Overview
The Black Panther Steel is our loudest metal shell, yet it yields a wide dynamic range for soft articulation. The magnificent brightness embedded in the tonal bands makes the Black Panther Steel Snare an incredibly versatile, high-performance instrument.
Surprisingly difficult to track down these day - it took me nearly a year to get any decent shots at all of this model! It wasn't around very long - it was released in 2004 when it replaced the ST4551D (same shell, chrome lugs and die-cast hoops) and was itself replaced in 2007 with a model without the tone control rings – the BPST4551A. As a result, and also because I think people hold onto them as they are such a good "workhorse" snare, this model and it's deeper brother are really tough to find these days.
Update October 2023
Finally managed to actually get my hands on one of these beauties - nearly bit the seller's hand off for it!
Main photo and similar from my personal collection.
Other photos courtesy of Jonathan Long. Thanks a million Jonathan, much appreciated.
