Building my first snare drum and I guess I am finding out I have many???

[Mark Counts]

I have always played 14in.  by 5 1/4in. maple snare drums.  I have found a shell maker that is showing me a 14 by 5 1/4 steam bent Walnut shell.  He asked me if I want walnut rings or maple rings?  He is now asking me what size snare drum shell I want him to make. Do I want to go deeper or shallower or stick with what I am used to? I know nothing about hardware but I know I want quality, not cheap? The company I am talking to is, http://wittpercussion.com.

I know there are several of you that tinker with drum building.
Any advice would be much appreciated?
                          Nutty

[Todd Norris]

Hey Nutty, welcome to the wonderful world of custom snare drums.  Be prepared to be amazed, confused, and mostly just a lot lighter in the wallet. 

I can't claim to offer anything significant on your depth question, but I do recommend starting slow and investigating the wood types, thicknesses, depths, bearing edges etc. before plunking down the cash.  There's a couple of websites that I've seen that offer some written description of how different woods sound.  Bart's article on the front page offers some suggestions for wood types. 

As you know, the common theory holds that the deeper drum can offer more volume, deeper tone and more flexible tuning ranges.  Of course, that's just one variable in the drum equation and other options may highten on lessen those effects. 

When I built my custom jobby earlier this year, I stuck with what I tended to like in other drums - 5.5" depth.  It was a bit of a crap shoot since I didn't have a plethora of bubinga drums to try. 

The hardware is an interesting question.  Try drummaker.com or bestdrumdeals.com for lugs and strainers.  I also like Egodrumsupply.com products.  The price variance can be quite large, especially for the strainers.  you can go very inexpensive, say $15 up to say $70 for the Trick or Ego.  I have the Trick and it's, well - TRICK!   ;D

For some wood sound descriptions, try this   http://rhythmkingdrums.com/1woods.htm]http://rhythmkingdrums.com/1woods.htm  That's the guy that made the shell in my avatar. 

Hope that helps!  I'm sure James Walker can help too. He was instrumental in helping me get started in the custom route. 

[Mark Counts]

Hey Nutty, welcome to the wonderful world of custom snare drums.  Be prepared to be amazed, confused, and mostly just a lot lighter in the wallet. 

I can't claim to offer anything significant on your depth question, but I do recommend starting slow and investigating the wood types, thicknesses, depths, bearing edges etc. before plunking down the cash.  There's a couple of websites that I've seen that offer some written description of how different woods sound.  Bart's article on the front page offers some suggestions for wood types. 

As you know, the common theory holds that the deeper drum can offer more volume, deeper tone and more flexible tuning ranges.  Of course, that's just one variable in the drum equation and other options may highten on lessen those effects. 

The hardware is an interesting question.  Try drummaker.com or bestdrumdeals.com for lugs and strainers.  I also like Egodrumsupply.com products.  The price variance can be quite large, especially for the strainers.  you can go very inexpensive, say $15 up to say $70 for the Trick or Ego.  I have the Trick and it's, well - TRICK!   ;D

For some wood sound descriptions, try this   http://rhythmkingdrums.com/1woods.htm]http://rhythmkingdrums.com/1woods.htm  That's the guy that made the shell in my avatar. 

Hope that helps!  I'm sure James Walker can help too. He was instrumental in helping me get started in the custom route. 

Thank you Todd,
I am going for the Steam bent walnut.  He had a few more choices of woods like tiger maple and a few others but I want something in walnut.
I think I may go with the 5.5 just for a little more depth and after talking to the shell manufactor the shell has 45 degree bearing edges and I think I am going with the maple rings too.  He said that putting walnut rings makes the drum sound more like acrillic but a bit warmer.  He said the maple rings make it a warmer sounding drum. I am buying the shell through Wittpercussion out of Ohio.   I have communicated with James a few time via PM. He has responded to the Wittpercussion PM and said he didn't have any experience with Wittpercussion but had heard good things about them. So far the company has responded well and is very happy to make me anything I want.  I am going to talk to them about what I want today.
Ian at Wittpercussion also said he can get great deals on hardware so thank you very much for giving me several sources to check out so I will have some comparision.  You were talking about how much it got into your wallet.  Originally I was watching a Craviotto walnut used snare drum on Ebay that probably sold new for $1500 to $2000.  I could have bought it for about $500. I desided to take this route instead.  It is something that I can call my own. In the past few years I have gotten more into my music than my hunting. In fact, because I am so involved in my music, I just plain don't have time to hunt.   I am selling off a few guns that I used for Turkey and deer hunting. I am sure I will get more use out of this snare. 
Thank you for your great advice and good luck on your drum company.
Any advice or opinions at this point is very welcome since this is all new to me?
                                 Nutty

[James Walker]

He asked me if I want walnut rings or maple rings? 

