Which13 inch snare would you also use as a main snare?

[BigDinSD]

Awesome 16 page journey through the good snare thread! ALL Very GOOD!

My question is, can anyone recommend a good 13 inch snare that will also work as a main snare?
I have a 14 x 5.5 DW collectors “10-6” maple snare currently. I am looking for a little brighter pop and crack with some low end as well. Hence my interest in the 13’s.
Currently playing Alt rock, Christian Rock. Some Jazz and funk in the future.

I also have a 10 x 6 popcorn snare, which really cracks. However, it is really just one dimensional with limited versatility. I couldn’t use it as a spicy main snare.

I like the Yamaha Steve Jordan tone and crack. Though my 2 friends have to retighten the tension rods every time they play. A badge came loose too.
My budget is right around $250-300.

I have seen a used Pearl Omar Hakim signature 5x13'' for $200. Would that be a good deal?
It only 5 inches deep though. What does a shorter shell do?

What heads would you use for a slightly brighter tone?
Thanks again!

[Ian]

My 6.5x13 Yamaha Mushashi and 6x13 Tempus FG are both great snares that I used as a main for quite some time. They make regular recording appearances.

I really wish I'd not sold my 6x13 DW Edge Craviatto and my 6.5x13 Yamaha Brass Noveau.

All of these were fantastic main snares.

[BigDinSD]

Thanks Ian. Heard good things about that Yamaha. Any issues with loosening lugs or strainers?

[bobdadruma]

I love my 5.5x13 Maple Mapex Black Panther.
Not expensive, but very responsive with a great crack and the rim shots are just wonderful.
I bought mine new at an eBay music store auction for $150.
I use it as my main almost all of the time.

You don't have to spend big bucks to get a great sounding drum.

A shallower snare is more responsive and crisp than a deep snare drum.
I also have a 5x13 wooden snare from my Pearl Rhythm Traveler kit that plays well even though it only has six lugs.
If you like to play soft and light a shallow snare is for you.
You can also hit a shallow snare hard and get a great crack.
Deep snare drums are more suited for hard rock and metal, but some other genre players do use them.

You have to try and decide for yourself which snare depth is right for you.
In my case I have found that the deep snare drums are not for me. I have tried many of them. That's just Me!

[BigDinSD]

Originally Posted by bobdadruma

I love my 5.5x13 Maple Mapex Black Panther.
Not expensive, but very responsive with a great crack and the rim shots are just wonderful.
I bought mine new at an eBay music store auction for $150.
I use it as my main almost all of the time.

You don't have to spend big bucks to get a great sounding drum.

Bob,

@ 5.5 deep, do you get enough low - end? Yeah, I like the pricing on those...

[bobdadruma]

Originally Posted by BigDinSD

Bob,

@ 5.5 deep, do you get enough low - end? Yeah, I like the pricing on those...

Yes, I get enough low end for my needs. I play Moderate Rock, Country, and Jazz.
I found the deeper snare drums to be a bit to much for me.
You have to try for yourself and compare.

[Coldhardsteel]

3"x13" Pearl Brass Piccolo.

Great snare, sensitive and loud at the same time. I'm not concerned with this 'low-end' stuff though, so I suppose it's not an end-all snare.

[brady]

Perhaps the Steve Jordan sig snare. Or at least a 13" snare that is as deep as his (6.5")

I've heard that one in a few different settings and thought it sounded pretty good. I think there was even a YouTube video somewhere that featured the snare in a band context with a few different tunings.

[Florian]

My Unix 13 x 6.5 is a cannon.....absolutely recommend one if you can find one.


F

[Red Menace]

I know the user Evilbagua is trying to sell a 13x7 Black Magic snare. I'm really not sure how it sounds but I'm sure he'll let it go for a good price.

[IDDrummer]

I've been using a Musashi for a couple of years now, and highly recommend it. It's very full, lively and loud. Tuned properly it has plenty of low-end. I must admit, it took me awhile to figure out how to get a satisfactory lower tuning, but now that I have, it's great. I don't find that it detunes any more than any other snare I've used.

[BigDinSD]

Originally Posted by brady

Perhaps the Steve Jordan sig snare. Or at least a 13" snare that is as deep as his (6.5")

I've heard that one in a few different settings and thought it sounded pretty good. I think there was even a YouTube video somewhere that featured the snare in a band context with a few different tunings.

