Do you prefer wood or steel snares?

[lovemysonors]

i've only used a Birdseye Black Panther, 14x5.5 and am curious about steel snares (ie. Chad Smith).

why do you prefer either wood or steel snares? i know that basically wood ones can be warmer, but what else? steel is brighter?

[basscase]

I like acrolite snares that are aluminum.

[trkdrmr]

I like my Trick RPM AL13 aluminum snare drum. I also like my friends fiberglass snare, that thing is awesome.

[mogul buster]

why do you prefer either wood or steel snares?


I've been trying to decide that for many, many years............they both have their perks. I think mainly I get burned out on the same sound and when I switch to a different drum.........the "new" sound is a nice change.

[Drumsword]

I've been trying to decide that for many, many years............they both have their perks. I think mainly I get burned out on the same sound and when I switch to a different drum.........the "new" sound is a nice change.

I prefer wood, but I use both. The Ludwig acrolite aluminum has an awesome sound, I love mine. I also have a chrome and copper snares. And several wood models, the Brady Jarrah's are my favorite.

[trkdrmr]

the Brady Jarrah's are my favorite.

Ply or block? I want to try a sheoak or jarrah block when I get back.

[Ironcobra]

Metal for me, sounds a lot sweeter and can achieve a wider variety of sounds. It can even mimic wood.

[mind_drummer]

I think my taste is more oriented toward wood but I cant get enough of my Acrolite.

[mogul buster]

Metal for me, sounds a lot sweeter and can achieve a wider variety of sounds. It can even mimic wood.


Can you expand on that? How would you "change" a metal snare to mimic wood? Just curious.

[harryconway]

I have 4 snare drums, 2 of each. Different tools, for different jobs. Or sometimes you just want a change. Changing out the snare will give the whole kit a new personality.

[Deathmetalconga]

I have played steel and now I like wood.

I think it would be cool to play a glazed ceramic snare. I've never seen one, but it's a common material for hand drums.

[sshu]

I like maple as my main snare with aluminum as my auxillary snare. Maple matches the rest of my drum kit better soundwise, especially when the snares are off.

Steve

[caddywumpus]

My favorite snare is my 1965 Slingerland 3-ply snare. Such a throaty and snappy sound. Penetrating and yet warm all in one. But, I do like the sounds of all kinds of snares. If I had to choose a side when the curtain fell, I'd choose wood...

I've been trying to decide that for many, many years............they both have their perks. I think mainly I get burned out on the same sound and when I switch to a different drum.........the "new" sound is a nice change.

This is how I feel too, except for my Slingerland.


I have 4 snare drums, 2 of each. Different tools, for different jobs. Or sometimes you just want a change. Changing out the snare will give the whole kit a new personality.

Yeah, did you ever notice that by switching out the snare, the drums and cymbals all sound different as well? I thought that it was just me...


I think it would be cool to play a glazed ceramic snare. I've never seen one, but it's a common material for hand drums.

That would be cool. I've played a glass snare before. I imagine it might have a similar sound, which is very bright and loud. It would depend on the thickness of the shell.

[timmdrum]

I like 'em both. I don't muffle my drums at all, but even still, I have to listen very intensely to hear the difference. I've heard that 80% of the sound of a drum is in the heads (choice, tuning) and the bearing edges, because it directly affects the heads' resonance (true flat, true round, shape, snare bed cut, etc.) but I can still tell a slight difference. I'm not a fan of my Sonor Force 3003 maple/basswood snare, but it still has stock heads on it so maybe I should reserve judgment. (I know that makes those heads old, but no, they're not worn out; I bought the kit used from someone who didn't play it much.) I have no problem with quality steel snares (except that my '91 Tama Rockstar steel snare couldn't get any sound other than Alex Van Halen's) but I like brass and maple more so, and equally. So my choice during gigs is more for volume than tone, and is dictated by the size of the room I'm playing. If it's a smaller room where I only have 3 mics (BD, 1 between the rack toms, and one on the floor tom, the latter two kinda pointed toward the snare), I use the louder brass drum to intentionally bleed through the mics more than the maple. Evens the volume of snare & toms through the PA. In very tight quarters, unmic'd, and larger rooms where I have a snare mic, i use the maple and point the tom mics more toward the tom heads.

