Birch is present and crisp.  With the right bearing edges and hardware treatment, however, it gains a solid low-mid "heftiness," resulting in a lovely tone that is complex, warm, full, and present. 

SHELL
Solid, steambent birch
30-degree & roundover batter, 45-degree snare side edge
Floating, undersized shell geometry for feel & tunability, and a "tympanic" low end that doesn't go away at higher tunings

HARDWARE
Lovingly handmade-in-shop brazed solid brass hoops and lugs
Special version of my (now patented!) throw off, combining brass and stainless steel
New, patent-pending key-holder butt plate (as seen on the Zildjian snare drum)
Latos designed machined solid-stainless tension rods and thick washers

KAKISHIBU
A 1000-year-old Japanese finishing process that involves repeated application of 'kakishibu,' a liquid fermented from bitter persimmon fruit, often grown on century-old trees. Without wading too deep into the chemistry, the tannins involved form almost a "natural polyurethane" as they dry.

Vermilion red when new, these drums will age to dark red and rich brown over the months and years, akin to traditional Japanese temple architecture.