What is the shell material of the Tama SLP Studio Maple?

The shell is constructed entirely from maple wood. This material is selected for its ability to produce a warm, resonant, and balanced tonal profile suitable for various musical genres.

What are the dimensions of this snare drum?

The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth allows for a fuller, deeper sound compared to standard 5.5-inch deep snares.

What makes the hoops on this model unique?

The drum features 100% maple wood hoops rather than traditional metal ones. These hoops are coated in urethane to improve their durability and protect the wood from impact damage.

What are Tama Sound Focus Rings?

Sound Focus Rings are internal reinforcements within the shell. They help focus the drum's projection and manage sustain, ensuring the sound remains distinct and clear.

What finish is applied to this drum?

This specific model features a Sienna finish. The finish is designed to give the drum a striking look that makes the wooden hoops stand out during performances.

How does the wood hoop affect the attack of the snare?

The wood hoops provide a crisp, clear attack that is slightly softer and more organic than metal hoops. They are particularly noted for producing a warm and resonant 'wood-on-wood' rim shot sound.

Is this drum suitable for studio recording?

Yes, as the name 'Studio Maple' suggests, it is designed for recording environments. The Sound Focus Rings and maple construction provide the clarity and controlled sustain required for high-quality audio tracking.

What is the typical price for this snare drum?

The typical price for the Tama SLP 14 x 6.5 Studio Maple Snare Drum is approximately GBP 458. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

How does this snare compare to the Sonor AQ2 Maple Snare?

While both use maple shells, the Tama SLP features specific wood hoops and Sound Focus Rings. The Sonor AQ2 typically uses standard metal hoops, resulting in a different rim response and overtone profile.

Are the maple hoops durable enough for regular playing?

Yes, Tama coats these 100% maple hoops with a urethane finish. This coating is specifically intended to provide higher durability for drummer who frequently use rim shots.

How does the depth of 6.5 inches impact the sound?

The 6.5-inch depth provides more internal air volume than a shallower drum. This results in a fatter, deeper tone with more low-end resonance, which is balanced by the maple's natural clarity.

Does this snare come with any specific hardware features?

Beyond the specialized wood hoops and Sound Focus Rings, it features Tama's standard high-quality tension bolts and strainer systems common to the Sound Lab Project (SLP) series.

Gear article

Tama SLP 14 x 6.5 Studio Maple Snare Drum Sienna

The Tama SLP 14 x 6.5 Studio Maple Snare Drum is a professional-grade acoustic snare featuring an all-maple shell and distinctive 100% maple wood hoops. Designed for warmth and clarity, it utilises Tama's Sound Focus Rings to provide enhanced projection and sustain for studio and live applications.

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Overview and Design

The Tama SLP (Sound Lab Project) Studio Maple Snare Drum is engineered to offer a classic, woody character with modern reliability. The drum features a 14-inch diameter and a 6.5-inch depth, providing a deep body that facilitates a broad tuning range. The shell is constructed entirely from maple, a wood prized in drum manufacturing for its balanced frequency response.

A standout design element is the inclusion of 100% maple wood hoops. Unlike standard metal hoops, these wooden counterparts are coated with a specialized urethane layer to increase durability and resistance to stick marks. The Sienna finish provides a professional aesthetic that highlights the natural grain of the wood hoops.

Sound Focus Rings

To refine the acoustic properties of the maple shell, Tama has integrated Sound Focus Rings. These rings serve two primary functions:

Structural Reinforcement: They strengthen the shell, ensuring it maintains its shape under high tension.
Sonic Control: The rings focus the vibration, leading to clearer projection and controlled sustain. This results in a distinct sound that avoids the muddy overtones sometimes associated with deeper wooden snares.

Acoustic Character

The combination of the maple shell and wood hoops results in a warm, resonant tonal profile. Despite the inherent warmth of the wood, the drum maintains a crisp and clear attack. The wood hoops significantly influence the 'rim click' and 'rim shot' sounds, producing a softer, more organic percussion hit compared to the sharp ring of triple-flanged or die-cast steel hoops.

Comparative Analysis

Within the market, the Tama SLP Studio Maple occupies a specific niche for those seeking a vintage-inspired wooden tone. When compared to the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple, the Tama offers a deeper shell for more low-end presence. In contrast to the DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel Snare, which provides a bright, metallic bite, the SLP Studio Maple focuses on resonance and warmth. It serves as a more specialized alternative to the Tama Starclassic Performer, which often utilizes hybrid shells rather than the pure maple and wood-hoop configuration found here.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of the Tama SLP Studio Maple?: The shell is constructed entirely from maple wood. This material is selected for its ability to produce a warm, resonant, and balanced tonal profile suitable for various musical genres.
What are the dimensions of this snare drum?: The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth allows for a fuller, deeper sound compared to standard 5.5-inch deep snares.
What makes the hoops on this model unique?: The drum features 100% maple wood hoops rather than traditional metal ones. These hoops are coated in urethane to improve their durability and protect the wood from impact damage.
What are Tama Sound Focus Rings?: Sound Focus Rings are internal reinforcements within the shell. They help focus the drum's projection and manage sustain, ensuring the sound remains distinct and clear.
What finish is applied to this drum?: This specific model features a Sienna finish. The finish is designed to give the drum a striking look that makes the wooden hoops stand out during performances.
How does the wood hoop affect the attack of the snare?: The wood hoops provide a crisp, clear attack that is slightly softer and more organic than metal hoops. They are particularly noted for producing a warm and resonant 'wood-on-wood' rim shot sound.
Is this drum suitable for studio recording?: Yes, as the name 'Studio Maple' suggests, it is designed for recording environments. The Sound Focus Rings and maple construction provide the clarity and controlled sustain required for high-quality audio tracking.
What is the typical price for this snare drum?: The typical price for the Tama SLP 14 x 6.5 Studio Maple Snare Drum is approximately GBP 458. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
How does this snare compare to the Sonor AQ2 Maple Snare?: While both use maple shells, the Tama SLP features specific wood hoops and Sound Focus Rings. The Sonor AQ2 typically uses standard metal hoops, resulting in a different rim response and overtone profile.
Are the maple hoops durable enough for regular playing?: Yes, Tama coats these 100% maple hoops with a urethane finish. This coating is specifically intended to provide higher durability for drummer who frequently use rim shots.
How does the depth of 6.5 inches impact the sound?: The 6.5-inch depth provides more internal air volume than a shallower drum. This results in a fatter, deeper tone with more low-end resonance, which is balanced by the maple's natural clarity.
Does this snare come with any specific hardware features?: Beyond the specialized wood hoops and Sound Focus Rings, it features Tama's standard high-quality tension bolts and strainer systems common to the Sound Lab Project (SLP) series.