The Noble & Cooley 14 x 5" Special Edition Solid Shell Classic Ambrosia Maple Snare Drum (FGSEAMS1450NS) features a handcrafted solid 1/4" Ambrosia Maple shell with solid maple reinforcement hoops, precision 45-degree bearing edges, 10 chrome-over-brass Nodal Point Tube Lugs, die-cast hoops, a chrome-over-brass Noble & Cooley throw-off and butt plate, and 20-strand Cam-Action snare wires. Finished in a beautiful natural satin with chrome hardware and a Special Edition Noble & Cooley badge, this drum also includes a Noble & Cooley antique copper drum key. This is a limited edition release, with only 20 drums produced across all sizes.
Ambrosia Maple, sometimes referred to as “wormy maple,” is prized for its distinctive natural streaking and unique grain patterns created by Ambrosia beetles. The result is a visually striking shell with rich character, while maintaining the strength and integrity of the wood.
The Solid Shell Classic series helped establish Noble & Cooley as one of the most respected names in high-end drum manufacturing. These drums were among the first modern-era steam-bent solid shell snares and have appeared on countless recordings since the early 1980s. Each shell is crafted from a single plank of solid domestic hardwood, carefully selected for grain consistency and shaped using a traditional steam-bending process dating back to the Civil War era. Compared to standard multi-ply shells, the single-ply construction allows the drum to resonate more freely, delivering exceptional warmth, sensitivity, and projection.
Noble & Cooley’s Nodal Point lug mounting system places the lug posts at the shell’s natural nodal points, allowing the shell to vibrate more openly without interference from hardware mass. This design enhances the drum’s natural tone and resonance.
The drum is fitted with Noble & Cooley’s patented Cam Action snare system, designed to maintain snare sensitivity without choking the resonant head. The smooth brass throw-off allows for easy engagement and adjustment, while the specially designed snare wires respond beautifully across a wide tuning range.
Each bearing edge is hand-cut and precision checked to ensure maximum resonance, projection, and tuning accuracy, contributing to the unmistakable sound and craftsmanship Noble & Cooley drums are known for.
