Choosing the right snare is critical for any style of music. Can you imagine Bill Gibson playing “The Power of Love” on a piccolo? Or Chad Smith playing “Under the Bridge” on an old Slingerland field drum? The vibe would be completely different.
For these reasons, it’s not uncommon to see drummers and studio engineers have arsenals — sometimes a dozen or more — of snare drums on standby for when the occasion demands. Add to that a snare drum’s projection, and sensitivity can dramatically impact how a drummer approaches a piece of music. It’s no wonder why you see plenty of players hoarding snares like it’s the drum apocalypse.
Are you in the market for more snares to round out your sound palate? Or a quality snare to upgrade your stock snare drum? Sweetwater stands behind the options below.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- Best Snare Drums Under $300
- Best Snare Drums Under $550
- Best Snare Drums Under $1,000
- Snare Drum Buying Guide
Best Snare Drums Under $300
Mapex MPX Maple/Poplar Snare Drum
A budget snare that punches above its weight
The budget-friendly Mapex MPX series can be seen as a “greatest hit” from Mapex’s award-winning shell and hardware design. The goal of this series? To help drummers of all budgets diversify their snare lineup without breaking the bank. The Mapex MPX Maple/Poplar snare drum begins with a 7.2mm hybrid-ply shell of — you guessed it — maple and poplar in a transparent black lacquer finish. These woods supply a versatile balance of weight, tone, output, and sustain to support many styles of modern music. What really takes this snare to the next level, however, are Mapex’s SONIClear Bearing Edges. This design is said to allow heads to sit flatter against the bearing edge for an easier tune and a more centered pitch. Paired with its matching black 1.3mm counter hoops and fast-action Armory Series throw off, the MPX Maple/Poplar is a great option for any drummer looking for an upgrade to their stock snare. In fact, it’s proof that a quality snare doesn’t need to break the bank.
| Product | Mapex MPX Maple/Poplar |
| Dimensions | 6-1/2 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | Maple/Poplar |
| Shell Thickness | 7.2mm |
| Counter Hoops | 1.3mm, Triple-flanged |
| Bearing Edges | SONIClear |
| Stock Heads | Remo UX |
| Pros | • Quality construction and hardware at a slim price • Diversifies a snare portfolio without breaking the bank • Subtle trans-black finish that will complement most kits |
| Cons | Lightweight hoops may not be every player’s preference. For heavier hoops, check out this Ludwig Supralite snare drum. |
Ludwig Supralite Snare Drum
Successor to the Supra snare throne
Ludwig’s center-beaded metal snares have a storied place in music history, which is why they remain hot commodities to this day. Years ago, if you wanted a budget alternative to a Supraphonic 400 or 402, then your best bet was to scour pawn shops for a sub-$200 Acrolite and hope it didn’t come with any major pitting or warping. Fortunately, that is not the case today. The Ludwig Supralite snare drum brings a fresh face and new alloy (chromed steel instead of brass or aluminum) to the Ludwig Supra snare pantheon — all at a barn burner of a price. The steel shell speaks loud and proud, with a sensitive side that emerges for ghost notes and brushwork. The Supralite bears all the hallmarks of the Ludwig snare lineage, including tube lugs, a modified Blue & Olive badge, and that iconic, strength-enhancing center bead. Add to the equation stout 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops and classic tube lugs, and you’ve got a recipe for success without winning the lottery on the used market.
