Pearl MIJ 14x5 Free Floating Brass Snare Drum (2nd Gen) (FB-1450/B-9114)
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 shell activity 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 5" maple instead, that option exists.
The 14x5 1mm brass shell as well as this FF system belong to the second generation which makes this a 92-04 model. The die-cast hoops come stock with the brass and steel shells which makes it more than likely that this FF system and shell were purchased together. It's apparent that this snare has had a hard life and has seen some things, however it fights on, sturdy as these are. The MIJ models are getting harder and harder to come by, which makes this a pretty unique find. With the brass shell, it's loud, explosive and thick. Snag a relic of Pearl's golden age while you can, and make your neighbour's aware.
Manufacturer: Pearl Drums
Model: Brass Shell (FB-1450) with Free Floating System (B-9114)
Made: Japan, 1992-2004
Serial: 803321
Dimensions: 14" Diameter / 5" Depth
Weight: 4885g
Shell: 1mm Brushed Brass, 1.6mm Aluminium Bottom Edge Ring
Hardware: Pearl B-9114 Free Floating System, SR-101 Strainer, Post Lugs & Die-Cast Hoops
Current Setup:
Batter: Remo Controlled Sound Coated
Reso: Remo Ambassador Snare-Side
Wires: Nondescript 42 Strand Wires (2 Wires Cut)
Additional Notes: All hardware is functional. The throw-off is smooth. The lugs tune up without issues. The heads are in reasonable condition. Two of the snare wires have been cut off. There are scuffs, scratches and marks on the hoops and hardware. The shell has plenty of wear in the brushed finish, revealing the raw brass underneath--classy if you ask us! Chrome is peeling from the batter hoop. Overall: good condition (6/10)