Dave Weckl Signature Snares Introduced at Winter NAMM

MSD-13ADW (Click for a close-up)

MSD-14ADW (Click for a close-up)

Yamaha Drums salutes the sound and soul of drumming master Dave Weckl with the introduction of two signature snare drums for Winter NAMM 2005. Targeted to the professional and semi-professional drummer, the 13" x 5.5" MSD-13ADW (MSRP $1,079) and 14" x 5.5" MSD-14ADW (MSRP $1,099) are scheduled for February delivery. Constructed of 100 percent 7-ply Maple shells, both models feature proprietary Yamaha Nouveau lug casings and a unique dual strainer system.

The dual strainer system, a combination of stainless steel snares and painted steel 14-strand snares, offers the "crack" of a tightly tuned strainer and the body, buzz and open sound of a loosely tuned strainer in one drum. Players can remove one or the other, quickly switching back and forth between loose and tight snare sounds. "All of my signature snare drums are unique in design," says Weckl. "Each has two independent snare strainers, and that gives you real flexibility. The combination of tight tension on the hi-carbon snares with the loose tension on the stainless steel snares provides both the precision necessary for sharp and clean strokes, plus an open, airy sound. It's the best of both worlds in one drum.

"The 13-inch model has the ability to be very flexible because of its smaller size," adds Weckl. "It has great 'crack,' whether tuned high or low. The 14-inch Maple shell, on the other hand, takes up more 'space' in the spectrum of the sound. It's very sensitive, yet at the same time, very powerful."

As one of fusion's most acclaimed and innovative drummers, Weckl has made his name as a session player, educator and most notably, with his associations with Michael Brecker and a 7-year relationship with Chick Corea's "Elektric" and "Akoustic" Bands. As a solo artist, Weckl has recorded and produced nine of his own recordings, and continues to work with his own "Dave Weckl Band." Besides a busy playing career, he conducts many seminars and clinics, and offers a number of instructional video/DVDs and play-along packages.