Tama Snare Drums

TAMA Snare Drums – Heritage, Sound & Why They Matter

TAMA’s identity has always been tied to snare drums that do a specific job extremely well from affordable “first real upgrade” models, through genre-targeted workhorses, right up to flagship builds and artist signatures. The common thread is a very TAMA approach: clear voicing choices, consistent hardware, and snares that tune extremely well and hold their sound consistently. Tama snares continue to be a popular and worthwhile choice for our customers, and it’s easy to see why.

TAMA Metalworks & Woodworks Snare Drums

These are the entry points—simple, affordable, and immediately usable.

Metalworks (steel) – built with the beginner in mind, using a 1.2mm steel shell for a professional snap at an accessible price.

A good reference model is Metalworks 14"×5.5": bright tone, tight crispness when tuned up, smoother resonance when tuned lower.

Woodworks (poplar) – the warm, affordable wood alternative: 8-ply poplar shells for a rich, full character.

TAMA’s own descriptions highlight a warm, rounded voice with a solid attack (e.g., 14"×6.5").

TAMA S.L.P. (Sound Lab Project) Snare Drums

S.L.P. is the “choose your flavour” tier—distinct models built around specific shell concepts, so you can land on a sound role quickly.

Fat Spruce – 14"×6" (7mm / 8-ply spruce)
An all-spruce 8-ply shell with a warm, resonant tone. Paired with TAMA’s 8-lug die-cast hoops, it delivers a powerful yet warm rimshot sound.

Classic Dry Aluminum - 14"×5.5" (1.2mm seamless aluminium)
A crisp, controlled, dry response—great when you want clear articulation and quick decay.

Flat Black Steel – 14"×8" (steel)
Maximum power and volume for heavy playing and loud stages.

TAMA Starclassic Snare Drums

This is the long-running “core pro” zone: Starclassic has been part of the TAMA identity since 1994.

Starclassic Maple/Birch
The classic high-end TAMA backbeat: incredible power with maple warmth and zinc die-cast hoops for a fast, solid crack and stable feel.

Starclassic Walnut/Birch
A modern hybrid: 6mm shell (4-ply birch + 2 inner plies American Black Walnut)—focused attack up front with a firmer, warmer body underneath.

TAMA STARPHONIC Snare Drums

This is the “one family, many materials” platform: crafted in Japan, with uniquely designed lugs/hoops and a menu of shell materials that each deliver a clearly different texture.

Spruce – 14"×6" - warm high-mid tone, sharp attack, clear projection.

Bell Brass – 14"×6" - extreme power/volume with sensitivity and control.

Copper – 14"×7" - raw, dark tone with rich low overtones.

Starphonic Stainless Steel - 14” x 6”  - power and volume with bright overtones.

TAMA STAR Snare Drums

STAR is the flagship platform: made in Japan, with shell designs built around maximum resonance and refined feel.

STAR Solid Maple – bright/open with warm sustain 

STAR Solid Mahogany 14"×6" – deep, dark, warm and articulate.

TAMA STAR Reserve Snare Drums

STAR Reserve is the concept-led extension of STAR—limited builds designed to explore new sounds and materials.

Hand Hammered Copper 14"×6.5" - warm/rich with bright attack.

Hand Hammered Brass 14"×5.5"- rich, vibrant tone with very clear attack.

Hand Hammered Aluminum 14"×6.5" - deeper resonance/control while staying bright and quick.

TAMA Signature Snare Drums

TAMA’s Signature line is deliberately specific: each model is built to capture an artist’s response and projection needs—materials, depth, hoops and wires chosen for a recognisable outcome.

Examples include models for Lars Ulrich, Stewart Copeland, Mike Portnoy, Simon Phillips, Charlie Benante, John Tempesta, and Peter Erskine.

Come and try them in person

We’ve got a dedicated TAMA display area in the shop, so the best way to choose is to come in, play a few, and pick the one that feels and speaks right to you.

Need help choosing a snare drum? Visit our Snare Drum Buyer’s Guide.