Zildjian 400th Anniversary Limited Edition Alloy Snare Drum

The Zildjian 400th Anniversary Limited Edition Alloy Snare Drum (400TH-LE-SNARE-DRUM) features a new, innovative shell casting process, using 100% pure Zildjian alloy direct from their cymbal foundry. The sound qualities of B20 Zildjian bronze inspired Zildjian to reimagine a cast bronze snare from the ground up. The Zildjian 400th Anniversary Alloy Snare Drum maintains the extreme volume ceiling, projection, and sonic power that cast bronze drums are known for, though this drum was designed to be an expressive, deeply versatile instrument. This snare is equally at home behind an orchestra, in front of walls of amplifiers, in a jazz quartet, or as a platform for creative modern muffling and recording techniques. Shell specifications and hardware design were developed in collaboration with Aaron Latos of Latos Drums, a craftsman and instrument designer with a passion for creating timeless, heirloom-quality instruments.

The Shell: 20 tons of Bronze from Zildjian’s foundry was cast to produce 400 units, each shell uses the equivalent of 6 of their heaviest cymbal castings. Rough Shell Castings weigh 93 pounds, are precision machined down to 18 pounds, 400th logo laser-etched, then each unit is hand numbered inside of the shell. Shell diameter is slightly oversized (similar to the 80's Tama Bell Brass specifications), and features round over 30-degree batter side bearing edges with 45-degree snare side bearing edges for maximum crispiness and sensitivity. The 8” wide snare beds feature a hybrid of modern (wide and shallow) and classic (deep pocket) designs, which gives the shell a unique character, and allows for more centered articulation than a typical cast bronze shell.

The Hoops: The vintage-inspired flangeless counter hoops are made of 304 stainless steel and are electro polished. These hoops employ a half-cast design, utilizing fully cast 3.2mm rings with precision welded eyelets. These hoops were crafted specifically to enhance and complement the sonorous properties of the Zildjian alloy shell, and their half cast design provides rigidity, durability, and the tuning stability of a cast hoop without choking the drum.

The Lugs, Tension Rods, and Washers: Lug bodies, tubes, tension rods, and the stainless steel washers are bespoke and fully machined to ensure tuning is accurate, effortless, efficient, and consistent.

The Throw-Off, Butt Plate, and Snare Wires: The drum features a Latos Drums’ patent-pending throw-off. Its smooth, reliable, minimalist vertical-pull design is drummer-friendly with player side tension adjustment and plenty of drop distance. The butt plate features a simple, yet ingenious, integrated drum key holder, keeping the accompanying drum key conveniently at hand. The matching Latos drum key is elegantly engraved with a Zildjian "Z" further exemplifying the craftsmanship and detail given to this special instrument. This snare drum comes equipped with Vic Firth Canopus 26 strand snare wires made from premium Japanese steel. The wires feature narrower-than-standard bronze end plates for more tone and dynamic range with less sympathetic buzz.

The Drumheads: A Zildjian 400th Anniversary logo Remo Renaissance Ambassador, and Zildjian 400th Anniversary logo Remo Hazy Diplomat were selected for the batter side and snare side of this drum, respectively. These drumheads allow the drum’s shell to speak with warmth, feel, optimum tone, and unparalleled articulation.

Authentication and Protection: Each unit will ship with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Craigie Zildjian, a list of features, special care instructions, warranty information, and premium Zildjian branded inspection gloves. Additionally, each snare drum will come equipped with a custom molded Zildjian 400th Anniversary hard case with 1.5" thick foam interior perfectly tailored to the dimensions of this drum. The case was engineered specifically to ensure the utmost protection during transport and storage for this magnificent instrument.

Each and every element of your 400th Anniversary Alloy Snare Drum is expertly constructed to provide you with a highly coveted instrument that is as enduring as Zildjian’s 400 year legacy.