| Product | Ludwig Supralite |
| Dimensions | 6-1/2 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | Steel, Beaded |
| Shell Thickness | 1mm |
| Counter Hoops | 2.3mm, Triple-flanged |
| Bearing Edges | N/A |
| Stock Heads | Ludwig |
| Pros | • A fresh face in the Supra snare lineup • A premier Luddy snare at a pawnshop price • Beaded steel shell that delivers heirloom looks and limitless performance potential |
| Cons | The mirrored chrome finish may be difficult to keep clean from fingerprints. For a lower-maintenance option, consider this Pearl Casey Cooper Signature Igniter snare drum. |
Pearl Casey Cooper Signature Igniter Snare Drum
A snare for the people
Longtime Sweetwater friend Casey Cooper (a.k.a. COOP3RDRUMM3R on social channels) is a player for the people. His signature Pearl Casey Cooper Igniter snare drum is designed to give drummers a quality snare at any stage of their drumming development. Its printed flame finish and scarlet lug gaskets enhance the look of any kit. Underneath its fiery finery, a 6-ply shell of maple and poplar gives the Igniter snare a dry tone and cutting response that sing in a bedroom and studio setting. The Igniter sports a wide tuning range to boot, easily going from a cranked piccolo to a fat, focused backbeat with a few spins of the drum key.
| Product | Pearl Casey Cooper Signature Igniter |
| Dimensions | 5 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | Poplar/Maple |
| Shell Thickness | 6.8mm |
| Counter Hoops | 1.6mm, Triple-flanged |
| Bearing Edges | N/A |
| Stock Heads | Remo UT |
| Pros | • Cocreated by drumming sensation and longtime friend of Sweetwater, Casey Cooper (COOP3RDRUMM3R) • Designed to give student drummers a great starting point • Unique “fireball” red-on-black wrapped finish |
| Cons | The poplar/maple shell may not have the cut every player needs for live performances. For a harder-hitting snare, consider this PDP Concept Maple snare drum. |
PDP Concept Maple Snare Drum
A snare by any other name . . .
If you want to talk snare drums whose performances exceed their price points, then look no further than PDP, the daughter company to DW of California. This Twisted Ivory PDP Concept Maple snare drum starts with a shell of solid European maple ply to deliver studio-ready tone and stage-worthy projection. You won’t find an inch on this drum that hasn’t been shaped by DW’s bleeding-edge hardware IP. True-Pitch tension rods with fine threads maximize tuning accuracy. A magnetic MAG throw off releases snare wires inconspicuously. You even get DW inspiration in the dual-turret lugs and heavyweight triple-flanged hoops. The blend of optics and sonics makes the Concept Maple snare an irresistible alternative to a real-deal DW snare for drummers on a budget.
| Product | PDP Concept Maple |
| Dimensions | 5-1/2 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | 10-ply European Maple |
| Shell Thickness | N/A |
| Counter Hoops | 3mm, Triple-flanged |
| Bearing Edges | 45 Degrees |
| Stock Heads | PDP/DW by Remo |
| Pros | • DW-inspired hardware and sonics at an irresistible price • All-maple shell primed for the stage or studio • Smooth MAG throw off that releases snare wires quietly and quickly |
| Cons | This product’s shallow depth could lack fatness for EDM and indie rock. Need a deeper tone? Check out this TAMA S.L.P. Big Black Steel snare drum. |
TAMA S.L.P. Big Black Steel Snare Drum
Minimalism be darned
Yngwie Malmsteen was right — sometimes, bigger is better, and “more is more.” Case in point: this TAMA S.L.P. Big Black Steel snare drum, a small moon of the sub-$300 snare orbit. The snare comes straight out of TAMA’s Sound Lab Project series to provide a hefty sound at a slim price. Its penetrating power comes courtesy of an extra-deep 1mm steel shell crowned with 2.3mm Steel Mighty Hoops. And whether you’re cross-sticking or machine-gunning, this is one snare that won’t get buried onstage. The Big Black Steel wears its emotions on its shell, with a matte black finish and black nickel hardware announcing the world-ending power encased in one of its rimshots. Take it from Sweetwater: if you need big power and brooding looks on a budget, then TAMA’s Big Black Steel is a great place to start.
