Cvl Drums Shells Sassofrasso Shell 5.4Mm 14"X4"

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

This CVL shell fits into a "workshop" approach to drums, where each element is chosen to build an instrument that reflects the player's identity. Made in Italy, it benefits from an exclusive manufacturing process developed by CVL, designed to reduce the amount of glue compared to so-called traditional methods, thereby preserving a more organic acoustic behavior. The ISO 9001 certification oversees the production process to ensure consistency from shell to shell, while the sustainable development approach highlights attention to traceability and respect for wood sourcing.

Who Is This Drum/Shell For?

This shell is aimed at drummers and snare drum makers, workshops, as well as custom enthusiasts who want to control every parameter of their instrument (hardware, trigger, lug placement, vent, etc.). It is particularly suited for intermediate to expert profiles comfortable with assembly and drilling, or supported by a professional. In terms of styles, its 14-inch format makes it a natural base for a versatile snare drum, comfortable from rock to pop, funk to contemporary music, depending on the choice of hoops, heads, and timbre.

Features and Innovations

The key point of this shell is its unpierced delivery: no constraints on the placement of lugs, trigger, butt plate, or vent hole. The bearing edges are offered as standard 45-degree inside, a profile appreciated for its precision and tuning ease, while still allowing the option to request non-bear edged shells for specific projects. The 6-ply Sassofrasso construction and 5.4 mm thickness aim for an effective compromise between sensitivity, projection, and stability, while the 5-year warranty secures the investment in a component designed to last.

Sound Characteristics

Sassofrasso is sought after for a balanced musical response, with a sense of warmth in the low-midrange and an attack that remains clear without becoming harsh. On a snare drum, this type of wood promotes a well-defined fundamental note, useful for achieving a "full" sound at low to medium volumes, while maintaining definition when dynamics increase.

The 5.4 mm thickness (6 plies) directly influences the shell's behavior: it generally provides controlled resonance, good tuning stability, and sufficient projection for live contexts. The 45-degree inside bearing edge enhances attack precision and harmonic clarity, helping to produce a clean, articulate, and responsive sound, especially with medium to high tunings. As always, the final character will also depend on the choice of heads, hoops, type of timbre, and installed hardware.

Technical specifications

Plies	6x Sassofrasso	Placement of future drilling holes	possibility to use a LO16 or LO26 template
Thickness	5.4 mm	Sustainable development	minimizing environmental impact by continuously improving manufacturing processes and respecting wood sourcing
Diameter	14 inches	Warranty	5 years
Bearing edges	Standard 45-degree inside (option to request non-bear edged shells)