The Nickel IRON alloy • 6.5x14

The creation of The Nickel IRON alloy

The details

Designed to make every hit special…..

In similar fashion to what defines every Acoutin Custom snare drum, it’s all in the Weight, Density and the Alloy’s composition in distinct & exotic metals that make this material exceptional in the application of percussive arts.

After years of testing and researching various Nickel, Iron, Chromium & Molybdenum based alloys it was only a matter of time till the release of The Nickel Iron alloy in March of 2024. The Nickel Iron is Vibrant and Punctual in every last note with a touch of Dryness & Warmth to round out its beautiful sonic character.

The Nickel Iron alloy is a special highlight in my education of what creates such a distinctive material for defined Sonic character within the world of hand crafted drums. I have worked with superalloys such as INconel alloy 718 & INconel alloy 600 since 2019 and 304 Stainless since 2010. The Nickel Iron alloy presents the hand selection of 316L Stainless - a low carbon, austenitic (Chromium-Nickel) alloy with the defined addition of Molybdenum stabilization and increased percentages in both Nickel & Chromium content. The Nickel Iron alloy is the literal process of tuning a drum shell directly by its Chemical Composition.

The Chemical Composition 

• Chromium (Cr): 18%, provides corrosion resistance by forming a passive layer on the surface. Additionally increases strength & hardenability.
• Nickel (Ni): 14%, contributes to ductility and corrosion resistance. Significantly enhances strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance, particularly in high-temperature and demanding environments. Nickel improves ductility and formability. Nickel acts as an austenite stabilizer, which maintains structure and properties.
• Molybdenum (Mo): 3%, further enhances corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments and against pitting. Additionally enhances strength, toughness, and ability to withstand high temperatures.
• Manganese (Mn): 2%, improves strength and hardenability. 
• Silicon (Si): 0.75%, enhances oxidation resistance. 
• Carbon (C): 0.030%, contributes to corrosion resistance. 
• Phosphorus (P): 0.045%, improves machinability. 
• Sulfur (S): 0.030%, improves machinability and reduces corrosion resistance. 
• Nitrogen (N): 0.10%, improves strength and corrosion resistance. 
• Iron (Fe): 62.045%, The base metal, making up the majority of the composition. 

The creation of a new sonic color

The Nickel Iron Alloy is truly an extraordinary drum in sonic character. It is characteristically Expressive, Powerful, Vibrant and delivers Depth & Body across all tuning ranges. This alloy creates unprecedented up front expression with Crisp and Articulate sensitivity. The Nickel Iron is full of Color & Punctuality in every defined note.

The Nickel Iron alloy is distinctively full bodied delivering a strong High to Low-range register with Warmth & Clarity throughout. This alloy has been selected with specific attention to the refined sonic character that extends the musical colors of Acoutin Custom hand crafted snare drums.

The Finish

The Acoutin Nickel IRON shells are sourced as RAW Sheets that are hand crafted from start to finish. These shells are meant to be completed as close to untouched & unaltered as possible. Crafted in a Matte RAW finish allowing the shells to speak their full distinctive voice that is undiluted and expressive to their inherent character of the alloy. These beautifully crafted Matte RAW shells deliver a natural sonic response similar to a Raw Lathed and Unpolished cymbal full of rich character and depth in musical tone.

SPEC’s

• Size: 6.5x14
• Nickel IRON shell
• Finish: Matte RAW Nickel Iron shell
• (8) Chrome Over Machined Brass Laser Etched Acoutin Custom Lugs
• Acoutin Custom Cast Badge
• Remo Ambassador Coated Batter Head
• 2.3mm Triple Flanged Hoops
• 42 Strand Snare Wires
• AHEAD Soft Case

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*ALL drums are custom MADE TO ORDER, lead time is appx. 4-8 weeks