TAMA Starphonic Snare Drum Seamless Aluminum 6x14

First off, and most of us are already well aware of; Tama definitely makes good �ۡ��̏quality�ۡ�ݕ�_ products. What primarily interested me in the Starphonic series were the unique depth 6 x 14 & the fact that Tama hasn�ۡ���t had an aluminum snare since the discontinuation of the metal series. And Tama�ۡ���s new features or �ۡ��̏Key Advancements�ۡ�ݕ�_ are interesting as well. If you�ۡ���re not already aware, I want to state that those are not die-cast hoops on the Starphonics. Although different in concept & design, the �ۡ��̏Grooved Hoops�ۡ�ݕ�_ are somewhat similar in weight to the 1.6mm flanged hoops found on today�ۡ���s Artwood & Metalworks series�ۡ��_which isn�ۡ���t necessarily a bad thing. I found that it gives the snare a more rounded, softer tone than the aggressiveness found in heavier flanged or die-cast hoops. And don�ۡ���t get me wrong�ۡ��_the snare will be heard. Also, I heard in a review the �ۡ��̏Freedom Lug & Claw Hook�ۡ�ݕ�_ is a great innovation, however �ۡ��̏a few more turns than needed�ۡ�ݕ�_ when loosening the tension rod from the hoop removes it from the lug anyway--defeating the purpose altogether. I personally haven�ۡ���t noticed it to be a major issue, although it can happen. I heard someone quote �ۡ��̏the Starphonic Aluminum is an Acrolite on steroids�ۡ�ݕ�_. I honestly wouldn�ۡ���t know because I�ۡ���ve never played Ludwig�ۡ���s Acrolite, however, I do like the sound of Tama�ۡ���s Starphonic Aluminum. It�ۡ���s bright, open, & has depth. I currently have the drum equipped with an Evans Reverse Dot, and I get a nice pleasing rimshot slightly off center. I also liked the factory single ply coated head. The drum had a more open, resonant sound with a nice ring to it. I personally wasn�ۡ���t found of the Hi-Carbon snares on the aluminum, although I liked them on the Warlord series. I changed them to Tama�ۡ���s Starclassic steel wires, and I�ۡ���m very pleased with the response. Most likely Tama will add to the series�ۡ��_possibly a bronze and/or a stainless steel shell. Anyway, the different shell options combined with all the Key Advancements makes the Starphonic series a definitive choice for anyone�ۡ���s snare arsenal.