I've also played a Trick aluminum snare but my friend who owns it uses heavily self-muffled Aquarian heads (I don't play them so I forget the model) so I couldn't hear any particular shell tone. And I'm also curious about fiberglass drums- even more weatherproof than metal 'cause they won't expand/contract as much from heat/cold, nor rust/tarnish, but I need to hear a kit in person before I decide they're the shizz...!

[trkdrmr]

I like 'em both. I don't muffle my drums at all, but even still, I have to listen very intensely to hear the difference. I've heard that 80% of the sound of a drum is in the heads (choice, tuning) and the bearing edges, because it directly affects the heads' resonance (true flat, true round, shape, snare bed cut, etc.) but I can still tell a slight difference.

I've also played a Trick aluminum snare but my friend who owns it uses heavily self-muffled Aquarian heads (I don't play them so I forget the model) so I couldn't hear any particular shell tone. And I'm also curious about fiberglass drums- even more weatherproof than metal 'cause they won't expand/contract as much from heat/cold, nor rust/tarnish, but I need to hear a kit in person before I decide they're the shizz...!

The only wood snares I can't stand are the very cheapest. The chapel tent here has a premier cabria. Even under optimum tuning, it's still unremarkable, and comes out of tune anyway.

I ordered a 5x14 trick rpm snare (with my aluminum kit), because I favor shallower profiles for snares. I prefer Evans heads, and either g1 coated or reverse PC with no muffling/hazy 300 reso. I find that the best snares (and trick is definately one of them) can sound amazingly pedestrian with the wrong heads or tuning. I chose the Trick after comparing one to a Pearl Ultracast. The Trick was a clearly superior snare in terms of sensitivity and dynamic range, thanks to both the shell and unique venting system.

My friend plays his fiberglass snare and kit in a Blues band. The snare sound incredibly fat and warm. It's projection is almost as loud as steel, but zero harsh overtones. His drums make his other kits sound tiny. He has a pearl masters, mapex orion and DW collectors kit, and none of them sound as good or as powerful to me.

I *must* try some stave snares when I get back, at least a Brady.

[harryconway]

Yeah, did you ever notice that by switching out the snare, the drums and cymbals all sound different as well? I thought that it was just me...
No, you're not alone there. On the 1 extreme, I have my Ahead COB 14x6, and on my "other" extreme, I have my Yamaha wood 12x5. And just switching out one for the other completely changes the "dynamic" of the kit. But the same thing will also happen switching out the kick. Swapping out my 22 with my 26, leaving everything else the same, gives you a whole different driving experience. That's why I believe so much in the 4 voices (kick, snare, hat, ride) being so important. The foundation.

[timmdrum]

My friend plays his fiberglass snare and kit in a Blues band. The snare sound incredibly fat and warm. It's projection is almost as loud as steel, but zero harsh overtones. His drums make his other kits sound tiny. He has a pearl masters, mapex orion and DW collectors kit, and none of them sound as good or as powerful to me.


is it a Tempus kit, or some other brand? I assume you're not referring to a clear acrylic kit?


No, you're not alone there. On the 1 extreme, I have my Ahead COB 14x6, and on my "other" extreme, I have my Yamaha wood 12x5. And just switching out one for the other completely changes the "dynamic" of the kit. But the same thing will also happen switching out the kick. Swapping out my 22 with my 26, leaving everything else the same, gives you a whole different driving experience. That's why I believe so much in the 4 voices (kick, snare, hat, ride) being so important. The foundation.

The brass snare I was referring to is the same as yours. I love it! Kinda wish it was a 13 though... Got it (barely) used for 200 with a cheapo Mapex-logo bag. Haven't been able to figure how to achieve a lot of variation with the Fat Cat snare wires' screw-adjustment thingy though, but I admit I've only messed with it briefly a couple of times prior to gigs...

[trkdrmr]

is it a Tempus kit, or some other brand?
...

Yep. He ordered the kit for his 50th birthday. Tony Williams yellow.

[timmdrum]

Very nice... I'm glad they switched to a smaller version of that "symmetrical coffin", reverse-PorkPie-with-cornered-sides-rather-than-curved lug.

I've noticed that both Tempus and Trick say that their shells are so resonant that suspension mounts are unnecessary... have you found that to be true? If I ever got either one, I'd probably still use 'em just so I'd have 2 or 3 fewer holes in the shell. Plus, if I scratch/ding a shell, I can turn it in the mount so the blemish faces me.

Hmmm, seems I hijacked the thread... Well, at least we added aluminum (Trick's particular alloy and method) and fiberglass into the discussion...

