What are the dimensions of this snare drum?

The drum has a diameter of 12 inches and a depth of 6 inches. This combination provides a balance between a high-pitched pop and a resonant, full-bodied tone.

What material is the shell made from?

The shell is constructed from 7.5mm, 6-ply birch. Birch is known for its bright tone, sharp attack, and durability in both live and studio environments.

What finish does this specific model have?

This model features a Stealth Black finish. This provides a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits well with a variety of different drum kit styles.

What type of hoops are used on the Premier Artist 12" x 6"?

The drum uses 1.5mm triple-flange hoops. These hoops are designed to provide a more open and resonant sound, allowing for a more natural drum character.

How many snare wires does it have?

It is equipped with a 20-strand snare wire. This configuration offers a balanced sound that combines a crisp response with the natural tone of the birch shell.

What is the typical price for this snare?

The typical price for the Premier Artist 12" x 6" Birch Snare Drum is approximately GBP 120. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How does birch affect the sound compared to maple?

Birch typically provides a brighter, punchier tone with a quicker attack and shorter sustain than maple. Maple, like that found in the Sonor AQ2, often sounds warmer with more low-end resonance.

Is this snare suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the focused sound and quick attack of the birch shell make it very suitable for studio use. It is designed to cut through mixes while maintaining a robust presence.

Can this drum be used as a primary snare?

While its 12-inch diameter is smaller than the standard 14-inch snare, its 6-inch depth gives it enough body to be used as a primary snare in specific genres or compact setups.

How does the sustain of this drum compare to other snares?

The Premier Artist Birch Snare has a moderate to short sustain. The birch wood and shell thickness are specifically designed to provide a more controlled, focused decay.

How does the 12" diameter affect the pitch?

A 12-inch diameter generally produces a higher fundamental pitch than a standard 14-inch drum. This makes it ideal for drummers looking for a 'crack' or 'pop' in their backbeat.

What kind of attack does this drum offer?

The drum delivers a sharp, punchy attack. This is due to the combination of the dense birch plies and the triple-flange hoops which do not overly dampen the shell's vibration.

Gear article

Premier Artist 12" x 6" Birch Snare Drum (Stealth Black)

The Premier Artist 12" x 6" Birch Snare Drum is a compact yet deep percussion instrument designed for both live performance and studio recording. Constructed with a 6-ply birch shell, it is engineered to provide a balanced, focused sound with a sharp attack and moderate sustain.

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Overview

The Premier Artist 12" x 6" Birch Snare Drum is positioned as a versatile component within the Premier Artist series. Despite its classification by some retailers within electronic drum kit categories, it is a physical acoustic snare drum featuring a Stealth Black aesthetic. Its dimensions—a 12-inch diameter paired with a 6-inch depth—allow it to bridge the gap between small-diameter effect snares and standard 14-inch primary snares, offering a deeper, fuller tone than smaller models.

Shell Construction and Hardware

The drum is built around a 7.5mm, 6-ply birch shell. Birch is chosen for its specific acoustic properties, including durability and a naturally focused frequency response. The hardware includes 1.5mm triple-flanged hoops, which are designed to offer a more open and resonant sound compared to die-cast alternatives, allowing the drum's natural character to remain prominent. It is equipped with a 20-strand snare wire that balances crisp wire response with the resonance of the birch shell.

Sound Character

The sound of the Premier Artist 12" x 6" is characterised by a bright, punchy tone and a quick attack. Because of its 6-inch depth, it provides more resonance and a fuller body than shallower 12-inch drums. The birch construction ensures that the sustain is relatively short and the projection is high, making it effective for cutting through dense musical mixes. It is described as having a robust presence suitable for situations where a focused snare sound is required.

Market Context and Comparison

Retailing at approximately £120, this drum serves as an affordable option for drummers seeking a secondary snare or a compact primary snare. Compared to larger models like the Natal Originals Walnut 14" x 8" or the Sonor AQ2 14" x 6" Maple, the Premier Artist offers a higher fundamental pitch and a faster decay. While models like the British Drum Co. Maverick or DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel offer different harmonic profiles due to maple and steel constructions respectively, the Premier Artist remains a focused, birch-based alternative for those prioritising punch and clarity.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the dimensions of this snare drum?: The drum has a diameter of 12 inches and a depth of 6 inches. This combination provides a balance between a high-pitched pop and a resonant, full-bodied tone.
What material is the shell made from?: The shell is constructed from 7.5mm, 6-ply birch. Birch is known for its bright tone, sharp attack, and durability in both live and studio environments.
What finish does this specific model have?: This model features a Stealth Black finish. This provides a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits well with a variety of different drum kit styles.
What type of hoops are used on the Premier Artist 12" x 6"?: The drum uses 1.5mm triple-flange hoops. These hoops are designed to provide a more open and resonant sound, allowing for a more natural drum character.
How many snare wires does it have?: It is equipped with a 20-strand snare wire. This configuration offers a balanced sound that combines a crisp response with the natural tone of the birch shell.
What is the typical price for this snare?: The typical price for the Premier Artist 12" x 6" Birch Snare Drum is approximately GBP 120. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
How does birch affect the sound compared to maple?: Birch typically provides a brighter, punchier tone with a quicker attack and shorter sustain than maple. Maple, like that found in the Sonor AQ2, often sounds warmer with more low-end resonance.
Is this snare suitable for studio recording?: Yes, the focused sound and quick attack of the birch shell make it very suitable for studio use. It is designed to cut through mixes while maintaining a robust presence.
Can this drum be used as a primary snare?: While its 12-inch diameter is smaller than the standard 14-inch snare, its 6-inch depth gives it enough body to be used as a primary snare in specific genres or compact setups.
How does the sustain of this drum compare to other snares?: The Premier Artist Birch Snare has a moderate to short sustain. The birch wood and shell thickness are specifically designed to provide a more controlled, focused decay.
How does the 12" diameter affect the pitch?: A 12-inch diameter generally produces a higher fundamental pitch than a standard 14-inch drum. This makes it ideal for drummers looking for a 'crack' or 'pop' in their backbeat.
What kind of attack does this drum offer?: The drum delivers a sharp, punchy attack. This is due to the combination of the dense birch plies and the triple-flange hoops which do not overly dampen the shell's vibration.