If you're looking for a daily workhorse, the Starphonic series from Tama is the right choice. This collection of professional snare drums is robust and offers many solid character options. This is maple at its best. The shell is powerful yet beautiful and dry, with plenty of woody character. The sweet spot is slightly higher, where the maple shell delivers a nice and natural ring, but also enough low-end and body. The hybrid bearing edge (45 degrees with a rounded outer edge) adds a nice dry touch. It cuts through the mix perfectly and also has a great dynamic range for subtle playing. The 6 mm / 6-ply maple shell features a beautiful and elegant Mappa-Burge outer layer. The drive snare and the super-sensitive hi-carbon snare wire complete the overall picture.