Pulse Steel Piccolo Snare, 14X3.5 Inches

 A Good snare - but not a "piccolo" sound
In all fairness - I ordered this drum with the understanding that you get what you pay for (after all, $30.00 is a ridiculously low price for any instrument). The Pulse Steel Piccolo Snare arrived in a timely manner and in good condition.

I tightening up the heads, adjusted the metal snare wire, and hit the drum with the expectation of a nice, crisp, snappy quality - synonymous with a "piccolo" snare. However, no matter how much I adjusted the heads and snares - the Pulse Steel "Piccolo" Snare had as much "piccolo" tone as my Tama 14" standard snare (which weighs about 15lbs.)

That said, the drum itself is a bargan if your looking for a great starter or back-up snare, just don't expect a great "piccolo" tone. It has a solid steel shell, and could produce good sound with a quality head.

Since returning the unit would be more hassle and cost than it's worth, I'll hold on to it as a back-up or sell it myself.

 Fabulous deal!
I bought this drum after seeing the price and reading the other reviews. I had some reservations about the purchase based on the other reviews of this product. All I can say is that I have the drum sounding excellent now, like a piccolo should sound. Here is what I did. Loosen all bottom head tension rods. Then start to tighten them (i.e. start to tune the bottom head). Take off top head properly so as to reuse it later. Then, put 4 strips of weather stripping under the top head (peel off tape to reveal sticky side) spaced evenly running length of drum head. Put head back on. Start to tune the drum (I use the method in Larry Nolly's book entitled Drum Tuning). Both heads should be tight (for any snare drum). Loosen the snares (turn knob counter-clockwise) all the way with the snares in the off position. Then, unscrew the two screws on one side of the drum which hold the plastic strip (that attaches to the snares). Next, pull the plastic piece tight and tighten the screws. Repeat on other side. Turn snares on, and tighten snares by knob a little (clockwise). If you do all of these things, you will have a high pitched, no after ring, great sounding piccolo snare for $30 and 1 hour of work. Let these twenty plus years of drumming knowledge help you! Good luck!

 good snair for a low price
I bought this piccolo for my jazz/funk/rock fusion band and so far I like it. It definately needs some new heads and maybe a mute because it has a lot of overtones. But otherwise it has a good range of sound and pierces rather well. I recomend it for anyone looking for a piccolo who's on a budget.

 Great deal on a well made piccolo snare
I purchased this to replace the stock snare that came with my Pearl Rhythm Traveler kit (ASIN B0002FO4R8). There was nothing wrong with the Pearl snare, but it was a little too "warm" for jazz. The Pulse piccolo rectified that and has since become the snare I use with the Pearl kit.

SOUND: crisp and snappy with the "pop" one wants when playing jazz. There is the expected ring from the steel shell and associated hardware.

CONSTRUCTION: solid! Lugs are precision-spaced, and the throw operates smoothly. The heads are a bit thin, but I am satisified with them and have not replaced them. Stick response on the stock head is, in my opinion, superb.

Overall, the value is incredible. If you have been planning to add a piccolo snare to your kit this one is a deal. I use mine as my primary snare, but on a larger kit this would be a welcome addition that would expand your range. I subtracted a star because of a flaw in the batter counterhoop. It does not affect the sound or sturdiness, but irritates me. Still, at the price this is a minor flaw that can be overlooked.

 Super value
I bought my Pulse Piccolo snare on a whim, aftyer seieng the same price, and reading reviews here and elsewhere. I've always wanted a piccolo for that dry "snap" you can't get with a standard snare, and I have to say I'm more than pleased with this little puppy.

Sure, it's a little crude; the vent doesn't have a nice eyelet or badge around it. The snare mechanism is simple, and there are a few rattles. But for what it cost me, it's a bargain. Grab one before they disappear or the price goes up again.