What are the dimensions of the Tama Mike Portnoy Signature snare?

The drum features a diameter of 12 inches and a depth of 5 inches. This compact sizing contributes to its direct and bright tonal character.

What material is used for the shell construction?

The shell is made from 1mm hammered steel. The hammering process helps to control overtones while providing a unique aesthetic and bright sound.

How does the 3-way tension adjustable strainer work?

The strainer can be locked into three different positions. Each position creates a different level of snare wire intensity, allowing for immediate changes in response.

What type of sound can I expect from this drum?

It produces a bright, direct, and powerful tone with long, deep sustain. It is designed to be cutting and punchy even in loud musical environments.

Is this snare drum suitable for beginners?

While it is a professional-grade instrument, any drummer can use it. However, its specific features and price point of approximately £440 usually appeal to intermediate and professional players.

How does the hammered steel finish affect the sustain?

The hammered steel construction is designed to provide a long and deep sustain. This adds body to the drum's sound despite its smaller diameter.

Can this be used as a primary snare drum?

Yes, it can be used as a primary snare due to its wide tuning range and solid sound. Many drummers also use it as an auxiliary or side snare because of its 12-inch size.

Who helped design this snare drum?

This snare was created through a collaboration between Tama and the American drummer Mike Portnoy. It reflects his specific requirements for tone and hardware functionality.

How does this compare to the Tama Starclassic Performer?

The Portnoy Signature uses a hammered steel shell and a 12-inch diameter, whereas the Starclassic Performer LTD is a 14-inch drum. The Portnoy model is brighter and features a more complex strainer system.

What makes the aesthetic of this drum unique?

The drum features an eye-catching hammered texture on the steel shell. This gives it a distinctive look that stands out in any drum kit arrangement.

Is the tuning range versatile?

Yes, the drum is designed to provide a wide array of tuning options. It maintains a solid snare sound regardless of whether it is tuned high or low.

How does it differ from a DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel snare?

The DW model mentioned is 14 x 5.5 inches, offering a larger, broader sound. The Portnoy 12 x 5 model is more focused and includes the specialized 3-way adjustable strainer not found on the DW.

Gear article

Tama Mike Portnoy Signature 12 x 5 Snare Drum

The Tama Mike Portnoy Signature 12 x 5 Snare Drum is a high-performance percussion instrument developed through a collaboration between Tama and the renowned American drummer Mike Portnoy. Featuring a 1mm hammered steel shell, it is designed to deliver bright, direct tones with significant sustain despite its compact dimensions.

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Background and Design

The Tama Mike Portnoy Signature snare drum is the result of a long-standing partnership between Mike Portnoy and Tama. While many signature drums adhere to standard 14-inch dimensions, this model adopts a smaller 12 x 5-inch form factor. This choice allows for a more focused sound and increased placement flexibility within a complex drum kit setup. The drum's aesthetic is defined by its hammered steel finish, providing a distinct industrial look that reflects its aggressive sonic capabilities.

Shell Construction and Hardware

The core of the drum is a 1mm thick hammered steel shell. Hammering the steel not only provides an eye-catching textured surface but also influences the resonance and complexity of the overtones.

A standout technical feature of this model is the 3-way tension adjustable strainer. Unlike standard strainers that offer a simple 'on/off' function, this mechanism allows the player to lock the snare wires into three distinct positions. This enables quick adjustments to snare intensity and response during a performance, catering to different musical requirements without manual re-tuning.

Sonic Character

The Mike Portnoy Signature snare is characterised by its bright and direct tonal profile. The steel construction ensures a sharp attack that can cut through dense mixes, while the hammered finish adds depth and a long, controlled sustain. Despite its smaller 12-inch diameter, the drum retains a solid and powerful presence, offering a wide tuning range that can transition from high-pitched 'pop' sounds to more traditional snare responses.

Target Audience

This snare drum is particularly suited for drummers who require a versatile secondary snare or a primary snare with a high-pitched, cutting character. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for players with elaborate setups who need to save space. Given its association with Mike Portnoy, it is frequently adopted by progressive rock and metal drummers, though its adjustable strainer makes it adaptable to various genres.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional snares, the Portnoy Signature stands out due to its specific dimensions and specialized hardware. For instance, players seeking a warmer, wood-based tone might look toward the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple Snare or the Sonor AQ2 Maple Brown Fade.

In contrast to stainless steel alternatives like the DW Collectors Series 14 x 5.5, the Portnoy model offers the unique benefit of the 3-way strainer and the focused projection of a 12-inch shell. While it provides a professional-grade steel sound, it occupies a different niche than general-purpose drums like the Tama Starclassic Performer LTD Edition or large-format options like the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the dimensions of the Tama Mike Portnoy Signature snare?: The drum features a diameter of 12 inches and a depth of 5 inches. This compact sizing contributes to its direct and bright tonal character.
What material is used for the shell construction?: The shell is made from 1mm hammered steel. The hammering process helps to control overtones while providing a unique aesthetic and bright sound.
How does the 3-way tension adjustable strainer work?: The strainer can be locked into three different positions. Each position creates a different level of snare wire intensity, allowing for immediate changes in response.
What type of sound can I expect from this drum?: It produces a bright, direct, and powerful tone with long, deep sustain. It is designed to be cutting and punchy even in loud musical environments.
Is this snare drum suitable for beginners?: While it is a professional-grade instrument, any drummer can use it. However, its specific features and price point of approximately £440 usually appeal to intermediate and professional players.
How does the hammered steel finish affect the sustain?: The hammered steel construction is designed to provide a long and deep sustain. This adds body to the drum's sound despite its smaller diameter.
Can this be used as a primary snare drum?: Yes, it can be used as a primary snare due to its wide tuning range and solid sound. Many drummers also use it as an auxiliary or side snare because of its 12-inch size.
Who helped design this snare drum?: This snare was created through a collaboration between Tama and the American drummer Mike Portnoy. It reflects his specific requirements for tone and hardware functionality.
How does this compare to the Tama Starclassic Performer?: The Portnoy Signature uses a hammered steel shell and a 12-inch diameter, whereas the Starclassic Performer LTD is a 14-inch drum. The Portnoy model is brighter and features a more complex strainer system.
What makes the aesthetic of this drum unique?: The drum features an eye-catching hammered texture on the steel shell. This gives it a distinctive look that stands out in any drum kit arrangement.
Is the tuning range versatile?: Yes, the drum is designed to provide a wide array of tuning options. It maintains a solid snare sound regardless of whether it is tuned high or low.
How does it differ from a DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel snare?: The DW model mentioned is 14 x 5.5 inches, offering a larger, broader sound. The Portnoy 12 x 5 model is more focused and includes the specialized 3-way adjustable strainer not found on the DW.