The TAMA punch line for this item is: "this snare looks just as gorgeous as it sounds", but it might actually be not true. The latest add to the Starphonic series (and the third installment with wood, after maple and bubinga) is a sensation: a true all-rounder, the walnut wood and the 7" depth both give to it an incredible richness in lower- and mid-tones with a truly beautiful warmth, that make it sound amazing with any tuning. The hardware, then, is just perfect: the ratchet style snappy tension adjuster, with single clicks, is nothing short than ideal, and the strainer release is smooth and reliable. A small curiosity, the "freedom lugs" have been first introduced by an Italian drum producer in the late '60s early '70s, and then used also by other companies along the years: they are extremely practical for quick head changes and really easy to tune. In conclusion, for an incredible price, you get a truly masterpiece of technique and sound, that also looks good!