Plays Louder Than It Looks
Drummers who know their stuff usually consider Tama’s snares before they make their choice. And if they choose the Tama Metalworks snare drum they have picked a winner! Touring musicians and casual hobbyists are united in their high praise, remarking on the great sound that includes piercing crack and outstanding projection. It plays much louder than it looks, with quality tones added to the volume.
Likes
We’ve mentioned the great sound, and that is where this snare excels. The crack of the Tama Metalworks snare has the edge and tone to make the dynamic statement you listen for in a quality snare. The tone is true and can be adjusted to meet your preferences, though most drummers like to play this beauty on the tight side, giving it a pleasing ring with excellent focus.
This snare is put together to sound great and forever. The 1.2mm shell is thicker than most, creating a robust sound along with rugged durability. The brushed nickel finish offers an industrial look to go with the metal sound and is outfitted with black nickel-plated parts to add to the look and quality.
Even the head stands out on the Tama Metalworks snare. Evans Power Center Reverse dot heads are used on the batter side, so there’s no reason to switch the head as soon as you get it, something that needs to be done with the majority of snares on the market.
Tama backs its Metalworks snares with a 30-day warranty on wood hoops, a 1-year warranty on metal hoops and hardware. Shells are covered for 5 years. These are average warranties for the industry.
Finally, on the plus side, you’ll find the size—or sizes—you want for the way you play. Choose from: 4×12, 4×14, 6.5×13, 5.5×14 and 6.5×14.
Dislikes
Most metal snares are prone to overtone ringing, and the Tama Metalworks snare is no different. However, MoonGel or similar damper pads bring the ringing under control.
If you’re not familiar with these versatile products, the gel is tacky, so sticks any drum head or other percussion instrument. They peel off easily to relocate the pads to eliminate or reduce resonance. Move them around until you find the location that gives you the sound you want for the situation. The pads are made from non-toxic gel and can be washed as needed without losing their tack.
Here’s a short YouTube video about the MoonGel dampening pads.
Here is a second suggestion for getting the sound you want from this drum. Harder players may want to replace the snares as a pre-emptive move, since the nylon strap is suspect in terms of durability.
Overall – 4 Stars
We found good quality and impressive sound from the Tama Metalworks snare. Those qualities make it easy to hand it a 4-star rating. And we didn’t even mention the competitive pricing that makes this snare, in all its sizes, a great value. We think it plays better than its cost might indicate, and many experienced drummers agree.
You’ll upgrade your drum kit and your sound at a price that won’t bust the budget!
great review, i personally love my 6.5×13, got it brand new and with a bit of love it now sounds perfect. the pre-emptive snare replacement is a 100% must, both of the little black nylon straps on my snare ripped in less than six months. replaced them right away.
Hey Patrick,
Thanks for stopping by and contributing. Overall, the suspect straps are a small price to pay for such a great snare. Hopefully, they’ll get the message from the drumming community and shore those up with a different component.
Jeff
They used to make a 14 x 8 model, as I had it, but it sounded just like my 1979 Ludwig 6.5 x 14, so I sold it. I have a 14 x 4 Metalworks now, and it’s very solid. Maybe the 14 x 8 model is rare now, maybe I should have kept hold of it! These are pretty great snares out there.
Hi Chris,
It sounds like it would have been a good drum to hold onto based on this drummerworld discussion thread: http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56911
But that has more to do with investment value than your set. Hey, if you have two drums that sound the same why keep both? Don’t blame you a bit. It’s not like we all have warehouses to store our temporarily idle gear. Sure, if you have a museum you can put it in while you’re not playing it, that’s no problem.
Who has that, really?
Don’t beat yourself up about it. Kudos on making the choice when you did and moving on. That’s the hardest part always.
Jeff
Thanks Jeff,
Yes, I agree. I’ve noticed that they don’t make the 4 x 14 Metalworks anymore either. I guess I better hold on to that one. I had another one, the Artwood Maple 13 x 7 in Silver Shadow Sparkle Glitter and sold it, only to see that was also 1 of 250. The 14 x 8 Metalworks is a limited run of only 120 according to this link. http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/usa/news/show/summer_namm2008/index.html.
I have an 80’s 15-ply Birch Artwood that I think is worth a lot, and plan to hold on to that one!
Thanks for your site! Cool!
Hey Chris,
Thanks for that link.
Definitely hold on to the birch Artwood. Drummers are just as nostalgic as normal people-LOL!
Thank you for dropping by. We’re always adding new guides and reviews so subscribe to the feed if you want to keep on top of it. We value contributors like yourself.
Jeff
Fantastic snare, i have 14 x 5.5 version of this snare, it’s loud, has a nice crack and delivers in the studio and live gigs. It’s a cheap alternative to a Ludwig snare and the difference is not that big…….if you want a snare that will deliver every time and can compete with the expensive ones….then look no further..Tama metalworks is you answer.
Thanks so much for stopping by and telling us about your experience with the Tama Metalworks snare! Which of the “expensive ones” do you think this snare outperforms best?
I’ve had the 13×6.5 for many years and have found it awesome ever since I bought it. I originally went into the store to pick up a Joey Jordison signature but they were sold out, (Me being a young I want the artist gear drummer at the time) But ended up with the 13″ Metalworks and its so much better, I’ve played a few joey’s and never got a good sound from them as the Tama.
I’ve recently started to buy the diffrent size ranges, I bought the 14×4 and have just had compliment after compliment when I’ve used it live. I have just bought the 14×6.5 and waiting for that to arrive I can’t wait!
But then again, I’ve seen online a 13×4 and I’m wondering if anyone know’s anything about that size and it wasn’t mentioned in this article and it’s hard to find information on them. Anyone have any ideas?
Hey Will,
Glad you’ve been so happy with the Metalworks drums you’ve owned! You’re not alone.
I’m sorry but I don’t know anything about the 4 inch model you spoke of. I am unable to find anything about it through Tama or online retailers. The smallest generally I’ve found was 5 inches and only in certain models.
Is there anybody out there who has any knowledge of or experience with this drum?
Thanks for stopping by and telling us about your drums!
Jeff
Hey Jeff.
I’ve seen one for sale on ebay, I searched for the 12×4 as a joke with a friend and found a 13×4.
I’ve asked the seller if he was mistaken but he has stated that he’s used it for recording and reskinned it himself with a 13″ head.
I’ve not come across any other sites that talk about this snare drum so much. If it was the 12×4 I would of bought it in a heartbeat.
This is the snare on ebay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tama-MetalWorks-Snare-Drum-13×4/273194034487?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649
Hey Will,
I see what you mean. Sorry I can’t help with this. Wish there was more about it somewhere.
Jeff