Yeah, that is a nice one. A little beyond my budget point. Our church drummer uses one, and mentioned some lugs loosening. It has a nice crack though. Guess I will be working in the 13 x "6.5" Specs. Those dimensions should provide some low - end with some crack and pop.

[BigDinSD]

Originally Posted by IDDrummer

I've been using a Musashi for a couple of years now, and highly recommend it. It's very full, lively and loud. Tuned properly it has plenty of low-end. I must admit, it took me awhile to figure out how to get a satisfactory lower tuning, but now that I have, it's great. I don't find that it detunes any more than any other snare I've used.

I'm considering this one. Good price point. My only concern was the lugs loosening (which is wierd considering it's a Yammie). So...detuning not an issue...worth my consideration!

[BigDinSD]

Any 13 x 5 (or deeper) TAMA, GRETSCH, or PORK PIE fans?

Other brands as well?

[harryconway]

Pearl Omar Hakim .................................20

[shepfu1]

Yamaha Akira Jimbo snare. I use it as a main snare along with my Ludwig 5" Supra all depending on the situation!

[MusiQmaN]

Yamaha 13x6,5 Maple Custom Sensative. Its a Jordan but with more of everything. Really try one.

[caddywumpus]

What do you mean by "also use as a main snare"? I was unaware that they were made to be used solely as side snares... :O

I'm a fan of the Pork Pie 13" brass snare...the one that's got patina all over it. Every one I've played sounded great.

[Homeularis]

Originally Posted by BigDinSD

Any 13 x 5 (or deeper) TAMA, GRETSCH, or PORK PIE fans?

Other brands as well?

The new Mapex Black Panthers are some of the best snares on the planet.
I would suggest the Mapex Black Panther Blaster 13x7" for you but it is a little over your budget, not by much though (about $324 US). There are many more though, some for a little less $ too.

Oh, I like the Pork pie 13x7" Little Squeeler too but it is a little dry and doesnt have alot of low end. I might be getting one myself.

Check these out...Theyre amazing.

www.mapexdrums.com/drums/blackpanther/index.html

[Ian]

Originally Posted by BigDinSD

Thanks Ian. Heard good things about that Yamaha. Any issues with loosening lugs or strainers?

Actually, yes. I have started using blue Loctite (mild hold - this holds the rods and DOES NOT damage the threads) on both my Tempus and Yamaha drums. That is my ONLY issue with my Mushashi drum. The strainer is awesome.

On the brass drum, I'm the only person I know who has had a Nouveau lug break on me, so I replaced the stock lugs with tube lugs and the drum worked wonderfully until I sold it.

[illustrator X]

I use a 13x6 vlt maple snare as my main snare. Quick response, warm, gives a lot of flavor. The vlt plies promote low end and keeps the smaller size from getting dry and popcorny.

[Fat Elvis]

i like my acrylic Pork Pie Pig Lite -- nice and deep and it has a great sound. One of my normal go-to snares.

[baz]

Originally Posted by harryconway

Pearl Omar Hakim .................................20

...I could have picked up one of these used a couple of years ago. Unfortunately I dithered and lost it.

I used a 13x5.5 Pearl brass sensitone for a main snare and I loved it. I also love my 13x5.5" Craviotto. If I had to choose between the three, I would go with the sensitone, as it was the most versatile, had the greatest tuning range, and was the greatest bang for the buck..

Even though I am a DW guy, I love Pearl snares, especially their less expensive metal shelled monsters.

Barry

[BigDinSD]

Originally Posted by caddywumpus

What do you mean by "also use as a main snare"? I was unaware that they were made to be used solely as side snares... :O

You're right...my bad. After a 20 year return, my experiences are limited to a 14 inch and a side order of 6 x 10 popcorn. Exciting point well made...

[bob2loud]

Just did a gig with my new Gretsch Catalina 13x7. It's mahogany with die cast hoops. I put a Genera Dry batter and a hazy 300 reso on it and it kicks. I took along my Pearl brass 14 just in case the volume wasn't there but did not need it. Loved the sound. For 139. plus heads it blows me away.

There is a You Tube vid from Gear Gurus that compares 4 different 13" snares, including the Gretsch, and 2 Yamahas. You should check it out.

