Mediocrefunkybeat
02-05-2007, 09:06 PM
Well I received my long-awaited snare drum in the post today, Dad came in clutching the box above his head and I cried out in glee, I haven't been able to play in three weeks, since the date I broke my old stock snare drum.
I opened the box (man these guys like to prolong a wait) took out the drum and carefully examined the hardware, all the lugs are of absolute top quality, as are the hoops and every other components, with one minor exception which is the throw off lever, which feels a little light and flimsy in comparison to the rest of the hardware, but it's functional and the actual action of the throw off is rather good.
Took off the heads and hoops, etc and gave the bearing edges a thorough inspection. Well, the first thing I noticed is just how beautiful the wood grain is, absolutely stunning. Nicer than the Ash grain on my main tubs, similar, but basically the same pattern, just smaller versions in a higher density.
I then checked the edges and they are absolutely flawless. I checked once, twice and three times, each time carefully running my index finger around and I detected no imperfections. The snare beds were well cut, wide and fairly deep, but not anything spectacularly deep. The bearing edge quality was simply top level all the way around on both heads.
I then proceeded to re-assemble my drum (I hate doing this part...) and gave it a quick tune. Naturally, tuning the snare bed slightly higher than the rest of the snare side and tuning the batter fairly tight as I always do. I played with the snare wires a little to get the right sensitivity and it started to choke when they were on very tight, but nothing I would normally use.
Well, the overall tone of the drum is fairly high pitched, with a beautifully woody tone and a cracking rimshot. Rather bright, due to the very hard nature of the wood, which accentuates ringy overtones slightly, but that isn't an issue with me at all. I prefer undampened snares as a rule. It's a very cutting snare, capable of ear-piercing rim shots, but sensitive enough to really allow subtle rolls and delicate rimshots. An excellent dynamic snare.
Overall, on initial impressions, I am VERY, VERY impressed with Yamaha. The snare is constructed flawlessly, the finish is beautiful (black, with just a hint of grain) if a little plain, but very well applied (lacquer), the sound is superb and lastly, the heads supplied are actually very, very usable. I would definitely recommend this little beauty.
I bought it from www.chamberlainmusic.co.uk and highly recommend their service. It wasn't in stock when I ordered it and they emailed me to tell me that it would be with me in 7-10 days. It was only despatched today and I received it this evening, so top marks all around and for keeping me informed. I used them because we bought a Yamaha Grand Piano from them a few years ago and have since had excellent service from them in the intervening eight years.
I opened the box (man these guys like to prolong a wait) took out the drum and carefully examined the hardware, all the lugs are of absolute top quality, as are the hoops and every other components, with one minor exception which is the throw off lever, which feels a little light and flimsy in comparison to the rest of the hardware, but it's functional and the actual action of the throw off is rather good.
Took off the heads and hoops, etc and gave the bearing edges a thorough inspection. Well, the first thing I noticed is just how beautiful the wood grain is, absolutely stunning. Nicer than the Ash grain on my main tubs, similar, but basically the same pattern, just smaller versions in a higher density.
I then checked the edges and they are absolutely flawless. I checked once, twice and three times, each time carefully running my index finger around and I detected no imperfections. The snare beds were well cut, wide and fairly deep, but not anything spectacularly deep. The bearing edge quality was simply top level all the way around on both heads.
I then proceeded to re-assemble my drum (I hate doing this part...) and gave it a quick tune. Naturally, tuning the snare bed slightly higher than the rest of the snare side and tuning the batter fairly tight as I always do. I played with the snare wires a little to get the right sensitivity and it started to choke when they were on very tight, but nothing I would normally use.
Well, the overall tone of the drum is fairly high pitched, with a beautifully woody tone and a cracking rimshot. Rather bright, due to the very hard nature of the wood, which accentuates ringy overtones slightly, but that isn't an issue with me at all. I prefer undampened snares as a rule. It's a very cutting snare, capable of ear-piercing rim shots, but sensitive enough to really allow subtle rolls and delicate rimshots. An excellent dynamic snare.
Overall, on initial impressions, I am VERY, VERY impressed with Yamaha. The snare is constructed flawlessly, the finish is beautiful (black, with just a hint of grain) if a little plain, but very well applied (lacquer), the sound is superb and lastly, the heads supplied are actually very, very usable. I would definitely recommend this little beauty.
I bought it from www.chamberlainmusic.co.uk and highly recommend their service. It wasn't in stock when I ordered it and they emailed me to tell me that it would be with me in 7-10 days. It was only despatched today and I received it this evening, so top marks all around and for keeping me informed. I used them because we bought a Yamaha Grand Piano from them a few years ago and have since had excellent service from them in the intervening eight years.