Yamaha Custom Marching Snare Drum

Yamaha provides customizable configurations for its SFZ series marching snare drums:

SFZ Series Snare Drums

13 inch red forest Yamaha SFZ marching snare drum.

14 inch red forest Yamaha SFZ marching snare drum.

The Yamaha SFZ (Sforzando) marching snare drums features a wide dynamic range, a powerful rim shot, and structural innovations that permit the use of a high-tension Kevlar® drumhead. The SFZ was developed and perfected in field tests under the rigors of actual use with The Cadets, The Cavaliers and The Madison Scouts drum and bugle corps. The design offers powerful projection, precise articulation and durable performance.

Snare Assembly

The SFZ's strainer system allows for quick and easy removal of the snare assembly—especially useful when in a rush. FiberTech™ snares create a crisp and articulate sound, while ten independently adjustable strands allow for precise tuning control.

The butt-side strainer uses aluminum die-cast construction for strength in a lightweight package and has vertical adjustment capability to precisely set snare height.

The release-side strainer uses die-cast aluminum and durable nylon for smooth, noise-free operation and features an over-sized vertical adjustment knob for adjusting snare height even when snares are engaged, with a horizontal adjustment knob also in easy reach.

Suspension Ring

The SFZ uses an extremely thick wall, allowing for high-tension tuning without warping. It uses a solid, die-cast design and a special aluminum alloy for exceptional strength with minimum weight, while also being tall enough to accommodate the stretch of a plastic head. An extra long lug nut provides sufficient threading to effectively grip the tension rod, while a beveled edge guides the rod to eliminate cross threading—particularly useful during last-minute head changes.

Shell and Lugs

The SFZ uses a 6-ply maple shell built using Yamaha's Air-Seal System®, which promotes a sharp attack and a full-bodied sound. Three air holes vent the shell to promote immediate snare response and to enhance projection. Tubular lugs made of high-quality, lightweight aluminum feature a thick wall to resist dents and bending from heavy use.

Rims and Tension Rods

For consistent tuning and explosive rim shots, the top and bottom rims use a special, lightweight aluminum alloy for exceptional strength with minimum weight, while also being tall enough to accommodate the stretch of a plastic head. An extra long lug nut provides sufficient threading to effectively grip the tension rod, while a beveled edge guides the rod to eliminate cross threading—particularly useful during last-minute head changes.

Shell and Lugs

The SFZ uses a 6-ply maple shell built using Yamaha’s Air-Seal System®, which promotes a sharp attack and a full-bodied sound. Three air holes vent the shell to promote immediate snare response and to enhance projection. Tubular lugs made of high-quality, lightweight aluminum feature a thick wall to resist dents and bending from heavy use.

Rims and Tension Rods

For consistent tuning and explosive rim shots, the top and bottom rims use a special, lightweight aluminum alloy in a solid, die-cast design. At 6mm, the diameter of the tension rods provides the extra strength necessary to maintain structural integrity under aggressive tuning conditions. Double steel washers allow smooth tuning adjustments at any tension.

Stabilizer Power Posts™

These posts support the tube lugs by adding resistance against damage from accidental bumps and stick hits, help focus the drum’s tone, thus making the sound more articulate and help facilitate quick bottom head changes.

Gravity Guards™

Locking nylon nuts help maintain tuning settings when set against the bottom rim. These act as lock washers to slow the turning of the rods caused by vibrations during play.