Brazilian Rosewood Stave Snare Drum

Brazilian rosewood has a long history of use in musical instruments and is considered by many to be the Holy Grail of tonewoods. It is so prized that it has become incredibly rare and understandably restricted. I am fortunate enough to have acquired a 30 year old piece that was large enough for two drums. One was built for my friend who actually located the rosewood and the other is this 5.75 x 14” snare.

When I cut the wood to size, I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful orange and purple streaks within the typical chocolate brown rosewood color. I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever get the opportunity to build another one of these snares. In all probability, this was a once in a lifetime build.

It is a beautiful-looking and sounding drum. Bearing edges are 45 degrees with an 1/8” roundover and wide, shallow snare beds. It comes equipped with Evans heads and PureSound 30 strand snares.  It is finished with chrome hardware, including the DW Mag throw off/ 5 position butt plate and 3 mm triple flanged hoops.