Though we see plenty of metal snare drums roll through our doors here at Sweetwater, there are a few real standouts that just beg for the spotlight. From raw and patina’d shells to head-turning hammer patterns, the looks and sounds of these drums hold special places in our hearts.
But why roll with a metal snare? Well, first and foremost, metal snare drums tend to offer greater cut with a more aggressive attack than their wooden counterparts. This makes them a prime choice for heavy hitters and orchestral percussionists alike. Metal snares also serve drummers of all genres who are craving that ultra-sensitive responsiveness that only a metal shell can provide.
Of course, tone varies significantly from metal to metal, which makes each one unique — play an aluminum and a copper snare back-to-back, and you’ll see what we mean!
With that in mind, there really is a metal snare out there for every drummer. Sweep through our picks and find one that speaks to you or check out the hundreds of snares currently available right now at Sweetwater.com.
- Pork Pie Percussion USA Custom Patina
- Gretsch Drums Hammered Black Steel
- Ludwig Copper Phonic
- TAMA Star Reserve Hand Hammered Aluminum
- A&F Drum Company Raw Steel
- Pearl Matt McGuire Signature
- DW Collector’s Series Metal
Pork Pie Percussion USA Custom Patina
With its seamed, 1mm all-brass shell and oxidized patina, the Pork Pie Percussion USA Custom Patina snare is the definition of stunning. You want depth? You got it! This snare’s 8-inch x 14-inch dimensions are sure to supply some serious thunder when you lay into it. And, with its 20-strand brass snare wires to match its shell, a sharp attack is undoubtedly standard. The USA Custom Patina plays flawlessly, too, armed with lightweight 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops to supply a classically fat attack along with Pork Pie’s proprietary and fast-acting throw-off/butt plate combo for lightning-fast snare adjustments. Now, that’s how you make an impression that lasts!
Gretsch Drums Hammered Black Steel
Looking something like the gleaming scales of a dragon, the Gretsch Drums Hammered Black Steel snare takes beauty to a whole new level. But it’s not just for show! The large-bore hammering pattern seen throughout its 1.2mm steel shell helps to dry out the lingering resonance of the drum, reducing unwanted overtones and keeping the cut quite focused. Speaking of cut, it’s a trait that steel drums like this one are particularly known for. When paired with its accompanying die-cast hoops, the Hammered Black Steel snare produces solid rimshots like you’ve never experienced before. Sensitive, forward, and versatile in range, this snare drum is both a session and a touring drummer’s best friend!
Ludwig Copper Phonic
Ludwig is one of the top names in the industry when it comes to creating high-grade copper drums, and the Ludwig Copper Phonic snare is no exception. This copper snare features a lightly lacquered patina’d finish, giving it a weathered edginess in appearance and a rustic feel that drummers of all corners of the musical world will appreciate. Its beaded shell is built from 1.2 millimeters of copper to deliver a satisfyingly dark punch and a sound that’s rich in complex overtones. The Copper Phonic’s awesome exterior is ornamented by Ludwig’s gorgeous center-mounted imperial lugs and triple-flanged hoops, making it a player first and a show stopper second.
TAMA Star Reserve Hand Hammered Aluminum
Few metal snares strike an aesthetic chord like the TAMA Star Reserve Hand Hammered Aluminum snare. Starting life as a 3mm blank of aluminum, this snare is expertly treated by TAMA’s team of engineers, who hammer the shell by hand using multiple hammers — smaller around the edges and larger toward the center — to extract the best possible tone (and a stunning look to boot!). The result is a snare that’s bright, fast, and rich in character, allowing it to sit comfortably in a variety of musical mixes. Brass Sound Arc hoops improve this snare’s responsiveness and snap, buttressed by 20 tough strands of TAMA’s proprietary Super Sensitive Hi-Carbon Snare Wire. No doubt about it: the Star Reserve Hand Hammered Aluminum snare catches eyes and ears wherever it goes!
A&F Drum Company Raw Steel
We guarantee you’ve never played anything like the 4-inch x 6-inch A&F Drum Company Raw Steel snare before. This micro snare is crafted from a single piece of high-grade musical steel that’s been hand cut, rolled, welded, and sanded using traditional techniques at A&F’s shop in Austin, Texas. As is customary with A&F drums, the good looks don’t end with the shell as this snare comes equipped with patina’d brass single-flanged hoops with vintage-style claw hooks and center lugs. The 20-strand snare wires themselves are internally mounted, aiding in the Raw Steel snare’s marching-style tone. This compact snare works great for small club kits, travel kits, busking, and even as a small auxiliary effects snare for your current drum set!
Pearl Matt McGuire Signature
How about a metal snare that’s perfectly suited for the stage? That’s exactly what you get with the Pearl Matt McGuire Signature snare. Dressed in a black powder coating and adorned with a pair of black and purple Chainsmokers badges, this is one snare that is just aching to get out under the lights. The 1mm un-beaded steel shell supplies the brightness you’re after while a lower line of vent holes all around the drum ensures maximum projection to carry across large concert spaces with ease. Between its classic triple-flanged Super Hoops are Pearl’s CL Bridge lugs, which extend nearly across the entirety of the shell, adding a touch of a classic flair and phenomenal tuning stability. Trust us: this is one road-ready snare!
DW Collector’s Series Metal
Session drummers searching for a classic, sensitive, studio-brass snare sound need look no further than the 1mm rolled brass shell of the DW Collector’s Series Metal snare. This snare is built for high-performance, studio-grade drumming with features like a 3-position butt plate with low, medium, and high tensions waiting at the ready. Proper intonation is expertly accounted for, thanks to True-Pitch 50 tension rods, while the brass-ended True-Tone snare wires respond with a hyper-sensitive snap. The Mag throw-off even lets you apply and disengage snare wires silently! But let’s not forget how stunning the outside of this snare is, rocking a stealthy satin black finish appointed with gold-plated hardware everywhere from the triple-flanged hoops to the timeless center-mounted turret lugs. Get ready to turn some heads!
Please, Meddle in Our Metal!
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a metal snare drum, but there’s no denying that the right one has to speak to the player both in appearance and tone. If this list has stirred up a desire to get your hands on a special metal snare, then call one of our expert Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. They’ll help you find the metal snare that will work best for your sound, budget, and recording/performing needs. Keep on rollin’!
