MusicRadar Verdict
A unique combination of materials and tones that shows off AD Drums craftsmanship and design flair.
Pros
- +
Striking looks. Characterful sounds. S-Hoop counter hoops.
Cons
- -
Not everyone will dig the look.
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The man behind AD Drums, and this hybrid snare, Carl Haffield, began "dabbling" in drums at the tender age of 14, having been asked to shorten the depths of a complete high-end kit for a mate!
"The AD Drums range makes a pick'n'mix counter appear dull in comparison"
Fortunately, instead of an act of drum brutality, the 'conversion' was a complete success, retaining the friendship and sowing the seeds of the potential for a business in drum construction and customisation.
However, it wasn't until 2007 that Carl (who has recently just turned 27), established AD Drums. Since then he has amassed a lavish back-catalogue of bespoke snares and complete kits in a huge range of colours, materials (hybrid, acrylic, wood, metal, etc), drum metal work components - a drum assortment that makes a pick'n'mix counter appear dull in comparison.
Build
"The blue acrylic ringed section makes it hard to resist picking up the drum and having a sneak peek inside"
This maple/acrylic hybrid is certainly an intriguing drum with several eye-catching and worthy features, not least, with the acrylic insert, S-Hoop counter hoops and RCI throw-off. The S-Hoop has a massive overhanging top flange which sits only a millimetre or so away from batter/snare heads.
The hoop should assist with an even tuning and give the drum more focus and body and has the potential to produce some of the most wicked rim-shots known to man! Unfortunately, these particular models have some fiercely sharp edges which will need care when handling the drum.
With a slightly off-the-wall blend of two 15-ply maple rings sited top and bottom, sandwiching a light-ish blue acrylic ringed section, this is a wholly fascinating material that makes it hard to resist picking up the drum and having a sneak peek inside.
Like the other models, this also sports tube-style lugs but these are slightly extended to allow the bolt fixing into the maple sections of the shell.
Hands On
The combination of Pinstripe batter and the S-Hoop counter hoops on this maple/acrylic hybrid tightens and focuses the drum sound. The maple inserts and the S-Hoop certainly add a little more body and character than your average opaque snare.
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