[BigDinSD]

Originally Posted by bob2loud

Just did a gig with my new Gretsch Catalina 13x7. It's mahogany with die cast hoops. I put a Genera Dry batter and a hazy 300 reso on it and it kicks. I took along my Pearl brass 14 just in case the volume wasn't there but did not need it. Loved the sound. For 139. plus heads it blows me away.

There is a You Tube vid from Gear Gurus that compares 4 different 13" snares, including the Gretsch, and 2 Yamahas. You should check it out.

Yeah, I saw that vid Bob. Pretty damn informative, well made. They all sound pretty close in tone. Was just wondering why the Gretsch's were not as expensive (not complaining here!)

Gretsch looks like a "value" purchase...?

[BigDinSD]

Quote:
Originally Posted by harryconway
Pearl Omar Hakim .................................20

Originally Posted by baz

...I could have picked up one of these used a couple of years ago. Unfortunately I dithered and lost it.

Barry

A couple votes for these...There is one (13x5, Mahogany) locally for sale @ $200. About a year old, nice condition, new heads. Good price? Good purchase?

[mind_drummer]

I would really like trying out the Black Magic 7”x13” Model to find out how it would handle the situation...

[bob2loud]

Big,

I've seen the Gretsch for as high as 189. and it's probably worth that. The strainer is a bit lightweight but I'm not a monster so it doesn't bother me. I got the silver sparkle which actually has an aged look (like me). My guess is that the low price is attributable to the fact that wood is not expensive and they sell enough of these to keep the costs down. I haven't found any flaws in the manufacture. If you like retro-looking snares with some crack as well as depth you can't afford not to own one. I tried the Musashi which was nice but didn't sound as good at lower tunings.

[bob2loud]

BTW, has anyone out there used a 14" aluminum snare? If so, what are the tonal qualities compare to say, brass or steel?

[BigDinSD]

The 13 x 6.5 TAMA maple Artwood customs are going for less than $200. Anyone played these? Can a price that low still deliver quality????

I use The Hierophant as my main snare because it is incredibly versatile, sounds excellent, and looks terrific with the rest of my kit.

6x13, 12 ply Finnish birch shell with 15 ply Finnish birch hoopknockers, fabricated by yours truly. It can be tuned very low, well into 14" snare ranges, and can be cranked up tight too. It is sensitive and soft to play, but has one hell of a rimshot bite when played on the hoopknockers.

[BigDinSD]

Originally Posted by Crazy8s

I use The Hierophant as my main snare because it is incredibly versatile, sounds excellent, and looks terrific with the rest of my kit.

6x13, 12 ply Finnish birch shell with 15 ply Finnish birch hoopknockers, fabricated by yours truly. It can be tuned very low, well into 14" snare ranges, and can be cranked up tight too. It is sensitive and soft to play, but has one hell of a rimshot bite when played on the hoopknockers.

ooooohhhh. Probably would just stay on my display shelf, far away from the rest of the kit. Nice...I would charge museum admission...

[Spectron]

crazy 8's thats the strangest snare I've ever seen...I like it
Nice shot with that face in the strainer...
that be you?

Hoopknockers wha?

[Shedboyxx]

I have (3) 13" snares that rotate around in popularity but the most popular one I have is a 5.5 x 13 Mapex Phosphor Bronze that I bought a few years ago. I use this all the time. It has a combo sound of wood and metal and projects well enough for a bluesy rock gig I do every month (unmiked)

I also have (2) 13" Pork Pie maple snares. A 5 x 13 and a 6 x 13. They can both grab low end but of course the 6 has a bit more body. Tuning and room always dictate what I use but the 6 x 13 also has an Aquarian Modern Vintage head on it for some warmer approaches.

13" snares are great to have as a main snare but there are a few issues to be aware of. The first is that if you REALLY need low end, I wouldn't go too shallow on 13". For example 3 x 13 should not be on the list. Also if you play brushes a lot - meaning traditional jazz style with a good deal of horizontal playing - you might miss the real estate. I make it happen but I've been playing brushes for a long time and I still miss the extra 1/2 inch per side. Lastly, unless you are looking for a drum that purely 'cuts' - which in my book can sacrifice body and tone, don't really crank up the 13" drums. I know there are probably a lot of players here who disagree with this and crank their smaller diameter snares up high. IMHO you are better served with a 14" drum if you are truly cranking it up. Many 5 x 14 and 6 x 14 drums can get up there in tension but still retain body. Not saying you absolutely can't tune high on a 13" drum (Steve Jordan does) but be aware of the trade off as it goes higher

I've tuned my PP 5 x 13 low in the studio and gotten a surprisingly low fat sound from it. But that's rarefied air and may not work in most live situations. It has had enough body for the sound I like in medium volume gigs tuned to medium tension. One fundraiser gig where my set was the house gig, a few different but high quality players played on it (including Gary Mallaber, original Steve Miller drummer and Mike Botts original Bread drummer). It sounded 'all that' with each player including another player who played with rods. I was the proud papa that night.