I don't know how much of an influence the wood used for the re-rings will have on the drum.  If you're worried about mixing maple and walnut, don't.  I've got a walnut segment shell snare with maple counterhoops, and the drum sounds great.  Either way, tho, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.  There's a difference (to my ears) between walnut and maple, but they're not that far apart.  It's not like you're mixing a really hard wood (purpleheart or bubinga, f.i.) with a really soft wood (poplar or willow, f.i.).  I don't think it'll have much of an impact on the overall sound of the drum - maple hoops might make the drum a shade brighter, but nothing drastic.

The other issue is cosmetics - do you want the re-rings to match the rest of the shell, or do you like the contrasting look?  Some guys have a preference, others don't.  Even on this count, tho, you're just about the only person who is ever going to notice it - nobody else is ever going to see the re-rings while you're on a gig.

He is now asking me what size snare drum shell I want him to make. Do I want to go deeper or shallower or stick with what I am used to?

Are you planning to invest in more snare drums like this, or do you think it'll be a one-time event, getting a steambent shell?  If you're looking to get several drums, give yourself room to get another size without going to extremes.  If you get a 5.5x14 or 6x14, you're right in the middle - great if you're looking for a single snare drum to cover a lot of situations, IMO.  (6x14 remains my favorite snare drum size, FWIW.)  If you want to go with two drums, maybe go with a 5x14 to start, then go with a 6.5x14 with the next project - something along those lines.

I know nothing about hardware but I know I want quality, not cheap?

There are lots of good options, whether we're talking about egodrumsupply.com, or the various WorldMax retailers (drummaker.com/shop, amdrumparts.com, drumfoundry.com, etc.)

General advice?  When it comes to the shell, ask lots of questions of the builder.  Any shell builder worth his salt will not only be able to present options to you, he'll be able to tell you in simple terms how much of a difference - if any - each of these options will have on the sound of the finished drum.  Don't be shy about asking your builder for more information. 

Ask him for his recommendations, too.  Nobody will have more experience with Witt Percussion shells than Mr. Witt.  Maybe he'll say, "If you're looking for a single versatile drum, my customers have generally been the happiest with ____________..."  Don't feel like you have to reinvent the wheel when designing your drum - draw upon the experience that the builder has amassed over the years.  It's your first time designing a custom snare drum, but it's not his first time.

[Mark Counts]

Thank you for the advice James,
This will be my primary snare drum but no I am not going to stop with one.  (My wife doesn't know that yet). I have collected so much stuff over the years I think it is time to sell a few things off so I will have some funds to work with.  I may even sell my 3000 Paiste 18in. Nova China. I would also like a piccalo snare so I may take this one to 6in. deep. This is what I am trying to make my mind up right now. You are right about talking to him about building my first snare.  He has offered to help me anyway he can and I really like that kind of service.  I am sure what I do reflects towards his product and I am sure they take pride in what they do.  So this is good for me and them. He also knows that I am a part of this forum to so he knows that the experience I have with them will be known by many drummers.  That is just plain good for buisness.  Word of mouth goes a long way when all feedback is positive. I'll call him today and see if I can't get at least the shell worked out with him and get some ideas on hardward and the look and sound that I want.  I will report back as to what I come up with.  Thanks again James.  In this department, you are da man 8).
                        Nutty

[Mark Counts]

 ;D. I ordered the shell today.  14X6 Steam bent Walnut with maple rings/edges and beds.  Also he is going to mark my hole layout for free when I figure out what hardware I want.  Very nice people to work with.  I guess I am going to buy the hardware through him.  He said to find what I want and let him know and he would save me some money. So far I am very happy dealing with Wittpercussion.  He said he would walk me through the whole process.  I don't think I could ask for more 8).
                         Nutty

[Todd Norris]

