Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (22)
$699.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (8)
$699.99
Amazon
4.8 (6)
$699.99
Reverb
5.0 (7)
$559.38 New
$699.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (4)
$699.99
Thomann
4.9 (34)
$544.00 $543.00 $1.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£459.00

Average Price: $657

High-end/Boutique

$150

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Tama 14" x 6" Starphonic Brass Snare Drum". 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

Introducing the Tama 14" x 6" Starphonic Brass Snare Drum, a versatile and high-quality instrument that combines excellent sound quality with easy and efficient use. This snare drum offers a perfect blend of modern technology and classic design, making it an ideal choice for all types of musicians, from budding drummers to touring professionals.

At the heart of this drum is a 1.2mm nickel-plated brass shell offering a rich, powerful sound that cuts through any mix. The quick release freedom lug, claw hook, and grooved hoop make drumhead changes a breeze, while enhancing the overall tone of the drum. The precision of the bearing edge ensures a flush fit with the drum head, thereby enhancing tone and resonance for a sound that's crisp and responsive.

The snare comes with a linear drive strainer with calibrated ratchet style tension adjustment knob. This feature ensures your snare wires maintain the right tension, delivering a snappy snare sound every time. The snare drum also includes super sensitive hi-carbon snappy snares and a detachable butt plate for quick snare and head changes.

Key Features:

  • 1.2mm nickel-plated brass shell for powerful, rich sound
  • Quick release freedom lug, claw hook, and grooved hoop for easy drumhead changes and improved tone
  • Linear drive strainer with a calibrated ratchet style tension adjustment knob for precision tuning
  • Super sensitive hi-carbon snappy snares for a crisp sound
  • Detachable butt plate for quick snare and head changes
  • Perfectly shaped bearing edge for enhanced tone and resonance

Product specs

Type Starphonic Snare
Drum Depth 6"
Drum Diameter 14"
Shell Material Brass
Shell Construction 1.2mm, Beaded
Hoops Grooved
Lugs 10 x Freedom Lugs/Claw Hook Ends
Finish Nickel-plated Shell/Hardware
Heads Tama by Evans
Additional Features 20-strand Carbon Steel Snare Wires

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Tama 14" x 6" Starphonic Brass Snare Drum?

The Tama Starphonic Brass Snare Drum delivers a bright, powerful sound with a rich tonal depth, thanks to its 1.2mm brass shell. It's well-suited for rock, metal, and other genres requiring a cutting snare presence.

How does the Tama Starphonic Brass Snare Drum's construction affect its performance?

The 1.2mm beaded brass shell and grooved hoops provide enhanced resonance and projection, while the 20-strand carbon steel snare wires offer crisp, responsive articulation.

Is the Tama Starphonic Brass Snare Drum suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Tama Starphonic Brass Snare Drum is ideal for live performances due to its powerful projection and ability to cut through dense mixes, making it a favorite among gigging drummers.

What are the standout features of the Tama Starphonic Brass Snare Drum?

The standout features include its nickel-plated brass shell for durability and aesthetics, Freedom Lugs for quick head changes, and precise tuning capabilities, making it both versatile and reliable.

How easy is it to tune the Tama Starphonic Brass Snare Drum?

The Tama Starphonic Brass Snare Drum features Freedom Lugs and claw hook ends, allowing for quick and precise tuning adjustments, making it user-friendly for drummers of all skill levels.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Tama Starphonic PBR146 Brass Snare Drum Review by Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Tama Starphonic PBR146 Brass Snare Drum Review by Sweetwater by Sweetwater

Tama Starphonic PBR146 Brass Snare Drum Review by Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Tama 14x6 Starphonic Brass Snare Drum by Memphis Drum Shop

Tama 14x6 Starphonic Brass Snare Drum

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Tama 14x6 Starphonic Bell Brass Snare Drum by Memphis Drum Shop

Tama 14x6 Starphonic Bell Brass Snare Drum

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Tama 14x6 Starphonic Brass Snare Drum (PBR146) by Memphis Drum Shop

