Whether you’re looking for a single go-to snare drum or wanting to fill out your collection with new tonal colors, we’ve cooked up a list of some of our favorite snares at multiple price points. From wood to metal to grass (more about this later!), this collection includes a snare drum for every style and situation. And, as you explore these 17 awesome snares, you’ll see that price isn’t everything — they all sound great in their own way! It’s just a matter of choosing which snare is right for you!
Snare Drums Under $300
Pearl Modern Utility Snare Drum
Built for the working drummer who wants to expand their arsenal while staying budget-minded, the Pearl Modern Utility snare drums are straightforward and reliable — and they sound incredible. One of five wood drums offered in the line, the Pearl Modern Utility 6.5-inch x 14-inch snare drum has a sonically balanced 6-ply all-maple construction, which yields a warm and projective crack. This versatile snare features a durable 1.6mm triple-flanged hoop, an easy-to-use throw off, and CL bridge lugs with brass fittings for maximum tuning stability and resonance.
SJC Custom Drums Pathfinder Series Snare Drum
The SJC Pathfinder 6.5-inch x 14-inch snare drum has a streamlined design that incorporates SJC’s high-quality hardware, including a smooth-action throw off and strainer and ultra-stable shield lugs. With a modern satin finish in three available colors and flat-black hardware, the SJC Pathfinder snare has plenty of visual appeal. Sonically, the SJC Pathfinder snare is rich and warm with a satisfying bite due to its 7-ply maple and mahogany construction — a contemporary tonal character ideal for modern rock, pop, and punk.
DW Design Series Black Nickel Over Brass Snare Drum
The most affordable metal snare on the list, the DW Design Series 6.5-inch x 14-inch black nickel over brass snare drum delivers the defined crack and ping that make metal snares an indispensable addition to any drum arsenal. DW Design Series drums are held to the same standard as all DW drums; but, since they are mass-produced and not custom-made, they come in at a very attractive price point. Yet, you still get all the great DW bells and whistles, including a MAG throw off, True-Pitch tuning, and DW by Remo drumheads.
PDP Concept Maple Snare Drum
The PDP Concept Maple 5.5-inch x 14-inch snare drum is built from premium European maple, a hard and dense variety that produces a decidedly loud and focused sound. From delicate brushwork to explosive rimshots, the PDP Concept Maple snare never disappoints. This comfortably priced snare doesn’t skimp on quality, boasting DW-inspired hardware — MAG throw off, True-Pitch tension rods, and heavy-duty triple-flanged hoops. And it’s offered in a range of eye-catching stained and satin finishes that stand out onstage.
Snare Drums Under $400
Ludwig Black Magic Snare Drum
The Ludwig Black Beauty is one of the most treasured snare drums of all time with a signature sound that has found its way onto countless classic recordings. The Ludwig Black Magic 6.5-inch x 14-inch snare drum pays homage to the Black Beauty — but at less than half the cost of its inspiration. With a thin welded shell, rather than the Black Beauty’s heavier handspun shell, the Ludwig Black Magic snare has a crisp attack, plenty of body, and an impressive dynamic range. The Ludwig Black Magic sports vintage-influenced chrome hardware with reliable modern performance. If you’ve always wanted a Black Beauty but are hesitant about the price, then check out the Ludwig Black Magic snare. Prefer snares with a higher tuning range and a snappier attack? The Ludwig Black Magic is also available in a 5.5-inch x 14-inch shell size.
Gretsch Drums Grand Prix Aluminum Snare Drum
The Gretsch Drums Grand Prix 6.5-inch x 14-inch aluminum snare drum showcases the best of its alloy, emanating an airy, dry tone with a sharp, aggressive attack. The matte aluminum shell is noncorrosive and built for the long haul, making these snares an ideal choice for gigging drummers. The Grand Prix snare performs admirably in high, medium, and low tunings, maintaining sensitivity and expressiveness across the entire spectrum. Unique among the snares on this list, the Grand Prix snare is equipped with a double-flanged hoop, which has the focused and aggressive characteristics of a die-cast hoop without the added mass and rigidity.