| Product | TAMA S.L.P. Big Black Steel |
| Dimensions | 8 x Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | Steel, beaded |
| Shell Thickness | 1mm |
| Counter Hoops | 2.3mm Steel Mighty Hoops |
| Bearing Edges | Rolled |
| Stock Heads | TAMA by Evans USA: G1 Coated (Batter), Snare Side 300 (Reso) |
| Pros | • Titan-sized snare won’t get buried onstage • Penetrating character courtesy of steel shell and Steel Mighty Hoops • Stock Evans USA heads and Starclassic Snappy snare wires that add serious value |
| Cons | Some players may find this snare too rowdy for jazz or live theater. For a more nuanced sound at a slightly steeper price, consider this Sonor Kompressor series steel snare drum. |
Best Snare Drums Under $500
Sonor Kompressor Series Steel Snare Drum
A steel snare that does more than scream
Sonor of Germany is one of the world’s premier drum makers. In fact, if you want to feel your jaw hit the floor, then go check out the Sonor kits at Sweetwater and sort by highest price — yowza! So, imagine our delight when the company debuted the 5-3/4-inch Sonor Kompressor series steel snare drum at a starting price that just barely misses our budget category. Make no mistake: the Kompressor is a bona fide Sonor snare through and through. Its OSM undersized shell technique and TuneSafe lugs are the results of nearly 150 years of German craftsmanship. Together, they squeeze every drop of tone and tuning out of the rolled steel shell. Yet somehow, this premium snare comes in at a working drummer’s price point. If you’re searching for a dynamic steel snare drum that does more than scream, then the Kompressor series scratches the itch.
| Product | Sonor Kompressor |
| Dimensions | 5-3/4 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | Steel, Beaded |
| Shell Thickness | N/A |
| Counter Hoops | 2.3mm, Triple-flanged Power Hoops |
| Bearing Edges | Rolled |
| Stock Heads | Sonor by Remo USA |
| Pros | • Undersized shell diameter (a Sonor hallmark) that enhances sustain in this versatile steel snare • Serves up a crisp tone and dynamic backbeat • TuneSafe lugs for keeping tuning stable, even under rimshots |
| Cons | This snare’s OSM sizing may not be every player’s cup of tea. For modern sizing, see this Gretsch Drums Brooklyn steel snare drum. |
Gretsch Drums Brooklyn Steel Snare Drum
Classic Gretsch ingredients form a secret-weapon stew
The chrome-over-steel Gretsch Drums Brooklyn steel snare drum is a powerhouse — perfect for any drummer looking to make their mark. But more than that, it delivers the signature Gretsch tone that generations of players swear by. Fat and relaxed or cranked to the rafters — there isn’t a tuning on the Brooklyn that can’t inspire creativity. The 7-inch x 13-inch sizing is an outlier, but it’s earned a reputation for being a bit of a “secret weapon” among sound engineers at Sweetwater. The rolled 2mm steel shell fuses stunning aesthetics with exceptional build quality, sporting a dazzling mirrored chrome finish and a 360-degree center knurling for an authoritative look behind the kit. Timeless Gretsch appointments include chunky “302” double-flanged hoops and a hair-trigger Lightning throw off.
| Product | Gretsch Drums Brooklyn |
| Dimensions | 7 Inches x 13 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | Rolled Stainless Steel |
| Shell Thickness | 2mm |
| Counter Hoops | 3mm, Double-flanged |
| Bearing Edges | 30 Degrees |
| Stock Heads | Gretsch Permatone by Remo USA |
| Pros | • Exquisite chrome-plated steel shell • Secret-weapon sizing (7 inches x 13 inches) that speaks with a pure, even tone • Honors Gretsch’s heritage with “302” hoops, 30-degree edges, and a ’60s Lightning throw off |
| Cons | The 2mm steel shell is no lightweight! For a slimmer carry, consider this 1mm Pork Pie Percussion USA Custom Patina Brass snare drum. |
Pork Pie Percussion USA Custom Patina Brass Snare Drum
Breathtaking brass snare in a swirled patina finish
Groovy, baby! The Pork Pie Percussion USA Custom Patina Brass snare drum features an oxidized finish unlike any snare we’ve seen hit the market. Interlocking veins of green, blue, black, and brown encircle the entire 1mm brass shell like an alien symbiote suit. “But isn’t oxidation rust?” you may ask. Not at all! In fact, the special “pork rub” catalyzer Bill Detamore and his team apply at the Pork Pie Percussion factory in Canoga Park, California, forms a thin patina to protect the shell from corrosion. This also results in a look that is completely unique from drum to drum. The all-brass shell is joined by chrome-plated brass tube lugs and 2.3mm hoops to deliver the ultimate sensitivity. From vintage rock backbeats to balladic jazz brushwork, this snare is one that can do it all. Tune it low and enjoy a long, lingering sustain, or tune it high and tear the paint off the walls. With the USA Custom Patina Brass snare between your knees, you may never look at “corrosion” the same way again!
