What are the dimensions of the Tama Stewart Copeland Signature Snare?

The drum measures 14 inches in diameter with a depth of 5 inches.

What material is used for the shell construction?

The shell is made from 1.5mm thick brass, providing a balance of warmth and focused attack.

Why does this drum use two different types of hoops?

It uses a die-cast batter hoop for a focused sound and sharp rimshots, and a triple-flanged resonant hoop to maintain sensitivity and a wider frequency response.

Is this drum a reproduction of a specific kit?

It is a reproduction of the specific snare drum Stewart Copeland used while playing in The Police.

What kind of tone can I expect from the 1.5mm brass shell?

The brass shell offers warm and vibrant tones, combined with a clear and focused attack that slices through a mix.

Who is this snare drum best suited for?

It is ideal for avid drummers and collectors who want to emulate Stewart Copeland's sound or need a drum with a crisp, cutting tone.

How does the die-cast hoop affect the sound?

The die-cast hoop on the batter side optimises the sound by providing a more powerful, consistent rimshot and drying out overtones.

What is the typical price range for this model?

In the UK market, this snare drum typically retails for approximately £488.

How does it compare to the British Drum Co. Maverick?

The Tama Copeland snare uses a 1.5mm brass shell for brightness, whereas the Maverick uses maple, which typically offers a rounder, woodier tone.

Does the drum feature a triple-flanged hoop?

Yes, a triple-flanged hoop is situated on the bottom (resonant) head to help the drum produce cutting tones.

Is this a limited edition drum?

While it is a signature model, it is a staple of the Tama catalogue rather than a one-time limited edition release like the Starclassic Performer LTD models.

Can this snare drum be used for genres other than rock?

Yes, its mix of warm and crisp tones makes it a versatile addition to any drummer's collection, suitable for various musical styles.

Gear article

Tama Stewart Copeland Signature 14 x 5 Snare Drum

The Tama Stewart Copeland Signature 14 x 5 Snare Drum is a professional-grade percussion instrument developed in collaboration with The Police drummer Stewart Copeland. It is a faithful reproduction of the snare drum used throughout his career, featuring a 1.5mm brass shell and a unique hybrid hoop configuration designed for high-frequency projection and warm tonal characteristics.

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History and Background

The Tama Stewart Copeland Signature Snare is modeled after a specific, non-Tama brass snare drum that Copeland famously used during his tenure with The Police. Recognising the iconic status of that drum's sound, Tama collaborated with Copeland to recreate its unique specifications for the commercial market. The resulting signature model has become one of the most enduring entries in Tama's artist series, favoured for its ability to replicate the high-pitched, piercing crack associated with 1980s new wave and rock drumming.

Design and Key Features

The drum is built around a 1.5mm thick brass shell, which is slightly thicker than standard brass snares, providing additional volume and structural integrity. A defining technical feature is the mismatched hoop pairing:

Top (Batter) Hoop: A die-cast hoop that provides a rigid surface for consistent tuning and a sharp, metallic rimshot.
Bottom (Resonant) Hoop: A triple-flanged hoop that allows the drum to breathe more freely and improves the sensitivity of the snare wires.

This combination is specifically engineered to balance the focused attack required for rhythmic precision with the vibrance of a traditional brass shell.

Sound Character

The Stewart Copeland Signature Snare is characterised by a mix of warm and crisp tones. The 1.5mm brass construction offers a naturally vibrant harmonic profile with a clear, focused attack. It is particularly noted for its high-end 'slice,' allowing it to cut through dense musical mixes without losing the underlying warmth provided by the brass material. When tuned high, it produces the signature 'crack' that defined Copeland's percussion style.

Suitability and Comparisons

This snare is highly suited for drummers seeking a versatile yet distinctive high-frequency sound, particularly those playing rock, pop, or reggae. Compared to alternatives like the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple Snare, the Tama model offers a brighter, more metallic resonance. While the Sonor AQ2 14 x 6 Maple Snare provides a deeper wood-based thump, the Copeland signature focuses on projection and articulation. It occupies a mid-to-high price tier, sitting alongside professional instruments like the DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel snare.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the dimensions of the Tama Stewart Copeland Signature Snare?: The drum measures 14 inches in diameter with a depth of 5 inches.
What material is used for the shell construction?: The shell is made from 1.5mm thick brass, providing a balance of warmth and focused attack.
Why does this drum use two different types of hoops?: It uses a die-cast batter hoop for a focused sound and sharp rimshots, and a triple-flanged resonant hoop to maintain sensitivity and a wider frequency response.
Is this drum a reproduction of a specific kit?: It is a reproduction of the specific snare drum Stewart Copeland used while playing in The Police.
What kind of tone can I expect from the 1.5mm brass shell?: The brass shell offers warm and vibrant tones, combined with a clear and focused attack that slices through a mix.
Who is this snare drum best suited for?: It is ideal for avid drummers and collectors who want to emulate Stewart Copeland's sound or need a drum with a crisp, cutting tone.
How does the die-cast hoop affect the sound?: The die-cast hoop on the batter side optimises the sound by providing a more powerful, consistent rimshot and drying out overtones.
What is the typical price range for this model?: In the UK market, this snare drum typically retails for approximately £488.
How does it compare to the British Drum Co. Maverick?: The Tama Copeland snare uses a 1.5mm brass shell for brightness, whereas the Maverick uses maple, which typically offers a rounder, woodier tone.
Does the drum feature a triple-flanged hoop?: Yes, a triple-flanged hoop is situated on the bottom (resonant) head to help the drum produce cutting tones.
Is this a limited edition drum?: While it is a signature model, it is a staple of the Tama catalogue rather than a one-time limited edition release like the Starclassic Performer LTD models.
Can this snare drum be used for genres other than rock?: Yes, its mix of warm and crisp tones makes it a versatile addition to any drummer's collection, suitable for various musical styles.