What is the shell thickness of the Tama Star Reserve G-Mahogany?

The shell is 9mm thick, constructed from 11 plies of mahogany. This adds weight to the drum's stroke while maintaining an open resonance.

What are the dimensions of this snare drum?

The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth contributes to its deep and rounded tonal character.

What is 'Tineo' in the context of this drum?

Tineo is the wood used for the decorative outer ply. It features a reddish tone and a clean vertical grain that gives the drum its unique Satin Natural appearance.

What type of hoops are used on this model?

The drum uses 2.3mm flanged steel hoops. These are designed to allow the drum to 'breathe' and encourage a longer sustain than die-cast hoops.

What kind of snare strainer does it feature?

It features the Linear-Drive strainer. This mechanism is designed for a smooth, predictable throw that is easy to operate during performance.

Which snare wires come standard with the G-Mahogany?

The drum is equipped with Super Sensitive Hi-Carbon wires. These add crisp detail to the sound without choking the mahogany's natural warmth.

How would you describe the tonal character of mahogany shells?

Mahogany is known for a warm, deep, and rounded tone. In this 11-ply configuration, it provides a rich acoustic character with significant weight behind each hit.

Is this a limited-edition model?

Yes, the Tama Star Reserve G-Mahogany is a limited-edition snare drum. This adds to its value as a collector's item and professional studio tool.

What is the typical price for this snare drum?

The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 964. This places it in the high-end, professional category of snare drums.

For what environments is this drum best suited?

It is designed for both acoustic studio recordings and live settings. Its warm, open voice makes it versatile for various musical genres requiring a rich character.

How does it differ from a maple snare drum?

Compared to maple drums like the Sonor AQ2 or British Drum Co. Maverick, mahogany typically offers a darker, warmer tone. The 11-ply construction also provides more physical weight and a different resonance profile.

Does the drum include any electronic components?

No, despite sometimes being listed in electronic categories, this is a fully acoustic snare drum. It relies on its wood shell and carbon wires for sound generation.

Gear article

Tama Star Reserve G-Mahogany Snare Drum

The Tama Star Reserve G-Mahogany is a limited-edition 14" x 6.5" snare drum featuring an 11-ply mahogany shell and a decorative Tineo outer ply. It is engineered to provide a warm, open acoustic character with a deep, rounded tone suitable for professional studio and live applications.

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Overview

The Tama Star Reserve G-Mahogany 14" x 6.5" Snare Drum represents a high-end entry in Tama's limited-edition hardware lineup. Despite being categorised in some systems under electronic drum kit components, it is an acoustic snare drum built around a dense 9mm, 11-ply mahogany shell. The drum is notable for its 'Satin Natural Tineo' finish, which utilizes a specific outer ply of Tineo wood to provide a distinct reddish hue and clean vertical grain pattern.

Construction and Design

The core of the drum is its thick 9mm shell. By using 11 plies of mahogany, Tama achieves a construction that provides significant physical weight and structural integrity. Unlike thinner shells that might vibrate excessively, this 'G-Mahogany' build is designed to offer a deep, rounded tone while maintaining resonance. The hardware includes 2.3mm flanged steel hoops, which are chosen specifically to encourage a longer sustain and a 'breathing' note compared to heavier die-cast alternatives.

Mechanical Features

The drum is equipped with Tama’s Linear-Drive strainer, designed for a smooth and predictable engagement of the snare wires. The snare response is provided by Super Sensitive Hi-Carbon wires. These components are selected to add crisp articulation to the drum's performance without muffling or 'choking' the natural warmth inherent in the mahogany shell.

Sound Character and Application

The G-Mahogany snare is characterised by a warm, open voice. The thickness of the shell adds weight to each stroke, making it particularly effective in acoustic settings where a full-bodied sound is required. Its natural richness makes it a versatile tool for both studio recording and live performances, where drummers seek a balance between deep low-end response and crisp snare sensitivity.

Market Comparison

Positioned at a premium price point of approximately £964, this snare competes with other high-end wood and metal drums. While the British Drum Co. Maverick offers a classic maple character and the Natal Originals Walnut provides a different tonal profile, the Star Reserve G-Mahogany differentiates itself through its specific 11-ply mahogany density and the aesthetic uniqueness of the Tineo wood grain. It offers a more resonant, open sustain than typical stainless steel models like the DW Collectors Series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell thickness of the Tama Star Reserve G-Mahogany?: The shell is 9mm thick, constructed from 11 plies of mahogany. This adds weight to the drum's stroke while maintaining an open resonance.
What are the dimensions of this snare drum?: The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth contributes to its deep and rounded tonal character.
What is 'Tineo' in the context of this drum?: Tineo is the wood used for the decorative outer ply. It features a reddish tone and a clean vertical grain that gives the drum its unique Satin Natural appearance.
What type of hoops are used on this model?: The drum uses 2.3mm flanged steel hoops. These are designed to allow the drum to 'breathe' and encourage a longer sustain than die-cast hoops.
What kind of snare strainer does it feature?: It features the Linear-Drive strainer. This mechanism is designed for a smooth, predictable throw that is easy to operate during performance.
Which snare wires come standard with the G-Mahogany?: The drum is equipped with Super Sensitive Hi-Carbon wires. These add crisp detail to the sound without choking the mahogany's natural warmth.
How would you describe the tonal character of mahogany shells?: Mahogany is known for a warm, deep, and rounded tone. In this 11-ply configuration, it provides a rich acoustic character with significant weight behind each hit.
Is this a limited-edition model?: Yes, the Tama Star Reserve G-Mahogany is a limited-edition snare drum. This adds to its value as a collector's item and professional studio tool.
What is the typical price for this snare drum?: The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 964. This places it in the high-end, professional category of snare drums.
For what environments is this drum best suited?: It is designed for both acoustic studio recordings and live settings. Its warm, open voice makes it versatile for various musical genres requiring a rich character.
How does it differ from a maple snare drum?: Compared to maple drums like the Sonor AQ2 or British Drum Co. Maverick, mahogany typically offers a darker, warmer tone. The 11-ply construction also provides more physical weight and a different resonance profile.
Does the drum include any electronic components?: No, despite sometimes being listed in electronic categories, this is a fully acoustic snare drum. It relies on its wood shell and carbon wires for sound generation.