What material is the shell made of?

The shell is made from 7.5mm, 6-ply birch. This wood choice provides a balanced, focused sound with a bright punchy tone and quick attack.

What are the dimensions of this snare drum?

The drum has a diameter of 13 inches and a depth of 7 inches. This combination allows for a deeper tone and more body than standard shallow snares.

What finish does the drum feature?

The drum features a 'Stealth Black' finish, giving it a modern and understated aesthetic suitable for various stage setups.

How many snare wires does this model have?

It is equipped with 42-strand snare wires. This is higher than the common 20 or 24-strand options, resulting in a fuller and more resonant snare sound.

What type of hoops are used on the Premier Artist Birch snare?

The drum uses 1.5mm triple-flange hoops. These hoops contribute to a bright, punchy attack and allow for a more open resonance.

Is this snare suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as ideal for both live and studio settings. Its tuning versatility and balanced birch sound make it easy to capture in a mix.

How does the 7-inch depth affect the sound?

The 7-inch depth provides a deeper, rounder tone and significant body. It helps the drum produce a fuller sound that carries more weight than shallower models.

What is the typical price range for this snare?

The typical price range for this specific Premier Artist snare model is approximately GBP 130.

Does the birch shell provide a long or short sustain?

Birch generally provides a shorter sustain and a quicker attack. However, the larger diameter and depth of this specific model help provide longer sustain and more resonance than smaller birch drums.

What kind of attack does this drum offer?

It offers a sharp, punchy attack. This makes it ideal for cutting through dense musical mixes in live environments.

How many plies are in the shell construction?

The shell is constructed using 6 plies of birch, reaching a total thickness of 7.5mm. This construction ensures both durability and tonal richness.

Is the Premier Artist 13" x 7" considered an electronic or acoustic drum?

Although often listed alongside kits in various categories, this specific model is an acoustic birch snare drum. It relies on natural resonance and mechanical snare wires for sound production.

Gear article

Premier Artist 13" x 7" Birch Snare Drum Stealth Black

The Premier Artist 13" x 7" Birch Snare Drum is a professional-grade acoustic snare featuring a deep 7.5mm, 6-ply birch shell finished in a matte Stealth Black. Designed for both live and studio performance, it utilizes a 42-strand snare wire to produce a full, complex tone with significant body and resonance.

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Design and Construction

The Premier Artist series snare drum is constructed from a 7.5mm, 6-ply birch shell, a wood choice known for its balanced and focused sonic properties. The drum features a non-standard dimension of 13 inches in diameter combined with a significant 7-inch depth. This specific configuration is designed to provide a deeper, rounder tone and increased body compared to standard 14-inch shallow snares.

The exterior is finished in a 'Stealth Black' aesthetic, complemented by 1.5mm triple-flange hoops. These hoops allow for a more open resonance compared to die-cast alternatives, facilitating a longer sustain and a bright, punchy attack that helps the drum cut through a musical mix.

Sound Character and Performance

Due to its birch construction, the snare offers a bright and punchy tone with a quick initial attack. However, the 7-inch depth introduces a level of richness and fullness that compensates for the naturally shorter sustain of birch. The result is a fuller, more complex sound with strong projection.

A standout feature is the inclusion of a 42-strand snare wire. This is significantly wider than the standard 20 or 24-strand wires found on most drums, resulting in a more resonant and tonally complex snare response. This increased wire count provides greater sensitivity and a thicker 'buzz' that enhances the drum's overall presence in a variety of tuning ranges.

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

Target Audience

This snare drum is primarily suited for drummers who require a powerful, versatile instrument capable of performing in both live and studio settings. Its tuning versatility makes it a viable option for players seeking a deep 'fat' snare sound without losing the sharp attack necessary for modern genres. It is positioned as an affordable professional option, typically retailing around the £130 mark.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional snare drums, the Premier Artist Birch occupies a specific niche. Unlike the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple Snare, which uses maple for a warmer, more traditional tone, the Premier Artist uses birch for a more focused, aggressive punch.

Against deeper options like the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" Snare, the Premier's 13-inch diameter provides a slightly higher fundamental pitch and faster response, while still maintaining significant body due to its 7-inch depth. Compared to standard steel models like the DW Collectors Series 14" x 5.5" Stainless Steel, the Premier Artist offers the organic, resonant character of wood rather than the clinical, sharp ring of metal.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the shell made of?: The shell is made from 7.5mm, 6-ply birch. This wood choice provides a balanced, focused sound with a bright punchy tone and quick attack.
What are the dimensions of this snare drum?: The drum has a diameter of 13 inches and a depth of 7 inches. This combination allows for a deeper tone and more body than standard shallow snares.
What finish does the drum feature?: The drum features a 'Stealth Black' finish, giving it a modern and understated aesthetic suitable for various stage setups.
How many snare wires does this model have?: It is equipped with 42-strand snare wires. This is higher than the common 20 or 24-strand options, resulting in a fuller and more resonant snare sound.
What type of hoops are used on the Premier Artist Birch snare?: The drum uses 1.5mm triple-flange hoops. These hoops contribute to a bright, punchy attack and allow for a more open resonance.
Is this snare suitable for studio recording?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as ideal for both live and studio settings. Its tuning versatility and balanced birch sound make it easy to capture in a mix.
How does the 7-inch depth affect the sound?: The 7-inch depth provides a deeper, rounder tone and significant body. It helps the drum produce a fuller sound that carries more weight than shallower models.
What is the typical price range for this snare?: The typical price range for this specific Premier Artist snare model is approximately GBP 130.
Does the birch shell provide a long or short sustain?: Birch generally provides a shorter sustain and a quicker attack. However, the larger diameter and depth of this specific model help provide longer sustain and more resonance than smaller birch drums.
What kind of attack does this drum offer?: It offers a sharp, punchy attack. This makes it ideal for cutting through dense musical mixes in live environments.
How many plies are in the shell construction?: The shell is constructed using 6 plies of birch, reaching a total thickness of 7.5mm. This construction ensures both durability and tonal richness.
Is the Premier Artist 13" x 7" considered an electronic or acoustic drum?: Although often listed alongside kits in various categories, this specific model is an acoustic birch snare drum. It relies on natural resonance and mechanical snare wires for sound production.