Tama 50th Anniversary Bell Brass

[JimmyM]

I tuned this thread out a few days ago and missed all the fun, apparently. That was some class A ranting from Marty! So I’m sure Tama is going to drop the price to $500 after that. Good going, Marty!

All seriousness aside, no matter what incarnation, it’s a great sounding snare, though in the comparos I’ve heard the 80 does seem to have a little more on the ball. So if you think it’s worth it, I say live the dream. Expensive-ass dream, but it’s not my wallet paying for it. Counting other people’s money isn’t my thing, even though I do read Celebrity Net Worth a little too much.

 

[Whitten]

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

I'm going to guess $200.

Shipping prices have gone up massively over the last five years. They're up 50% - 100% over the last few weeks alone since the attacks in the Red Sea.

 

[Phildrummer]

This snare exists because there is a market for them and Tama finally woke up and made a proper replica. They have missed out on big $$$ for many years and they are planning on reclaiming their stakes in this Bell Brass (Bronze) game.
They 100% have a winner with this drum.

Ichi-go Ichi-e, is the very Japanese concept of a once in a lifetime encounter between a tool (musical instrument, sword, knife, etc) and its user, turned performing artist as a result of this connection. In other words, turning down a production line is less perceived as a loss of opportunity than simply moving on to something else, further refining their craftsmanship.

 

[Whitten]

In other words, turning down a production line is less perceived as a loss of opportunity than simply moving on to something else, further refining their craftsmanship.

This is true. A lot of Japanese businesses prefer to produce new products than rehash old ones.

 

[Johnnythunder]

Well, some wonder if Tama offering a non limited BB will lower the value of existing ones. 80's BB's are rare and expensive, so if anyone can now buy one, the value of vintage ones could take a hit (unless it's the actual 'Terminator').

Others are complaining about the price ($4K US). Yes, that's stupid high for a not limited production model, but if they got all the specs right and it sounds like the original then the price might be ballpark, considering vintage ones go for more.

I'm most interested in the fine details. We know that it's the patina finish like the OG one, which is very cool, same lugs, hoops, has the cool internal muffler, the roller snare setup, old school badge, etc. Those details look to be in place. Lots of chat of who's providing the shell (Guven, maybe), is it sand cast (most desired), is the shell oversized like the 1980 model, are the snare beds and edges the same, etc. For me, and at that price, I'm curious if it's made in Japan.

I want a side by side sound comparison to the OG one. Imo, that'll be the true test. If it's spot on, I'd probably buy one.

Well, some wonder if Tama offering a non limited BB will lower the value of existing ones. 80's BB's are rare and expensive, so if anyone can now buy one, the value of vintage ones could take a hit (unless it's the actual 'Terminator').

Others are complaining about the price ($4K US). Yes, that's stupid high for a not limited production model, but if they got all the specs right and it sounds like the original then the price might be ballpark, considering vintage ones go for more.

I'm most interested in the fine details. We know that it's the patina finish like the OG one, which is very cool, same lugs, hoops, has the cool internal muffler, the roller snare setup, old school badge, etc. Those details look to be in place. Lots of chat of who's providing the shell (Guven, maybe), is it sand cast (most desired), is the shell oversized like the 1980 model, are the snare beds and edges the same, etc. For me, and at that price, I'm curious if it's made in Japan.

I want a side by side sound comparison to the OG one. Imo, that'll be the true test. If it's spot on, I'd probably buy one.

DCP already has posted a side by side comparison, plus the 82 version as well.

 

[Phildrummer]

I liked the original...to my ears better tone and depth of sound. On the topic of sand casting vs centrifugal casting. Centrifugal casting is done by UFiP cymbals as well and what it does is take the minute air pockets out of the metal by spinning at a high rate of speed. Every impurity gets pushed to the edges and typically machined off during the build process. Sand casting allows for these tiny air pockets and I assume there could be some tonal qualities attributed to these - allowing for some extra vibration/reverb when the drum is hit, this may be why the OG snare sounds a bit deeper to my ears. I work with companies that do sand casting, I guess that is my dog in the race here.
Would I buy a new Tama - in a hot minute. Depends on how my tax returns come in this year...I may be adding a new snare to the stable.

F

This is somehow counter-intuitive as the whole concept of a heavy mass shell is to make it as inert as possible, hence maximizing vibrations from hoop and head, minimizing those from the shell (see Sonor technical documentation). Therefore, by randomly reducing the shell rigidity and mass, impurities and micro-bubbles work against the very purpose of building a drum like a bell.

 

[karlcrafton]

Other than the cost, which I likely wouldn't entertain for anything, I think it's a cool drum.
I like the finish, and appointments on it. I like the nod to the past, and that it DOES have a fairly specific type of sound, and if someone really said "THAT'S IT!!", and it's what they feel is the sound they hear in their head, then it's a good investment.
I'd be happy if someone was stoked to get one.

MY actual thought for myself is, would I end up tuning this $3-4K snare to basically the "same" sound as all my other snares end up sounding like????
It wouldn't start that way, but after a week on the stand, somehow the tweaks, and single lug turns here and there..... well, it sounds like the one I took off the stand last week...

 

[WesChilton]

It's my opinion that these 50th anniversary drums will not reduce the value of the originals any more than a Gibson Murphy Labs relic Les Paul at $10k reduces the value of a vintage 1957 Les Paul burst pushing $300k.

What these options do is give more people the opportunity to get 99% of the way there and experience something truly unique ...and the limited supply will have its own value increase as time rolls on.

Also a note on the patina... I believe that it is added by Tama to protect the shell from less attractive and potentially damaging corrosion. A well curated-patina will essentially seal the shell from any further damage. I personally like the look a lot... its similar to my Ludwig raw Copperphonic.

