What is the shell thickness of the Tama G-Bubinga snare?

The drum features a very thick 12-ply, 10mm Bubinga shell, which contributes to its powerful projection and punchy character.

What type of hoops are used on this model?

It is equipped with 2.3mm flanged hoops, which allow for a more natural shell vibration and a slightly more open sound than die-cast versions.

What finish does the G-Bubinga have?

The drum features a stunning Natural Quilted Bubinga outer ply, giving it a high-end, boutique aesthetic.

What kind of lugs are fitted to this snare?

The drum uses Tama Starclassic low-mass lugs, designed to reduce the weight on the shell and enhance resonance.

Which drumheads come standard with the G-Bubinga?

It comes factory-fitted with an Evans G1 Coated batter head and an Evans Hazy 300 snare side head.

What is the typical price range for this drum?

The Tama SLP G-Bubinga is typically priced at approximately GBP 421.

How does Bubinga wood affect the sound compared to Maple?

Bubinga is denser than Maple, resulting in a punchier sound with significantly richer low-end tones and higher volume potential.

Is the Tama G-Bubinga suitable for all musical genres?

Yes, its combination of Evans G1 heads and a responsive shell makes it versatile, though it excels in styles requiring a powerful, resonant snare.

What are the dimensions of this snare drum?

The drum has a diameter of 14 inches and a depth of 6 inches.

Does the G-Bubinga come with snare wires?

Yes, it is equipped with Tama's Hazy 300 snare wires for a responsive and crisp snare action.

How does this compare to the Tama Starclassic Performer snare?

The Starclassic Performer often uses hybrid shells like Maple/Birch, whereas the G-Bubinga uses a solid 12-ply Bubinga shell for more power and low-end.

What makes the SLP series different from other Tama drums?

The Sound Lab Project (SLP) series is designed to explore specific shell and hardware combinations to create distinct 'lab-style' sonic characteristics for different drummers.

Gear article

Tama SLP 14 x 6 G-Bubinga Snare Drum

The Tama SLP 14 x 6 G-Bubinga is a premium snare drum featuring a thick 12-ply, 10mm bubinga shell designed for high-volume performance and tonal depth. Part of Tama's Sound Lab Project series, it is distinguished by its Natural Quilted Bubinga finish and punchy, low-end character.

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Background and Design

The Tama Sound Lab Project (SLP) series was developed to offer drummers specialized instruments focused on specific shell materials and configurations. The G-Bubinga model is a standout in this range, utilizing an unusually thick 10mm shell. While the brand is also associated with broader percussion ranges including electronic kits, their acoustic snare development remains a cornerstone of their manufacturing expertise.

This specific model is finished with a decorative outer ply of Quilted Bubinga, providing a high-end aesthetic that matches its professional specifications. The hardware is chosen to complement the heavy shell, utilizing low-mass Starclassic lugs to minimize the dampening effect on the wood's natural resonance.

Technical Specifications

The core of the drum is its 12-ply Bubinga construction. Bubinga is a dense hardwood known for providing a significant increase in volume and low-frequency response compared to traditional maple or birch. The 14 x 6-inch dimensions provide a versatile depth that sits between standard 5.5-inch snares and deeper power snares.

Key features include: * 2.3mm Flanged Hoops: These allow for a more open, vibrating tone compared to die-cast hoops. * Evans Drumheads: Ships with a G1 Coated batter and Hazy 300 snare side head for immediate professional use. * Starclassic Lugs: Designed to have a small footprint on the shell to maximize vibration.

Sound Profile

The G-Bubinga is characterized by its 'punchy' sound. Due to the 10mm shell thickness, the drum has a high degree of projection and a sharp attack. The inherent properties of Bubinga wood ensure that despite the sharpness, there is a rich low-end presence that prevents the drum from sounding thin at higher tunings. It is particularly effective for musical styles requiring a powerful backbeat and a wide dynamic range.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional snare drums, the G-Bubinga offers a unique tonal profile. The British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 and Sonor AQ2 Maple provide a more traditional, balanced maple tone, whereas the G-Bubinga is more aggressive and bass-heavy. For those seeking metal-shell alternatives, the DW Collectors Stainless Steel offers similar projection but with a brighter, more metallic ring.

Compared to deeper models like the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8, the Tama G-Bubinga provides a faster response and more 'crack' due to its shallower 6-inch depth. It remains a distinct choice against more specialized percussion like the Remo Lollipop Frame Drum or Sela Melody Tongue Drum, which serve entirely different atmospheric or melodic purposes.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell thickness of the Tama G-Bubinga snare?: The drum features a very thick 12-ply, 10mm Bubinga shell, which contributes to its powerful projection and punchy character.
What type of hoops are used on this model?: It is equipped with 2.3mm flanged hoops, which allow for a more natural shell vibration and a slightly more open sound than die-cast versions.
What finish does the G-Bubinga have?: The drum features a stunning Natural Quilted Bubinga outer ply, giving it a high-end, boutique aesthetic.
What kind of lugs are fitted to this snare?: The drum uses Tama Starclassic low-mass lugs, designed to reduce the weight on the shell and enhance resonance.
Which drumheads come standard with the G-Bubinga?: It comes factory-fitted with an Evans G1 Coated batter head and an Evans Hazy 300 snare side head.
What is the typical price range for this drum?: The Tama SLP G-Bubinga is typically priced at approximately GBP 421.
How does Bubinga wood affect the sound compared to Maple?: Bubinga is denser than Maple, resulting in a punchier sound with significantly richer low-end tones and higher volume potential.
Is the Tama G-Bubinga suitable for all musical genres?: Yes, its combination of Evans G1 heads and a responsive shell makes it versatile, though it excels in styles requiring a powerful, resonant snare.
What are the dimensions of this snare drum?: The drum has a diameter of 14 inches and a depth of 6 inches.
Does the G-Bubinga come with snare wires?: Yes, it is equipped with Tama's Hazy 300 snare wires for a responsive and crisp snare action.
How does this compare to the Tama Starclassic Performer snare?: The Starclassic Performer often uses hybrid shells like Maple/Birch, whereas the G-Bubinga uses a solid 12-ply Bubinga shell for more power and low-end.
What makes the SLP series different from other Tama drums?: The Sound Lab Project (SLP) series is designed to explore specific shell and hardware combinations to create distinct 'lab-style' sonic characteristics for different drummers.