Best Tama 14" Steel Snare Drums 2025

Premium Tama 14" steel snare drums - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Metal For Pop For Recording For Live Performance For All Genres

BRANDS: Tama Gretsch Drums Millenium Mapex DW

Tama PST146 Starphonic Black Nickel - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Tama PST146 Starphonic Black Nickel

by Tama

All Genres Recording Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional standard for many genres

✓ PROS

• Professional standard for many genres
• Universal head and hardware compatibility

✗ CONS

• May overpower in quiet musical settings
• Steel can sound cold compared to wood

Tama PST146 Starphonic Black NickelSnare DrumStarphonicBlack Nickel Steel Boiler 14"x06" with 1.0 mm shell...

⭐ 4.9/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 264802

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

Tama MP1455ST 14x5,5" Mike Portnoy - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Tama MP1455ST 14x5,5" Mike Portnoy

by Tama

Metal Pop Live Performance

Key Feature:

• Standard 14-inch size fits all setups

✓ PROS

• Standard 14-inch size fits all setups
• Universal head and hardware compatibility

✗ CONS

• Steel can sound cold compared to wood
• Can sound harsh without proper tuning

Tama MP1455ST 14x55" Mike PortnoySignature Snare Drum14" x 5.5"Colour: Black with new Mike Portnoy...

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 306982

$611

Buy at Thomann View Details

Tama PSS146 Starphonic Steel - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Tama PSS146 Starphonic Steel

by Tama

Recording All Genres Live Performance

Key Feature:

• Standard 14-inch size fits all setups

✓ PROS

• Standard 14-inch size fits all setups
• Classic steel snare sound and projection

✗ CONS

• May overpower in quiet musical settings
• Steel can sound cold compared to wood

Tama PSS146 Starphonic SteelStarphonic Snare DrumSteel drum shellSize: 14" x 06"With 1.0 mm shell...

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 246522

$813

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Tama LST146H Sound Lab Snare

by Tama

All Genres Live Performance Pop

Key Feature:

• Classic steel snare sound and projection

✓ PROS

• Standard 14-inch size fits all setups
• Professional standard for many genres

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to environmental conditions
• Requires quality hardware for best performance

Tama LST146H Sound Lab SnareSnare DrumSize: 14" x 06"S.L.P.-Sound Lab Project SeriesExpressive hammered...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 580983

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Tama 14"x6,5" Snare Lars Ulrich - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Tama 14"x6,5" Snare Lars Ulrich

by Tama

Recording Metal Pop

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of models available

✓ PROS

• Classic steel snare sound and projection
• Wide variety of models available

✗ CONS

• Requires quality hardware for best performance
• Sensitive to environmental conditions

Tama 14"x65" Snare Lars UlrichSnare DrumSize: 14" x 6.5"Lars Ulrich Signature Model3 mm Diamond...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 440918

$846

Buy at Thomann View Details

Tama 14"x6,5" Metalworks Bl. Steel - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Tama 14"x6,5" Metalworks Bl. Steel

by Tama

Pop Rock Recording

Key Feature:

• Professional standard for many genres

✓ PROS

• Professional standard for many genres
• Standard 14-inch size fits all setups

✗ CONS

• Requires quality hardware for best performance
• Can sound harsh without proper tuning

Tama 14" x 6.5" Metalworks Bl. SteelSnare DrumSize: 14" x 6.5"Drumshell thickness: 1.2 mmDrumshell...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 456977

$171

Buy at Thomann View Details

Tama 14"x05" Mastercraft Steel ltd. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Tama 14"x05" Mastercraft Steel ltd.

by Tama

Live Performance Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Universal head and hardware compatibility

✓ PROS

• Classic steel snare sound and projection
• Wide variety of models available

✗ CONS

• May overpower in quiet musical settings
• Steel can sound cold compared to wood

Tama 14"x05" Mastercraft Steel ltd.Snare DrumTama 50th Anniversary Limited EditionModel 8055Mastercraft...

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 605317

$846

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Tama LST148 Sound Lab Snare

by Tama

All Genres Live Performance Metal

Key Feature:

• Standard 14-inch size fits all setups

✓ PROS

• Professional standard for many genres
• Universal head and hardware compatibility

✗ CONS

• Requires quality hardware for best performance
• May overpower in quiet musical settings

Tama LST148 Sound Lab SnareSnare DrumSize: 14" x 08"Model: 1 mm thick steel shellBlack nickel shell...

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 336924

$296

Buy at Thomann View Details

Tama 14"x08" Metalworks Steel ltd. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Tama 14"x08" Metalworks Steel ltd.

by Tama

Rock All Genres Live Performance

Key Feature:

• Standard 14-inch size fits all setups

✓ PROS

• Classic steel snare sound and projection
• Professional standard for many genres

✗ CONS

• Can sound harsh without proper tuning
• Requires quality hardware for best performance

Tama 14"x08" Metalworks Steel ltd.Snare DrumSize: 14" x 08"Metalworks Series - Limited EditionShell...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599706

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Tama 14"x5,5" Metalworks Bl. Steel - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Tama 14"x5,5" Metalworks Bl. Steel

by Tama

All Genres Pop Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic steel snare sound and projection

✓ PROS

• Professional standard for many genres
• Universal head and hardware compatibility

✗ CONS

• May overpower in quiet musical settings
• Requires quality hardware for best performance

Tama 14" x 5.5" Metalworks Bl. SteelSnare DrumSize: 14" x 5.5"Drumshell thickness: 1.2 mmDrumshell...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 456976

$160

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 14" Steel Snare Drums

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 14" steel snare drums typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best Tama 14" Steel Snare Drums 2025

Tama PST146 Starphonic Black Nickel

Tama MP1455ST 14x5,5" Mike Portnoy

Tama PSS146 Starphonic Steel

Tama LST146H Sound Lab Snare

Tama 14"x6,5" Snare Lars Ulrich

Tama 14"x6,5" Metalworks Bl. Steel

Tama 14"x05" Mastercraft Steel ltd.

Tama LST148 Sound Lab Snare

Tama 14"x08" Metalworks Steel ltd.

Tama 14"x5,5" Metalworks Bl. Steel

How to Choose the Best 14" Steel Snare Drums

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 14" steel snare drums?

How much should I spend on 14" steel snare drums?

Are expensive 14" steel snare drums worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 14" steel snare drums?

Should I buy 14" steel snare drums online or in-store?

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