Specifications | Lug Configurations | Throw-off System | Bearing Edges | Venting

:: SPECIFICATIONS

The GMS snare drum collection encompasses all the sonic possibilities you will ever need. From the bright high pitched piccolo sound you want for that R&B project, to the big, deep, cavernous sound for the pop ballad, there is a drum to meet your demands. The GMS snare drums are available in 10", 12", 13", 14" and 15" diameters. Available depth range from 4" through 10".

All snare drums in the Grand Master, Special Edition, Road and CL Series come standard with an 8 ply all maple shell. Other shell materials are available in the Grand Master series. They are:

One Ply Maple - Warm, resonant.
One Ply White Ash - Bright, high end but still woody
Bell Brass - Projection, volume and intense attack; large dynamic range; loud!!
Hand Hammered Copper-Largest dynamic range, metallic, but warmer than brass
8 ply maple with 8 ply reinforcement hoops- Higher in pitch than standard 8 ply; more top end

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:: LUG CONFIGURATIONS

10" diameter - 6 lugs
12", 13", 14" Vintage style - 8 lugs
14" and 15" diameter 10 lugs

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:: THROW-OFF SYSTEM

The throw-off and butt system on all GMS snares is machined from brass. This system was designed to be simple, trouble free, and effective. It is totally designed and manufactured by GMS. We do not believe in "buying" a critical and integral part of a snare drum from outside suppliers. We have been highly acclaimed for this system. Our unique nylon locknut, prevents the throw-off adjusting knob from loosening. All snare drums feature 20 strand heat treated high carbon steel snare wire.

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:: BEARING EDGES

All GMS snare drums come with 45 degree bearing edges, top and bottom. This edge gives the drum maximum sensitivity and a distinctive pop. The exception is the Vintage model which has a round top edge with a 45 degree bottom. This gives the Vintage model a warm, fat "vintage" sound and feel.

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:: VENTING

The final contribution to the GMS snare drum sound is the placement of the vent holes. On all drums 5" and deeper there are two diametrically opposed vent holes placed near the bottom edge. This allows the column of air to travel down and resonate the bottom head before exiting.

The exception in the venting principle, applies to the Vintage drum. This drum has one hole, dead center on the shell, just like the ole' drums of days gone by.

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