TAMA SLP Fat Spruce Snare Drum
The TAMA Sound Lab Project (SLP) snare drums offer players a wide range of options regarding shell material, number of plies, hoop type, and finishes. One of the favorite SLP snare drums among drummers at Sweetwater is the SLP Fat Spruce 6.5-inch x 14-inch snare drum. Spruce shells boast a warm, resonant tone that, when paired with TAMA’s sturdy, 8-lug die-cast hoop, imbues the SLP Fat Spruce snare with a big, burly tone that shines in roots rock, jazz, and blues. Equipped with TAMA’s Super Sensitive Hi-Carbon Snappy Snares, the SLP Fat Spruce highlights dynamic playing styles and is a perfect platform for ghost notes, accents, and buzz rolls — you’ll love its expressiveness.
Pork Pie Percussion USA Custom Patina Brass Snare Drum
Featuring a brass shell with an eye-catching oxidized patina, the Pork Pie Percussion USA Custom Patina Brass 6.5-inch x 14-inch snare drum has a premium look and a top-notch tone to match. Tuned low, the Pork Pie Custom Patina Brass delivers a warm, focused, “cat jumping into a pile of leaves” sound that’s ideal for classic R&B and vintage-flavored indie rock. Tune it high, and you’re treated to a pleasing ping and a commanding crack. Drummers at Sweetwater dig this snare for studio sessions — it’s versatile, takes dampening well, and is highly recordable. Additionally, the Pork Pie Custom Patina Brass is offered in a hefty 14-inch x 8-inch model if you want an even deeper sound.
Yamaha Tour Custom Snare Drum
The Yamaha Tour Custom 14-inch x 6.5-inch snare drum is a crackerjack, all-maple snare inspired by Yamaha’s Maple Custom Absolute line. With 6-ply construction adding up to a thin, 5.6mm shell strengthened by Yamaha’s proprietary diagonal seam, the Yamaha Tour Custom snare is lively and projective. And it’s robust enough to withstand the heaviest touring schedules. Owing to its 45-degree bearing edge, which minimizes head-to-shell contact, the Yamaha Tour Custom has a sweet, ringing sustain. Additionally, it is equipped with stick-saving Dyna-Hoops, which have a slightly rounded edge that offers a soft feel for rimshots and cross sticking.
Snare Drums Under $500
Mapex Sledgehammer Hammered Brass Snare Drum
From the Mapex Black Panther series, the Sledgehammer 14-inch x 6.5-inch snare drum is a total knockout! With its visually impressive hammered brass shell and heavy-duty brushed hardware, the Mapex Sledgehammer looks fantastic and is certain to grab people’s attention. But the hammered brass isn’t just for looks; it produces a rich, complex tone distinct from other brass snare drums — woody, punchy, and perfectly complemented with a pre-dampened snare head such as the Evans Genera HD Dry or the Remo Powerstroke 77. The Sledgehammer’s Mapex Sonic Saver Hoops split the difference between flanged and cast hoops, tightening up overtones while retaining natural harmonics — and they produce a powerful, cracking rimshot.
ddrum Dios Bamboo Snare Drum
The ddrum Dios 14-inch x 6.5-inch bamboo snare drum is the only snare drum on this list made of grass (yes, if you didn’t know, bamboo is a grass!). Environmentally sustainable and tough as nails, bamboo is a splendid shell material, imparting a healthy crack and superb dynamic response. Matched with ddrum’s top-notch hardware package, including die-cast hoops, double-sided bullet tube lugs, and a sturdy throw off, the Dios bamboo snare drum is a remarkable performer onstage and in the studio.
