Gear article
Rogers Drums Powertone 14 x 6.5 Snare Drum
The Rogers Powertone 14 x 6.5 snare drum is a professionally crafted instrument featuring a proprietary 5-ply maple and poplar shell with 2-ply reinforcement rings. Designed to deliver a wide-open, woody tone, it incorporates classic design elements such as beavertail die-cast lugs and the signature clock face throw-off.
See live pricesOverview
The Rogers Powertone 14 x 6.5 snare drum is a versatile wood-shell instrument built to modern standards while retaining the heritage of the Rogers brand. While the manufacturer description references a Piano Black finish, the Satin Burst variation provides a distinct aesthetic for the same technical platform. The drum is engineered for dynamic response and projection, making it a suitable choice for a variety of musical genres.
Construction and Design
At the heart of the Powertone is a proprietary 5-ply shell constructed from maple and poplar. This combination is augmented by 2-ply reinforcement rings, which add structural integrity and focus to the sound. The hardware package includes 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops and an 8-lug configuration, allowing for precise tuning.
Key aesthetic and functional components include: * Beavertail Lugs: Die-cast for durability, these lugs reflect the classic mid-century Rogers design. * Clock Face Throw-off: A signature Rogers mechanism that ensures reliable snare engagement. * Heads: Equipped with Remo USA batter heads and Remo UT resonant heads.
Sound Character
The use of maple and poplar in the shell construction results in a 'wide-open woody tone.' The 6.5-inch depth provides significant body and lower-midrange warmth compared to shallower models. The reinforcement rings help control overtones, providing a balanced sustain that works well in both live and studio environments. The triple-flanged hoops allow the drum to breathe, contributing to its resonant character.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to other maple-based snares like the Sonor AQ2 14 x 6 or the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5, the Rogers Powertone offers a unique vintage-inspired construction with its 5-ply shell and reinforcement rings. Unlike the DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel snare, which provides a bright, metallic crack, the Powertone focuses on warmth and organic resonance. It sits as a professional-tier wood snare, distinct from entry-level options like the Gear4Music Junior kits or percussion instruments like the Sela Melody Tongue Drum.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the shell composition of the Rogers Powertone snare?
- The shell is made from a proprietary 5-ply blend of maple and poplar. This construction is further supported by 2-ply reinforcement rings for added strength and tonal focus.
- What type of lugs are used on this drum?
- The drum features 8 beavertail die-cast lugs. These are designed to be durable while providing a classic visual aesthetic associated with the Rogers brand.
- What are the dimensions of this specific Powertone model?
- This specific snare drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth contributes to a fuller, deeper tone than standard 5-inch models.
- What kind of hoops come standard with the Rogers Powertone?
- The drum is equipped with 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops. These hoops provide a good balance between tuning stability and allowing the shell to resonate naturally.
- What throw-off mechanism does this snare use?
- It features the signature Rogers 'clock face' throw-off. This mechanism is known for its smooth operation and historical significance to the Rogers drum line.
- What drumheads are pre-installed on the Rogers Powertone?
- The drum comes fitted with a Remo USA batter head and a Remo UT resonant head. These professional-grade heads ensure the drum is ready to play with high-quality tone out of the box.
- How many lugs does the Rogers Powertone have?
- This model utilizes an 8-lug design. This configuration allows for easy tuning and provides enough tension points to maintain a consistent pitch across the head.
- What is the typical price for the Rogers Powertone 14 x 6.5?
- The typical retail price for this snare drum is approximately £472. This positions it in the professional mid-to-high range of wood snare drums.
- What kind of sound should I expect from this snare?
- Expect a wide-open, woody tone with excellent dynamic response. The combination of maple, poplar, and reinforcement rings provides a balanced sound with a warm low-end punch.
- Is the Rogers Powertone an electronic or acoustic drum?
- Despite some category listings, the Rogers Powertone is a traditional acoustic snare drum. It is constructed from wood and metal hardware and does not include electronic components.
- How does the 6.5-inch depth affect the performance?
- The 6.5-inch depth increases the volume and body of the snare compared to shallower versions. It makes the drum well-suited for rock, pop, and jazz where a fuller sound is desired.
- What aesthetic features define the Rogers Powertone?
- Key aesthetic features include the classic beavertail lugs, the PowerTone badge, and high-quality finishes such as Satin Burst or Piano Black. These elements give the drum a premium, vintage-inspired look.
