DW bell bronze snares

[fueledbyfailure]

Hey everyone, I'm hoping someone can help me. I know that the current DW bell bronze snares are rolled and not cast. Does anyone here know when this change happened, and is there any definite way to distinguish the difference between the cast snares vs the rolled snares? And am I correct in saying that there were two different versions of their bell bronze snare, one that was thicker than the other? I believe 8mm vs 5mm....

I'm believing that this is a cast model, but I'm not sure. Any thoughts?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/19324475776...m=193244757761

[Drumming-4-Life]

Hey everyone, I'm hoping someone can help me. I know that the current DW bell bronze snares are rolled and not cast. Does anyone here know when this change happened, and is there any definite way to distinguish the difference between the cast snares vs the rolled snares? And am I correct in saying that there were two different versions of their bell bronze snare, one that was thicker than the other? I believe 8mm vs 5mm....

I'm believing that this is a cast model, but I'm not sure. Any thoughts?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/19324475776...m=193244757761

That drum is older, but I don't know if it is cast bell bronze, or even bell bronze... as it's badge only says "Bronze". I also don't believe that snare is 5mm or 8mm. Two things you could do is ask the seller how much the drum weighs. If it is under 20 lbs, there is no way it's 5mm or 8mm. Second, you can ask for a picture of the badge that has the serial number. You can use that serial number to contact DW customer service, and ask for all the information they have about that drum. You may even get a picture of the drum when it was finished at the factory.

[steadypocket]

I’m not aware that anyone has ever made an 8mm thick cast bronze snare. If it were even practical to make, it would likely sound like hitting an anvil.

[fueledbyfailure]

That drum is older, but I don't know if it is cast bell bronze, or even bell bronze... as it's badge only says "Bronze". I also don't believe that snare is 5mm or 8mm. Two things you could do is ask the seller how much the drum weighs. If it is under 20 lbs, there is no way it's 5mm or 8mm. Second, you can ask for a picture of the badge that has the serial number. You can use that serial number to contact DW customer service, and ask for all the information they have about that drum. You may even get a picture of the drum when it was finished at the factory.

I just sent the seller an email, I'm hoping he replies.

[fueledbyfailure]

I’m not aware that anyone has ever made an 8mm thick cast bronze snare. If it were even practical to make, it would likely sound like hitting an anvil.

I saw that Tempest custom cast a 12mm thick bell bronze shell for a gentleman in Australia. It looks incredible. I have not yet, unfortunately, been able to find a video of the owner actually playing this beast, but I want to.

[MusicMan]

I saw that Tempest custom cast a 12mm thick bell bronze shell for a gentleman in Australia. It looks incredible. I have not yet, unfortunately, been able to find a video of the owner actually playing this beast, but I want to.

Maybe the guy got the drum, realized it was too thick and heavy, and realized it wasn't a good idea.

[Drumming-4-Life]

I’m not aware that anyone has ever made an 8mm thick cast bronze snare. If it were even practical to make, it would likely sound like hitting an anvil.

Hey steady.... how are you doing? Vukan (from Oriollo) will make a Bellmaker in thickness ranging from 3mm to 8mm... but he normally recommends between 3mm and 5mm. I picked 3mm, and it's HEAVY enough for me!

[steadypocket]

Hey steady.... how are you doing? Vukan (from Oriollo) will make a Bellmaker in thickness ranging from 3mm to 8mm... but he normally recommends between 3mm and 5mm. I picked 3mm, and it's HEAVY enough for me!

Hey Matt, I believe anything over 5mm represents a case of diminishing returns, with 3mm probably being optimal for cast bronze. Vukan’s strategy is a smart one. If someone wants to pay for 8mm and it’s possible to make, why not? Going to sound like crap though but the customer is always right.