What is the shell material of the Tama Woodworks 14" x 6.5" snare?

The shell is constructed from 8-ply poplar. This choice of wood provides a warm, resonant, and balanced tone suitable for a variety of musical applications.

What are the dimensions of this specific snare drum?

The drum has a diameter of 14 inches and a depth of 6.5 inches. The 6.5-inch depth provides extra body and volume compared to shallower 5-inch models.

What kind of finish is used on the exterior?

It features an Art Grain natural Zebrawood wrap. This gives the drum the appearance of exotic zebrawood while maintaining the durability of a wrap finish.

What type of hardware comes standard with this model?

The drum is equipped with matte black hardware. This includes the triple-flanged hoops and the lugs, providing a modern contrast to the wood-grain finish.

How many snare strands does the drum have?

This model is equipped with 20-strand steel snare wires. These wires are designed to provide a precise and crisp snare response.

Is this snare drum suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as ideal for both live and studio use. Its balanced sound and medium attack help it record clearly without being overwhelming.

What kind of hoops are used on the Tama Woodworks snare?

The drum uses triple-flanged hoops. These are known for providing a resonant tone and a softer feel compared to die-cast hoops.

What is the typical price for this snare drum?

The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £113. This makes it a cost-effective option for drummers looking for a dedicated wood snare.

How does the sound of poplar compare to maple or walnut?

Poplar generally offers a warmer and softer tone compared to the brighter projection of maple or the dark, low-end punch of walnut. It is highly valued for its versatile, balanced resonance.

Can this drum handle high-tension tuning?

The triple-flanged hoops and 8-ply shell are designed for reliable tuning across various ranges. While it excels at medium-to-deep tunings, it can be tuned up for a sharper crack.

Does the Zebrawood finish affect the sound?

The Zebrawood is an 'Art Grain' wrap rather than a solid wood outer ply. While wraps can slightly dampen a shell's vibration compared to lacquer, they primarily serve an aesthetic purpose.

Who is the ideal user for the Tama Woodworks snare?

It suits drummers seeking a warm, versatile tone and a sophisticated aesthetic. It is a strong choice for those who need a reliable workhorse drum for rehearsals and gigs.

Gear article

Tama Woodworks 14" x 6.5" Snare Drum (Natural Zebrawood Wrap)

The Tama Woodworks 14" x 6.5" is a professional-grade acoustic snare drum featuring an 8-ply poplar shell and a distinctive Art Grain natural Zebrawood finish. It is designed to provide a balanced, resonant tone with a medium attack suitable for both live performances and studio recording sessions.

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Overview and Construction

The Tama Woodworks 14" x 6.5" snare drum is built around an 8-ply poplar shell, a tonewood selection known for producing a warm and resonant sound. The drum's physical dimensions—a standard 14-inch diameter combined with a deeper 6.5-inch shell—allow for a wide dynamic range and significant volume potential.

The exterior is finished with a 'Natural Zebrawood' Art Grain wrap, providing a high-end aesthetic reminiscent of exotic hardwoods. This is contrasted by matte black hardware, including the lugs and hoops, giving the instrument a modern, sophisticated visual profile.

Hardware and Components

To ensure reliable performance and tuning stability, Tama has equipped this model with triple-flanged hoops. These hoops allow the drum head to vibrate naturally while providing a comfortable surface for rimshots and cross-sticking. The snare response is handled by 20-strand steel snare wires, which are designed to offer precision and clarity across various tuning ranges. The matte black finish on the hardware is not only aesthetic but serves as a durable coating for the metal components.

Sound Profile

The combination of poplar wood and a 6.5-inch depth results in a balanced sonic character. Poplar is traditionally valued for its soft, warm qualities, which Tama has utilised here to create a drum that feels rich rather than harsh. The medium attack ensures that each stroke is clearly defined without sacrificing the underlying depth and resonance of the shell. This makes the drum versatile enough to handle different genres, from rock to jazz.

Market Positioning and Alternatives

Positioned at an accessible price point of approximately £113, the Woodworks snare serves as an entry-to-mid-level upgrade for drummers seeking a specific aesthetic and deeper shell profile.

When compared to alternatives like the British Drum Co. Maverick (Maple) or the Natal Originals Walnut snare, the Woodworks model offers a different tonal balance due to its poplar construction. While stainless steel models like the DW Collectors Series provide a much sharper, brighter crack, the Tama Woodworks focuses on warmth and resonance. It stands as a more full-sized alternative to compact options like the Sonor AQ2 14x6 or smaller percussion instruments like the Sela Melody Tongue Drum.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of the Tama Woodworks 14" x 6.5" snare?: The shell is constructed from 8-ply poplar. This choice of wood provides a warm, resonant, and balanced tone suitable for a variety of musical applications.
What are the dimensions of this specific snare drum?: The drum has a diameter of 14 inches and a depth of 6.5 inches. The 6.5-inch depth provides extra body and volume compared to shallower 5-inch models.
What kind of finish is used on the exterior?: It features an Art Grain natural Zebrawood wrap. This gives the drum the appearance of exotic zebrawood while maintaining the durability of a wrap finish.
What type of hardware comes standard with this model?: The drum is equipped with matte black hardware. This includes the triple-flanged hoops and the lugs, providing a modern contrast to the wood-grain finish.
How many snare strands does the drum have?: This model is equipped with 20-strand steel snare wires. These wires are designed to provide a precise and crisp snare response.
Is this snare drum suitable for studio recording?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as ideal for both live and studio use. Its balanced sound and medium attack help it record clearly without being overwhelming.
What kind of hoops are used on the Tama Woodworks snare?: The drum uses triple-flanged hoops. These are known for providing a resonant tone and a softer feel compared to die-cast hoops.
What is the typical price for this snare drum?: The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £113. This makes it a cost-effective option for drummers looking for a dedicated wood snare.
How does the sound of poplar compare to maple or walnut?: Poplar generally offers a warmer and softer tone compared to the brighter projection of maple or the dark, low-end punch of walnut. It is highly valued for its versatile, balanced resonance.
Can this drum handle high-tension tuning?: The triple-flanged hoops and 8-ply shell are designed for reliable tuning across various ranges. While it excels at medium-to-deep tunings, it can be tuned up for a sharper crack.
Does the Zebrawood finish affect the sound?: The Zebrawood is an 'Art Grain' wrap rather than a solid wood outer ply. While wraps can slightly dampen a shell's vibration compared to lacquer, they primarily serve an aesthetic purpose.
Who is the ideal user for the Tama Woodworks snare?: It suits drummers seeking a warm, versatile tone and a sophisticated aesthetic. It is a strong choice for those who need a reliable workhorse drum for rehearsals and gigs.