[trkdrmr]

I've noticed that both Tempus and Trick say that their shells are so resonant that suspension mounts are unnecessary... have you found that to be true? If I ever got either one, I'd probably still use 'em just so I'd have 2 or 3 fewer holes in the shell. Plus, if I scratch/ding a shell, I can turn it in the mount so the blemish faces me.

...

It's true. The yellow kit has direct-mounts. My Trick will have direct-mount (clamps for 10mm Gibraltar tom arms). At the end of the day, suspension mounts do nothing significant for these drums. We've tried. Behind, in front or far away these only need direct mount. IMO, direct mount allows more effective transfer of energy than a really springy suspension mount.

To date, his kit was the best sounding live, unmiked kit I have ever listened to. They vibrate for a very long time if you let them. And they are very loud...not from a bright cut, but from that "goes through walls" resonance. I have read comments that in some circumstances the trick didn't seem that loud. That's because the lack of overtones, not because they aren't. Like a high-end stereo loudspeaker, they have a "clean" loud, not a "dirty" loud.

Incidentally, he has donated a 13x5 yellow fiberglass snare drum to the chapel tent here. I said "Man...that snare is worth more than the whole cabria set!"

Just to get this thread back to the narrowed issue of wood vs steel:
Steel: can be a good all-arounder. May be too loud or bright for some stuff. I like the JJ model snare, and I'd love an Ocheltree steel snare.
Wood: Judging from Zambizzi's kit, I'd love a bubinga stave snare.

[Drumsword]

Ply or block? I want to try a sheoak or jarrah block when I get back.

I use the ply, I have a 6.5X14 Jarrah Ply and 4.5X14 Marri Ply. They sound amazing. I have played the block and they sound incredible too, either way you'l love it.

pics of my snares are in this thread.

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44240

[Wavelength]

I've never liked steel snares. They usually sound harsh, overly bright and obnoxious. I do love my aluminum Acrolite and brass Yamaha piccolo, both of which have a warmer, nicer overall sound.

I recorded a comparison between the 14" x 5" Acro, the 14" x 4" brass Yammie and a 14" x 5,5" birch Kumu, using several identical tunings. I'll post some audio once I get some free time...

[larryace]

If you put a gun to my head, I'd have to go with a maple snare
2nd would be brass not steel

[Ironcobra]

Can you expand on that? How would you "change" a metal snare to mimic wood? Just curious.

Depending on the shell material, size, and tuning, a metal drum can sound very warm with little ring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKg4g9zMeHI

Bonham is using a Supraphonic here, I think, and most people will say the sound in STH is "woody".

[drumguyfromWI]

it depends on the situation, I guess.

but I can get my wood snare drum to sound kinda like a steel drum if I crank the batter head high and take off the muffling ring I usually use :)

[Chonson]

I'll take almost any wood over steel. Don't like steel with rare exceptions.

Other metals make it a close race; brass is my favorite. Titanium and aluminum also sound great.

Though I think at the end of the day I'd ever so slightly have to prefer a maple drum, 5.5x14. I've got a Gretsch maple drum that really does it all.

[Skitch]

I think I have it covered from this group:



DW 5x14" Aluminum Snare retroplated with the Nickelworks throw-off
4x14" DW maple snare retroplated with the Nickelworks throw-off
3-1/2 x 14" brass Pearl Free Floating snare
5x14" Ludwig Acrolite with the Trick throw-off and butt retroplated
5x14" Nickelworks plymetal snare drum.



Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw

[stasz]

Seems like everything else you can think of on the planet- personal preference. There's more than one type of wood, too, and metal... and heads, and hardware, and sticks. I've played more metal snares than I have wood. The few wood snares I have played have also usually been stock from entry-level kits. I love my acrolite and I play a supra at school in jazz band, which never fails to impress. As far as I'm concerned you could play anything with that snare drum. If you're picky enough you could always pick up a DW edge : )

[rmandelbaum]

it all depends on my mood.

So my answer to the question is both.

[diosdude]

I agree with Harry Conway, think of snares as tools for the job you want to get done, that's why some pros have multiple snares in their setups. I heard a drummer make a laughable comment once that you're only a real drummer if you own at least ten snares. Now that i think of it, my first drum teacher had a whole closet full of them on a rack, like 30 snares! Anyway, to get back to your original question, i'm not sure if i'm being scientific in my statement, but steel snares in general to me just seem to project a lot louder when you hit them with equal force. For you, i'd say pick up a steel snare and a brass snare to start your collection, your black panther is actually a nifty sounding woody and a great all-around snare.

