[Canopus's unique and unparalleled sound! Used Zelkova snare drums now in stock!]
The Canopus flagship model, the hollowed-out Zelco snare drum, was our first original drum and remains a popular product among drummers worldwide.
This snare drum is characterized by its thick, impactful sound, excellent projection, and remarkably fast attack. Furthermore, it boasts an incredibly wide tuning range, something unimaginable for a plywood snare drum. These factors are major reasons why Zelkova snare drums are favored by top drummers worldwide.
●Development of the Zelkova snare drum, which became Canopus's basic policy: In the development of the Zelkova snare drum, we initially tried processing both the inner and outer edges with the traditional 45-degree angle. However, the sound was far from what one would expect from a so-called solid-shell drum; it lacked resonance and was very unresponsive.
Therefore, we have made numerous improvements by independently applying various edge shapes such as 70 degrees, 60 degrees, and 30 degrees. Through this process, we have perfected a completely new type of edge shape that combines maximum resonance, delicacy, and fullness of tone, while also achieving an unparalleled attack. This edge shape is an extremely sharp shape that completely overturns previous theories.
What we learned in developing the Zelkova snare drum is that the edge shape that maximizes the shell's capabilities is determined by various factors such as the material and thickness of the shell, and whether it is solid wood or plywood, and that traditional edge shapes are not universal.
Many of the things we learned here became the source of Canopus's fundamental policies, and when we began developing drums and accessories, we decided to fundamentally question the theories of drum making that are currently accepted as common sense.
● Overcoming the cracking tendency of "single-ply hollowed-out shells" For single-ply drums, the cylindrical shape of the drum shell is inherently very prone to cracking. Therefore, we have adopted a new manufacturing method to complete a snare drum with a completely single-ply shell. In addition, by taking approximately three years to dry the shell and reducing the moisture content to 9% in a special drying machine, we have succeeded in minimizing shell shrinkage and cracking.
● A globally rare "single-piece carved body"
For example, if you strike a piece of plywood against a piece of solid wood like a wooden clapper, anyone can see that the clapper resonates better. In other words, vibrating objects are composed of a single element, and this is important for producing a natural sound. So why are most drums currently being made from plywood? It's because drums with solid wood bodies have the disadvantage of being very fragile due to their structure.
Plywood is made by bonding multiple pieces of wood together with a large amount of adhesive, making it several times stronger than solid wood. However, this inevitably comes at the expense of natural resonance.
Drum manufacturers around the world have tried various approaches to reconcile the conflicting demands of a single element and strength. For example, block construction, which is closer to a solid wood construction, and methods such as bending a single sheet of maple to create the shell and adding internal reinforcement to maintain strength, as exemplified by Slingerland's Radio King snare drum.
While a solid wood body is ideal for bringing out the natural resonance of the wood, deformation and cracking due to aging pose manufacturing problems, and only a handful of manufacturers worldwide mass-produce them.
●Regarding the air holes on Zelco snare drums: Zelco snare drums do not have air vent fittings.
Zelkova snare drums have a unique "hollowed-out shell" construction. Zelkova, a natural material, constantly breathes, contracting depending on temperature and humidity to maintain its optimal state. Interfering with these activities can place extra pressure on the shell itself, potentially leading to various problems. Even something as simple as an air vent fitting is omitted to reduce stress on the shell.
Only an oil finish has been applied to the through-holes, so you can also see the cross-section of the Zelkova snare drum.
● Equipped with rotating height-adjustable lugs: The Zelco snare drum, Canopus' flagship model which has been extremely popular since its release, now comes standard with tubular lugs that allow for adjustable height.
Zelkova snare drums are made from zelkova wood that is approximately 200 years old, resulting in a completely hollowed-out, single-piece shell. After a three-year natural drying period, and further adjustment to a moisture content of 9% by the time of shipment using a special drying machine, the wooden shell is constantly expanding and contracting due to external humidity. If the humidity is high, the diameter of the shell will increase, and if it is low, it will decrease. Conventional lugs have a structure with a "swivel" that receives the tension bolts, so this expansion and contraction of the shell is not a problem. However, Canopus tubular lugs have a solid structure that enhances the vibration circulation efficiency of the drum, and therefore do not have this "swivel". As a result, if the shell expands or contracts, it may cause problems when attaching the tension bolts.
● Vintage Snare Wire [CPSL-ZL14NP]
Snare wires unlock the full potential of the snare drum, enabling delicate pianissimo expression.
● Bolt-Tight: A leather washer that smooths the movement of bolts, eliminates loosening, and also cuts out unwanted overtones, resulting in a fuller sound.
● Die-cast hoops produce a clear, highly directional sound. We paid close attention to the zinc content, shape, and thickness to create a beautiful resonance.
● Strainer switch [CSA20S]
A "nylon nut" is incorporated, providing just the right amount of resistance to the tension adjustment dial and preventing the snare wire from loosening during performance.
Size: 14 x 6.5
Shell: Fully hollowed-out single-ply body (Zelkova) 14mm
Finish: Ninja Black Lacquer Hoops: Die-cast / 8
Lugs: Solid brass tubes (with rotating height adjustment function)
Snare wire: Vintage snare wire (CPSL-ZL14NP)
Accessories: Case
*This item is pre-owned and may have minor scratches or stains. Please be aware of this beforehand.