13" snare recommendations

[Tool Guy]

Looking for advice/suggestions. Looking for a 13" snare with the sound and volume of a 14" snare. I guess maybe I'm looking for the impossible, but I currently have a Mapex Black Panther Birdseye Maple 13x6 that just isn't quite loud enough. Looking for the loudest 13" snare I can find, but want to be able to tune it lower to sound more like a 14" drum. I want the 13" size for the extra leg room it offers me when playing double bass patterns. Just a personal preference.

Tried out lots of drums at the shop and the Pork Pie 13x7 Little Squeeler is at the top of the list. Also thinking about Yamaha's Musashi (Spelling??), but have not gotten the chance to try one.

Any suggestions?

[Class A Drummer]

I think Musashi's are pretty loud. Also i think black beauty's are suppose to be loud too.

[gretsch223]

I recommend the Steve Jordan Signature Snare (13x7) (Yamaha)

If you want something a little cheaper - Pork Pie Piglite Snare (13x7)

I second the Yamaha Musashi. It can be plenty loud.

[IDDrummer]

The Musashi is fairly loud (though not as loud as a 14" drum like the Supra), but mine doesn't respond well to lower tunings at all. The oak shell gives some very weird tones unless cranked tight. I'm not sure it is the best choice for what you want to achieve.

Originally Posted by IDDrummer

The Musashi is fairly loud (though not as loud as a 14" drum like the Supra), but mine doesn't respond well to lower tunings at all. The oak shell gives some very weird tones unless cranked tight. I'm not sure it is the best choice for what you want to achieve.

I had one for a while and mine liked lower tunings. It's all in how you tune and the heads you use too.

[mind_drummer]

TAMA METALWORKS 6.5x13 - 1.2mm steel shell & brushed nickel hardware

[tomk]

Originally Posted by fourstringdrums

I had one for a while and mine liked lower tunings. It's all in how you tune and the heads you use too.

Same here, my musashi responded to the lower tunings as well as it did to the higher tuning. I bought it, played on it for a few weeks, but decided I didn't need it and returned it. I loved it though. As far as yamaha goes, I also played a Brass 13x6.5 and it was really loud and had some really nice overtones. I think it would be what you're looking for.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Steve Jordan Signature Snare from Yamaha

[Wavelength]

I hope you realise that getting a smaller snare drum in order to get more space for your legs amounts to a half of an inch on both sides. I'd recommend revising your drums' and pedals' placements before settling for an (obviously) inadequate snare drum.

[Raymond Bloom]

Originally Posted by Wavelength

I hope you realise that getting a smaller snare drum in order to get more space for your legs amounts to a half of an inch on both sides. I'd recommend revising your drums' and pedals' placements before settling for an (obviously) inadequate snare drum.

actually that half of an inch is pretty much! I'm used to playing 13'' snare drums and when I have to play on a 14'' as a primary it looks/feels that it is HUGE lol

Originally Posted by Raymond Bloom

actually that half of an inch is pretty much! I'm used to playing 13'' snare drums and when I have to play on a 14'' as a primary it looks/feels that it is HUGE lol

Same here, I'm much more comfortable with a 13" snare in front of me than a 14".

[Shedboyxx]

The OP mentioned a Pork Pie Little Squealer.

I know that is a different drum than mine but my "sound good anywhere" snare is my Pork Pie Maple 5 x 13 snare. Sounds great tuned up or down.

I was actually surprised at how beefy it sounded (especially under a mike) at a low fat tuning. I have Puresound snares on it as well.

My second fav drum is my Mapex 5.5 x 13 inch Phosphor Bronze snare. I like the 14 inch Mapex PB's but this one has more focus. Unfortunately they don't make them in this size anymore. There is a 13 inch but it's a piccolo. However I see this size pop up on eBay every so often. I always recommend someone snap it up as mine has made me happy.

I've also heard good things about the Pearl Sensitone 13's. Good value for the bread. The brass one would probably be nice but I've not heard these personally.

I dig 13's so I'm sure there's one you'll like.

Jim

[Tool Guy]

Originally Posted by Wavelength

I hope you realise that getting a smaller snare drum in order to get more space for your legs amounts to a half of an inch on both sides. I'd recommend revising your drums' and pedals' placements before settling for an (obviously) inadequate snare drum.

Yes, I do realize that it is a seemingly small amount, but I play with both a 14" and a 13" snare now, and it really does make quite a difference. Moving my double pedal to a wider stance for the 14" snare would also result in moving my hi-hat farther away. I could put my bass pedal to the outside of the hi-hat, but then my legs are too wide for me to play quick double bass patterns comfortably and reliably. I'm sure that over time I could get used to it, but if I can find a 13" drum to suit my needs, then I have an excuse to buy another drum and not have to work at getting used to a new position!


Any more drum suggestions from anybody? I will be looking into all that were mentioned thus far.

[sistew]

I AGREE A 13 INCH SNARE FITS MORE COMFORTABLY AND ALLOWS ME TO PLAY MY COW-BELL PEDAL NEXT TO THE HI-HAT EASIER.

I AM WAITING TO CHECK OUT THE NEW YAMAHA SENSITIVE 13X6.5 RANGE..THEY DON´T SEEM TO SACRIFICE SOUND FOR SIZE!

SIMON.

[Wavelength]

Originally Posted by sistew

I AGREE A 13 INCH SNARE FITS MORE COMFORTABLY AND ALLOWS ME TO PLAY MY COW-BELL PEDAL NEXT TO THE HI-HAT EASIER.

I AM WAITING TO CHECK OUT THE NEW YAMAHA SENSITIVE 13X6.5 RANGE..THEY DON´T SEEM TO SACRIFICE SOUND FOR SIZE!

SIMON.

You don't have to shout, sistew. Even though you're far, far away in Brazil, thanks to the magic of the internet we can read lower case letters just as well.

I am inclined towards that Tama. But either way, you'll need some depth to produce volume. A metal snare will also project more, making it seem louder.

[EvanMatthiesen]

i have a Porkpie Piglite acrylic in amber, and man it is loud. id recommend it, its only about $300.

[EvanMatthiesen]

Originally Posted by Wavelength

I hope you realise that getting a smaller snare drum in order to get more space for your legs amounts to a half of an inch on both sides. I'd recommend revising your drums' and pedals' placements before settling for an (obviously) inadequate snare drum.

yeah id have to agree with raymond on that one, when i play a 14" it does feel much larger than my 13", which im used to.

[tbmills]

yes i am completely used to a 13.
i have a 13x6 steel spaun and it is LOUD.
im gettin a steve jordan sig soon