Tama 14x6 Starphonic Brass Snare Drum (PBR146)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Super sensitive snare wires deliver precise articulation and crisp sound

  • Linear snare strainer allows smooth, noiseless operation

  • Freedom lugs enable quick and easy head changes

  • Curved hoops reduce wrist strain and enhance rim shots

  • High-quality craftsmanship with attention to detail in design

  • Versatile sound suitable for various music genres

  • Competitively priced compared to similar high-end snares

  • Excellent tuning stability with no de-tuning issues

  • Unique, pleasant overtones without additional muffling

  • Stunning appearance with flawless finish

CONS

  • Batter hoop prone to cracking at flange, replacement needed

  • Factory batter head coating may stick to the hoop

  • Inside weld on shell is visible and not neatly executed

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tama 14" x 6" Starphonic Brass Snare Drum.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners often replace the stock Evans G1 head to optimize sound quality, as it can significantly enhance the drum's tonal capabilities.

    Source
  • The innovative lug system allows quick head changes but some users find it challenging to achieve even tension when tuning.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The snare is praised for handling all tunings well; when tuned high, it delivers a snappy sound ideal for crisp, articulate playing.

    Source
  • The snare's versatile snappy tone makes it suitable for a wide range of musical styles, including those requiring precise and articulate snare work.

    Source
  • The Starphonic is recommended for those seeking versatility, especially in rock and metal, due to its balanced tonal capabilities.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's noted that adding a plastic ring can control excessive ringing, improving the overall sound balance and focus.

    Source
  • The unique lug system reduces head change time by approximately 60%, providing significant convenience during setup.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners have observed the snare's ability to showcase stick wear patterns, which can be insightful for evaluating playing style and stick impact on sound.

    Source
  • Some owners experience chrome plating issues on the lugs, leading to flaking and wear, particularly on Starphonic copper models.

    Source

User experience

  • Reports highlight that the inner parts of the lugs are fragile, with several users having to replace broken components over time.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Starphonic's lug system is compared to the Yamaha Absolute Hybrid Maple, noted for similar innovative design features.

    Source
  • The Starphonic is likened to a Ludwig COB for its conventional brass snare sound, offering a classic brass tone with versatility across genres.

    Source
  • The Black Brass is noted for its heavier shell without a center bead, delivering a powerful, brash sound ideal for aggressive styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Tama Starphonic Snares review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Tama's 14" x 6" Starphonic Brass Snare Drum is a high-end marvel with craftsmanship that nearly touches perfection. Its build features innovative elements like Grooved Hoops and Freedom Lugs that enhance its reliability and tone. The brass drum offers a bright, hard-edged sound with immense volume, suitable for powerful backlines. While it comes at a premium price, the value is justified by its exquisite sensitivity and response range. However, the review laments not testing the wooden models, leaving their performance a mystery. Overall, this snare drum is a worthy investment for serious drummers seeking a standout piece.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Abe Cunningham uses Tama 14" x 6" Starphonic Brass Snare Drum

Abe Cunningham

Drummer

Deftones

...
Verified via Wikipedia

Abe is listed as using a 14x6 Tama Starphonic Brass snare drum as his main snare.

See how Matt Garstka uses Tama 14" x 6" Starphonic Brass Snare Drum

Matt Garstka

Drummer

Animals as Leaders

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Matt shows off his tama brass snare. this is one of the snares that he has in his collection

See how Brann Dailor uses Tama 14" x 6" Starphonic Brass Snare Drum

Brann Dailor

Singer, Drummer

Mastodon

...
Verified via Tamadrum

The Tama Website states he uses this.

See how Matt Lynch uses Tama 14" x 6" Starphonic Brass Snare Drum

Matt Lynch

Drummer

Cynic

...
Verified via Matt Lynch

Listed as a part of his equipment setup on his website

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 14" x 6" Starphonic Brass Snare Drum, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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