In the early 2000s, Tama released an ultra high-end series of snare drums called the Tama Warlord Collection. Four 6x14" uniquely appointed snares made up the series: the Valkyrie in maple, the Masai in African bubinga, the Spartan in stainless steel, and the Praetorian in bell brass. The snares were inspired by and named for “the power, discipline, and élan of one of history’s elite warrior forces,” according to Tama’s 2007 catalog.
The catalog continues, “The aggressive and commanding sounds of the drums are complemented by hardware that evokes visions of the intricately decorated weaponry of the past while providing the unrestrained sound and tuning stability that only modern TAMA drum technology can provide.”
Each of the four snares features its own striking shell with Warlord Collection lugs featuring specially cut Swarovski crystals—jet black for the wooden-shelled drums and clear black for the metal-shelled drums. Each of the drums also features a “Hi-Carbon Snappy Snare” that uses strong steel for its coil to provide sharp, sensitive sound.
The Warlord Collection was discontinued after a relatively short run, and the drums are hard to come by on the used market these days. But every so often, we’re lucky enough to catch one in the pages of Reverb.
Today, we’re looking at a new-old-stock Spartan snare from Tama’s Warlord Collection. The stainless-steel-shelled drum is being sold by the Music Loft in Wilmington, North Carolina, who found it hiding in their vault. Being NOS, the Spartan is in beautiful condition and even comes with its original, hardshell matching case.
The Spartan—along with the Valkyrie and Masai—were originally priced new at $899 USD. With the Music Loft offering this beauty for $550 USD plus shipping, we’re sure the Spartan will find a new home soon enough.