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Tama Mike Portnoy Melody Master 12x5" Steel Snare
The ultimate side-snare for progressive drummers. Featuring a 1mm Hammered Steel shell and the unique MCS100A 3-position throw-off for instant tone switching.
Tama Mike Portnoy Melody Master 12x5" Steel Snare
The ultimate side-snare for progressive drummers. Featuring a 1mm Hammered Steel shell and the unique MCS100A 3-position throw-off for instant tone switching.
₹ 40,724
-8%MRP:₹ 44,266
Inclusive of all taxes
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080-40998370More Than Just a Signature Snare
The Tama MP125ST—affectionately known as the "Melody Master"—is one of the longest-running signature snares in history for a reason. Designed with progressive drumming legend Mike Portnoy, this 12-inch steel powerhouse solves a specific problem: How do you cut through a dense wall of guitars without losing musicality?
Whether you are a Dream Theater fan or a gigging drummer looking for the perfect auxiliary snare, this drum offers a cutting "pop" that standard 14-inch snares simply cannot achieve.
The "3-Way" Advantage: Two Snares in One
The defining feature of the Melody Master is the MCS100A 3-Way Tension Adjustable Strainer. Unlike standard throw-offs that are simply "On" or "Off," this mechanism gives you three distinct presets:
Tight (Position A): Crisp, articulate, and dry. Perfect for fast fills and ghost notes.
Loose (Position B): A wetter, splashier sound with more sustain, ideal for classic rock backbeats.
Off: Disengage the wires completely to use the drum as a high-pitched timbale effect.
Hammered Steel: Bright yet Controlled
Steel snares are famous for their volume, but they often suffer from annoying "ringing" overtones. The MP125ST solves this with a Hammered 1mm Steel Shell.
The Science: The hammering process disrupts the sound waves traveling across the shell surface. This naturally "dries out" the tone, reducing unwanted ring while retaining the steel's aggressive projection.
Studio Ready: Because the shell controls its own overtones, you need less gaffer tape or Moongel to get a great sound under a microphone.
Professional Hardware Specs
Die-Cast Hoops: Unlike cheaper triple-flanged hoops, the die-cast hoops on this drum focus the sound and provide a sharp, shotgun-like cross-stick sound.
Custom "Ambigram" Badge: A unique visual touch—the badge reads "Mike Portnoy" the same way whether viewed right-side up or upside down.
Comparison: Is This the Right Snare for You?
Vs. Standard 14" Steel Snares A standard 14" snare provides "Body" and "Thud." The MP125ST provides "Cut" and "Crack." It is designed to sit in a different frequency range than your main snare, ensuring your accents don't get lost in the mix.
Vs. Tama SLP Series While Tama's SLP snares are fantastic, the Melody Master offers the Die-Cast Hoops and the 3-Way Strainer mechanism, which are premium features usually found on drums costing significantly more. If you need tonal versatility on the fly, the Melody Master wins.
Why Buy From The Bangalore Drum Shop?
Signature snares are precision instruments.
Verified Authenticity: We are an authorized Tama dealer. You are guaranteed a genuine product with valid warranty support.
Mechanism Check: The 3-way strainer is a complex piece of engineering. Our team inspects every unit before dispatch to ensure the throw-off action is smooth and the tension presets hold correctly.
Secure Nationwide Shipping: We ship heavily padded and insured packages to ensure your die-cast hoops and strainer arrive in perfect alignment, whether you are in Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai.
Experience It: Visit our HRBR Layout showroom to test the 3-way switch yourself. Feel the difference between the "Tight" and "Loose" settings in person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use this as a main snare?
Yes! While it is famous as a side snare, many drummers in Drum'n'Bass, Hip-Hop, and Funk use the MP125ST as a main snare because of its tight, focused sound.
Does it come with a mount?
No, this is a standard snare drum that requires a snare stand. Since it is 12", ensure your snare stand basket can tighten enough to hold a 12-inch drum.
How do I adjust the 3-way strainer?
The strainer has two separate adjustment knobs. You tune one for your "tight" sound and the other for your "loose" sound. The lever then switches between them.
Is the black finish durable?
Yes, the Matte Black finish is electro-plated (not just painted), making it highly resistant to chipping and scratches.
Technical Specifications
Feature | Specification | The Sonic Benefit |
|---|---|---|
Shell Size | 12" x 5" | Higher pitch fundamental that cuts through loud bands; perfect "Pop" sound. |
Shell Material | 1mm Hammered Steel | Bright projection of steel with the controlled decay of a drier metal. |
Hoops | Die-Cast (6-Hole) | Adds weight for clearer attack and makes tuning more stable. |
Throw-Off | MCS100A (3-Way) | Allows you to switch between "Tight" and "Loose" snare tension mid-song. |
Lugs | MSL-SCT Starclassic | Low-mass lugs that minimize contact with the shell for maximum resonance. |
Finish | Matte Black | A stealthy, non-reflective finish that looks great under stage lights. |
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