How much does a snare drum cost?
Snare drum prices at Sweetwater start around $100 for entry-level models (give or take, depending on sales and market value) and can climb as high as several grand for boutique and signature snares.
Snare Drums
Which snare drums offer the best bang for the buck?
Looking for that golden ratio of price to performance? Drummers at Sweetwater stand behind the following budget-friendly snare drum models:
- Ludwig Supralite 8 x 14 steel snare
- Mapex MPX 6.5 x 14 maple/poplar snare
- Gretsch Full Range 5 x 14 birch snare
Each is a prime example of how a great-sounding snare drum doesn’t have to break the bank. For more of our top picks across every price range, see our best snare drums roundup.
What snare drum shell material sounds best?
Metal snare drums (brass, steel, aluminum, bronze, and titanium) generally excel in projection, resonance, and sensitivity. They tend to feel a little livelier to the touch and may require additional muffling to tame their sheer output and overtones.
Wood snare drums (maple, poplar, mahogany, birch, walnut, cherry, and oak) often sound more organic and balanced behind the kit, complementing the natural character of your shells.
Does this mean wood snares can’t rip and metal snares can’t sing? Of course not. But these guidelines should give you a starting point for diversifying your snare collection across different genres and setups.
Snare drum depth vs. diameter: how do shell dimensions affect sound?
Shell diameter (head size) is most responsible for a snare drum’s pitch at a given tuning. Shell depth influences how fat, thin, long, or short the resonance and sustain are. To learn more about snare sizes, shell construction, and materials, check out our snare drum buying guide.
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Your Snare Drum Sets the Tone for Every Groove You Play
The snare drum is one of the most important components of the modern drum kit. From a country two-step to a 6/8 swing, the snare plays an essential role in forming backbeats, driving accents, and anchoring the groove. It also tends to be the drum where many of us spend the most time. Therefore, if you’re looking for a quick way to overhaul the sound of a kit from, say, pop to metal, a snare swap can take you there, fast.
Craving the bellowing depth of a Ludwig Black Beauty or the splintering “crack” of a cranked Pearl piccolo? You’ll find these and many more at Sweetwater.
Shop Snare Drums by Brand
Did you know Sweetwater is home to one of the largest selections of snare drums under one roof? This stems from our tight-knit relationships with incredible vendors. Concert snares from Pearl, marching snares from Mapex, experimental snares from A&F: the list goes on. Ready to refine your sound? Explore the latest snare models from DW, TAMA, Yamaha, Gretsch, Ludwig, and more at Sweetwater.
Get Started with Your New Snare Drum
Ready to purchase your first (or ninth) snare drum? Sweetwater makes it easy. If you don’t know where to begin, give our drum-loving Sales Engineers a call. They’ll help you choose the right snare for your needs.
If you prefer to shop entirely online, Sweetwater’s website has tools to narrow down your snare drum options by brand, price, shell composition, depth, diameter, and more. Select your preferred specs in our product filter and explore your options.
What are the most popular brands for Snare Drums on Sweetwater.com?
What are the most popular Snare Drums on Sweetwater.com?
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Ludwig Black Beauty Snare Drum - 6.5 inches x 14 inches, Brass Snare Drum - Black Nickel
5 out of 5 stars 17 reviews
$899.00 -
Ludwig Special-edition Satin Deluxe Black Beauty Snare Drum - 6.5 inches x 14 inches, Satin Black Nickel, Sweetwater Exclusive
4.5 out of 5 stars 4 reviews
$1,129.00 -
Tama 50th Mastercraft Bell Brass Snare Drum "The Terminator" - 6.5 inches x 14 inches, Aged Verdigris Patina
5 out of 5 stars 2 reviews
$3,999.99 -
Ludwig Supralite Steel Snare Drum - 8 inches x 14 inches, Polished
5 out of 5 stars 34 reviews
$199.00 -
Ludwig Universal Black Brass Snare Drum - 8 inches x 14 inches, Black Nickel
5 out of 5 stars 14 reviews
$474.21
Why shop Snare Drums at Sweetwater.com?
With a massive selection of Snare Drums, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Snare Drums, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
