How would your snare sound if it had no hardware mounted directly off the shell? Some bright-eyed fellow over at Pearl HQ had this thought and put the idea to the test. The result is this interesting creation all the way from 1980s Japan. The goal was to increase sustain and resonance by reducing shell/hardware contact to the bare minimum. The only points of contact are batter head to shell and free floating platform felt to shell on the resonant side. It's a hectic idea but hey, they're still making these today so they must have achieved something. If you have other similar sized free floating shells handy, you can switch them out with the batter head off. That's cool right? You can find other free floating shells without the hardware kicking about on the used market all the time so if you want to try 6.5" brass or 6.5" maple, that option exists.

As for this snare, it has a fullness and sustain that sounds pretty great. The pinstripe really saps tone so with a new batter head, and possibly resonant head, this snare could really have a lot to offer. The birch shell currently equipped has a brightness and snappy midrange that sounds particularly good at low-medium tunings.

Maybe it's the coolest approach to tonal maximisation to date and maybe it's no coincidence that 'Free Floating System' abbreviates to FFS. So, is it a revolutionary idea that stuck for its ingenuity and results or is it over-engineered nonsense? You decide.

Manufacturer: Pearl Drums
Model: Birch Shell with Free Floating System
Made: Japan, 1980s (best guess)
Serial: 84096
Dimensions: 14" Diameter / 6.5" Depth (head-to-head)
Weight: 4840g
Shell: Birch, approx. 7mm
Hardware: Pearl Free Floating System, Strainer & Pearl Super Hoops
Current Setup:
Batter: Remo Pinstripe Coated (6/10)
Reso: RMV Snare Resonant Clear (7/10)
Wires: No Brand 20 Strand Wires (intact)

Additional Notes: The throw is smooth and doesn't get stuck. The snare wires and heads are in passable condition. There are some small scuffs, scratches and marks on the hoops and hardware. The shell is good condition with inconspicuous damage. The batter head is well played but still tunes up fine. The snare plates are marked but the wires are in good condition with none missing. The resonant head has some dirt and imprints. One missing tension rod washer on snare side. Overall: very good condition (7/10)