| Product | Pork Pie Percussion USA Custom Patina Brass |
| Dimensions | 6-1/2 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | Seamed Brass, Beaded |
| Shell Thickness | 1mm |
| Counter Hoops | 2.3mm, Triple-flanged |
| Bearing Edges | N/A |
| Stock Heads | Remo USA: Coated Ambassador (Batter), Ambassador Snare Side (Reso) |
| Pros | • Handbuilt by Bill Detamore and the Pork Pie Percussion crew in California • Unique oxidized outer finish — no two shells are identical! • Retro tube lugs that are a blast from the past |
| Cons | The patina’d shell may not suit every player’s visual taste. For a more traditional-looking snare, see this TAMA S.L.P. G-Maple snare drum. |
TAMA S.L.P. G-Maple Snare Drum
The maple snare, perfected
Here’s another offering from the TAMA S.L.P. series: the TAMA S.L.P. G-Maple snare drum. This 12-ply maple shell embodies everything players love above an all-maple snare. It’s versatile, punchy, and clean and packs an earsplitting crack when the occasion demands. This maple snare is notable for its furniture-grade Kona Mappa Burl exterior finish ply, accented by eye-catching black nickel hardware in the forms of TAMA’s Starclassic lugs and Steel Mighty Hoops. Like all snares in the S.L.P. series, this G-Maple adds value with its TAMA-branded Evans USA drumheads and premium Hi-Carbon TAMA snare wires.
| Product | TAMA S.L.P. G-Maple |
| Dimensions | 6 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | 12-ply Maple, 1-ply Kona Mappa Burl Outer |
| Shell Thickness | 11mm |
| Counter Hoops | 2.3mm, Triple-flanged Steel Mighty Hoops |
| Bearing Edges | N/A |
| Stock Heads | TAMA-branded Evans USA: G1 Coated (Batter), Snare Side 300 (Reso) |
| Pros | • Thick maple shell that serves up heavyweight tone • Exotic Kona Mappa Burl finish ply • Decked out from head to toe with world-class TAMA hardware |
| Cons | The 11mm shell packs some poundage. For massive sound with a reduced carry, have a look at this DW Design Series snare drum. |
DW Design Series Snare Drum
A beauty of a black brass snare
What do drummers and studio engineers at Sweetwater have in common? They’re both suckers for a black brass snare drum. The DW Design Series snare drum is DW’s take on a performance classic. Miked up or unplugged, this snare delivers power and response by the truckload. Its 1mm, black nickel–plated brass shell breaks free from tradition, with top and bottom beads (rather than a single center bead) adding strength to stress points while giving the shell a more modern look overall. Add to that a package of DW’s coveted hardware enhancements — True-Pitch tension rods, MAG throw off, and those iconic turret lugs — and this BNOB snare makes a smart upgrade to any kit or collection. Even better, it prices in at around half the cost of bigger names in the black brass snare market, so feel free to grab one for the studio and another for the tour bus while you’re at it.
