Quote:
Kelly said "Regarding "outside of Sonor":
My SQ2 14 x 7 was exactly spec'd to a lite regarding shell thickness and material (birch). That drum was head and shoulders over a lite for my tastes in every aspect. I have long vented on link era hardware seriously drying out a drum. Some folks like that sound so it's just my preference to have more open sounding drums.
This is not a Sonor bashing rant but I know I can find a 14 x 7 from several other manufactures that would compare just as wonderfully. It's the part of me that doesn't understand the loyalty issue. I have found the majority of people that swear by the brand have never really tried anything else. I certaintly can agree there was a time there was not much to compare to but times have changed.
Just need to look at the shell thickness, hoops, mounting used, how many and how large to get an idea if the shell will resonate like I want or lean toward dry.
I think Lite's got their reputation because the Sonor faithful of that era came off of 14 x 8 thick shelled Sig snares and Phonic snares. Coming off of those a lite can seem like a plug was pulled and a rush of fresh air came forth. This is how they became the new rave.
I prefer 7x14 shells as well. But, I'd have to concede that your ears are better than my fifty year old hard rock club-gig ravaged ears, Kelly. I have (my favorite snare I've EVER owned) an LD-547X (throw off II) and had an LD-557 (Parallel) that I sold to VeeJay. When I had them side by side and tuned similarly, and they sounded closer to me than say, a Ludwig Supraphonic 402 and a Super-Sensitive. The 557 was, perhaps just a bit crisper to me. I didn't go nuts trying to match up every nuance, but the differences were not as great as I might have thought, and
nowhere near what some on the fauxrum had touted at the time. Which is why I sold it. If I have two drums that are too similar, one of them has to go, or I feel like a hoarder. But, I did try to buy that one back from VeeJay, but it's his go-to gig drum, and he won't sell it!
But, If I were to spec an SQ2 (HIGHLY unlikely) I'd build a 7x14 very similar to your drum; except I'd see if I could get a 12 ply (like an original Lite) or more shell.
Maybe I'll build an Eames!
Speaking of non-Sonor snare drums, I've got another favorite 7x14. It's a Paul Mason (Tempus) 7x14 surplus shell in Vintage Green Glitter. It has 8 1930s Ludwig Imperial lugs, and a either Ludwig a P-83 or a P-86 Throw (same two holes)
Kick-Ass mongrel drum!
I also have a 1941 WFL WMP 7x14. Great Drum, but I'll probably sell it sometime, as I rarely play it.
All the Best,
Brian