Some time ago, we received a sizable parcel containing a TAMA Superstar Hyper Drive Duo drum kit as well as Meinl Classics Custom cymbal set. Having unboxed the kit and taken a closer look at all the drums, especially the Hyper Drive Duo tom/snare, we knew this was going to be very interesting. The only thing left to do was to take on the challenge of testing this piece of gear knowing how TAMA are going to attack the market this year…
To hit on those drums, we invited one of young and very promising Polish drummers, Jeremiasz Baum. He was a finalist of the Young Drum Hero 2014 contest and the winner of the same event in 2016 (jury members included the likes of Jason Sutter, Rick Latham, Jason Bittner and Russell Gilbrook). We think Jeremiasz is the right person to sit behind this TAMA Superstar Hyper Drive Duo kit equipped with a TAMA S.L.P. Classic Dry Aluminum snare drum and Meinl Classics Custom cymbals as they seem to have been created to be used in the music he plays on an everyday basis (not only that, though).
TAMA S.L.P. Classic Dry Aluminum Snare
1. The test
The test was carried out in our own recording facility. We also used a TAMA Superstar Hyper Drive Duo kit, Evans heads used by Tama (coated on the toms and snares, clear on the bass drum), the hardware sent to us by the distributor as well as a Meinl Classics Custom cymbal set. As part of the test, Jeremiasz Baum performed a fragment of a song by his band Paranoid Mind, titled “Passing Nights“.
2. Basic specification of the snare drum tested here:
- Manufacturer: Tama
- Model: S.L.P. Classic Dry Aluminum
- Size: 14″ x 5,5″
- Finish: Aluminium
- Material: Seamless 1.2 mm aluminum shell
- Hoops: Steel Mighty Hoop
- Character: focused, selective, short sustain
3. Product and sound
As the name suggests, the TAMA S.L.P. Classic Dry Aluminum snare is made of aluminum. It is based on a seamless 1.2 mm shell featuring a single bead in the middle, which gives it a classic, practically vintage look. The Steel Mighty Hoops compliment that impression. The snares (20 coils) are appropriately sensitive, the attack is powerful, although not aggressive. The strainer works without any problems. The instrument’s sound is of classic character just as much as its look is – it is focused, selective, with short sustain. The snare is perfect for such music genres as funk, fusion, pop, jazz or rock. Potential young buyers needn’t worry, though, as the drum has all the qualities necessary for performing modern music, which our test should prove. This instrument offers pro sound at a very reasonable price.
4. Summary
We consider this to be a very good instrument, however, we think we should let Jeremiasz Baum himself sum up the whole experience:
“I’m glad we tried the TAMA S.L.P. Classic Dry Aluminum snare out in three different tunings. I really liked how it blended in with the music when tuned low, although it needed some dampening in that case because the shell did generate some overtones. Medium tuning met all the boundary conditions I set for snares, however, it was in high tuning that I liked this instrument best. The loud crack and the funky-drummer-on-steroids sound – amazing!!”.
Producer: http://www.tama.com/eu/index_pl.php
Distributor in Poland: http://www.meinldistribution.pl/
OUR VERDICT: 5/5
Advantages:
- Very well crafted
- Warm, vintage sound
- Stylistic versatility
- Price
- Magnificent look
Disadvantages:
- None
Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the TAMA S.L.P. Classic Dry Aluminum snare drum to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test! Exclusively for you, we give you Jeremiasz Baum!
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