Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (9)
$599.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$599.99
Amazon
4.3 (10)
$599.99
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$599.99 New
$779.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (3)
$599.99
Thomann
4.9 (47)
$499.00
Gear4Music
£427.00

Average Price: $611

High-end/Boutique

$150

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare is a modern marvel that captures the essence of vintage sound with cutting-edge innovation. This snare is crafted from a 1.2mm ultra-thin seamless aluminum shell, delivering a crisp attack with resonant overtones. Designed for the discerning drummer, its lightweight body offers a pristine performance, whether in the studio or on stage.

Tama's proprietary features make this snare drum a breeze to work with. The Freedom Lug and Claw Hook system allow for rapid head changes, while the Grooved Hoop ensures enhanced tone and projection. The linear-drive strainer, fitted with a ratchet-style tension adjustment knob, provides precise control over your sound, making it easier to adapt to any musical setting.

What truly sets the Starphonic Aluminum Snare apart is its balance of modern functionality with a nod to the "golden age" of drumming. Its super sensitive hi-carbon snappy snares and detachable butt plate ensure quick changes without interrupting your creative flow. For drummers seeking a harmonious blend of vintage warmth and contemporary precision, this snare is a compelling choice.

Key Features:

  • 1.2mm ultra-thin seamless aluminum shell
  • Quick release Freedom Lug and Claw Hook for rapid drum head changes
  • Grooved Hoop for enhanced tone and projection
  • Linear-drive strainer with calibrated ratchet-style tension adjustment
  • Super sensitive hi-carbon snappy snares
  • Detachable butt plate for rapid snare and head changes
  • Premium Japanese quality production

Product specs

Type Starphonic Snare
Drum Depth 6"
Drum Diameter 14"
Shell Material Aluminum
Shell Construction 1.2mm
Hoops Grooved
Lugs 10 x Freedom Lugs/Claw Hook Ends
Finish Chrome-plated Hardware
Heads Tama by Evans
Additional Features Hi-carbon Snare Wires, Linear-drive Strainer

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare?

The Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare offers a balanced tone that is neither too warm nor too bright, making it versatile for various music genres. Its 1.2mm aluminum shell provides a crisp, articulate sound with a strong attack.

How does the Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare handle tuning stability?

The snare features 10 Freedom lugs with claw hook ends, which ensure consistent tuning stability and make it easy to adjust the tension quickly.

Is the Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare is well-suited for live performances due to its clear projection and dynamic range, which can cut through a mix effectively.

What is the purpose of the Linear-drive Strainer on the Tama Starphonic Snare?

The Linear-drive Strainer provides smooth, precise snare wire tension adjustments, allowing drummers to easily achieve their desired snare response.

What type of drumheads does the Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare come with?

The snare comes equipped with Tama by Evans drumheads, which are known for their durability and excellent tonal qualities, enhancing the overall performance of the drum.

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare Drum 6x14

Video thumbnail for Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare Drum 6x14 by Drum Center of Portsmouth

Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare Drum 6x14

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Video thumbnail for Tama Starphonic Snare Drums - Maple, Aluminum, Copper by Richard Cuoco

Tama Starphonic Snare Drums - Maple, Aluminum, Copper

Richard Cuoco

Richard Cuoco

Video thumbnail for Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare Drum 6x14 by 2112 PERCUSSION

Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare Drum 6x14

2112 PERCUSSION

2112 PERCUSSION

Video thumbnail for Tama Starphonic Aluminium 14x6 Review | WHAT a Snare! by Ferg Griffin Drums

Tama Starphonic Aluminium 14x6 Review | WHAT a Snare!

Ferg Griffin Drums

Ferg Griffin Drums

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sensitivity; responds well even to subtle playing

  • Unique 6x14 depth offers balanced sound; not too shallow or deep

  • Grooved Hoops provide a rounded, softer tone while maintaining projection

  • Versatile sound range; suitable for various music genres

  • Innovative Freedom Lug & Claw Hook system simplifies head changes

  • Adjustable snare butt for precise tuning and easy adjustments

  • Wide-ranging tonality; performs well at high and low tunings

  • Combines metal crack with wood-like warmth for diverse sound

  • High build quality; durable and reliable for long-term use

  • Highly praised by drummers transitioning from other well-known brands

CONS

  • Freedom Lug may still require excessive turns to detach tension rods

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare.

