SJC Alpha 6.5x14 1.0mm Rolled Steel Snare with Chrome Hardware (AL-S6514CH-CHS)

I normally like to wait a little while before writing product reviews, but I decided to go ahead and do it day of.The bottom line: this thing is gorgeous, built like a tank and plays great right out of the box. There was a process involved on my purchase decision, and I couldn't be happier with the result. Came with a drum key, certicificate of authenticity and a sticker. I understand this is more or less a budget model from them. Because of that, I ordered a new head for it, because I wasn't expecting to like the stock head, but even with the stock head it is probably the best sounding snare I have ever played. Love the bright overtones. I emailed SJC with a question shortly after I ordered it. They got back to me super quickly and so I look forward to engaging more with them.The process: I have been passively eye-ing getting a new snare for awhile now. To me, the snare really defines a mix, not only your drumset, but also the band as a whole. Others may disagree with this accessment, and that is fine.Other sounds and how they work together are important as well, duh! I spent a lot of time finding the right drum heads and cymbals to get the sounds I wanted. However, I dislike a poor snare sound more then I dislike a poor ride sound as an example. In other words, I didn't just pick this snare willy nilly.The snare. The throw on the snare that came with my current set stopped staying up, so my passive looking had to become more active. I wanted a metal snare because almost all the drummers whose snare sounds I admire play either brass, bronze, or steel.Why SJC? SJC is a brand I have a lot of respect for, I discovered them through Josh Dunn and then discovered that many other drummers I love play sjc. I knew I had to atleast look at their options, and, boom, they had this snare, steel shell, right at my budget. Listened to a few examples on YouTube, it was love at first sight.I went ahead and ordered it, came in record time tuned it up with the stock head, because the Evan's heavyweight head I ordered hasn't arrived yet, and boom great sound. Great full sound from the added depth over my last snare, Lots of bright overtones. Definitely a steel snare sound. Everything feels super sturdy with smooth action on the throw and wire tightener/loosener.I will most likely buy one of their shell packs in the future.

Came a day early and is perfect. Expected nothing less from SJC.