;D. I ordered the shell today.  14X6 Steam bent Walnut with maple rings/edges and beds.  Also he is going to mark my hole layout for free when I figure out what hardware I want.  Very nice people to work with.  I guess I am going to buy the hardware through him.  He said to find what I want and let him know and he would save me some money. So far I am very happy dealing with Wittpercussion.  He said he would walk me through the whole process.  I don't think I could ask for more 8).
                         Nutty

Nice!  Please be sure to post pics etc when it arrives.  Can't wait to check it out!  It's very satisfying designing your very own drum isn't it?  The joy of putting together my custom jobby is what partially inspired my buddy and I to pursue our own custom shop - but with a twist...   ;)

[Mark Counts]

Nice!  Please be sure to post pics etc when it arrives.  Can't wait to check it out!  It's very satisfying designing your very own drum isn't it?  The joy of putting together my custom jobby is what partially inspired my buddy and I to pursue our own custom shop - but with a twist...   ;)

Sounds great Todd,
I will try to take pictures of it when it arives and as it is coming along. 
I need to think about what type finish to put on it too.  I don't know about satisfying yet, that depends on what I can get it to sound like.
I do have a few snares to compare it to and one of them I really like.
I would love to be able to afford keeping Earthtone drum heads on this one but I just can't see it. I will probably stick to the Fiberskyn3FD Powerstroke3. It seem to give me the tone that I like.  Now I will be able to compare Walnut to Maple and one piece to ply. It is exciting ;D.
                                Nutty

[Mark Counts]

After ordering my Steam Bent Walnut shell and looking at parts and checking out, http://wittpercussion.com  , I am considering caving in and just letting Ian Witt build what I want for me. I am an amature and he is a reputable drum builder. Check out his web site.  It will cost me more but I will get it right.  I love the idea of the finish that breaths and I am not sure I can do that? I am talking to him this afternoon to see what my options are. I am looking at a 6 X 14 Walnut in the Deluxe model.
                              Nutty

[Mark Counts]

 ;D. Well, I just had to report back again.  I just got off the phone with Ian Witt and this guy is great to deal with.  I have elected to go with him doing the drum.  He gave me a very fair price and advised me to a point.  Asked me what sound I was looking for.  I made a few special requests and he has been absolutly wonderful to work with. He has already bent my shell and the drum should be delivered in the next 3 weeks.  He told me that when I receive my drum I can be as picky as I want and send it back as many times as I like until it is right. I have never had a company tell me that. I picked the batter head and he told me that he would play the drum for at least an hour before shipping it to make sure his product is what it is supposed to be.
I don't think I can beat the deal or the service for a Steam Bent Walnut snare with all quality parts anywhere but I could be wrong. I will take pictures when I receive it and post them. Thank you James and Todd for your advice ;).
                                 Nutty

[Mark Counts]

Well, after doing some more research and finding more out about Walnut and different woods.  I have switched the order to a different type of wood.  I talked to Ian Witt and he told me that walnut is really on the bottom of his list of favorite woods.  Walnut is the most dence wood.  It would sound something like Bonhams Vistalite Snare if that makes sense? So, He is building me a snare out of Steam Bent Birch. In a few weeks I will take some pictures and show it on this thread.
                      Nutty

[yankeeboy13]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe that birch is a very versatile wood in terms of pitch (equal lows, mediums, highs) so that would probably be a good choice for a main snare?


Congrats on the entire deal nutty, hope it comes out great. 

[Mark Counts]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe that birch is a very versatile wood in terms of pitch (equal lows, mediums, highs) so that would probably be a good choice for a main snare?


Congrats on the entire deal nutty, hope it comes out great. 

My new kit came with a multi ply birch snare and I really love it.  The key to this new snare is single ply shell.  He is trying to recreate the Slingerland Radio King shells of the 30's and 40's. www.wittpercussion.com.  Go to his "about us" page. There is more to this story but all in good time ;).
                                 Nutty

[felix]

I think that is cool you went with birch.  The walnut Gretsch snare I like so much just had a walnut veneer IIRC.

I like the 6" depth you went for also.

wow, a steambent solid piece of birch- I bet it sounds awesome.

What kinda throw and hoops did you get?  Did you pick out any wires?

Where the heck is James.  I must have said something stupid again.

[Mark Counts]

I think that is cool you went with birch.  The walnut Gretsch snare I like so much just had a walnut veneer IIRC.

