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BeatIt Test: Tama Lars Ulrich Signature snare

Feb 16, 2021 | SNARE DRUMS, TESTS AND REVIEWS

BeatIt Test: Tama Lars Ulrich Signature snare

Not so long ago, we received yet another package from the Tama company. This time it contained a very interesting instrument – the Lars Ulrich singnature snare drum. Since we have wanted to get our hands on it for some time, we were even more willing to thoroughly test it and share the test results with our viewers.

We are testing a Tama Lars Ulrich Signature snare drum

1. Test

Having unpacked the instrument, we immediately started to “tap” on it. Once we’d had our way with it, we took it down to our studio, where we photographed it thoroughly only to make an audio and video recording of it.

During our test, we also used a 22″ x 18″ Sonor Ascent bass drum and a Zildjian I Family Standard Gig Pack (14″ hi hat, 16″ crash, 20″ ride).

2. Basic specification of the product:

  • Producer: Tama
  • Model: Lars Ulrich Signature
  • Model No.: LU1465N
  • Material: Steel
  • Shell: 3 mm, Diamond Plate
  • Color: Silver
  • Size: 14″ x 6.5″
  • Hardware: Chrome
  • Strainer/Butt end: MUS80A/MUS80B
  • Snares: MS20SN14S, 20 strand
  • Lugs: MSL35
  • Hoops: Die Cast, zinc
  • Tuning rods: 10
  • Heads: Remo

3. Product and sound

The Tama Lars Ulrich Signature snare is a very beautiful instrument. The finish is eye-catching from the very first glance, the steel-colored industrial Diamond Plate design makes a great impression, which is only enhanced by the chrome hardware and the badge bearing the Artist’s logo and autograph.

The snare drum also attracts attention with the way it is crafted. It is equipped with zinc die-cast hoops and hefty common lugs to hold the pitch securely. The

Let’s not kid ourselves. The Tama Lars Ulrich snare was created for those who play like they’re hammering big nails and, as such, meets all sonic standards, i.e. it is furiously loud, has a focused attack, bright tone, long decay (of course, that can always be shortened by dampening), resonant rim click, and it rings like a blacksmith’s hammer forging a horseshoe on an anvil when hit with a rimshot. That is not everything, though. The instrument’s sonic characteristics are surprisingly warm and provide a pleasant listening experience in both high and low frequencies. In addition, the instrument presents quite a large dynamic range – in the film you will hear not only strong notes, but also all the ghost notes played by Max. All rockers and metal heads out there will be delighted, and with proper tuning and damping, many interesting sonic effects could be achieved in several other musical styles. The price of this snare drum (around EUR 700 or USD 850) is as much a killer as its volume and weight (it’s heavy, watch your toes!), but those who know what they are in for will not regret such an investment.

4. This is what Max Psuja had to say about the snare drum:

“Tama Lars Ulrich Signature is a snare that’s been around for a few years now, but it’s the first time I’ve had the opportunity to check it out. I was surprised when I realized how flexible it is. It lends itself to many different tunings and dampening tricks. The sound may not be the most universal out there because of how loud the instrument is but, on the other hand, it will work great in many variations of rock and metal. This snare has all the advantages of a good instrument built for rock music – bright, biting and focused attack, a killer rimshot and a very distinct and fat rim click. The Tama Lars Ulrich snare always maintains its full colour and a nice, wide band of both high and low frequencies, regardless of how it’s tuned. The quality of craftsmanship is really high, too. As for the sound, it all depends on finding the right place for it in your music. Once that happens, it’s gonna be a faithful and trusted friend for years.”

Producer: www.tama.com

Distributor in Poland: Meinl Distribution Polska

OUR VERDICT: 5 out of 5

Advantages:

  • Very well-crafted
  • Great, slightly industrial look
  • Attack
  • Wide dynamic range
  • Wide frequency range
  • Comes with Remo heads

In-between:

  • Price

Disadvantages:

  • None

Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the 16″ x 6.5″ Tama Lars Ulrich Signature snare drum to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test! Exclusively for you, we give you Max Psuja!