| Product | DW Design Series |
| Dimensions | 6-1/2 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | Brass, Beaded |
| Shell Thickness | 1mm |
| Counter Hoops | 2.3mm, Triple-flanged |
| Bearing Edges | N/A |
| Stock Heads | DW by Remo USA |
| Pros | • A “beauty” of a black brass snare for half the price! • Dual-beaded brass shell that excels at power and sensitivity • Loaded with iconic DW lugs, hoops, and hardware |
| Cons | None to speak of at this price point! |
Best Snare Drums Under $1,000
Yamaha Recording Custom Snare Drum
Aluminum snare tailored for the recording environment
Yamaha Recording Custom kits have been studio institutions since their 1980s release, famous for their dry tones and “pre-EQed” acoustic sounds. The Yamaha Recording Custom snare drum is one of four add-on shell options available today in the Recoding Custom line. And though we’d be hard-pressed to choose a favorite, we’ve got to hand it to the aluminum model for its edge in the studio environment. Session legend and Recording Custom endorser Steve Gadd lent his ears to this latest aluminum model. Its 1.2mm beaded aluminum shell and 3mm die-cast aluminum hoops deliver a diverse range of tones to support endless musical styles and tempos. The snare takes on a woody dryness in a mix while retaining the sensitivity that this caliber of aluminum snare is known for. It also comes with an impressive range of stock upgrades, including a custom set of Steve Gadd snare wires to help eliminate sympathetic buzz and a set of session-ready Remo USA heads.
| Product | Yamaha Recording Custom |
| Dimensions | 5-1/2 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | Aluminum, Beaded |
| Shell Thickness | 1.2mm |
| Counter Hoops | 3mm, Die-cast |
| Bearing Edges | N/A |
| Stock Heads | Remo USA: Ambassador Coated (batter), Ambassador Snare Side (Reso) |
| Pros | • Focused tone that is tailored to the recording environment • 1.2mm beaded aluminum shell that fuses the sensitivity of metal with a woody dryness and control • 3mm die-cast hoops that produce rimshot like a cannon |
| Cons | Some players may prefer the depth of a 6-1/2-inch snare, such as this TAMA S.L.P. Black Brass snare drum. |
TAMA S.L.P. Black Brass Snare Drum
Beware: this beast has teeth!
This third installment of the TAMA S.L.P. snare series saves the best for last. The TAMA S.L.P. Black Brass snare drum is a dark horse of the performance world. Its 1.5mm brass shell packs an aggressive bite and tons of projection. Or, as one of our customers puts it: “[I]t’s like someone fired a shotgun in the house!” Yet even in the studio, this snare holds its own, from rock and metal to jazz and blues. It’s heavy — yes. But if you’re searching for a brass snare that pulls out all the stops, then this black nickel snare is your destination. It comes stock with 42-strand carbon steel Snappy Snares for a full tone and chunky backbeat. Meanwhile, stock TAMA-branded Evans USA heads endow this snare with top-tier tone from day one.
| Product | TAMA S.L.P. Black Brass |
| Dimensions | 6-1/2 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | Brass |
| Shell Thickness | 1.5mm |
| Counter Hoops | 2.3mm, Triple-flanged Steel Mighty Hoops |
| Bearing Edges | N/A |
| Stock Heads | TAMA-branded Evans USA: G1 Coated (Batter), Snare Side 300 (Reso) |
| Pros | • Aggressive bite and tons of projection • Developed for rock and metal • Stock 42-strand carbon steel Snappy Snares for supplying a fat attack right out of the box |
| Cons | The 1.5mm brass shell is not for the faint of forearm! For a lighter haul from the van to the stage, consider this Ludwig Supraphonic snare drum. |
Ludwig Supraphonic Snare Drum
A snare with star power
One of Ludwig’s most recorded snare drums is the Ludwig Supraphonic. This snare helped shape the sound of formative albums by Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Pink Floyd, and countless others. So, what is it about this snare that has drummers across continents and genres singing its praises today? A key ingredient has to be the 1.7mm seamless shell of chrome-plated aluminum (once marketed as “Ludalloy”), famous for its crisp attack and balanced resonance. This snare’s versatile tuning range has given it first-call cachet among metal producers to Nashville session players. Then, there are its iconic Ludwig appointments, which include a choice of Imperial or tube lugs, a P88AC throw off, and a retro Keystone badge. If you’re ready to infuse your performance with serious star power, then look no further than the do-it-all Supraphonic.
