SR-505 strainer with 3 individually adjustable snare wires:
The Pearl PHX-1616 is a high-quality 16" x 16" snare drum from the field of orchestral percussion. The PHX models, which are available in very different configurations, are made of African mahogany and offer a dark and extremely rich basic sound with pronounced bass. Like all snare drums in this series, the PHX-1616 also features the extraordinary SR-500 Silent Triad Strainer System, which combines three different individually adjustable carpets and thus ensures a sensitive response and articulated sound in all areas of the dynamic spectrum.
The snare drums of the Philharmonic series are instruments that are harmoniously designed in every aspect, and Pearl's entire wealth of experience goes into their manufacture. The PHX models come with a four-ply shell made of African mahogany with four-ply maple reinforcement rings. The round bearing edge on both sides creates a focused sound and offers good tunability for a wide variety of head types. The PHX-1616 offered here uses maple wood hoops, which add further warmth to the sound. The eight tube lugs allow the shell to develop its full natural resonance. Additionally, the vintage snare bed enables optimum carpet contact with the resonance head.
Since its launch, the Pearl Philharmonic Series has left a lasting impression in the orchestral percussion field. With state-of-the-art manufacturing methods (e.g. Superior Shell Technology for the optimum resonance body) and the resulting high quality standards, the product family is clearly aimed at musicians and ensembles who place the highest demands on their instruments. This applies to the entire range, which consists of an extensive selection of different snare drums as well as various concert toms, bass drums, and small percussion instruments.
The Pearl company was founded in Japan in 1946 and has been making drums since 1950. After initially manufacturing exclusively for other brands, it began to produce drums under its own name in the 1960s. Initially, the company was strongly oriented towards American models, but over the course of time, more and more of its own designs were developed, and ultimately established themselves on the market. Today, Pearl is one of the world's leading manufacturers of drums, percussion instruments, and accessories. A milestone in Pearl's history is the Export Drumkit, introduced in 1982, which is believed to be the best-selling drum kit of all time.
With their wide dynamic range, sensitive response, and soft transitions between the different timbres as a result of their construction, the snare drums from the Pearl Philharmonic series can be used in an extremely versatile way in Classical and orchestral music. As part of a large ensemble in a concert hall, in a medium-sized line-up in the orchestra pit, or in chamber music performances with percussion - thanks to first-class manufacturing quality and the harmonious design of the individual models, the Philharmonic series offers the best possible basis for an excellent sound in all situations.
The SR-500 lift-off
The SR-500 Silent Triad Strainer System is a Pearl innovation that is mainly used on the snare drums from the Philharmonic series. This exceptional lift-off combines three different types of strainers, specifically selected for each model to support its tonal characteristics. On the lift-off side, each carpet has a dedicated knurled screw for detailed tension adjustment. On the snare butt side, on the other hand, there is an adjustment option for the overall carpet tension. Unlike the similar SR-300, which features separate throw-offs for each carpet, the SR-500's system uses a single throw-off for all three components.