Tama Gladstone Artwood Snare Drum – 6.5" x 14" – Birdseye Maple – Mid 80s (1986–87) – AW546

Tama Artwood Snare Drum – 6.5" x 14" – Birdseye Maple – Mid 80s (1986–87) – AW546

Overview
Up for sale is a beautifully preserved mid-1980s Tama Artwood snare drum, model AW546, produced circa 1986–1987. This is the highly sought-after 6.5" x 14" Birdseye Maple version, featuring the iconic early Artwood construction and hardware that made this series legendary.

These drums are known for their warm, woody character, strong attack, and fast, clean response—a direct result of their Canadian Birdseye Maple shell and die-cast hoop combination. The three-way tuning feature is exclusive to this model-replicating the 50's Billy Gladstone patent.

Specifications
• Brand: Tama
• Model: Artwood AW546
• Era: Mid-80s (1986–1987)
• Size: 6.5" x 14"
• Shell: 9-ply, 7mm Hard Rock Canadian Birdseye Maple
• Finish: Natural Birdseye Maple
• Lugs: PAT-30 vintage Artwood lugs
• Throw-Off: Cam-Lever strainer (original)
• Hoops: Original Tama die-cast hoops
• Snare Wires: Tama MS20B-S Bell-Brass Sensitive, 20-strand (one strand missing)
• Heads:
o Original Tama snare-side head
o Brand-new Remo Ambassador batter head
• Includes:
o Original three-way PAT-30 tuning key (for the unique lug system)

Sound
The Artwood line is famous for its warm tonal profile, excellent articulation, and a controlled, studio-ready attack.
This drum delivers:
• Rich, woody warmth
• Tight sensitivity
• Fast response from the Cam-Lever strainer + Bell-Brass wire combo
• Solid rimshot power thanks to the die-cast hoops
It’s an incredibly versatile snare—equally comfortable in rock, fusion, pop, and studio settings.

Condition

Excellent vintage condition.
• Shell is clean and well-preserved with beautiful Birdseye figuring
• Hardware functions smoothly
• Cam-Lever throw operates perfectly
• Die-cast hoops true and clean
• Snare wires missing one strand (does not noticeably affect performance)
• Fresh Remo Ambassador on top + original Tama snare side head

Shipping to USA: We understand our shipping prices may appear higher than average. That’s because we prepay all duties, tariffs, taxes, brokerage fees, and import charges required to bring the item into the United States.

This means you will not be charged anything upon delivery — no hidden fees, no unexpected customs bills.