Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $307
Standard/Professional
$150
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Tama S.L.P. Big Black Steel Snare Drum 14 x 8 in". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Tama S.L.P. Big Black Steel Snare Drum is a formidable addition to any drummer's arsenal. Measuring 14" in diameter and 8" in depth, this snare is designed to deliver a powerful, resonant sound that thrives in hard-hitting musical styles like metal, hard rock, and punk. The 1mm-thick steel shell produces a balanced blend of low-end depth and high-end brightness, ensuring each hit cuts through the mix with ease.
Crafted with durability in mind, the Big Black Steel Snare features 2.3mm Steel Mighty Hoops, which offer non-choking rimshots and articulate accents. The black nickel hardware adds a sleek, modern touch while providing the robustness needed to withstand the most intense drumming sessions.
Whether you're playing in the studio, on stage, or practicing in your garage, this snare drum's impressive size and steel construction ensure a deep, penetrating tone that will make your backbeat stand out. Plus, with the 20-strand Starclassic Carbon Steel Snappy snares, you get enhanced sensitivity and volume, making it versatile enough for dynamic playing.
Key Features:
- 14" x 8" size for deep, resonant sound
- 1mm-thick steel shell for a balanced tone
- 2.3mm Steel Mighty Hoops for non-choking rimshots
- Black nickel hardware for durability and sleek appearance
- 20-strand Starclassic Carbon Steel Snappy snares for volume and sensitivity
Videos
TAMA Drums Official
TAMA S.L.P. Big Black Steel Snare Drum
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent for loud, heavy genres like thrash metal and punk
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Versatile tuning range, performs well in both high and low tunings
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Solid, aggressive attack with classic steel ring
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Capable of deep, full-bodied sound
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Cuts through dense mixes, ideal for live performances
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Great value for the price, often compared to higher-end models
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Durable and well-built, suitable for gigging musicians
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Aesthetic appeal with its big, bold design
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Responsive and crisp, handles ghost notes well
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Minimal steel snare drum ring, controllable with head choice
CONS
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Stock heads and snare wires often need replacement
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Mighty Hoops may not handle extreme tuning tensions
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Can be overly ringy for some genres without proper tuning
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tama S.L.P. Big Black Steel Snare Drum 14 x 8 in.
Build quality
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Some owners report issues with the reso bearing edge not being level, particularly where the shell is welded together.
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Setup and maintenance
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One user experienced difficulty tuning due to an uneven bearing edge, requiring a replacement.
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It's suggested to loosen tension rods along snare wire sides to improve head contact, potentially enhancing sensitivity without changing the snare wires.
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Cranking the reso head until it's about to pop and using a 32-wire snare enhances the Tama's sound, reducing initial ringiness.
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User experience
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Owners emphasize the snare's impressive sound when tuned, even with stock heads.
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Some owners recommend the Ludwig Supralite as a trouble-free alternative.
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The Tama S.L.P. Big Black Steel Snare is praised for its impressive sound after modifications, specifically with a hazy reso and coated batter head.
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Comparisons
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SLP Black Brass is considered as an alternative, but skepticism exists due to quality control concerns with Tama.
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An owner with a similar-sized maple/walnut snare prefers Evans HD Dry batter and 300 snare side with 42 strands, indicating a versatile setup.
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Ludwig Universal Black Brass is noted for its superior throw compared to the Black Magic, enhancing functionality and feel.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners using a Puresound 32 or 42 strand report it can muddle tone; reducing to 20 strands tightens and enhances sound on deeper drums.
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The use of Remo Powerstroke P3 with a Diplomat Hazy Snare Side is explored for this model, offering options for experimenting with tonal variety.
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Applying a sticky hand as a Moongel alternative is reported to effectively control overtones on the Tama S.L.P. Big Black Steel Snare.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
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