Philharmonic 8-Ply Maple From the lightest touch to the thickest rolls, Philharmonic 8-ply 100% Maple shell snare drums deliver the power to be heard, with a dark, full tonal response that has become the preferred sound of orchestras and artists around the world. Maple is the ideal choice for a concert snare drum due to its range of frequency response and warmth in sound quality. Our exclusively manufactured 7.2mm 8-even ply 100% Maple wood shells have a smooth even texture that remains durable under a wide range of conditions and accepts a variety of rich lustrous finishes. This highly respected acoustic wood offers a wide dynamic range and a well-balanced overtone response. Full-bodied low frequencies, with an even balance of high and mid-tones, have made this shell the all-around accepted premium material in the acoustic drum industry.