Tama SLP G Series Snare Drum
Check the specs on Tama SLP G series snare drum models:
- G-Bubinga: 10mm / 11 ply
- G-Walnut: 9mm / 10 ply
- G-Maple: 10mm / 12 ply
Thick. Focused sound. Lots of it.
Most Tama SLP (Sound Lab Project) wood snares sport shells averaging 6mm and 6 ply. The Fat Spruce is an exception at 7mm and 8 ply. If that’s fat, what is 10mm? That’s not just marketing literature either. Many drummers prefer more open sound with lower tones delivered by thinner wood shells. But if you’re looking to add a thick-shelled snare with classic crackle and devastating rim shots, the SLP G Series is worth a look.
That’s what we are here to do.
Tama SLP G Series Snare Drums
There are three snares offered.
G Bubinga LGB146: 6×14 shell, 10mm thick featuring 11-ply Bubinga with a 1 outer ply of Quilted Bubinga for the finish (NQB) that is gorgeous. It’s accented beautifully with black nickel hardware finish. This snare boasts some of SLP’s top equipment – Starclassic lugs, Steel Mighty Hoops and the 20-strand Starclassic carbon steel snare wire.
G Walnut LGW1465: 6.5×14 shell, 9mm thick with 10-ply walnut. Finish is Matte Black Walnut (MBW) that looks like fine furniture. The hardware is chrome. A 10-hole, very sensitive Sound Arc hoop with excellent sustain and a wider tuning range, brass tube lugs and a raspy 30-strand carbon steel snare that lets you go on the attack round out the features.
G Maple LGM137: 7×13 shell, 10mm thick with 11-ply maple and 1 outer Tamo Ash ply that gives it its color – Satin Tamo Ash (STA). The hardware is chrome. The drum features die-cast hoops with 8 holes, brass tube lugs and the popular 20-strand Starclassic snare wire made from high-carbon steel.
Tama SLP G Series Snare Drum Information
Here are some facts and observations about the Tama SLP G Series snares.
- Tama put these snares together with care, choosing components that would best accent the sound of the selected wood and the number of plies to be used. The result are snares that show off musical IQ and genuine craftsmanship.
- With shells beefier than other SLP snares, these drums give you sound at the upper spectrum and more volume for live playing.
- SLP has a rich history with Bubinga, and the LGB146 adds to it nicely with rich and vibrant sound.
- While usable for any style, the G-Series sounds best in genres like pop, hip-hop, funk and even gospel.
Likes
Quality materials, design and execution of the finished drums.
These drums produce a lot of sound, ideal for live shows, though the dry tones of the Bubinga make it a stellar studio drum too.
The drums give you a range of sound options: G Series Maple offers high-pitched crack for energetic playing and fast-moving music. The Walnut is warm and rich with low-medium tone. The G Series Bubinga has an abundance of power with a sound that’s quite dry, a great choice for recording.
The price is right. Tama provides good value in the SLP G Series snares that wouldn’t be overpriced at $400+.
Good-looking snares. Style only matters if the substance is there, and it is.
Dislikes
The Evans heads are OK, but don’t do justice to the potential these drums offer. Plan to switch out the batter head to one you believe will better match the quality and tone of the drum you choose.
All three of the drums have more overtone than many drummers want. If you love it, great. If not, consider adding Remo rings to reduce or eliminate the overtone.
Overall 4.5 Stars
We gave the Bubinga a 5, the Walnut a 4.5 and the Maple came in somewhere between 4 and 4.5, so 4.5 stars is a solid SLP G Series rating.
Just understand the differences in sound between the three to be sure you get the model with the sound you want. Of course, we’ve heard from a few drummers that have at least two, and a few with all three!
As with any snare, be prepared to tune these drums up and down to get comfortable with their range and what they can and cannot do. The good news is that it is mostly can do with all three G Series wood drums.
I think Tama has really delivered with its latest offering in the SLP snares. Tama seems to be one of a handful of drum makers providing real innovation in the market. A very musical drum maker with the fact that Peter Erskine returning to the Tama fold speaking to that,
I think Tama taking the initiative to design a line of snares using Bubinga, Maple and Walnut in the ten and eleven ply arena is an example of a company willing to create a product for the very discerning player. Not a risk many companies are willing to take.
Any of these new SLP G snares would be a joy to own and play.
Hey Steve,
This seems to be a popular theme with Tama. Leading the charge into more creative but less populated design waters.
Thank you for stopping by and weighing in on this!
Jeff
You’re Welcome Jeff,
DW does a pretty good job in the innovation area as well. Their sub line of PDP’s gain many of the benefits of the DW R&D at much more affordable price.
Steve
That’s a very good point you make, Steve.
DW being DW, it’s not like they would lower their standards for R&D just because it wasn’t their premium line.
Jeff