Snare Drums Under $600
Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 Snare Drum
The Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 14-inch x 6.5-inch snare drum is a legendary workhorse favored by countless rock ‘n’ roll drummers, including Bonham. The Supraphonic LM402’s chrome-plated, seamless beaded shell calls up a monstrous sound with an ultra-crisp attack and loads of projection. In a live context, it easily cuts through dense fields of distorted guitars, and it’s a favorite recording snare of engineers at Sweetwater, irrespective of genre. An easy-to-use throw off, impeccable tuning stability, and handsome Imperial lugs complete this iconic snare drum — it’s a welcome addition to any drummer’s stable!
Sonor SQ1 Snare Drum
Sonor put an immense amount of time and consideration into developing the Sonor SQ1 14-inch x 6.5-inch snare drum, and it shows! The SQ1’s European birch shell is constructed using Sonor’s Cross Lamination Tension Free method, which results in a perfectly round shell that, according to Sonor, will retain its round shape if cut in half vertically! Another unique aspect of the shell design is Sonor’s Optimum Shell Measurement process, which slightly shrinks the shells so that standard-size drumheads float freely on them, producing a purer tone across multiple tuning ranges.
Gretsch Drums USA Custom Black Copper Snare Drum
The Gretsch Drums USA Custom Black Copper 14-inch by 5-inch snare drum is crafted from a thin copper shell for a focused, resonant, and musically expressive sound. It exhibits incredible performance across a vast range of tunings, making it a solid choice for drummers that play in multiple styles and genres. The chunky die-cast hoop reins in overtones and is game for devastating rimshots. Aesthetically, the USA Custom Black Copper has an elegant look with a powder-coated black finish and vintage-style Gretsch lugs and throw off. It’s also available in a deeper 14-inch by 6.5-inch model.
Snare Drums Under $1000
Craviotto Heritage Maple Snare Drum
The Craviotto Heritage 14-inch x 6-inch maple snare drum pays tribute to master craftsman Johnny Craviotto, and it is undoubtedly an artisan snare. Boasting a steam-bent, one-piece maple shell with a modern 45-degree bearing edge, the Craviotto Heritage maple snare has a rich, singing resonance and a full, round-bodied tone. With a lovely natural finish and a signature red inlay, the Craviotto Heritage maple snare is as much a pleasure to look at as it is to play.
Rogers Dyna-Sonic Snare Drum
A lost icon of the drum world, the second-generation Rogers Dyna-Sonic snare drum has been resurrected in exacting period detail with all of the original vibe intact — including the ultra-cool beavertail lugs. Yet, laying sticks into the Rogers Dyna-Sonic 14-inch x 6.5-inch snare drum is no mere trip down memory lane; it is a thoroughly contemporary drum with a spectacular sound and a classy look. The new-school Dyna-Sonic snare retains the original’s unique, patented snare rail, which houses internal snare wires within an adjustable metal holster. This design delivers next-level sensitivity and detailed control over snare tension and height. It’s a classic you have to hear for yourself!
A&F Drum Company Raw Steel Snare Drum
Master builders at A&F Drum Company are currently creating some of the most interesting and idiosyncratic drums available. (Check out our article, “4 Things That Make A&F Drums Unique,” to learn more about the company.) The A&F Raw Steel 14-inch by 6.5-inch snare drum is a perfect example of their old-world-meets-new-world aesthetic with a patina’d steel shell and hardware and a single-flanged brass hoop. And the A&F Raw Steel snare has a sound as distinctive as its looks with a powerful bark that’s perfect for raw and emotive performances. A&F drums, including the Raw Steel snare, have a special ability to inspire. So, if you’re a drummer who tends to take the road less traveled, the A&F Drum Company Raw Steel snare drum may be the perfect snare for you!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are fantastic snare drums at every price point. So, which ones caught your attention? Give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700 and let us know! And check out our resident drum guru Nick D’Virgilio’s video rundown of this list, “Choosing the Best Snare Drum on Any Budget,” to see them all side by side!