 

[dsop]

I was wondering the same thing.

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

I remember going to a Porsche focus group event. It was before the launch of the Cayman. They had you spend time sitting in the car, looking at the car, looking at the specs, etc. They also had two or three competitor's vehicles for you to compare with. Then they had you fill out a questionnaire. One question listed four different prices for the car and asked you (for each price point) if it seemed too high or too low, and how the price made you "feel" about the car's value/desirability.

Prices are set at a point that the manufacturer feels the public will accept and that will impart a certain feeling about the product.

 

[Gunnellett]

I remember going to a Porsche focus group event. It was before the launch of the Cayman. They had you spend time sitting in the car, looking at the car, looking at the specs, etc. They also had two or three competitor's vehicles for you to compare with. Then they had you fill out a questionnaire. One question listed four different prices for the car and asked you (for each price point) if it seemed too high or too low, and how the price made you "feel" about the car's value/desirability.

Prices are set at a point that the manufacturer feels the public will accept and that will impart a certain feeling about the product.

I think you are spot on.

 

[dalekay9]

Well, some wonder if Tama offering a non limited BB will lower the value of existing ones. 80's BB's are rare and expensive, so if anyone can now buy one, the value of vintage ones could take a hit (unless it's the actual 'Terminator').

Others are complaining about the price ($4K US). Yes, that's stupid high for a not limited production model, but if they got all the specs right and it sounds like the original then the price might be ballpark, considering vintage ones go for more.

I'm most interested in the fine details. We know that it's the patina finish like the OG one, which is very cool, same lugs, hoops, has the cool internal muffler, the roller snare setup, old school badge, etc. Those details look to be in place. Lots of chat of who's providing the shell (Guven, maybe), is it sand cast (most desired), is the shell oversized like the 1980 model, are the snare beds and edges the same, etc. For me, and at that price, I'm curious if it's made in Japan.

I want a side by side sound comparison to the OG one. Imo, that'll be the true test. If it's spot on, I'd probably buy one.

There's a few. YouTube videos comparing the original with the new one. It isn't sand cat either.

 

[Gunnellett]

Has anyone had their hands on this 50th Tama BB and the Zildjian 400th Anniversary?

I'm curious how they compare.

 

[WesChilton]

Has anyone had their hands on this 50th Tama BB and the Zildjian 400th Anniversary?

I'm curious how they compare.

That's a whole lotta expense to find out!

 

[nlabodin]

It's my opinion that these 50th anniversary drums will not reduce the value of the originals any more than a Gibson Murphy Labs relic Les Paul at $10k reduces the value of a vintage 1957 Les Paul burst pushing $300k.

What these options do is give more people the opportunity to get 99% of the way there and experience something truly unique ...and the limited supply will have its own value increase as time rolls on.

Also a note on the patina... I believe that it is added by Tama to protect the shell from less attractive and potentially damaging corrosion. A well curated-patina will essentially seal the shell from any further damage. I personally like the look a lot... its similar to my Ludwig raw Copperphonic.

I can definitely agree with this take. People that are in the know are going to know the difference between a original and a "replica" or the rerelease.

Similar to the Gibson Murphy Lab or Fender Custom shop stuff, it allows people to have the 5 figure or more item at a much more digestable price. I get why some people don't like the patina, but others love it so its nice to have the option.

Side note, I really want to try out the raw Copperphonic, maybe with some die-cast hoops.

 

[WesChilton]

Side note, I really want to try out the raw Copperphonic, maybe with some die-cast hoops.

Even with triple-flanged hoops its one of the best sounding drums I own!

 

[florian1]

This is somehow counter-intuitive as the whole concept of a heavy mass shell is to make it as inert as possible, hence maximizing vibrations from hoop and head, minimizing those from the shell (see Sonor technical documentation). Therefore, by randomly reducing the shell rigidity and mass, impurities and micro-bubbles work against the very purpose of building a drum like a bell.

Agreed, but most bells are sand cast as well...

F

 

[Whitten]

Prices are set at a point that the manufacturer feels the public will accept and that will impart a certain feeling about the product.

No, prices are set as a balance between cost and profit. There is no way Porsche set their price based on a focus group. Of course they want to canvas opinion and think carefully about how to position the product in the market place.

 

[Whitten]

Has anyone had their hands on this 50th Tama BB and the Zildjian 400th Anniversary?

I'm curious how they compare.

Both are going to end up as collector drums, not player drums IMO.
The final sound is less important than the rarity, potential for investment.

 

[mpthomson]

That's

yeah, yeah, yeah....I apparently have to type this on a monthly basis. You don't choose your instrument based on what other people hear or think.
Rare or expensive gear is all about the user, not really about the audience.
If you feel inspired by, and play better, using a couple of million dollars worth of Stradivarius, why not?
Usually these instruments don't sound worse than a Chinese copy. If they did people would put them in a museum and stop using them.
I've been through a bunch of rare, exotic or expensive gear. Some I thought sounded great and felt great to play, others not so much. I owned a Canopus Zelkova for a few months, recorded it, was never wowed and couldn't justify the investment I had in it, so I sold it.
On the other hand my absolute number one snare is a Craviotto Black Cherry. It just delivers every time I use it. I have owned and rented a lot of standard mainstream snare drums and I often have to fiddle to get OK results. The Craviotto comes out of it's case and sounds amazing straight away.
I don't really care whether other people 'get' the drum, or whether someone buying the record or seeing the show notices.
I notice.

That's the whole point that I'm making. Objectively they may not be better, subjectively to the player they are. And that's fine as long as people understand that a buying decision is as much, if not more. about heart than head for this type of instrument. I'm not remotely suggesting that someone is wrong for buying one of these halo drums if that's what they want to do.

 

[mpthomson]

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!

They've all sold apparently.