Tama 50th Anniversary Bell Brass

[Markkuliini]

Oh no! Just interested in sound? That would be a blasphemy in the snare world. You must consider the production process, the sand casting, the value of the originals, the future value of the new ones, the market, the Dollar vs. Euro, and on and on, one cannot just be interested in sound, how dare you even suggest such a thing with such an advanced invention as a Tama Bell Brass Reissue Snare Drum. This is rocket science at work and should be treated as such. It is Spinal Tap. It goes to 11. Don't touch it, don't even LOOK at it. It's Medussa, even gazing on it may make you turn to stone. Just stick to your inferior snare, and at this point everything not Sand Cast (whatever that means) Bell Brass is "just another snare drum". Real music should only be played on a very high priced invaluable work of art limited edition instrument. Just ask Charlie "Bird" Parker who recorded some of his most famous music on a plastic instrument after pawning his brass horn to buy Heroin. True story, look it up.

You're hired!

 

[Skyrm]

BTW, I just saw this video this morning and it makes me even more excited to get this rosewood snare. The 5x14 just has a KILLER sound!

I’ll bet those are the new Superstars in Aquamarine, and they sound killer too!!

 

[Mack2]

This thread is getting good. Maybe there will be a Lambo reveal soon

 

[bellbrass]

What does it actually cost to make this drum? Parts + labor = ?

I'm going to guess $200.

I would guess about $600-$1000. The casting process for a 3mm bell bronze shell is still labor-intensive.

 

[WesChilton]

Yeah I 'm guessing its around $1,000 at least. Just for the shell!

STILL!!!

When you look at the cost of this drum, at $4,000 that equates to $1,034 in 1980 which is CHEAPER than the original drum cost at the time.

So quit yer whining about the cost, will ya!!!!

 

[donbseattle]

I have always wanted butt tone control.

 

[donbseattle]

I have always wanted butt tone control.

CAREFUL, guys. Don't pull this dude's finger!!!

 

[Trilock_Gurtu]

I would guess about $600-$1000. The casting process for a 3mm bell bronze shell is still labor-intensive.

I've gotten quotes from Guven before, not very pricey at all, especially compared to Duluth (who I've gotten quotes from, too). Also, I'm sure Tama is getting a much better per unit rate then a single order person. So I don't actually think the raw shells are a major cost, it will be the Japanese Tama employees doing all the finishing work. Now, I'm assuming it's made in Japan due to it saying so on the badges. I'm guessing all the hardware is made in either China or Tawiwan, but could be wrong.

 

[donbseattle]

If you want to go all the way to the moon, buy this instead of the Bell Brasso: https://www.etsy.com/listing/123646...MI3N2KtdDggwMVEw2tBh0UkAt5EAQYBiABEgIXZ_D_BwE

 

[donbseattle]

After reading all of you guys talking about how cool sand cast shells are, I put my Acrolite shell into the cat litter box and rotated it around for an hour straight! Now that drum is LOUD!!!! If I can't buy a bell brass, I am going to buy the best snare drum mic made, buy a used Marshall stack, and play my snare through that. Then I am going to raise my stool 6 inches higher so that I can lift my hand higher above the snare drum and hammer on it harder! Then I am going to my next background jazz trio gig and try it out on "Body and Soul".

 

[aarono2690]

What a ray of sunshine you are.

I kinda thought he was cooking. Had a solid rhythm in his rant.

 

[Steech]

CAREFUL, guys. Don't pull this dude's finger!!!

I thought you and I had an understanding about my little secret move.

 

[nlabodin]

Patina? I think it looks like rust, like something you would salvage at an auto junkyard and take to high school shop and make a snare drum out of. Like a brake drum. Give me my Ludwig Classic Maple in blue sparkle wrap that glitters or my Chrome over Aluminum Supraphonic, (notice I did not drop the Bonzo reference in there) any day. Those drums just look good. But you know, Patina man. Adds to the "Mojo". Newsflash, patina is something that accumulates on the metal rooftops in Italy after years of rain and chemical buildup and actually turns green. Not what I really want on my snare drum.

I love the fact that something as innocuous as a single drum has you this riled up. Maybe take a chill pill and talk to your doctor about your blood pressure

 

[Gunnellett]

I'm not a fan of patina finishes on snare drums, but I understand why they did it in this case. Do the originals look like that because they were raw back in the day?

This finish reminds me a bit of my Ludwig 8X14 Raw Brass which I absolutely love. Each one is unique.

I wonder if the finish of these Tama drums is what they look like coming out of the molds or if something has been done to enhance the "patina" look?

 

[Chassenizer72]

@Treviso1 How do you rate the Gretsch Bell Brass now that you have the new Tama? Do you still recommend the Gretsch from a sonic perspective? Obviously, there is a huge price difference but I’m curious how (if at all) you think they stack up in direct comparison.

I haven’t played the 50th but I DO have several drums made by ‘those dudes who did the 50th shell’ lol…And I’ve owned the Gretsch….Gretsch not even close ..WAY outclassed by the other dudes’ , and i’m sure the 50th is no exception.

 

[Gunnellett]

your guess would be incorrect

So what is the answer?

 

[Gunnellett]

What does it actually cost to make this drum? Parts + labor = ?

I'm going to guess $200.

I was wondering the same thing.

My guess is 500 bucks to manufacture and ship to retailers.

 

[logogogue]

BTW, I just saw this video this morning and it makes me even more excited to get this rosewood snare. The 5x14 just has a KILLER sound!

I tried to order the 6.5 in the US but the usual suspects I checked were sold out. I was in Japan last week and so purchased mine there. Won't see it until May according to the music store. I have been wanting a Tama rosewood for about 30 years.

 

[Steech]

I was wondering the same thing.

My guess is 500 bucks to manufacture and ship to retailers.

I’ll bid $501.

 

[CUBuffaloes]

So where does the Starphonic Bell Brass fit? It’s $3k and appears to hold its value Oriollo can make one for $2300 shipped. $4k is crazy. But I’m fairly new here so what do I know.