Feature:
The drop style strainer and the die cast butt are a nice touch. The Pacific Brand oval lugs and all hardware that is mounted to the drum are all backed up with rubber gaskets and include the DW brand tru-pitch tuning rods, another nice touch.

Desirability:
A quality wood, all Maple snare drum with a high gloss lacquer, natural wood finish...that's why I bought it.

Sound:
When I first got the drum (4X14), I was very impressed with the overall quality and appearance of the drum. The sound and feel are what you expect to hear from a wood snare drum, warm full tone. I'm not a fan of stock heads and not happy with the stock hoops. I changed the heads to Evans G2 on top and Evans snare bottom. Die-cast hoops won't work on this size drum, but the 2.3mm power hoops do, and this drum sings. It still retains the fat warm tone with a crack! The drum responds well to my playing style, hard and punishing to sensitive and articulate. Nice chrome hardware compliments the finish. This is a deal. Better than I expected.