Came out GREAT as they always do Mark! NICE!!!Tommyp

Yes, filament tape on the butt side. However, I will be changing over to the same type string you see on the strainer side. It's Ludwig string and the perfect strength and diameter!So, how does it sound? Well...let's just say the drum looks better than it sounds! LoLoLoLo I've had dozens of MIJ snare drums. Some sound pretty good, while others never do, regardless of head selection, tuning, etc. Installed a new set of Aquarian heads on the Recco...Classic Coated on top and Classic Clear on the bottom. I have the feeling that it's the snare wires causing the problem. They're original and have some strands that don't lay flat. Still, I was never worried about sound, since the drum is for display only. I'm really happy with this drum!-Mark