By mounting innovative Starphonic hardware on a 1mm thick brass shell, Tama is able to offer top-of-the-line snare drum sound at an affordable price. At the cost of an intermediate model, the Starphonic Steel Snare provides a warm, solid sound and a great sensitivity. Tama's continued development of the Starphonic line led them to develop an entirely new "Grooved Hoop" and a bearing edge placement set 2.5mm from the outer surface of shell. Also, the all-new Freedom Lug and Claw Hook will provide greater control of tension rods and tuning, while partnering with the easily-detachable butt plate to enable quick replacement of worn top and bottom drumheads. These innovations have enabled the drum to have a great high to low range. Other features of this drum include a Linear Drive strainer - which enables a greater control of the strainer's deployment motion. On the snare side of the drum, an and "Super Sensitive Hi-Carbon Snappy Snare" will emphasize needed attack, but also limit the amount of effort needed to control the tension on your snares.