[Mendozart]

You know, you can always go with a Bronze snare drum. To me, you have the best of both worlds because the bronze has some woody characteristics to it. I love my Ludwig Bronze Supraphonic for these reasons.

[Guz2]

i've only used a Birdseye Black Panther, 14x5.5 and am curious about steel snares (ie. Chad Smith).

why do you prefer either wood or steel snares? i know that basically wood ones can be warmer, but what else? steel is brighter?Uh...I love the sound of Bonham's snare. Also Nicko Mcbrain's on the AMOLAD album is just...Droolworthy. They're both metal. I play electronic drums unfortunately so I guess...Plastic and mesh snare .

[wy yung]

I like all types.

Here is my list of snares. I hope to post pic's soon.

Ludwig 14x5 Black Beauty.
Brady 14x8 jarrah.
Pearl 14x5 Reference birch maple 20 ply.
Pearl 14x6 1/6 Reference cast steel.
Pearl 13x6 maple custom.
Pearl Omar Hakim sig.
Pearl limited addition 13x9 African mahogany.
Pearl 14x6 1/2 steel sensitone elite.
Pearl 12x5 steel sensitone.
Sonor 14x6 1/2 Designer maple.
Sonor 14x5 Artist brass.
Sonor artist cottonwood.
Sonor Delite 14x4.4 maple.
Sonor 14x5 Delite maple.
Sonor artist beech.
Yamaha 14x5 maple custom.
Le Soprano 14x6 1/2 pro birch.
Dixon 14x5 marble snare.
Pearl Virgil Donati sig.
Tama JB sig.
Brady 12x7 jarrah.
Tama Athenian.
Sonor amboina artist.

There are more but I can't remember them at the moment. 30 in all.

[mogul buster]

I like all types.

Here is my list of snares. I hope to post pic's soon.

Ludwig 14x5 Black Beauty.
Brady 14x8 jarrah.
Pearl 14x5 Reference birch maple 20 ply.
Pearl 14x6 1/6 Reference cast steel.
Pearl 13x6 maple custom.
Pearl Omar Hakim sig.
Pearl limited addition 13x9 African mahogany.
Pearl 14x6 1/2 steel sensitone elite.
Pearl 12x5 steel sensitone.
Sonor 14x6 1/2 Designer maple.
Sonor 14x5 Artist brass.
Sonor artist cottonwood.
Sonor Delite 14x4.4 maple.
Sonor 14x5 Delite maple.
Sonor artist beech.
Yamaha 14x5 maple custom.
Le Soprano 14x6 1/2 pro birch.
Dixon 14x5 marble snare.
Pearl Virgil Donati sig.
Tama JB sig.
Brady 12x7 jarrah.
Tama Athenian.
Sonor amboina artist.

There are more but I can't remember them at the moment. 30 in all.

That's more snares than the small local drumshop carries! Very nice collection...........I can only dream of owning that many snares. Is the list is any order? Your favorite?

[Wavelength]

I love the sound of Bonham's snare.

...and it isn't made of steel.

[Ozzy Biz]

This is my "go to" snare.... to be honest I've been exclusively playing it since I got it. Nicest drum I've ever played, and has worked for performances in small carpeted rooms to pubs to loud halls with timber floors, and playing reggae, funk, blues, rock, punk, soul....

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v199/28/20/573451661/n573451661_459211_1670.jpg

Metro 14x6.5 Jarrah stave snare, trick strainer, gloss finish, 2.3mm hoops. Paul from Metro is making me some matching Jarrah segment hoops.... oh yeah.

So I guess my answer is "wood".

[Drumsword]

This is my "go to" snare.... to be honest I've been exclusively playing it since I got it. Nicest drum I've ever played, and has worked for performances in small carpeted rooms to pubs to loud halls with timber floors, and playing reggae, funk, blues, rock, punk, soul....

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v199/28/20/573451661/n573451661_459211_1670.jpg

Metro 14x6.5 Jarrah stave snare, trick strainer, gloss finish, 2.3mm hoops. Paul from Metro is making me some matching Jarrah segment hoops.... oh yeah.

So I guess my answer is "wood".

Nice drum, I've not heard of metro, but love Jarrah. May I ask what the price tag on that is?