What is the primary benefit of the ball joint on the Natal Pro Series Snare Stand?

The ball joint allows for 360-degree movement, enabling the user to position the snare drum at any specific angle. This provides superior ergonomic flexibility compared to standard geared tilters that only move in fixed increments.

How does the stand help improve snare drum resonance?

The stand features high-grade rubber grip points that are tapered to ensure minimum contact with the drum shell. By reducing the physical contact area, the shell is allowed to vibrate more freely, resulting in better resonance.

What is the Natal Hex Rod?

The Hex Rod is a hexagonal-shaped mounting rod for the basket. Its shape provides significantly more stability than a traditional round rod, preventing the basket from spinning or shifting during heavy play.

How is the snare drum secured within the cradle?

The stand uses a large aluminium grip nut that allows the user to tighten or loosen the basket quickly. This design is intended to make snare drum changeovers fast and effortless while maintaining a secure grip.

Is this stand suitable for heavy touring?

Yes, the Natal Pro Series is described as ultra-heavy-duty with superior strength and durability. It includes a high-tension lever to lock the cradle tight, ensuring the drum stays safe and stable in high-impact environments.

What is the typical price for this stand in the UK?

The Natal Pro Series Snare Stand typically retails for approximately £110. This price reflects its position as a professional-grade hardware component.

Does the stand work with different sizes of snare drums?

While specific diameter ranges are not listed, the adjustable cradle and aluminium grip nut allow it to accommodate standard snare drum sizes securely. The tapered rubber points ensure a fit that prioritises shell resonance regardless of the drum's depth.

How does the locking mechanism work?

The stand utilizes a high-tension lever to secure the 360-degree ball joint. Once the lever is engaged, it provides the reliability and stability needed to keep the drum at the chosen angle without slipping.

What materials are used for the adjustment nuts?

The stand features a large aluminium grip nut for the basket adjustment. The use of aluminium provides a lightweight yet durable interface for manual adjustments.

Can the cradle be adjusted for height independently of the angle?

Yes, standard for professional snare stands, the height is adjusted via the main vertical tube, while the angle is controlled independently by the 360-degree ball joint and high-tension lever.

How does this stand compare to the Tama Roadpro series?

While both are heavy-duty, the Natal Pro Series features a specialized 360-degree ball joint and a Hex Rod mounting system. The Tama HTS88W Roadpro is a comparable professional option but employs different proprietary tilter and leg designs.

What makes the rubber grip points 'high-grade'?

The rubber is designed to be durable for long-term use while being soft enough to grip the drum hoop securely. The tapered shape is a specific engineering choice to enhance the drum's natural acoustic properties.

Gear article

Natal Pro Series Snare Stand

The Natal Pro Series Snare Stand is an ultra-heavy-duty drum hardware component designed for maximum stability and shell resonance. It features a unique 360-degree ball joint tilting mechanism and a hex-rod mounted basket to provide professional-grade reliability for touring and session drummers.

See live prices

Overview

The Natal Pro Series Snare Stand is engineered as a high-strength support system for snare drums, prioritising both durability and tonal clarity. Part of Natal's professional hardware range, it is built to withstand the rigours of frequent transport and aggressive playing styles while offering more adjustment flexibility than standard geared tilter stands. The stand is characterised by its heavy-duty construction and signature Natal design elements, such as the aluminium grip nut and specialized rubber contact points.

Key Design Features

At the heart of the Pro Series stand is a cradle mounted on a 360-degree ball joint. Unlike traditional notched tilters that restrict movement to specific increments, this ball joint allows the snare to be tilted at any precise angle to suit the player's ergonomic requirements. The basket itself is mounted on a Natal Hex Rod, a design choice intended to prevent the basket from slipping or rotating under heavy impact.

The cradle utilises high-grade rubber grip points that are specifically tapered. This tapering reduces the surface area contact between the stand and the drum shell, which minimizes dampening and allows the drum to resonate more naturally. Adjustments to the basket tension are handled via a large aluminium grip nut, facilitating rapid drum changes.

Stability and Reliability

Stability is maintained through a high-tension lever system that locks the ball joint firmly in place once the desired position is reached. This ensures that the drum remains secure throughout a performance. The 'ultra-heavy-duty' designation implies a weight and base width designed to prevent tipping, even when used with deeper or heavier snare drums. The use of premium materials across the joints and nuts reflects the stand's positioning as a piece of professional-tier road hardware.

Target User and Comparisons

This stand is primarily suited for professional drummers and serious students who require a 'set-and-forget' solution for their snare positioning. Its price point of roughly £110 places it in direct competition with other professional hardware such as the Tama Roadpro series or Yamaha's 700-series hardware. While alternatives like the Tama HTS88W focus on specific tom mounting or different leg designs, the Natal Pro Series distinguishes itself through its specific use of the Hex Rod and the 360-degree ball joint for infinite angle adjustment.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the ball joint on the Natal Pro Series Snare Stand?: The ball joint allows for 360-degree movement, enabling the user to position the snare drum at any specific angle. This provides superior ergonomic flexibility compared to standard geared tilters that only move in fixed increments.
How does the stand help improve snare drum resonance?: The stand features high-grade rubber grip points that are tapered to ensure minimum contact with the drum shell. By reducing the physical contact area, the shell is allowed to vibrate more freely, resulting in better resonance.
What is the Natal Hex Rod?: The Hex Rod is a hexagonal-shaped mounting rod for the basket. Its shape provides significantly more stability than a traditional round rod, preventing the basket from spinning or shifting during heavy play.
How is the snare drum secured within the cradle?: The stand uses a large aluminium grip nut that allows the user to tighten or loosen the basket quickly. This design is intended to make snare drum changeovers fast and effortless while maintaining a secure grip.
Is this stand suitable for heavy touring?: Yes, the Natal Pro Series is described as ultra-heavy-duty with superior strength and durability. It includes a high-tension lever to lock the cradle tight, ensuring the drum stays safe and stable in high-impact environments.
What is the typical price for this stand in the UK?: The Natal Pro Series Snare Stand typically retails for approximately £110. This price reflects its position as a professional-grade hardware component.
Does the stand work with different sizes of snare drums?: While specific diameter ranges are not listed, the adjustable cradle and aluminium grip nut allow it to accommodate standard snare drum sizes securely. The tapered rubber points ensure a fit that prioritises shell resonance regardless of the drum's depth.
How does the locking mechanism work?: The stand utilizes a high-tension lever to secure the 360-degree ball joint. Once the lever is engaged, it provides the reliability and stability needed to keep the drum at the chosen angle without slipping.
What materials are used for the adjustment nuts?: The stand features a large aluminium grip nut for the basket adjustment. The use of aluminium provides a lightweight yet durable interface for manual adjustments.
Can the cradle be adjusted for height independently of the angle?: Yes, standard for professional snare stands, the height is adjusted via the main vertical tube, while the angle is controlled independently by the 360-degree ball joint and high-tension lever.
How does this stand compare to the Tama Roadpro series?: While both are heavy-duty, the Natal Pro Series features a specialized 360-degree ball joint and a Hex Rod mounting system. The Tama HTS88W Roadpro is a comparable professional option but employs different proprietary tilter and leg designs.
What makes the rubber grip points 'high-grade'?: The rubber is designed to be durable for long-term use while being soft enough to grip the drum hoop securely. The tapered shape is a specific engineering choice to enhance the drum's natural acoustic properties.