Help me choose between two snares?

[AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken]

The local GC has a good deal on the Tama Stewart Copeland and Pork Pie Big Black snares. I actually went into the store to hear the Tama and 'the guy' suggested I try the Pork Pie as well. Unfortunately I wasn't able to tune them.

The Copeland was a little loose but it still sounded good. Even loose it cracks. The Big Black was wound tight and is a big drum so just thumping it with my thumb was making people wince. Big, bright, and loud. And both seem very well built.

So I'm having a little trouble deciding. The Big Black is cheaper, so there's that. But it seemed a little out of control, and I wonder how low it can tune. And I have to admit I'm a little biased towards the Copeland snare. But I really just want to end up with the better drum.

Anybody here who owns one or both able to give some feedback to help me choose? Which one is more versatile? Does the Big Black tune down well and can its ringing be controlled?

[Derek]

They're both good drums. The Big Black ( or Bob ) has a good tuning range , and the control of the dynamics are up to the drummer, as any snare drum is.It can be very sensitive without choking as well as roar. I have two other thoughts though.
You say you've been partial to the Copeland snare, so get that one if it's the one you know you want.We're talking about your drum.
Second , are you going to buy an instrument from someone who won't let you tune it to the range you want to hear ? If so I'd go elsewhere.