Don't be deceived by the Mapex Black Panther Velvetone drum's beautifully seductive exterior—this snare drum is wickedly dark with a high degree of sensitivity. Its 8.1mm drum shell is constructed from one 3mm exterior burl maple ply, one 3.4mm walnut middle ply, and one 1.7mm interior maple ply. Each Black Panther Velvetone drum features handbuilt and hand-finished Black Panther shells and completely redesigned hardware. From the fresh, sculpted lug design to the smart badge, this Mapex snare drum is now more beautiful than ever. Mapex Black Panther hardware The cylinder-drive strainer uses a self-lubricating bearing to ensure smooth operation while providing minute control of the snare's tension. Mapex's piston-style throw-off is incredibly smooth and requires minimal effort to operate, and the adjustment dial employs micro-lock technology that provides a tactile click as it's turned, allowing precise control. Sonic Saver Hoop The Sonic Saver Hoop bridges the gap between flanged hoops and die cast hoops. A unique shaping process creates a profile that reduces wear and tear to both sticks and hands while dramatically enhancing the response and feel of every rimshot. The Sonic Saver is significantly lighter than a conventional die-cast hoop, so it won't choke the shell's vibration. The result is a more natural percussive sound with much greater resonance. This Black Panther Velvetone snare drum features stainless steel snare wires for crisp, lively action, and premium Remo drum heads, including a coated Ambassador batter head.