What is the shell material of the Premier HTS 800?

The drum features a 5.6mm, 7-ply solid birch shell. This material is chosen for its clarity, projection, and structural integrity under high tension.

What are the dimensions of this snare drum?

The HTS 800 measures 14 inches in diameter by 12 inches in depth. These are the standard dimensions for a professional pipe band snare drum.

Does the shell have any internal treatment?

Yes, the shell is internally lacquered. This design choice increases resonance and adds warmth and depth to the drum's overall sound.

What drumhead comes pre-fitted with the HTS 800?

The drum comes pre-fitted with a Remo Cybermax head. This head is specifically designed to withstand high-tension tuning while maintaining an articulate response.

Which notable drummers use the Premier HTS 800?

The drum is used by world-class performers including Stephen Creighton, Keith Orr, and Mick O'Neill. It is widely referred to as the 'drum for champions' in the pipe band community.

What is the price of the HTS 800 in the UK?

The typical price for this model is approximately £860. This reflects its status as a professional-grade competition instrument.

Is the HTS 800 suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is designed to serve drummers at every level, from budding pipe band students to world-class champions. Its robust design makes it a long-term investment for any player.

How does the tuning system work on the HTS 800?

It utilizes Premier's specialized high-tension system. This system is designed to provide a smooth tuning experience even when applying the extreme pressure required for competitive pipe band sounds.

What is the significance of the 'Chrome Sapphire' finish?

Chrome Sapphire is the specific aesthetic finish of this model. It provides a striking, professional look suitable for formal field performances and competitions.

How does the HTS 800 compare to a standard maple snare drum?

While maple drums like the Sonor AQ2 offer a balanced tone for kits, the HTS 800's birch shell and high-tension hardware are specifically built for the projection and 'pop' needed in marching contexts. Standard maple drums cannot typically withstand pipe band tension levels.

Is this drum suitable for indoor kit drumming?

While it can be used, it is specifically optimized for marching and pipe bands. Its 12-inch depth and high-tension hardware are tailored for field projection rather than a standard drum set's sonic range.

What makes the HTS 800 a 'hybrid' assembly?

The drum is described as a hybrid because it blends traditional pipe band drum heritage with modern technical innovations in shell construction and hardware tensioning.

Gear article

Premier Marching HTS 800 Snare Drum

The Premier Marching HTS 800 is a professional-grade 14" x 12" snare drum designed specifically for pipe band performance and competition. Utilising a 7-ply birch shell and advanced tensioning systems, it is a staple of world-class marching percussion, favoured by leading international drummers.

Premier Marching HTS 800 14" x 12" Snare Drum Chrome Sapphire

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Background and Design

The Premier HTS 800 represents the evolution of the High Tension Snare (HTS) series, a line that has become synonymous with pipe band championship titles. Known as the 'drum for champions', the HTS 800 is engineered to meet the extreme demands of modern competitive drumming. It is currently the instrument of choice for high-profile drummers including Stephen Creighton, Keith Orr, and Mick O'Neill.

The drum's design focuses on a hybrid assembly that merges traditional heritage with modern technical innovation. This approach ensures the instrument remains reliable under the immense pressure required for the high-pitch tuning characteristic of pipe band music.

Shell Construction and Sound Profile

The core of the HTS 800 is a 5.6mm, 7-ply solid birch shell. Birch is traditionally selected for its high frequency 'cut' and punchy low-end, making it ideal for outdoor and high-volume environments. The shell is internally lacquered, a process that increases resonance and adds a layer of warmth to the drum's natural tone.

This construction results in a sound that is both crisp and articulate. The internal treatment helps add weight and depth to the projection, ensuring that the snare's voice is not lost within the powerful sound of the pipes. The inclusion of a Remo Cybermax head as standard further enhances the drum's ability to provide a consistent, high-tension playing surface.

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

Technical Features and Tuning

Premier has implemented a sophisticated tension system in the HTS 800 to facilitate a smooth and precise tuning experience. The high-tension requirements of pipe band drumming necessitate robust hardware; the HTS 800 utilizes heavy-duty tension bolts and a reinforced frame to maintain stability. The 'Chrome Sapphire' finish provides a professional aesthetic that is durable enough for field use.

Market Context and Comparison

Positioned at the top tier of the marching percussion market, the HTS 800 is a specialist tool. While general-purpose snare drums like the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" or the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5" offer different tonal wood profiles for kit playing, they lack the specific high-tension hardware required for pipe band use. Similarly, stainless steel models like the DW Collectors Series provide a bright metallic crack, whereas the HTS 800 relies on the controlled resonance of lacquered birch for its signature 'champion' sound.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of the Premier HTS 800?: The drum features a 5.6mm, 7-ply solid birch shell. This material is chosen for its clarity, projection, and structural integrity under high tension.
What are the dimensions of this snare drum?: The HTS 800 measures 14 inches in diameter by 12 inches in depth. These are the standard dimensions for a professional pipe band snare drum.
Does the shell have any internal treatment?: Yes, the shell is internally lacquered. This design choice increases resonance and adds warmth and depth to the drum's overall sound.
What drumhead comes pre-fitted with the HTS 800?: The drum comes pre-fitted with a Remo Cybermax head. This head is specifically designed to withstand high-tension tuning while maintaining an articulate response.
Which notable drummers use the Premier HTS 800?: The drum is used by world-class performers including Stephen Creighton, Keith Orr, and Mick O'Neill. It is widely referred to as the 'drum for champions' in the pipe band community.
What is the price of the HTS 800 in the UK?: The typical price for this model is approximately £860. This reflects its status as a professional-grade competition instrument.
Is the HTS 800 suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is designed to serve drummers at every level, from budding pipe band students to world-class champions. Its robust design makes it a long-term investment for any player.
How does the tuning system work on the HTS 800?: It utilizes Premier's specialized high-tension system. This system is designed to provide a smooth tuning experience even when applying the extreme pressure required for competitive pipe band sounds.
What is the significance of the 'Chrome Sapphire' finish?: Chrome Sapphire is the specific aesthetic finish of this model. It provides a striking, professional look suitable for formal field performances and competitions.
How does the HTS 800 compare to a standard maple snare drum?: While maple drums like the Sonor AQ2 offer a balanced tone for kits, the HTS 800's birch shell and high-tension hardware are specifically built for the projection and 'pop' needed in marching contexts. Standard maple drums cannot typically withstand pipe band tension levels.
Is this drum suitable for indoor kit drumming?: While it can be used, it is specifically optimized for marching and pipe bands. Its 12-inch depth and high-tension hardware are tailored for field projection rather than a standard drum set's sonic range.
What makes the HTS 800 a 'hybrid' assembly?: The drum is described as a hybrid because it blends traditional pipe band drum heritage with modern technical innovations in shell construction and hardware tensioning.