Workbench Series 15" x 4.5" Maple/Gum Hybrid Snare - Prototype

I'm not sure what to call this size drum, but I think I like the term "Fat Piccolo." You can tune it up high, but I think it really sits better at medium and low tunings. The diameter and depth combine to create a nice, dark, fat sound, but it's still shallow enough to have great snare response. And the Maple/Gum shell adds an even richer overall tone to this drum. For fun, I added a silver dot on the bottom of the single-ply batter head.

What's the story with this drum? This drum is another experiment—I was inspired by a 4" × 15" Ludwig Black Magic snare I played several years ago, as well as a 1920s original Ludwig Black Beauty that came in for repairs. I just fell in love with these dimensions, and I know this will become a regular size on future builds.

What makes this a "Prototype" drum?

The Pearl SR-017 throw-off was mounted just a bit too high on the shell. That's it. I did it this way to get the proper break angle on the snare wires, but unfortunately, the overall size of the throw-off pushed the top mounting hole a little too close to the batter head. At higher tensions, the rim can touch the throw-off. For the most part, you probably won't have this drum tuned that high.

The only other issue is the gaskets on the lugs. This style of gasket degrades over time, so on future builds I'll make my own custom gaskets from better material.

Shell

• Size: 15" × 4.5"
• Shell: 7-ply Maple/Gum/Maple
• Interior: Silver sealed
• Bearing Edges: 30° with 1/8" outer round-over
• Finish: Custom Orange Mottled Satin

Hardware

• Lugs: 8 modern brass tube lugs
• Hoops: 2.3mm Steel Triple Flanged
• Throw-off: Pearl SR-017
• Butt Plate: Pearl SR-018
• Snare Wires: Pearl Ultra-Sound 15" 20-strand