Well, it finally arrived yesterday: A Tama Starclassic Maple 5.5x14 snare in Green Sparkle, supposedly once used/owned by our beloved Maestro as a side snare during one or more drum clinics an unknown number of years ago. It is absolutely killer in appearance and sound. It has "Sound Focus Rings" (i.e. reinforcing rings) on the top and bottom of the inner shell. Normally, Starclassics don't come with them - they are an option. I don't know if Stewart himself requested them or if someone at Tama thought he'd need them because of how tightly he tensions the heads. In any case, they give the drum a sweet, warm, fat controlled tone and I just may be a convert to this method of drum construction. The drum has plenty of crack without being too ring-y - just right. Also unusual is the substitution of DW snares in place of Tama's stock snares. Again, don't know if Sir Jeff modified the drum or maybe someone else, but they sure respond wonderfully and they don't give as much sympathetic vibration.
Supposedly, Stewart had several of these made. I wonder if he still has the others. The original Remo snare head is still there, but the batter, which was signed by Stewart, then given to a youngster, has been replaced by an Evans (which is fine by me). I'd really be grateful if Jeff could share any other info. he recalls about this drum. I am one happy camper!!!