Comparisons

  • The Tama Starphonic Aluminum is likened to an Acrolite or Supra, but with superior modern Tama Starphonic hardware.

    Source
  • While the Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum is considered, the Starphonic is noted for its non-welded construction and affordability.

    Source
  • The Pearl Heritage Aluminium Sensitone is another recommended option, noted for being cheaper than the Starphonic in the UK but delivering excellent performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The snare is noted for its dry sound, which might make it less versatile compared to wooden or brass snares.

    Source
  • Its hardware and modern design are highlighted as significant advantages over traditional models like the Supra 402.

    Source
  • The 6" depth of the Starphonic Aluminum is particularly favored by some users for its tonal qualities.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The aluminum model is priced around 450€, while the brass version can reach 550-600€.

    Source
  • In Australia, the Starphonic Aluminum is significantly cheaper at around $650 compared to the Ludwig Supraphonic, which is over $1000.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find aluminum snares versatile, suitable for various venues despite owning more expensive snares.

    Source
  • The snare is praised as a reliable workhorse for heavy music genres.

    Source

User experience

  • A user reported high satisfaction with the Starphonic Aluminum, calling it their favorite snare after purchase.

    Source
  • Owners frequently express high satisfaction with the Starphonic Aluminum's performance, noting its exceptional value for the price.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Starphonic features freedom lugs and seamless shells, offering superior tuning stability with its clicking rods compared to the Supra.

    Source

Other

  • The Starphonic Aluminum is often recommended alongside the Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum as top choices for those seeking quality aluminum snares.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Tama Starphonic Snares review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare is a high-end drum that impresses with its versatility and craftsmanship, offering a clear, resonant tone without unwanted noise. Its modern design boasts innovative features like Grooved Hoops and Claw Hooks, allowing for easy head changes without detuning. While the price is steep, the quality justifies the cost. The aluminum model delivers a classic rock snare sound, but the review laments not experiencing the wooden versions. Overall, it's a stellar choice for drummers seeking professional-grade equipment with a blend of tradition and modern engineering.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
fr_vandepavert

very versitile

Good for rock and pop songs but with the right heads and tuning you can use it for every style of music

juanchax

The best sounding metal snare I've ever played

It has the crack of metal with a wood-like warmth, tune it low for a super fat sound or crank it up to play funk! Hear it in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrasnPMv5xM

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Highly Suspect uses Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare

Highly Suspect

...
Verified via YouTube

i use the Tama Starphonic Aluminium

See how Sean Reinert uses Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare

Sean Reinert

Drummer

Death (Metal Band)

...
Verified via Facebook

"Cynic drummer and Tama artist Sean Reinert just received his brand new 2015 Starclassic Maple kit in beautiful Vintage Antique Maple (VAM). Check it out!
Sizes: 20x18 Bass Drum 8x6 Rack Tom 10x7 Rack Tom 12x10 Rack Tom 14x12 Hanging Floor Tom 16x14 Floor Tom 14x6 Starphonic Aluminum Snare Drum"

See how Ryan Meyer uses Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare

Ryan Meyer

Singer, Drummer

Highly Suspect

...
Verified via YouTube

5:07 "I use the Tama Starphonic Aluminum..."

See how Leon Pfeifer uses Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare

Leon Pfeifer

Drummer

Unprocessed

...
Verified via TAMA Drums

Leon Pfeifer is confirmed to use the Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare, as listed on his artist page on the official TAMA Drums website.

See how Arya Goggin uses Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare

Arya Goggin

Drummer

Skindred

...
Verified via YouTube

at 15:25, he states that he uses this snare

Album Usage

The Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Tama Starphonic Aluminum Snare, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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  • Added to Equipboard on by

    juanchax
    juanchax

    Gear IQ 73