Gear article
Rogers Powertone 14 x 6.5 Snare Drum Piano Black
The Rogers Powertone 14 x 6.5 is a professional-grade snare drum featuring a proprietary 5-ply maple-poplar shell with 2-ply reinforcement rings. Finished in Piano Black, it is designed for a wide-open woody tone and features classic appointments such as the Beavertail die-cast lugs and the Clock Face throw-off.
See live pricesOverview and Construction
The Rogers Powertone 14 x 6.5 Snare Drum is built around a hybrid shell design consisting of 5 plies of maple and poplar. This specific wood combination is chosen for its ability to balance warmth and resonance. To ensure structural integrity and focused tone, the drum incorporates 2-ply reinforcement rings on the interior. The exterior is finished in a sleek Piano Black, maintaining a professional and classic appearance suitable for various stage environments.
Hardware specifications include 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops, which allow the drum to breathe while providing a solid rimshot surface. The 8-lug design is specifically chosen to manage tension and projection, striking a balance between ease of tuning and shell resonance.
Key Hardware Features
A defining characteristic of this model is the inclusion of legacy-inspired Rogers hardware. The drum features the iconic 'Beavertail' die-cast lugs, which are known for their durability and vintage aesthetic. For snare engagement, the instrument is equipped with a 'Clock Face' throw-off, a signature Rogers design that provides reliable and smooth action. The drum is branded with the PowerTone badge, signifying its place within the brand's premium lineup. It comes factory-fitted with a Remo USA batter head and a UT snare-side head for immediate playability.
Sound and Character
The combination of the maple-poplar shell and the 6.5-inch depth results in a 'wide-open woody tone.' The maple provides high-end clarity and projection, while the poplar adds a softer, warmer low-mid frequency response. Because of the reinforcement rings, the shell maintains a high degree of sensitivity and dynamic range, allowing the player to transition from soft ghost notes to loud backbeats without losing tonal definition.
Target Audience and Comparison
This snare drum suits drummers looking for a versatile wood snare that can handle multiple genres, from jazz to rock. While its price point of approximately £446 places it in the mid-to-high professional bracket, it offers a distinct vintage-modern hybrid feel compared to other alternatives.
- Versus Maple Alternatives: Compared to the Sonor AQ2 14 x 6 Maple or the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5, the Rogers provides a deeper 6.5-inch profile and a specific hybrid maple-poplar shell that differs from pure maple designs.
- Versus Metal Snares: Unlike the DW Collectors Stainless Steel, the Powertone focuses on 'woody' warmth rather than metallic brightness.
- Versus Specialty Drums: It is a dedicated professional snare, distinguishing it from entry-level gear like the Gear4Music Junior kits or specialty percussion like the Sela Melody Tongue Drum.
Related gear
£599.00 ($761)British Drum Company
British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple Snare Drum
£339.00 ($431)Tama
Tama Starclassic Performer LTD Edition 14" x 5.5" Snare Drum Dusty Rose
£703.00 ($893)DW Drums
DW Drums Collectors Series 14" x 5.5" Stainless Steel Snare Drum
£29.99 ($38)Remo
Remo 10 Lollipop Frame Drum
£239.00 ($304)Sonor
Sonor AQ2 14 x 6 Maple Snare Drum Maple Brown Fade
£37.00 ($47)Sela
Sela Melody Tongue Drum 5.5“ C5 Black
£382.00 ($485)Natal
Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" Snare Drum Sunburst
£99.99 ($127)Gear4Music
Junior 3 Piece Drum Kit by Gear4music Green
Frequently asked questions
- What is the shell composition of the Rogers Powertone?
- The shell is made from a proprietary 5-ply blend of maple and poplar woods. It also includes 2-ply reinforcement rings to enhance structural strength and tonal focus.
- What are the dimensions of this specific snare drum?
- The drum has a diameter of 14 inches and a depth of 6.5 inches. This depth contributes to a fuller, more resonant sound compared to shallower 5-inch or 5.5-inch models.
- What kind of hoops are used on the Rogers Powertone?
- The drum is equipped with 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops. These hoops are designed to provide a balanced feel and a wide-open sound compared to heavier die-cast hoops.
- What type of lugs does this drum feature?
- It features Rogers' classic Beavertail die-cast lugs. These lugs are noted for their durability and their distinctive vintage aesthetic that pays homage to Rogers' history.
- How many lugs are on the 14 x 6.5 Powertone?
- The drum utilizes an 8-lug design. This configuration is intended to allow for optimal tension and projection while letting the shell resonate naturally.
- What throw-off mechanism is included?
- The drum is equipped with a Clock Face throw-off. This is a signature Rogers hardware component known for its smooth operation and reliability.
- What heads come standard with this snare?
- It comes with a Remo USA batter head and a Remo UT snare-side head. This ensures high-quality performance and tone right out of the box.
- What is the primary sound characteristic of the Powertone?
- The manufacturer describes the sound as a 'wide-open woody tone.' The combination of maple and poplar provides a mix of warmth, resonance, and dynamic response.
- What finish is available for this specific model?
- This specific model is finished in Piano Black. It is a high-gloss, classic black finish that suits various drum kit styles.
- How much does the Rogers Powertone 14 x 6.5 typically cost?
- The typical price for this snare drum is approximately £446. This reflects its position as a masterfully crafted, professional-grade instrument.
- Does this drum include reinforcement rings?
- Yes, it features 2-ply reinforcement rings inside the shell. These rings help maintain the drum's roundness and add a bit more control to the woody tone.
- How does the Powertone compare to the Natal Originals Walnut snare?
- While the Natal Originals Walnut (14 x 8) offers the dark, dry characteristics of walnut, the Rogers Powertone uses maple-poplar for a more open and classic 'woody' tone with a standard 6.5-inch depth.
