Sorry, it's my bad. I'm kind of slow on the uptake sometimes. I didn't get anything. I'm roping a snare, but there's no snare, there's a cow. Sorry, I'm not at 100% today lol.
Sorry Larry my humour can be obscure / obtuse at times..... I used the slang term "snare" as in "to catch or trap". So in that picture you had a drum (40 gal type) with something youd "snared" that was different to the drum (the cows head)..... a visual poke by me at you like a "snare" thats different to your drum. Sorry a bit out there I know.
As far as matching snares go, I got the impression that Larrys original or main point ( correct me if I am wrong Larry) is that a different snare looks much better to him than a matching snare.
I would certainly agree that there are some fantastic looking snares out there (regardless of quality). As for making the drummer "look" better funny how a different snare can make a drummer look more like a "good drummer" yet I get the impression that people "look down" on frankenstein kits.
If its a quality issue yes replacing the snare first as it is the drum most often used, but the bass / kick must be a close second.
So why not a different bass ? On beginner / medium kits you get a snare, a fairly basic cymbal pack ( B8s ZBTs etc) and either a larger bass (22 / 24) with 12/13/16 toms or a smaller (20) with fusion 10/12/14 toms.
(I once asked if I could buy a new drum without Meinl HCS cymbals / snare and I was told no...thats what the package is.....)
So if we are focusing on sound rather than looks why not more frankenstein kits, or drums in at least the medium range in component parts ?
I assume the medium / lower quality kits come with everything so that a drummer with a decent budget that wants to buy in at a medium point gets a kit they can take home and play immediately.
Moving on I have seen the arguments here that members are more likely to be experienced, know how to tune and buy snares to suit their style and voice.
Im not sure how statistically valid that is, I suspect those who post on this forum may be experienced, others may feel they are not "up there" enough to add a comment, or worse feel a fear of their post being derided (as I suspect anyone reading this threads bunfight may be scared of being the target of.)
I get Larrys Aesthetics idea and its one thats inclusive of anyone who wants to post (aesthetics being a view we can differ on regardless of experience)
As for people buy new snares to suit their sound, sure but some are finding their sound and are happy with the snare they got with the kit.
Its interesting board wise as its often said a good drummer can play a pie tin and make it sound good, then its a decent drummer buys a snare to suit their sound........ a bit confusing in message to those starting out even if the concepts are not mutually exclusive (ie a good player can make pie tin sound good, but they prefer to pay a pot instead)
Also the mesage more often than not is buy a second hand kit and focus on getting decent cymbals.
So I would suggest to new drummers if you like the sound of your snare that comes with the kit, dont buy another until you want a different sound and know how to get it ( and dont feel a lesser being if you ARE happy with your snare) or if you want a different look ...well depends if you can afford to I guess......unless you are happy buying a cheapie.
For me I was happy with my beginner kit and add ons....Now I have a frankenstein kit built over time.
All my toms / snares are wood. In my own snobbery I think of metal drums as cheap and nasty.... but thats an aesthetic view before all you Luddy fans beat me up !!