I like the 6" depth you went for also.

wow, a steambent solid piece of birch- I bet it sounds awesome.

What kinda throw and hoops did you get?  Did you pick out any wires?

Where the heck is James.  I must have said something stupid again.

Hi Felix,
According to Ian Witt, When you go to a single ply shell, it makes your drum sound deeper than a multi ply shell by an inch or two. I almost went to 6.5 but he told me that it might be over powering to go that deep.  The hoops are going to be made of birch too. The wires are going to be a 20 strand Puresound snare. I will tell you more in a PM.
                                       Nutty

[Mark Counts]

I think that is cool you went with birch.  The walnut Gretsch snare I like so much just had a walnut veneer IIRC.

I like the 6" depth you went for also.

wow, a steambent solid piece of birch- I bet it sounds awesome.

What kinda throw and hoops did you get?  Did you pick out any wires?

Where the heck is James.  I must have said something stupid again.

One more thing, James hasn't posted since June 9th?? Not sure why??
                           Nutty

[felix]

Someone said something to him he told me.

It was that "Nutty" guy.  He said he was fed up with all the PM's about how to build a snare, what wood is better, questions etc.

Jeez, one of my only friends here and you had to scare him away.  THANKS MARK!!!

Gawd.

[Mark Counts]

Someone said something to him he told me.

It was that "Nutty" guy.  He said he was fed up with all the PM's about how to build a snare, what wood is better, questions etc.

Jeez, one of my only friends here and you had to scare him away.  THANKS MARK!!!

Gawd.

I can be a bit scary at times and even get under some peoples skin.  At least I didn't ask him how to hold my sticks or tune a drum.  James did give me some good sound advice.  He told me to talk mostly to my drum builder, he would be the expert at his craft and his shells.
I didn't mean to scare him off.  Thank Felix for the guilt trip!!
URK,
               Nutty

[Mark Counts]

I talked to my drum builder and my snare should be here by the end of next week.
I will take some picks and post them here when it arives with an opinion of what it sounds like in comparision to what I am used to playing.
                                  Nutty

[Dave H.]

I have a 6" X 14 GMS single ply snare that I love! Ryan Payne that works at The Drum Center of Indianapolis built the maple shell. That is the best made & sounding single ply shell I have seen or heard bar none. Ryan will build you what you want & his prices arent to bad.
I got the snare with GMS made in their shop tube lugs & their made in house strainer for just over $700.00. See what Slingerland gets for a Radio King
                                                       Dave Huffman

[Mark Counts]

I have a 6" X 14 GMS single ply snare that I love! Ryan Payne that works at The Drum Center of Indianapolis built the maple shell. That is the best made & sounding single ply shell I have seen or heard bar none. Ryan will build you what you want & his prices arent to bad.
I got the snare with GMS made in their shop tube lugs & their made in house strainer for just over $700.00. See what Slingerland gets for a Radio King
                                                       Dave Huffman

Sounds like you are very happy with what you bought.  Yea, my builder let me pick out the hardware I wanted.  I don't think his prices are quiet that high.  I have seen some of his other work though and I am already thinking about a Tiger Maple Piccolo Snare next but I have some catching up to do money wise first.  The proof is in what it sounds like and I may need to work with it a bit to get what I want.  Only time will tell?  I am planning to try to make it my go to snare. It will make number 4 here not counting the few other ones I have sold. Glad to here that you are satisfied with your purchase.   It is alway encourging to here of someones success story.
                                Nutty

[felix]

That is the best made & sounding single ply shell I have seen or heard bar none.

That tree must have been grown in the enchanted forest and cared for it's whole life by a/the sacred pygmi tree growing clan- dedicated to growing trees for the best sounding snare drums.  Pygmis and elfs make the best sounding snare drums.  Everyone knows that here.

Steam bent birch is going to sound great Nutty.  Wood hoops?  Wow.  That is going to be a killer drum.

Where the heck is James?   :'(  Probably at that other forum.

[Mark Counts]

That tree must have been grown in the enchanted forest and cared for it's whole life by a/the sacred pygmi tree growing clan- dedicated to growing trees for the best sounding snare drums.  Pygmis and elfs make the best sounding snare drums.  Everyone knows that here.

