Prog-rock icon Craig Blundell has shared stage and track space with some of the most prestigious acts around the globe. So, it's safe to say that Craig knows what he's after when it comes to snares. The Mapex Machine Black Panther Design Lab snare gives Craig — and now, you — the power and articulation to be heard onstage, plus the dynamic sensitivity required for the studio. It starts with a hybrid shell of maple and walnut, decked out in a beautiful satin finish. Mapex's groundbreaking SONIClear bearing edges (45 degrees on top, 35 degrees on bottom) serve to enhance the Machine snare's resonance and tuning range. Meanwhile, rugged 2.3mm Sonic Saver hoops give this snare the rigidity and durability to survive an onslaught of rimshots and look great doing it. Craig's other personal touches to the Mapex Machine Black Panther snare include the Trick Multi-Step throw off and a set of overtone-cutting Puresound E1416 snare wires. Together, these give the Machine snare an exceptional range of snare tension options that can be accessed on the fly, even mid-song. Other features we like in this snare are a quartet of Black Panther Design Labs air vents for maximum output and resonance and staggered locking Mapex I-Lugs for a distinctive look wherever you play out.