| Product | Ludwig Supraphonic |
| Dimensions | 6-1/2 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | Seamless Aluminum, Beaded |
| Shell Thickness | 1.7mm |
| Counter Hoops | 2.3mm, Triple-flanged |
| Bearing Edges | N/A |
| Stock Heads | Ludwig Weather Master |
| Pros | • Pulled from the pantheon of legendary Ludwig snares • Illustrious ’60s looks • Preferred by the likes of Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham |
| Cons | The mirrored chrome finish can be a magnet for fingerprints. For a more forgiving finish, see this DW Collector’s Series snare drum. |
DW Collector’s Series Snare Drum
Strike gold with DW’s flagship maple snare
When DW’s California Custom Shop arrived on the drum scene circa 1997, its proprietary maple shells and innovative hardware changed the landscape of drums forever. This DW Collector’s Series snare drum builds on more than 25 years of Custom Shop expertise to provide what could be the ultimate off-the-shelf snare experience. Each layer in its 10-ply hard rock maple shell is grain oriented for maximum strength, resonance, and response. What’s more, its precision 60-degree bearing edges with thin ply-and-a-half roundover outers seek to minimize overring from taking over the fundamental tone, whether tuned low or high. Add to that a full complement of DW’s flagship shell hardware — MAG/3P throw off, True-Pitch 50 rods, and 3mm True Hoops — in an executive gold finish complemented by a gold glitter wrap, and this snare has everything a gigging drummer could want for a modern session.
| Product | DW Collector’s Series |
| Dimensions | 8 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | 10-ply, Hard Rock Maple |
| Shell Thickness | N/A |
| Counter Hoops | 3mm, Triple-flanged True Hoops |
| Bearing Edges | 45 Degrees |
| Stock Heads | DW by Remo USA |
| Pros | • The crème of the DW Custom Shop! • Stunning gold hardware on a golden glitter–wrapped shell • The result of 50 years of DW shell and hardware innovations |
| Cons | If any drum’s getting swiped after a show, it’s this one! For a more inconspicuous snare, consider this Noble & Cooley Alloy Classic aluminum snare drum. |
Noble & Cooley Alloy Classic Aluminum Snare Drum
Cast-aluminum snare from one of the world’s oldest drum makers
Noble & Cooley snares have a mystique around them that’s made them seem out of reach for many drummers. Well, with the Noble & Cooley Alloy Classic aluminum snare drum at Sweetwater, nothing could be further from the truth. Now, it’s easier than ever to plumb the depths of Noble & Cooley’s fabled metal snares without parking yourself on a custom-order waiting list. The Alloy Classic is the result of 170 years of the pursuit of shell-making excellence. Its black aluminum shell is cast (rather than sheet rolled or tube cut) to provide a strength and maturity you just won’t find in a lesser snare. Bearing edges and snare beds are CNC-machined and lathed for incredible consistency from drum to drum. If you’re searching for a go-to metal snare for any setting or style of music, then the Alloy Classic aluminum could be the one.
