat Snare Drum 14 Medford Square is a drum accessory designed to instantly modify the acoustic properties of a snare drum. It provides a dry, punchy, and low-pitched tone reminiscent of 1970s studio recordings without the use of adhesives or gels.

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Overview

The Big Fat Snare Drum (BFSD) 14 Medford Square is a specialised dampening tool that sits directly on top of a standard 14-inch snare drum head. It is engineered to transform the fundamental tone of a drum into a shorter, deeper, and more compressed sound. Unlike traditional muffling methods such as tape, gels, or internal mufflers, the Medford Square covers a significant portion of the drumhead's surface area to achieve its effect.

Mechanism and Installation

The device operates through a simple 'drop-on' application. It does not require any adhesive, clips, or permanent modifications to the drum shell or hoop. By adding mass to the vibrating surface and restricting the air movement above the batter head, the BFSD 14 Medford Square lowers the pitch of the drum and eliminates high-frequency overtones. This allows drummers to switch between a standard tuning and a 'fat' sound instantly during a performance or recording session.

British Drum Company British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple Snare Drum

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the Medford Square is defined by warmth and thickness. It is specifically designed to emulate the dry, punchy snare sounds popular in the 1970s. The result is a highly focused fundamental note with a rapid decay, reducing the 'ring' or 'ping' associated with high-tension snare heads. This makes it particularly effective for genres that require a vintage aesthetic or a controlled studio sound.

Compatibility and Alternatives

The 14 Medford Square is compatible with a wide range of industry-standard 14-inch snares, including the British Drum Co. Maverick Maple, the Tama Starclassic Performer, and the DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel snare. For players seeking different tonal textures, other percussion instruments like the Remo Lollipop Frame Drum or Sela Melody Tongue Drum offer distinct melodic qualities, but the BFSD remains a primary choice for modification of existing acoustic snare kits.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Big Fat Snare Drum 14 Medford Square?: Its primary function is to provide instant warmth and thickness to a snare drum's sound. It transforms a standard snare tone into a dry, punchy sound characteristic of the 1970s.
How do you install the 14 Medford Square?: The installation is a simple 'pop on' process. You place the device directly on top of the snare drum's batter head without needing any tape or gels.
Does this product require adhesive to stay in place?: No, it does not require any adhesives. It is designed to sit securely on the drum head, allowing for quick removal and application.
What size snare drum is the Medford Square compatible with?: This specific model is designed for 14-inch snare drums. It is compatible with standard models like the British Drum Co. Maverick or the Tama Starclassic Performer.
How does the Medford Square affect the pitch of the drum?: It lowers the fundamental pitch of the snare drum. By adding mass to the head, it creates a deeper, 'fatter' sound without having to retune the tension rods.
Is the Medford Square suitable for live performances?: Yes, it is highly suitable for live use because it allows for an instant tonal change. A drummer can quickly add or remove it between songs to vary the kit's sound.
Can it be used on deep snare drums like a 14x8 inch model?: Yes, it can be used on deep snares such as the Natal Originals Walnut 14x8. It will further enhance the natural depth and warmth of such large shells.
How does it compare to using dampening gels?: Unlike gels which only dampen small areas, the Medford Square covers the whole head to change the entire character of the drum. It provides a much more significant transformation into a dry, 70s-style tone.
Is the sound produced by the Medford Square suitable for recording?: It is excellent for recording, especially when a dry and punchy snare sound is required. It helps in controlling overtones that can be difficult to manage with microphones.
What is the typical price for this accessory?: The typical price for the Big Fat Snare Drum 14 Medford Square is approximately £30.00. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to buying new drum heads for specific sounds.
Will this work on a stainless steel snare drum?: Yes, it works well on metal snares like the DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel. It helps to mellow out the aggressive ring often found in metal shells.
Does the Medford Square work on electronic kits?: While the manufacturer produces various accessories, the Medford Square is designed for acoustic drum heads. Using it on an electronic mesh head would likely interfere with the trigger sensitivity.