What is the shell material of the Tama Woodworks 14" x 8" snare?

The drum features an 8-ply poplar shell. Poplar is chosen for its warm, resonant characteristics and controlled attack.

What kind of hoops does this drum use?

It is equipped with triple-flanged hoops. These hoops provide reliable tuning and durability while maintaining an open sound.

How many lugs are on the Tama Woodworks 14" x 8" snare?

The drum features an 8-lug construction. This design helps in achieving a balanced tension across the drumhead.

What finish is applied to the hardware?

The drum features Matte Black hardware. This includes the hoops and lugs, creating a cohesive aesthetic with the dark shell wrap.

What is the specific wrap used on the shell?

The drum is finished with a Black Oak Art Grain wrap. This gives the instrument a sophisticated and natural appearance.

What kind of snare wires are included?

It comes with 20-strand steel snare wires. These are designed to deliver a crisp and articulate response for various playing styles.

Is this drum suitable for quiet playing?

Yes, the 20-strand steel wires are designed to accentuate ghost notes. The poplar shell's controlled attack also aids in dynamic playing.

How does the 8-inch depth affect the sound?

The 8-inch depth provides a more full-bodied, deep, and resonant sound compared to standard 5" or 5.5" depth snares. It increases the overall volume and low-end presence.

What is the typical price for this snare drum?

The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 122. It is positioned as a high-value option for drummers seeking a deep wood snare.

How does this compare to a maple snare drum?

While maple is known for all-around brightness and projection, the poplar shell in this Tama model provides a warmer tone with a more controlled attack. The 8-inch depth also makes it deeper than many standard maple snares like the Sonor AQ2.

Can this drum be used for different musical styles?

Yes, the full-bodied sound and resonant tones make it well-suited for various playing styles and settings. It is particularly effective where a deep, warm snare sound is required.

Is the Tama Woodworks snare an electronic or acoustic drum?

Despite its inclusion in some electronic kit categories in retail listings, this is a traditional acoustic snare drum made of wood and metal hardware. It does not contain electronic triggers or sensors.

Gear article

Tama Woodworks 14" x 8" Snare Drum

The Tama Woodworks 14" x 8" Snare Drum is a deep-shelled acoustic snare designed to provide warm, resonant tones with a controlled attack. Constructed from an 8-ply poplar shell and finished in a Black Oak Art Grain wrap, it offers a distinct visual and sonic presence within the Tama percussion catalogue.

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Background and Design

The Tama Woodworks series is positioned as a reliable and aesthetically striking option for drummers looking for specific wood characteristics at an accessible price point. This particular model stands out due to its significant 8-inch depth, a configuration often chosen for its increased volume and lower fundamental pitch. The shell is wrapped in a Black Oak Art Grain finish, which provides a natural, sophisticated look that mimics high-end exotic veneers while maintaining the durability of a wrap.

Technical Specifications

The core of the drum is an 8-ply poplar shell. Poplar is known in drum manufacturing for producing a soft, warm sound with a boosted low-end response. The hardware features a Matte Black finish, including triple-flanged hoops and 8-lug tension points. This 8-lug configuration allows for sufficient tuning stability while allowing the shell to vibrate more freely than 10-lug designs. The drum is equipped with 20-strand steel snare wires, designed to provide a crisp and articulate response.

Sonic Character

Due to its 14" x 8" dimensions, this snare drum produces a full-bodied, deep sound. The poplar shell contributes to a resonant tone with a controlled attack, preventing the drum from becoming overly harsh. The 20-strand steel wires ensure that despite the drum's depth, it remains sensitive enough to capture ghost notes and dynamic subtleties. It is well-suited for musical styles that require a 'fat' snare sound with significant low-mid presence.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to shallower models like the Tama Starclassic Performer 14" x 5.5" or the British Drum Co. Maverick, the Woodworks 8" depth offers considerably more air displacement and a lower pitch. While a stainless steel drum like the DW Collector's Series provides a bright, sharp bite, the Woodworks Poplar shell is focused on warmth and resonance. For drummers seeking a similar deep-shell profile in a different wood, the Natal Originals Walnut 14" x 8" serves as a primary alternative, though typically at a different price tier.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of the Tama Woodworks 14" x 8" snare?: The drum features an 8-ply poplar shell. Poplar is chosen for its warm, resonant characteristics and controlled attack.
What kind of hoops does this drum use?: It is equipped with triple-flanged hoops. These hoops provide reliable tuning and durability while maintaining an open sound.
How many lugs are on the Tama Woodworks 14" x 8" snare?: The drum features an 8-lug construction. This design helps in achieving a balanced tension across the drumhead.
What finish is applied to the hardware?: The drum features Matte Black hardware. This includes the hoops and lugs, creating a cohesive aesthetic with the dark shell wrap.
What is the specific wrap used on the shell?: The drum is finished with a Black Oak Art Grain wrap. This gives the instrument a sophisticated and natural appearance.
What kind of snare wires are included?: It comes with 20-strand steel snare wires. These are designed to deliver a crisp and articulate response for various playing styles.
Is this drum suitable for quiet playing?: Yes, the 20-strand steel wires are designed to accentuate ghost notes. The poplar shell's controlled attack also aids in dynamic playing.
How does the 8-inch depth affect the sound?: The 8-inch depth provides a more full-bodied, deep, and resonant sound compared to standard 5" or 5.5" depth snares. It increases the overall volume and low-end presence.
What is the typical price for this snare drum?: The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 122. It is positioned as a high-value option for drummers seeking a deep wood snare.
How does this compare to a maple snare drum?: While maple is known for all-around brightness and projection, the poplar shell in this Tama model provides a warmer tone with a more controlled attack. The 8-inch depth also makes it deeper than many standard maple snares like the Sonor AQ2.
Can this drum be used for different musical styles?: Yes, the full-bodied sound and resonant tones make it well-suited for various playing styles and settings. It is particularly effective where a deep, warm snare sound is required.
Is the Tama Woodworks snare an electronic or acoustic drum?: Despite its inclusion in some electronic kit categories in retail listings, this is a traditional acoustic snare drum made of wood and metal hardware. It does not contain electronic triggers or sensors.