| Product | Noble & Cooley Alloy Classic |
| Dimensions | 6 Inches x 14 Inches (Depth x Diameter) |
| Shell Layup | Cast Aluminum |
| Shell Thickness | N/A |
| Counter Hoops | Triple-flanged |
| Bearing Edges | N/A |
| Stock Heads | Remo USA: Ambassador Coated (Batter), Ambassador Snare Side (Reso) |
| Pros | • Heritage aluminum snare from one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious drum makers: Noble & Cooley • Locking throw off that won’t loosen without a court order! • Handmade Noble & Cooley snare wires that provide an even pull across the length of the drumhead |
| Cons | If this snare can’t make you sound like a star, then you’re in trouble! |
Snare Drum Buying Guide
The snare drum is arguably one of the most important parts of a song. It, along with the kick and accompanying rhythm section, is typically the driving force behind a song. From snappy-sounding to dull and more rounded sound, a snare can vary in sound depending on how it’s tuned, the shell material, the dimensions, and more. But how do you know if you have the right snare for your band or upcoming gig? If you aren’t sure, then Sweetwater is here to help! The drum experts here at Sweetwater have compiled a comprehensive snare buying guide to ensure you have the best snare for your situation. And, as always, don’t forget to reach out to our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers if you have any questions or if you prefer the help of everyday drummers just like you! Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the things you should look for when buying your next snare drum.
Shell Material: Wood vs. Metal
Not surprisingly, the sound of an all-acoustic instrument like a snare drum is heavily influenced by the materials its shell, or resonating body, is made from. Snares on our list are made from one of the following woods or metals:
- Maple wood: As a tonewood, maple is balanced across the audible spectrum and can be easily manipulated to achieve a desired sound. Maple snares also tend to be durable and can take a tumble. Maple snares are often made from North American hard rock maple, European hard maple, and softer Asian maple.
- Poplar wood: Soft, affordable poplar wood has been popular in snares for the past 10 years. This is due to not only its light weight and controlled output but also its chewy, broadband response and exciting striated wood grain.
- Brass: When it comes to metal snare drums, few alloys are more prized than brass. It’s warm when feathered, bright and aggressive when pummeled, and extremely articulate when fed ghost notes.
- Steel: What brass snare drums have on sensitivity, steel snare drums have on attitude. A good steel snare is able to deliver the raucous bite and howling note length that wood snares often cannot.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is a sleeper favorite among snare players. It is dry and earthy when played soft and opens up to a polite bark with a fat bottom end.
Counter Hoops: Flanged vs. Cast
A snare drum’s counter hoops (or simply “hoops”) are commonly made of zinc or steel and fall into one of two categories: triple-flanged or die-cast. There are outliers, such as wood hoops and single-flanged hoops. But in nine snares out of 10 at Sweetwater, triple-flanged and die-cast hoops are going to be your options. Here’s what those differences mean:
- 1.6mm triple-flanged hoops: These vintage-style hoops reduce mass on the shell to maximize resonance. However, they can be more susceptible to warping than heavyweights.
- 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops: These are by far the most common counter hoop weight and style on the market. These hoops are thought to be a best-of-all-worlds option in terms of tone, sustain, and durability.
- 3mm triple-flanged hoops: In addition to being ultra-durable, these heavyweight triple-flanged hoops tend to focus attack and dry out overtones in the studio.
- Die-cast hoops: Die-cast hoops come in many weights but, in general, tend to be much heavier and much more rigid than any of the triple-flanged varieties. This often results in a drier tone, a louder rimshot and cross stick, and an increased output overall.
Shell Dimensions: Diameter vs. Depth
A snare drum comes in a wide variety of sizes! And each of its market dimensions — diameter and depth — will have an impact on its sound.
- Snare shell diameter: The diameter refers to the playing surface of the snare drum. Generally speaking, larger-diameter snares produce lower pitches, while smaller-diameter snares produce higher pitches. Fourteen inches is far and away the most common snare drum diameter you’ll find at Sweetwater and across the industry.
- Snare shell depth: The depth of a snare drum is what contributes the most to its note length and “fatness.” Deeper snare drums — those six inches and greater — tend to sound fuller and produce a longer note length. Shallower snare drums of 5.5 inches or less tend to be quicker to speak and quicker to get out of the way. They often contain less information in the registers of 200Hz and below, too.
Clamorin’ for Your Next Snare Drum? Call Sweetwater!
Are you ready to take the plunge on your first or next snare drum? The pros at Sweetwater can help you find the snare your collection is missing. We’re drummers, too, and we love chatting about the latest gear. Contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700, and let us know what you’re after.
