Pearl PIPE BAND BIRCH 14X12 BLACK MIST
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- This item is covered for 3 years
Essential Information About the Pearl Championship Medalist Pipe Snare
Essential Information About the Pearl Championship Medalist Pipe Snare
- "Crack" Attack and Articulation characteristic of birch, designed for projection on competition fields and clear reading of rudiments.
- Free-floating Shell (shell suspension) for freer resonance and more expressive response, including at low dynamics.
- Lightened to 13.8 lbs, optimized in details (5.0 mm shell, trigger systems) for playing comfort in parades and competitions.
- Fast and Precise Tuning thanks to the Quick-Release Snare System and the 28-strand adjustable top snare wire with a standard drum key.
Manufacturer Information
Pearl Drums
https://www.pearldrum.com
info@pearl-music.jp
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Safety manager:
Algam SAS
Email: contact@algam.net
Address:
Historical Context and Positioning in the Range
The Pearl Championship Medalist belongs to the world of pipe drums intended for pipe band drumlines, where the main requirements are a combination of projection, tuning stability, and visual presence. Within the "Championship" range, the Medalist targets a performance and competition-oriented positioning, with a design crafted to remain lightweight while maintaining a high level of mechanical precision and finish.
Target Audience for This Drum/Instrument
This parade snare (pipe snare) is aimed at pipe band drummers and marching percussionists, from intermediate to expert levels, who seek a responsive instrument that is easy to tune and capable of remaining clear within a dense ensemble. It excels in marching and competition repertoires (rudiments, rolls, accents, ghost notes), where timbre clarity and consistent response are crucial.
Features and Innovations
The Medalist emphasizes tunability and practicality in real-world situations. The top and bottom snare triggers incorporate the Quick-Release Snare System for quick interventions, while the 28-strand top snare wire in chrome carbon steel is easily adjusted with a standard drum key. Pearl also announces weight optimization, notably through a shell specified at 5.0 mm thickness and a design refined "detail by detail" to maintain an agile feel on the harness.
Sound
Birch is a wood known for its quick response, sharp attack, and strong projection, essential qualities for a parade snare that must clearly "cut through" an ensemble. On the Medalist, this signature translates into a very clear sound, with a crisp snap on strong hits and excellent precision on low-intensity notes, useful for dynamic passages and clean rudiments.
The free-floating design allows the shell to vibrate more freely, helping to achieve a more open feel and better exploitable dynamics without sacrificing definition. The 28-strand top snare wire enhances articulation by providing a fine response on fast rolls and a very "square" attack, particularly appreciated in competition contexts.
Technical specifications
| Category | wood |
| Material | birch |
| Design | 6-ply |
| Diameter | 14 " |
| Depth | 12 " |
| Color | Black |
| Shell Material | birch |
| Construction | 6 plies |
| Shell announced (Medalist range) | 100% birch, free-floating, 4 plies (information from series description) |
| Announced Shell Thickness | 5.0 mm |
| Configuration | 14 x 12 |
| System | Pearl Quick-Release Snare System |
| Triggers | top and bottom snare mechanisms |
| Top Snare Wire | 28 strands |
| Snare Wire Material | chrome carbon steel |
| Adjustment | via standard drum key |
| Declared Weight | 13.8 lbs |
| Standard Hardware | polished aluminum |
| Option | chrome hardware available on special order |
| Model | Medalist Pipe Snare |
| Model Number | FFXPMD1412/A |
Questions frequently asked
What is the depth of this pipe band snare drum?
The 14 x 12 configuration combines a 14-inch diameter with a 12-inch depth, suitable for the pipe snare format.
What sound does the birch shell provide?
The birch shell promotes a quick response and a sharp attack. Its free-floating design helps the shell vibrate more freely, resulting in an open dynamic and strong projection.
How is the snare tension adjusted on the Pearl Pipe Band Birch 14X12 Black Mist?
The upper and lower snare mechanisms incorporate the Pearl Quick-Release Snare System. The 28-strand chrome carbon steel upper snare is adjusted with a standard drum key. This system facilitates quick tuning adjustments.
Is this snare suitable for pipe band competitions?
This model is suitable for intermediate to expert drummers in marching and competition settings. The 28-strand upper snare contributes to precise articulation on rudiments and fast rolls.
What is the weight and finish of the hardware?
The listed weight is 13.8 lbs. The standard hardware is polished aluminum, with a chrome option available by special order.



