What is the primary material of the Tama Peter Erskine Signature snare?

The drum is constructed from 10mm thick ash wood. It uses a stave construction method consisting of 12 precisely cut sections.

What are the dimensions of this snare drum?

The drum measures 10 inches in diameter and 6 inches in depth. This compact size makes it ideal for use as a side or auxiliary snare.

What type of mounting system does it use?

It is equipped with the Tama STAR Super Resonant Mounting System. This system is designed to maintain the drum's natural resonance while making setup effortless.

What is the benefit of a stave shell construction?

Stave construction involves vertical wood grains rather than horizontal plies. This typically results in a more robust shell with a very quick attack and lively resonance.

Is this drum suitable for use as a main snare?

While it can be used as a main snare for specific high-pitched styles, it is primarily designed as a crisp, responsive side snare. Its 10-inch size provides a distinct contrast to standard 14-inch main snares.

How does the sound differ from a maple snare?

Compared to maple snares like the Sonor AQ2, the ash stave construction of the Erskine model offers a sharper, more cutting attack. Maple tends to be warmer and more rounded, whereas this ash snare is lively and bright.

Who was this drum designed in collaboration with?

The drum was designed in collaboration with Peter Erskine. Erskine is a legendary jazz drummer known for his work with Weather Report and Steps Ahead.

What musical genres suit this snare best?

It is ideal for jazz rhythms and intricate accent work due to its responsiveness. However, its portability and cutting tone make it a versatile addition for drummers of any genre.

How much does the Tama Peter Erskine Signature snare typically cost?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £1159. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.

Does the drum come with a mounting bracket?

Yes, it features the STAR Super Resonant Mounting System. This allows the drum to be mounted on a tom holder or similar hardware rather than requiring a traditional snare stand.

How does it compare to the Natal Originals Walnut snare?

The Natal Walnut snare is a 14 x 8 drum that produces a deep, dark, and warm sound. In contrast, the 10 x 6 Erskine Signature is bright, high-pitched, and focused on quick response.

Is this drum portable?

Yes, its 10" x 6" compact size offers excellent portability. It is much easier to transport and place within a crowded drum kit setup than a standard 14-inch snare.

Gear article

Tama Peter Erskine Signature 10 x 6 Snare Drum

The Tama Peter Erskine Signature 10 x 6 Snare Drum is a professional-grade side snare designed in collaboration with jazz legend Peter Erskine. It features a unique 10mm stave ash shell construction, delivering a crisp, responsive attack and lively tonal characteristics suitable for intricate rhythmic work.

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Background and Design

Developed as a collaborative project between Tama and jazz percussionist Peter Erskine, this snare drum is designed to meet the demands of drummers who require a high-frequency, articulate secondary voice for their kit. Unlike standard ply shells, this model utilizes a stave construction method. This involves 12 precisely cut sections of ash wood assembled vertically to form a 10mm thick shell, a technique known for enhancing the structural integrity and resonance of the instrument.

Technical Features

The drum's architecture is focused on maximizing resonance and ease of use. A key feature is the inclusion of the Tama STAR Super Resonant Mounting System, which allows the drum to be integrated into a kit without stifling the shell's natural vibrations. The compact 10-inch diameter combined with a 6-inch depth provides a balance between high-pitched 'crack' and sufficient body to carry the sound in live environments.

Sonic Character

The use of ash wood in a 10mm stave format results in a drum with a quick, cutting attack and a notably lively tone. It is particularly effective for intricate accent work and complex jazz patterns where clarity is paramount. The thickness of the shell ensures that the drum maintains a high level of projection, despite its smaller dimensions compared to standard primary snares.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to full-sized maple snares like the British Drum Co. Maverick or the Tama Starclassic Performer 14 x 5.5, the Peter Erskine Signature model offers a much tighter, auxiliary sound profile. While walnut drums such as the Natal Originals 14 x 8 provide deep, dark low-end, this 10-inch ash stave drum occupies the opposite end of the frequency spectrum, making it a complementary 'effect' snare rather than a direct replacement for a deep primary snare.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Tama Peter Erskine Signature snare?: The drum is constructed from 10mm thick ash wood. It uses a stave construction method consisting of 12 precisely cut sections.
What are the dimensions of this snare drum?: The drum measures 10 inches in diameter and 6 inches in depth. This compact size makes it ideal for use as a side or auxiliary snare.
What type of mounting system does it use?: It is equipped with the Tama STAR Super Resonant Mounting System. This system is designed to maintain the drum's natural resonance while making setup effortless.
What is the benefit of a stave shell construction?: Stave construction involves vertical wood grains rather than horizontal plies. This typically results in a more robust shell with a very quick attack and lively resonance.
Is this drum suitable for use as a main snare?: While it can be used as a main snare for specific high-pitched styles, it is primarily designed as a crisp, responsive side snare. Its 10-inch size provides a distinct contrast to standard 14-inch main snares.
How does the sound differ from a maple snare?: Compared to maple snares like the Sonor AQ2, the ash stave construction of the Erskine model offers a sharper, more cutting attack. Maple tends to be warmer and more rounded, whereas this ash snare is lively and bright.
Who was this drum designed in collaboration with?: The drum was designed in collaboration with Peter Erskine. Erskine is a legendary jazz drummer known for his work with Weather Report and Steps Ahead.
What musical genres suit this snare best?: It is ideal for jazz rhythms and intricate accent work due to its responsiveness. However, its portability and cutting tone make it a versatile addition for drummers of any genre.
How much does the Tama Peter Erskine Signature snare typically cost?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £1159. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.
Does the drum come with a mounting bracket?: Yes, it features the STAR Super Resonant Mounting System. This allows the drum to be mounted on a tom holder or similar hardware rather than requiring a traditional snare stand.
How does it compare to the Natal Originals Walnut snare?: The Natal Walnut snare is a 14 x 8 drum that produces a deep, dark, and warm sound. In contrast, the 10 x 6 Erskine Signature is bright, high-pitched, and focused on quick response.
Is this drum portable?: Yes, its 10" x 6" compact size offers excellent portability. It is much easier to transport and place within a crowded drum kit setup than a standard 14-inch snare.