(USED) TAMA DKP137MRK Soundworks Kapur Snare Drum – 7x13" Matte Brown
TAMA DKP137MRK Soundworks Kapur Snare Drum – 7x13" Matte Brown
A used TAMA Soundworks Kapur with a distinct dry, warm pop — a snare that has a genuine personality of its own, now available at a used price from Spotts Music Center.
What This Snare Is and Who Should Play It
Not every drummer needs the same snare, and the TAMA Soundworks Kapur was designed with that in mind. The 13x7" size and kapur shell produce a sound that sits somewhere between a tight piccolo crack and a deeper, fatter backbeat punch — a dry, warm pop with enough body to cut through a full band without getting shrill. Tuned mid-to-high, it thrives in Gospel, Funk, R&B, and World music settings where articulation and sensitivity matter as much as projection. It also holds up well in the studio under close mics, where kapur's natural warmth and quick decay translate cleanly to a recording. This is a great pick for the drummer adding a second snare to their arsenal, the player looking for a more distinctive sound than their standard kit snare offers, or anyone who wants a well-built TAMA instrument at a used price point. The Soundworks series was built to deliver real character without a premium price — and this one does exactly that.
Key Highlights
- 6-ply, 6mm kapur shell produces a dry, warm tone with a lively, popping attack at mid-to-high tuning
- 13x7" dimensions offer a focused, articulate voice that projects without excessive ring
- TAMA Sound Arc hoops — inward-curved 2.3mm steel — enhance natural shell tone and ease hand fatigue on rimshots
- 45-degree inner / rounded outer bearing edges balance head contact, openness, and attack
- MCS70A snare strainer delivers reliable throw-off action and consistent snare tension
- Eight MSL60S lugs provide stable tuning across the head with smooth tension rod feel
- Matte Brown Kapur finish showcases the natural wood grain with a clean, understated look
- Used condition — a proven TAMA design available at a significantly reduced price
Why You'll Love It
Features
The DKP137MRK is built around a 6-ply kapur shell at 6mm thickness, paired with TAMA's Sound Arc flanged hoops, a MCS70A strainer, MSL60S lugs, and bearing edges cut to 45-degree inners with rounded outers for precise, consistent head contact.
Advantages
Kapur is a hardwood with a darker, oaky character that produces drier, more controlled tones than birch or maple at similar thicknesses. The Sound Arc hoops pull the shell's natural voice forward while reducing the sharp edge feel of rimshots under heavy playing.
Benefits
You get a snare with a defined tonal identity — not a generic all-purpose sound, but one that fills a specific role in a mix with confidence. It sits well in dense arrangements, responds clearly to brushes and rods, and rewards drummers who tune carefully.
Great Fit For
- Gospel, Funk, R&B, and World music players who need articulation and a lively pop
- Drummers building a multi-snare setup who want a 13" option with distinct character
- Recording drummers looking for a warm, dry voice that translates well under close mics
- Players upgrading from a basic starter snare who want a step up in tone and build quality
- Anyone seeking a used TAMA instrument with proven construction at a reduced price
Sound and Feel
Kapur's tonal character is one of the more distinctive in the wood snare world. It sits drier and warmer than birch, with a natural decay that keeps things focused rather than washy. On this 13x7" shell, that translates to a crack with real body behind it — not thin, not boomy, but a tight, controlled pop that works well at a range of tunings. The Sound Arc hoops reduce the harshness on rimshots, making them feel easier on the hand over a long set. The 6mm shell stays responsive and alive, and the drum rewards a drummer who listens to what it wants to do rather than fighting it toward a sound it wasn't built for.
Specifications
There's a reason kapur keeps turning up in the hands of players who care about tone — it has a voice that's hard to fake with anything else. Dry, warm, and punchy in a way that sits beautifully in a dense mix. The fact that this one is used just means you're getting that sound for less, from a drum built by a company that has been doing this seriously for decades.
If you want to know more about the drum's current condition, have a question about whether it's the right fit for your setup, or just want to talk snare tone for a few minutes — we're genuinely into it. Call or text Spotts Music Center at 814-371-5666. We're happy to help.