Not mentioned in any of Pearl catalogs,only maple,steel,copper and brass!

The free floaters seem to be mostly newer snares, and you can get any depth shell you want nowadays, assuming you find the correct length T-rods. I have seen ads for all sorts of materials and depths in my Musicians Friend and other catalogs. I don't know exactly when they started making these, but it seems like only the last 10-15 years. I may well be wrong on that, but it seems that is about as early as I have seen then.

I have absolutely seen the aluminum shelled FF snare. I only saw one, and it was the late 80's/early 90's when I did. I do not believe they were available for long, or know if there were any problems. I cannot recall if I've seen ones on eBay. If I'm not wrong, the Tico Torres snare is aluminum...maybe auditioning that one would give you an idea of the sound?

Dan

Yes! Pearl offered a 14x6.5 Aluminum shell FF. It is featured in my 1990 catalog as the AL-814D. You'd think that would mean it's a 14x8, but it is a 14x6.5. I'll scan the picture tomorrow and get it posted for all to see.

I'd suggest monitoring eBay and other online offerings. Probably a rare snare to find, so prepare to pay handsomely for it if you do find one!

Here's a scan of the AL-814D (6.5x14) Aluminum shell Free Floating snare drum from my 1990 catalog. Enjoy!

You are correct sir!

From the current catalogue: 14x6.5 cast aluminum

[IMG]http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=27688&d=1302372129[/IMG]

Wow...I missed the Tico Torres drum! Thanks for posting it!

Getting to this one late...

I've seen the aluminum one (and heard it). I have the 3.5" model in copper and love it. The aluminum one seemed a bit dryer and more ringy, but then it could have been the way the fellow had it tuned also. I'm not sure it was that deep, but it very well could have been. I didn't know the drummer and it was on stage.