What is the shell material of this Natal snare drum?

The drum features a 7-ply walnut shell, which is chosen for its ability to produce a clear, focused, and full-bodied tone.

What are the dimensions of this specific snare model?

The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 8 inches in depth, making it a 'deep' snare drum compared to industry standards.

What type of tuning rods does the Natal Originals Walnut snare use?

It is fitted with Tru-Tone tension rods, which are designed to provide flawless tuning and greater stability during play.

What is the Tri-Throw mechanism?

The Tri-Throw is Natal's specialised snare throw-off mechanism that allows for versatile adjustment and reliable engagement of the snare wires.

How does the 8-inch depth affect the sound?

The 8-inch depth provides a deeper, fatter sound with higher resonance on the shell, resulting in a more full-bodied tone than shallower snares.

Is this snare drum suitable for all music styles?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as a perfect choice for all playing styles and settings due to its versatile tuning and clear sound.

What finish is applied to this drum?

This specific model features a Natural Walnut finish that highlights the wood grain of the 7-ply shell.

How does walnut compare to maple snare drums like the Sonor AQ2?

Walnut typically offers a darker and more focused tone with a pronounced low end, whereas maple is known for a balanced, all-round bright and warm character.

What is the typical price for the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8"?

The typical price for this snare drum is approximately GBP 382.

Does this drum come in other finishes?

Yes, in addition to the Natural Walnut finish, the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" is also available in a Sunburst finish.

How does this snare compare to the Tama Starclassic Performer?

The Natal is significantly deeper (8 inches vs 5.5 inches) and uses walnut, whereas the Starclassic Performer LTD often uses different wood blends, resulting in a more focused, lower-pitched sound for the Natal.

Is the Natal Originals Walnut snare an electronic drum?

No, while the manufacturer's brand may span various categories, this specific model is a traditional acoustic snare drum.

Gear article

Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" Snare Drum Natural Walnut

The Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" Snare Drum is a deep-shelled acoustic snare constructed from 7-ply walnut, designed for a full-bodied and resonant sound. It features high-specification hardware including Tru-Tone tension rods and the Tri-Throw snare mechanism to ensure precise tuning and versatility across various musical genres.

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Overview

The Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" Snare Drum is a premium acoustic percussion instrument defined by its significant depth and high-quality timber construction. Part of the Natal Originals series, this drum is tailored for drummers seeking a substantial sonic presence. While the brand is categorised under broader electronic and acoustic percussion umbrellas, this specific model is a dedicated acoustic snare drum featuring a 7-ply walnut shell and a natural aesthetic finish.

Design and Construction

The core of the drum is its 7-ply walnut shell. Walnut is a timber known in drum manufacturing for its specific density and grain, contributing to a clear and focused sound. The 8-inch depth is a notable design choice, providing significantly more air volume than standard 5-inch or 6-inch models, which results in higher resonance and a more full-bodied tonal profile. The hardware includes Natal's proprietary Tru-Tone tension rods, which are designed for consistent and stable tuning, alongside the Tri-Throw snare mechanism for efficient engagement and disengagement of the snare wires.

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

Sound Character

The sound of the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" is characterised as deep and 'fat'. The extra depth allows for a lower fundamental pitch and a richer low-end response compared to shallower snare drums. The 7-ply walnut construction ensures that despite the depth, the drum maintains a clear and focused articulation, preventing the sound from becoming overly muddy. It is designed to be highly resonant, making it suitable for acoustic environments where a powerful snare presence is required.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional snares, the Natal Walnut's 8-inch depth distinguishes it from models like the British Drum Co. Maverick or the Tama Starclassic Performer, both of which typically feature a 5.5-inch depth. While those shallower drums offer faster response and higher crack, the Natal provides more volume and low-frequency resonance. In contrast to metal-shelled alternatives like the DW Drums Collectors Series Stainless Steel snare, the walnut shell offers a warmer, more organic timber tone. For those seeking the same depth but a different aesthetic, Natal also produces this model in a Sunburst finish.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of this Natal snare drum?: The drum features a 7-ply walnut shell, which is chosen for its ability to produce a clear, focused, and full-bodied tone.
What are the dimensions of this specific snare model?: The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 8 inches in depth, making it a 'deep' snare drum compared to industry standards.
What type of tuning rods does the Natal Originals Walnut snare use?: It is fitted with Tru-Tone tension rods, which are designed to provide flawless tuning and greater stability during play.
What is the Tri-Throw mechanism?: The Tri-Throw is Natal's specialised snare throw-off mechanism that allows for versatile adjustment and reliable engagement of the snare wires.
How does the 8-inch depth affect the sound?: The 8-inch depth provides a deeper, fatter sound with higher resonance on the shell, resulting in a more full-bodied tone than shallower snares.
Is this snare drum suitable for all music styles?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as a perfect choice for all playing styles and settings due to its versatile tuning and clear sound.
What finish is applied to this drum?: This specific model features a Natural Walnut finish that highlights the wood grain of the 7-ply shell.
How does walnut compare to maple snare drums like the Sonor AQ2?: Walnut typically offers a darker and more focused tone with a pronounced low end, whereas maple is known for a balanced, all-round bright and warm character.
What is the typical price for the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8"?: The typical price for this snare drum is approximately GBP 382.
Does this drum come in other finishes?: Yes, in addition to the Natural Walnut finish, the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" is also available in a Sunburst finish.
How does this snare compare to the Tama Starclassic Performer?: The Natal is significantly deeper (8 inches vs 5.5 inches) and uses walnut, whereas the Starclassic Performer LTD often uses different wood blends, resulting in a more focused, lower-pitched sound for the Natal.
Is the Natal Originals Walnut snare an electronic drum?: No, while the manufacturer's brand may span various categories, this specific model is a traditional acoustic snare drum.