Tama STAR Reserve Bubinga/Walnut 14"x5" Snare Drum - Gloss Cordia

Product Description

STAR Reserve is TAMA's line for drums built in small runs from unusual timbers, and this one is the definition of articulate. The shell combines four inner plies of walnut with two outer plies of bubinga, giving a warm, full-bodied sound with focused attack and mid-low projection. Maple Sound Focus Rings sharpen the outline further, and the shallow 5" depth means every stroke comes back exactly as you played it.

An outer ply of Cordia gives the drum a look few other snares have, and the gloss finish lifts the grain. This is built as an instrument rather than a workhorse, and it is made in Japan.

The hybrid shell

Walnut and bubinga play different roles. The walnut carries the warmth and the full body; the bubinga brings density and the focused attack. Maple Sound Focus Rings sit at the edges and tighten the attack further. The result is a drum that stays sensitive on light strokes without going loose as you push the volume.

Shallow depth, clear statement

Five inches is shallow for a modern snare, and that is deliberate. A shallower shell means faster response and a clearer, more articulate tone. You notice it most in ghost notes and light figures, where a deeper drum turns muddy.

Hoops, lugs and snare wires

The Sound Arc Hoops give an immediate response with controlled overtones. MTL150 tube lugs leave the shell free to resonate. The snare wires are 20-strand Super Sensitive hi-carbon steel, chosen precisely for their response to light strokes. Factory heads are a Remo Coated Ambassador on top and a Remo Snareside Ambassador underneath, a classic and open combination.

Who it suits

A good choice if you play music where the detail is audible: jazz, studio work, acoustic settings and anything where dynamics are the point. It works especially well for players who already own a workhorse snare and are looking for something with more character. If you want a heavy backbeat snare for high volume, a deeper shell is the better direction. The run is 140 pieces worldwide.

Our Tips

• Tune it fairly high. The shallow shell and the Sound Focus Rings come into their own with the head sitting tight.
• Leave it undamped at first. The drum is built to control its own overtones, and extra damping removes what you paid for.
• Gloss lacquer does not take chemical cleaners. A dry or slightly damp cloth is enough.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Why only 5" deep?

A shallower depth gives faster response and clearer articulation. It is a choice for dynamics and detail rather than for maximum weight.

What do the Sound Focus Rings do?

They are maple rings at the shell edges. They stiffen the edge area and give a more focused attack with a shorter, clearer tone.

Is a stand included?

No, the drum ships without a snare stand.