Thomann Special Edition
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2025 1:54 pm
Recently saw a 14“x6“ Prolite Chrome over Brass Special Edition Snare exclusive for Thomann.
This thing looks sick and is quiet affordable in my opinion.
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Recently saw a 14“x6“ Prolite Chrome over Brass Special Edition Snare exclusive for Thomann.
This thing looks sick and is quiet affordable in my opinion.
I like it! I have had a few of the Phil Rudd's and as any of those as sold over the year, I have been surprised that there hasn't been a COB snare in another series with the Hellas. Good thing I am currently thin on cash, or I may have to have one.
Unpopular opinion around here maybe, but I own a Sonor Phil Rudd, a Premier Carmine Appice and a Pearl All Purpose (aka the Copeland snare) all of close to the same recipe. The Sonor is by far the weakest drum of the three.
That said...
I still very much want a go on the Prolite brass with Hellas, that thing makes me weak at the knees. This COB version is lovely too, I can't imagine it would be anything but really great.
About $824 with the current exchange rate. That's not too bad of a price, for that quality of a drum. A Ludwig COB must be pushing $500-600, as would be a Gretsch. That may even be a little higher in fact. So $800 for a Sonor snare doesn't seem so terrible--especially when you consider the Vintage series 6.5x14" snare that came with my Vintage kit sells for over $1100...last I saw.
DaveInNZ wrote: Mon Sep 22, 2025 5:14 pmUnpopular opinion around here maybe, but I own a Sonor Phil Rudd, a Premier Carmine Appice and a Pearl All Purpose (aka the Copeland snare) all of close to the same recipe. The Sonor is by far the weakest drum of the three.
Dave, I grabbed a couple of Phil Rudd's when they first came out. One for me and one for a drawing on the drumandstage.com Forum I had at the time. I was always excited about the drum for who it represented, but there was never a time that I thought it had the balls it should have. Phil's actual touring snares had Hellas that leads me to wonder if the production drums were just Chinese copies of what they had build for Phil in Germany. There was just an oomph that was not really there. SO, I share in your lack of enthusiasm, while also admitting that LOTS of people loved them for what they were (not the fact they were associated with Phil Rudd)
Yeah, to me it's a workhorse gigging snare if I ever start going out gigging. I'd value it in the sense it would be difficult to replace, but the sound is 'pub gig special' to me. It's not a bad snare at all, it's just not a great snare like so many Sonors are, and it's outclassed by others.
Your theory about it being a Chinese made clone of what Sonor made Phil may well be correct, remember the signature kit was a pretty entry level outfit. Wouldn't be outside the realms of possibility that Phil has what is essentially a 5" version of the drum Thomann are selling here.
So what do we think, those who have played the OG Prolite brass? Sounds as you'd expect?
I would jump on it. Seriously. I have a sneaking suspicion that these won’t be available long.
Small matter of making sure the bills are all paid for the Vintage Series shell bank first...
DaveInNZ wrote: Wed Oct 01, 2025 8:09 pmSmall matter of making sure the bills are all paid for the Vintage Series shell bank first...
Man do I resemble that remark...