Gavin Harrison's signature snare drum represents a masterful blend of vintage character and modern precision, handcrafted in Germany with meticulous attention to sonic detail. The Sonor Protean Standard features a remarkably thin 6mm shell constructed from six plies of premium hand–selected birch wood, creating a naturally airy tone that balances short decay with punchy attack. The rounded top bearing edge provides vintage crack on the batter side, while a modern 45–degree snare–side bearing edge allows the snare wires to resonate freely with exceptional clarity.
The drum's unique hoop configuration sets it apart from conventional designs, pairing an S–Hoop on top with a specialised triple–flanged steel hoop on the snare side. Vintage–style Phonic lugs with their distinctive hourglass shape increase the shell's density while reducing tension points, contributing to the drum's rich body and resonance. The Dual Glide strainer system allows for quick snare wire removal, making bottom head tuning effortless and providing maximum flexibility for different playing situations.
Three stackable dampening rings offer unprecedented control over the drum's sustain and overtones, fitting perfectly within the S–Hoop either individually or in combination for a massive range of tonal possibilities. The Standard Edition includes the snare drum, complete set of dampening rings, and two Protean tuning keys, while the Premium Edition adds a custom Hardcase UK case with additional "EQ" and "Spacer" snare wires housed in a separate wooden compartment.



