The new VG-1450 Virgil Donati signature snare drum features a 14" x 5" shell with 4 outer plies of 100% Maple over 4 inner plies of 100% Birch. The 8 ply shell produces a super bright tone accentuated even more by the 4 inner plies of Birch. With a rounded top bearing edge many drummers will find that they can play this drum wide open without any muffling. Virgil selected the snare bed used on Pearl's Philharmonic snares which provide a totally flat bed within the width of the snares for ultimate snare response. The drums impressive styling is capped with Die Cast chrome hoops and a Smoke Flake finish. Other features include chrome plated brass tube lugs, ultra-precise Stainless Steel tension rods and SR-017 Vertical Pull Strainer.