Overview
Produced for the "The Big Beat" Charity Fundraiser in November 2010, a limited number of these commemorative snares were made available at each of the 15 participating dealers in the USA.
It's a 14" x 8" walnut and maple shell - the clever money is on something like the Big Cat - with a custom "psychedelic" wrap. You can clearly see it's a wrap from the slight damage to it in one of the photos.
This one was brought to my attention by Zack Cruz on the Facebook group - thanks a million Zack. I don't have further information on the production number apart from it was "limited", so if you happen to know how many of these were made, please do get in touch.
Update November 2025
Out of the blue, I got a lovely email from Jon Haroian who happened to be the winner of one of these rare beasts! He sent me some hi-res photos of the snare itself, the custom head (got to be one of the rarest custom heds ever produced!) and the Big Beat drumsticks that went along with it. Oh, and the information that went along with the raffle provides pretty much conclusive proof that this is, in fact, a wrapped Big Cat.
Here is John's email...
"I have one of the Big Beat snares. I can provide a bit more info for you. The snares were produced for 5 Star Drum Shops in 2010 for a linked charity event that had all 15, 5 Star stores included. It was an offshoot of Woodstick that was the idea of Chris Kimble in the Pacific NW and sponsored by Donn Bennett Drum Shop. Chris had the idea of getting as many drummers as possible together and all playing the same drum beat for 5 minutes and setting a World Record. The first event was held in an Airplane Hanger, in Gig Harbor, WA. Through the years Woodstick included celebrity drummers, to include Michael Shrieve, Alan White, Michael Derosier, Tony, TC, Coleman, Carmine Appice, Brian Hitt, and Rich Redmond, just to name a few. The 2010 Woodstick was dubbed the Big Beat and all the 5 Star Drum Shops were linked via video when we played the same beat. Also included in these events were raffles and giveaways. The Mapex Big Beat Snare was one of the raffle prizes at the Seattle Event. I was lucky enough to win that snare. At the time there were 15, 5 Star Drum Shops.
Since you already have multiple shots up on your site, I will send one picture of the Snare, just so you know I actually have one. I will also send pics of the original Big Beat Snare Drum Head, that lists all 15, 5 Star Drum Shops. I did an internet search for all of them, and sadly only 7 are still open. I also have the Info Card from the Raffle Table describing the drum and two pair of Big Beat Drum Sticks, one ProMark pair and Regal Tip pair that I will send separately."
There you go! Isn't the internet wonderful sometimes!
Thanks a million John - really appreciate you taking the time to help "fill in the blanks" on this one.
Main photo, shots of the head and Big Beat sticks courtesy of John Haroian - thanks a million John.
Other photos courtesy of NC DRUM PLUG Fayetteville, NC, United States used for reference under fair use. I have contacted Jared Bost to ask permission.
