The primo 8-ply North American maple shell pays off big in sonic benefits.

GMS snare drums use a throw-off and butt system on all that was designed by GMS and machined from brass. The unique nylon lock nut, prevents the throw-off adjusting knob from loosening, keeping GMS' promise to have a system that is simple, trouble-free, and effective. All GMS snare drums feature 20-strand, heat-treated, high-carbon steel snare wire. Hoops on all drums are 2.3mm steel triple flanged. All snare drums have coated Evans G1 tops, and 300-gauge snare bottoms.

One of the more innovative drum companies in the market, GMS Drum Co., is known for creating ingenious, yet functional products for drummers. Knowing many drummers prefer the split-lug look and to see more of the shell's finish, they developed the "SE" (Special Edition) lug. Despite its very small footprint, it provides the same musical quality and resonance of its larger predecessor, the "Grand Master lug." It also has the same swivel nut as the "GM" lug, but diverts shell stress, by tensioning from the bottom of the lug casing, as opposed to the top. This makes it visually appealing while also contributing to the quality of these Special Edition snare sound.

The GMS Special Edition drums are made up of select 8-ply North American maple with no gradation in the thickness of the shell as the diameter gets larger. After extensive research, GMS decided the thicker shells give the best performance, providing good vibrations in all dynamic situations with little to no distortion or necessity for reinforcement hoops which can cause problems with resonance. The shells they came up with are thin enough to give you wide tonal ranges, strong enough to not need reinforcement hoops, but not so thick as to raise the frequency to a higher pitch. Another unique aspect of their construction is the staggering in the seam construction so none of the ply seams line up with each other. This cross-laminating process creates an even sturdier product.

GMS bearing edges utilize a 45-degree cut on the inside of the shell and a shallow 45-degree counter cut on the outside, a gradated bearing edge around the set. In essence, the edges are sharper on smaller-diameter toms and get rounder as the diameter gets larger. This exclusive process enhances the drums' attack and sustain, while offering larger drums more low end and punch.

As you can see in the pictures, these aren't just well-built drums, but visual beauties as well. To get there, they go through an intense process that starts with hand sanding of the raw shell to give the paint a better surface to which to adhere. They're then primed with a clear primer. They get sanded again until they are flat and even and ready for the paint. After they dry for 10-14 days, they are sanded with no fewer than 6 grades of sandpaper. As soon as they are deemed smooth as glass, they are sent to be buffed by two grades of imported European compounds. The end result is an unmatched mirror-like finish.

For snare with more flare, add a GMS Special Edition to your favorite set up.

GMS Special Edition Snare Drum Features:

• Wood: 8-ply maple
• "SE" lug
• GMS Suspension System
• Super glossy finish
• G1 top
• 300-gauge bottom

The GMS Special Snare makes a treasured addition to any drummer's collection. Pick up this beautiful snare drum today!