Steam bent birch is going to sound great Nutty.  Wood hoops?  Wow.  That is going to be a killer drum.

Where the heck is James?   :'(  Probably at that other forum.

I think we should send him a PM and make sure he is OK?
                           Nutty

[James Walker]

I think we should send him a PM and make sure he is OK?
                           Nutty

Hi, guys,

Thanks for the concern, everyone.  Everything's cool - I'm just laying low these days, without much to say.

JW

[Louis Russell]

without much to say.

OK, you can't fool me!  Where is the "Real"James?   ;D

I am glad you are ok!

[felix]

Oh okay.  I know how that feels.  I'm getting ready to lay low myself I think.

Hey, did Nutty tell you about his snare drum?  It's HAWT.

[Mark Counts]

That tree must have been grown in the enchanted forest and cared for it's whole life by a/the sacred pygmi tree growing clan- dedicated to growing trees for the best sounding snare drums.  Pygmis and elfs make the best sounding snare drums.  Everyone knows that here.

Steam bent birch is going to sound great Nutty.  Wood hoops?  Wow.  That is going to be a killer drum.

Where the heck is James?   :'(  Probably at that other forum.

Very interesting Felix.  The Pigmi's and the Elfs in the enchanted forest for sure dude.
I love this story, he he he!!
I am sorry but only birch rings and shells.  The rims (hoops) are metal.
I am to much into rim shots to go with wood on the rims.  I think we are speaking the
same language?   I got home tonight and my wife told me there was a big box delivered.  My heart started to race. I saw the box and it was the right size.  Problem is, I have three orders coming.  One from Tama, one From Witt percussion and one from Interstate Muisc.  This one was from Tama.  My Iron Cobra Power Glide DB Pedal.  Still excited ;D!!! Ian Witt told me I will have the snare on the 30th or the 31st 8). Can't wait.
                                      Nutty

[Mark Counts]

Hi, guys,

Thanks for the concern, everyone.  Everything's cool - I'm just laying low these days, without much to say.

JW

Glad to know you are OK James. Missed reading your post lately.
                         Nutty

[NY Frank]

Hi, guys,

Thanks for the concern, everyone.  Everything's cool - I'm just laying low these days, without much to say.

JW

Good to hear.  Build any more amazing kits lately?

[Mark Counts]

Hi Folks,
OK, I am happy, the Drum is finally finished.  I got it today and tuned it for about 10 min. and it is the best I have ever played in my life.  What a tone(Body monster).
Man, I am glad the Cafe is back up ;D!!!
Here is a few of just the shell.
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/5987/flame001uv0.jpg
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/2039/flame002jm9.jpg
And here is the finished product ;):



All in all, I am very satisfied with Ian Witt's quality and I can honestly say that his
drum shells not only look gorgeous but sound like nothing I have ever played ;D.
                                           Nutty

[yankeeboy13]

Nice! Have a blast with it...glad it was worth the wait.

[Mark Counts]

Nice! Have a blast with it...glad it was worth the wait.

Thanks yankeeboy13,
Actually, I have been playing with it all day.  It came with a Remo Coated Ambassador
on it even after I requested a Remo Fiberskyn 3 FA.  I was so happy to finally get the drum that I just tuned it up in about 10 min. and started playing it.  I Loved it!!
I had a Remo Fiberskyn 3 FA, brand new in a box and tried it.  I learned something today.
Remo Fiberskyn3's and EarthTones are for drums you are trying to get Tone out of.
If the drum already has tone you don't need those heads.  I compared my Tama Star Classic multi ply Birch 6 X14 to this WP Custom single Ply Steam Bent Birch 6 X 14 and the differences are:
The Steam bent drum is much lighter.  More tone more body, Not as much Crack(doesn't tare your ears off) and really not the volume(MODIFY: I was wrong, all the volume you want).  Very nice.  I put the Ambassador back on it.  This drum is very sensitive, you can Play soft or loud with just as good tone. The Fiberskyn 3 was to much, it doesn't need more tone. This drum has more tone than any drum I have played. The coated Remo Ambassador is the head
I am still playing with & it sounds very nice.  Very little muffling needed.  The Pure sound snare is very nice too. I am going to record with it tomorrow.  This will tell me even more.
                         Nutty

[felix]

I like the birch grain.  That's really a nice piece with some cool figuring.

