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Sonor D-454 Snare?

Posts: 194 Threads: 62

I'm buying an old 6 ply Sonor teardrop set and was wondering about their snare drums from the same era (or a bit later). I see D-444, D-426, but mainly interested in the D-454. I see something about "ferro manganese" (not sure what that entails) but does anyone know if this snare is COB, Aluminum or Steel? Sonically is it in range of something like an Acrolite or richer/fatter like a Rogers/Gretsch/Slingerland COB?

Also assuming the strainers on these things are a chore to find now, so how well are they made if the one I get is functional? Solid enough to gig with regularly? And what's the value on one in good shape? May just drill it for a new strainer if it goes and these things aren't collectible.

Thanks.

Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 3467 Threads: 116

All I know is that it is a Steel Shell... And sounds pretty nice.. It shows up in a 12 snare comparison that is on Utube... seems to get quite a few decent reviews..

Cheers

John

'77 Slingerland 51N,Super Rock 24,18,14,13.. COW 8,10 Concert toms
'69 Slingerland Hollywood Ace
'75 Rogers Dynasonic 6.5 x 14, 10 lug COB
'77-78 Slingerland 6.5 x 14, 10 lug COB
'78-79 Slingerland 5 1/4 x14 8 lug COB
'79 Biman 5 1/4, Acrolite
'82 Slingerland 5 1/4 x 14. Festival COS
'84 Tama MasterCraft Superstar 6.5 x 14, 10 lug Rosewood
'98 Slingerland (Music YO) 6" 10 Lug Maple.. NOS
Zildjian, Sabian , UFIP & Paiste mix.
Posted on 8 years ago
#2
Posts: 6523 Threads: 37

It`s made of ferromanganese steel alloy. Steel + Manganese.

It`s a great snare drum for all around drumming but not the best for Heavy Rock. Very similar to an Acro. I have one and the strainer is like the black label Ludwig.

If it sticks, and a lot of those strainer do, you only need to take the sharp corners off the slide block with sand paper, just go over it a few times. It`ll work like a charm after that. The plating is why the sharp corners kinda dig in to the slide.

It`s plated with Nickel, Copper, Chrome,... in that order.

Heads and wires can alter the response and tone, so that part is to individual taste.

Damper off,....a little ring,...damper on slightly, ring goes away.

Sonors answer to the Acro. You`ll like it.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 8 years ago
#3
Posts: 6523 Threads: 37

Not very collectable because thousands were made, but you wont find anyone willing to part with theirs, including me. All the one`s on the bay or whatever are usually not complete or extra holes.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 8 years ago
#4
Posts: 194 Threads: 62

From OddBall

It`s made of ferromanganese steel alloy. Steel + Manganese. It`s a great snare drum for all around drumming but not the best for Heavy Rock. Very similar to an Acro. I have one and the strainer is like the black label Ludwig. If it sticks, and a lot of those strainer do, you only need to take the sharp corners off the slide block with sand paper, just go over it a few times. It`ll work like a charm after that. The plating is why the sharp corners kinda dig in to the slide.It`s plated with Nickel, Copper, Chrome,... in that order. Heads and wires can alter the response and tone, so that part is to individual taste. Damper off,....a little ring,...damper on slightly, ring goes away. Sonors answer to the Acro. You`ll like it.

Thanks for the info. I always thought of steel to be ringy and harsh and the Acrolite to be dry and (let me duck first) lifeless. Never did like the Acrolite beyond the price tag, but finding clips of the 454 on YouTube it seems closer to maybe a Sound King or Powertone. Nice sound. But like you said, heads, tuning, how these files are recorded, etc. all play a role in what we're hearing. I guess it's like an Acrolite because it's the cheaper model than the 444 or 426 and there were more made?

Either way, I may give it a shot. I see one for sale in decent shape.

Posted on 8 years ago
#5
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