Sonor has expanded its Artist Series with a new snare drum that brings a less common wood to the forefront. The latest model features a 14-inch by 6-inch shell made from Tineo, a hardwood not often seen in drum construction, especially in high-end lines. Native to South America, Tineo has a distinctive visual pattern and tonal quality that sets it apart from the more typical choices like maple or birch.
The drum’s shell is built from nine thin plies, measuring a total of six millimeters in thickness. That relatively thin shell helps the drum stay sensitive and responsive, reacting quickly to changes in touch while still projecting clearly. Visually, the natural grain of the Tineo wood stands out right away. The veneer on the outer ply highlights the deep contrast in the figuring, which gives the snare a strong aesthetic identity to go with its sound.
And let’s be honest… Sonor drums have always had an incredible crack to them. Even not with this model, you can hear the amazing “ping” of the snares they’ve created in this example of Jojo Mayer jamming out to a track this year.
Inside, this specific new Artist Series shell is finished smoothly and includes Sonor’s standard tuning label. The overall construction reflects the same level of detail the company applies across its Artist Series, which is known for maintaining a high standard across both function and finish.
Hardware on the drum includes Sonor’s Dual Glide snare strainer, which lets players adjust or disengage the snare wires quietly and precisely. The system includes a fine-tuning dial, giving extra control over snare tension. The hoops are die-cast, helping keep the rim rigid under pressure and assisting in tuning stability. Lugs feature the brand’s TuneSafe mechanism, designed to help retain head tension during long sessions or under heavy playing.
In terms of sound, the Tineo snare leans toward a dry, focused character. It offers a good balance between low-end warmth and crisp articulation. Rimshots come across with a strong woody presence, and ghost notes have even sensitivity across the head. Tuned in higher ranges, the drum has a bright, quick voice. In lower tunings, it maintains clarity without sounding muffled, offering a slightly darker tone but still enough presence to cut through a mix.
While it sits within the same series as other Artist snares, the feel of this drum is a bit different. Its thin shell gives it a livelier response, but it still maintains control. It’s not as aggressive or metallic as some other snares, but it doesn’t disappear in a dense track either. The sound sits in a space that’s clean and articulate without becoming sterile.
Handcrafted in Germany, the Tineo snare upholds the build quality Sonor is known for. It may not be the catch-all workhorse for every situation, but for drummers who want something distinct in both tone and appearance, it’s a well-thought-out addition to the lineup.
The drum is available now through Sonor’s authorized dealers.