You ought to try some die cast hoops on it for grins also- maybe swap them out with the triple flange hoops when you want to change sounds.

It looks like it has noble and cooley hardware on it.  Nice.

[Mark Counts]

I like the birch grain.  That's really a nice piece with some cool figuring.

You ought to try some die cast hoops on it for grins also- maybe swap them out with the triple flange hoops when you want to change sounds.

It looks like it has noble and cooley hardware on it.  Nice.

Hey Felix,
Can you explain what the difference is normally, in the Die Cast Hoop and the Triple Flange?
I maight really buy several different types if there is that big of a difference in sound of Hoops.
You were talking about the Noble and Cooley hardware. I am not exactly sure what the hoops are or the spindles but the strainer is what they are using on the Taye drums, also called a stealth strainer. I really also like the 20 strand Pure Sound wires. I will try to find out more about the hardware.  I think it is what WP uses on all there Delux models. Thank you for the complements.  I think she is pretty too.
                   Nutty

[Mark Counts]

OOOHHH Sh#$%^, I can't believe what it sounds like recorded.  I am going to find a way to put some of it on UTUBE and display it.  We were paying very close attention to 2 songs today. Let me see what I can do to let you hear what it sounds like.  There are about 6 songs live that would work ;).
                               Nutty

[Mark Counts]

I talked to Ian Witt, my drum builder at http://www.wittpercussion.com/, this morning.  There were some details about my new snare that I was supposed to keep a secrete until he did a show with a drum just like mine in Toronto Canada at the end of this month.  The company that he was going to do some kind of joint venture with and the show fell through so he told me I could tell all about it now ;D.

The Drum was truly inspired by something I read with Chris Whitten.  If I can find the whole artical I will provide the link to it. MODIFY:Here it is, http://www.majormusic.com.au/products/ew_dfh_custom_vintage.php. You will have to scroll down a bit to find all the info.

The drum is very Close to Noble and Cooley hardware.  The shell is Single Ply, Steam bent Lake Superior Flame Birch. Timeless Timbers ;).  The shell thickness is exactly this.  All of Ian's shell's are made to replicate the Vintage 30's and 40's Slingerland Radio King shells. The snare drum is very light compared to my 6 X 14 StarClassic birch snare.  The sound of this shell is like nothing I have played.  In talking to Ian this morning about drum heads and the Ambassador that is on it was very close to what Chris Said about them.  He said that if you are doing Studio work, he recommends the Ambassador for the best sound, But replace it after each session.  If you are going to be playing a lot of gigs go to an Evans head, they will last longer. If you don't know anything about Lake Superior Timeless Timber Wood. Check this artical out.  By the way,  Ian can still get this wood. He said he has a few regular Timeless Timber Birch pieces ready to bend right now.  He can also get other types of wood that are Timeless Timber. I have been really waiting to tell this, now I have :D.
I can honestly say that this snare was worth every penny I paid for it.  The workmanship, the sound and the looks.  Thank you James Walker for letting me know about Mr. Witt's reputation. If you contact Ian, please let him know that you heard it from Mark Counts.

More info on Timeless Timber

Recovered from the depths of the Great Lakes Region and other US and Canadian waterways Timeless Timber is virgin old-growth timber 300 - 1200 years old. Grown under a thick canopy of evergreen trees and competing for limited nutrients and sunlight in overgrown forests, virgin hardwood species matured very slowly, accumulating up to 40 to 50 rings per inch. Today's second growth rapidly maturing trees average only 5 to 10 rings per inch. These environmental factors resulted in the development of a finely grained, highly figured hardwood of exceptional quality and beauty.


In the 1800's logging mills dotted the shorelines of lakes and rivers that were adjacent to the majestic forests of North America. Thousands of rugged lumberjacks felled millions of virgin trees that were previously untouched by man. These logs were tied into rafts and floated to the lumber mills for processing. Most of the lumber was used for building the great cities of the Industrial Revolution, except the logs that were lost before reaching their destination. These logs also known as 'sinkers', became waterlogged in transit and in their subsequent holding ponds and settled to the bottom. Forgotten, these sunken timbers have remained at the bottoms of lakes and rivers for over a century, untouched and perfectly preserved in the icy cold waters of the North. It wasn't until the 1990's when Timeless Timber discovered these lost 'sinkers' and devised methods for the recovery and state-of-the-art kiln drying of these irreplaceable woods.

