Copper is a precious metal, and this is indeed a precious snare drum! The Ludwig 5x14 Copper Phonic snare drum boasts a thick 1.2mm SEAMLESS, hammered copper shell adorned with tube lugs and has a lightly lacquered finish. This drum speaks well in a variety of tunings with rich, complex, and dark overtones that have been slightly mellowed by the complex hammering of the shell.