Of the drums I've seen listed in this thread up until now, illustrator X's vlt snare sounded like the best choice to me, although the Omar Hakim model would probably also be a contender.
If you could find a nice 6 x 13 walnut, that might be a good combo. All walnut drums I've heard have had that little extra low end.

There's some nice 13 inchers out there and you'll have some beaut's to pick from.

HTH

Jim

[keep it simple]

Originally Posted by Crazy8s

I use The Hierophant as my main snare because it is incredibly versatile, sounds excellent, and looks terrific with the rest of my kit.

6x13, 12 ply Finnish birch shell with 15 ply Finnish birch hoopknockers, fabricated by yours truly. It can be tuned very low, well into 14" snare ranges, and can be cranked up tight too. It is sensitive and soft to play, but has one hell of a rimshot bite when played on the hoopknockers.

That's a unique looking snare for sure, but what's that gargoyle type creature featured on the strainer? The artist sure knew how to scare the crap out of anyone taking a close look, lol!

Loving those hoopknockers, never seen those before. Very cool.

[Shedboyxx]

.......Finnish birch hoopknockers

Aren't those illegal in the United States? :)

Crazy8s BTW: Love that snare. Has more funky character than I've seen in years. Makes me want to make one of my own.

Jim

Originally Posted by BigDinSD

ooooohhhh. Probably would just stay on my display shelf, far away from the rest of the kit. Nice...I would charge museum admission...

Glad you like it! :) I have had a whole lot of fun with this drum.

Originally Posted by Spectron

crazy 8's thats the strangest snare I've ever seen...I like it
Nice shot with that face in the strainer...
that be you?

Hoopknockers wha?

Thanks Spectron! I try to make drums that have a real story behind them, and I try to make them provoke some thought. Eye-catching, ear-catching and hopefully unforgettable.

The hoopknockers yield rimclicks and rimshots like that which you would get with wood hoops, but you can also hit the metal hoop too. The knockers also broaden the sweet-spot where the stick tip rests during rimclicks. They add lots of different sounds from just the one drum.

Originally Posted by keep it simple

That's a unique looking snare for sure, but what's that gargoyle type creature featured on the strainer? The artist sure knew how to scare the crap out of anyone taking a close look, lol!

Loving those hoopknockers, never seen those before. Very cool.

That gargoyle creature is ME!!! :) My reflection in the chrome strainer, though rather distorted. This drum does have a powerful effect on people though I've found, and it has elicited cheers and jeers. Very polarizing, but I am glad for all of it. :)

Originally Posted by Shedboyxx

Aren't those illegal in the United States? :)

Crazy8s BTW: Love that snare. Has more funky character than I've seen in years. Makes me want to make one of my own.

Jim

Thanks Jim! You should note that the panels with illustrations on the drum are cards from an Egyptian-styled set of Tarot cards. 6 specifically chosen cards around the perimeter, and one more card on the inside as a signature, 'The Hierophant' card.

If you do make a drum similarly, please be sure to share pics! It would make me happy as a clam to know that I inspired a brother out there to make some drums! :)

Truly,
Kevin

Here is a pic of it behind the kit. Ya'll will see what I meant by it matching somewhat...

[Fishbones]

dont know about you guys but i have a 6.5x14 ludwig centennial snare. that sounds surprisingly good considering the price. cranked up how i like it it sounds crisp and poppy. sounds great in my opinion. i can make it like zigaboo modeliste's snare sound.

[Deathmetalconga]

Originally Posted by Coldhardsteel

3"x13" Pearl Brass Piccolo.

Great snare, sensitive and loud at the same time. I'm not concerned with this 'low-end' stuff though, so I suppose it's not an end-all snare.

I used to have one of those Pearls in maple and I loved it. I now have a 13 by 4 solid shell ironwood snare. If I had to do it over again, I'd get a 13 by 5 or 6 for a throatier sound.