Extensive research into log mark records by Timeless Timber staff bridges the past with the present. Some Timeless Timber logs have marks showing the logging company's name, from that we try to determine the sawmill and the year the log was cut down and in transit. Today, only two million board feet of recovered submerged lumber is available each year, although new domestic and international caches are continually being discovered.



Some of the ever changing species of Timeless Timber are flamed red birch, hard maple, tidewater, red cypress, beech, ash, white pine, red pine, ponderosa pine, red oak, western larch and aspen, with more species being discovered as recovers continues. The allure that Timeless Timber wood provides is beyond compare. Whether you are an architect, fine home builder, furniture maker or rare woods purist Timeless Timber will give your next project exceptional beauty, strength and a captivating story that dates back to the days of Columbus's discovery of America.

                                  Nutty

[felix]

So you still like the drum I take it  ;)

[Chris Whitten]

That Timeless Timber makes a beautiful sounding instrument.  :)

He said that if you are doing Studio work, he recommends the Ambassador for the best sound, But replace it after each session.  If you are going to be playing a lot of gigs go to an Evans head, they will last longer.

Is that right?
I can't imagine saying exactly that.

I prefer a single-ply, coated head for recording. The Remo Ambassador is an excellent example, but most companies make something similar.
I generally use Evans for both studio and live. I don't remember saying I only use Evans live because 'they last longer'  ???

[Mark Counts]

That Timeless Timber makes a beautiful sounding instrument.  :)

Is that right?
I can't imagine saying exactly that.

I prefer a single-ply, coated head for recording. The Remo Ambassador is an excellent example, but most companies make something similar.
I generally use Evans for both studio and live. I don't remember saying I only use Evans live because 'they last longer'  ???

You didn't say that. Ian Witt did. You said, If you were using and Ambassador for doing studio work you would change the Ambassador every recording session. But for your gigs you have left it on for a period of time. We were talking about how fast the coating wears off. You said something like, if you aren't doing much work with brushes the coating doesn't really matter ;).                                  
                                             Nutty

[Chris Whitten]

Okey Dokey.  :)

[ayotteTL]

That snare is gorgeous!I was gonna say what amazing figuring on the wood. Timeless Timber is beautiful sounding wood. A local jazz player in my city plays a Craviotto Timeless Timber and without knowing brand or anythng about what it was,I asked him about it. I've played a couple wood snares-all plied wood and never got the sound he had. It was distinctively warm yet voluminous.

When he played brushes it didn't sound muted like my wood snares.  Lively yet warm. Got rid of my wood snares and now play only metal snares because brushwork seems to be more prominent w/black brass and other metal.

Timelesss Timber has made me really re-think this. They sound so friggin good w/brushes! I dunno if I was hearing the benefits of a solid shell or the Timeless Timber. I'm guessing a little of both but_WOW they are distinctive and special.
I think I might dig DW Bamboo snare too for brushwork.

[Chip Donaho]

I have one of the first Craviotto maple snares made. Those were Timeless Timber and that snare sounds awesome. To think, I'm only about 2-3 hours away from where that wood is. Lake Superior is straight up the hiway for me to Duluth, MN. I've been in that water and it's even cold in mid summer. Better rent a snorkle, and wet suit. But there are several tons of various types of wood down there. You better take diving lessons. If you get cold easy best to stay on shore. That water is freezing cold even in August.  :o

[Paicey]

How would your drum compare to the Mapex 5.5x13 steel piece of junk? ;D. Birch snaredrums totally rock, someone awhile back put up some MP3's of various woods and birch stood out to me. Ill bet that drum is one bad mother!.

[Mark Counts]

How would your drum compare to the Mapex 5.5x13 steel piece of junk? ;D. Birch snaredrums totally rock, someone awhile back put up some MP3's of various woods and birch stood out to me. Ill bet that drum is one bad mother!.

Paicey,
I have to agree with you. I have a Tama Star Classic Birch snare the really sounds good but I have to say that the single ply custom snare sounds better than anything that I have played IMHO.
Also, to respond to an earlier post, it does sound great with Brushes but I have admit that I would probably take the  Ambassador
over the Evans PC Dot if I played a bunch of brushes just for texture. I think the roughness of the head makes a difference as well as all other variables.
                                                              Nutty