I have had this snare for a couple of years now and it's definitely a great addition to any collection. It has great projection & tuning range. I hate piccolo snares so this drum gives me just enough crack with alot more versitility. I would suggest getting a Russ Miller Groove wedge to give clarity to your cross stick. Other than that there aren't any other negatives about this drum. Its not at the top of Yamaha's line but it's a good snare.

I just recieved it and immediately replaced the heads with a Remo clear CS dot and Ambassador bottom. I've had experience with the ddrum 6x10 and the Pearl Popcorn 6x10 (not the firecracker 5x10 though), and this finally the sound I've been lookin for. Don't be fooled when it says "low fundamental tone", thinkin its not going to be a high enough pitch, when this baby is cranked out it has a one of a kind snap and pop, with rimshots begging for more. Yet tune it low and you see more of a Pearl Popcorn range in tone, the extra inch shaved off of depth truley allows it to move in to a higher pitch range with out it being completley choked out. I've seen Allen Aucoin play on this snare on a rider kit and sounded phenomenal. Would recommend this to anyone for those lookin for that high "Gack" sound.

The Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Snare Drum is the way to go. It provides a nice snappy tone, but yet still has that warm tone to it. I own the 12" by 5" and I have to say, I think the smaller snare is the better one. I've been playing for fourteen years and am very, very happy with this product.