What does pine wood sound like?

We were sent two Outlaw snares to review with Modern Drummer, an eight-lug 6x13 in "chestnut glaze" finish, built from the Wilder timber, and a ten-lug 5x14 in "reborn blueberry," reclaimed from a nineteenth century home that was torn down in 2013. (Each lists for around $850.) Both drums feature chrome tube lugs, triple-flange chromed steel hoops, a Dunnett three-position roto-style throw-off, an Evans G1 Coated batter and Snare Side 300 bottom, and PureSound snare wires (twenty strands on the 13" drums and sixteen strands on the 14"). The stave-style shells of these drums are thick and cut with sharp bearing edges. The exteriors of the shells are painstakingly finished to maintain a rustic look and textured feel that hearken back to the buildings from which the drums are built. 

    The 6x13 has one of the original nails in the shell, and the vent is actually a 1" bolt hold. The 5x14 drum has a cool-looking blue/chestnut finish on the inside and outside of the shell that was applied meticulously by hand to match the weathered look of the building from which it was build. Outlaw's .125"-thick "forest guard" metal badges are modeled after the shield worn by the U.S. Forest Service, which was established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1905 to preserve the country's natural wonders. All of these features combine to give Outlaw snare drums a world-class appearance with a lot of history and vibe. 

    Sonically, both drums were bright and snappy with strong articulation and nice snare response. The 13" turned out to be the more versatile of the two. It sounded very lively and popping tuned very tight, while a medium tuning brought out an open, all-purpose voice. Lower tunings produced a fat and punchy sound with a nice pitch bend in the sustain. The 5x14 had a similar overall tone, but it performed  best at medium and lower tunings, where the natural brightness of the thick pine shell was counter-balanced by the depth and punch created when the heads were at a lower pitch. Even detuned all the way, this drum still had a strong, sizzling presence. No muffling was required on either snare during our testing. 

    Outlaw also uses smaller pieces of reclaimed timber to make wooden bass drum beaters, and custom snare racks are available. Drum collectors, take note! 

Michael Dawson

www.outlawdrums.com

Why Heart Pine drums.

Georgia--Michael Outlaw, a custom furniture builder and avid drummer, was riding through Albany, Georgia one day and stumbled upon an 1880’s plantation home being torn down, and asked the contractor if he could have some of the wood. The contractor said yes, since it was going to be hauled off to a landfill anyway. Michael loaded his truck up with as much wood as he could before the dump truck got back to take it away. When he got it back to his shop, the beauty and the aroma of the rare wood inspired him. He wanted to build a snare drum that was different, and this heart pinewood was the perfect fit.

Ever since that day, he has continued to search for more opportunities to reclaim this old wood from barns, houses and mills built before 1900 to make his unique Outlaw Drums. With these drums, you are getting a piece of history, not just an instrument. Outlaw Drums, with their stave construction, precise 45 degree bearing edge, and 300-500 year old wood, offer the most unique tones, pitches and sounds you will ever hear.

Michael Outlaw (yes, that is his real name) is happy to announce that one lucky person will win one of his incredible handmade drums. The specific drum being given away will be the premium “weathered” snare drum. This drum’s unique finish was created by over 150 years of sun, wind and rain