Snare Strainers - Thick vs. Thin

Skwerly · #1 02-23-2011, 02:31 AM

Yea, I probably could have Googled this issue but I like discussions, and learning things firsthand through people who know rather than random information if possible. So bear with me.

In Wy’s equipment thread, he has a couple snares with very thick strainers – I think he mentioned that one was forty strands.

What does a thicker strainer vs. a thinner one do to the sound? I have a few logical guesses that I’ve contrived, but they are just that: guesses. I’ve never played with anything but the stock stuff so haven’t a clue, really.

Input? :) Thanks gang.

Pocket-full-of-gold · #2 02-23-2011, 02:38 AM

I'm thinking you're referring to the wires, yeah?

In a nutshell, more snare wires basically give more "snare" sound. Often found on brighter sounding drums or drums where a lot of drum shell tone is prominant. A 42 strand wire will provide more snare sound to balance out the sound of the shell. In my experience, more commonly found on metal shells, but that's not to say I haven't seen them on wood either.

MLdrum · #3 02-23-2011, 10:50 AM

Pocket-full-of-Gold is absolutely correct. More wires (thicker strainers) means more sound of snare, and less wires (thinner strainers)
means more tone of the drum itself. I actually did an experiment with this. Took my 13"Tama Shaggy snare and started with 20 wires,
cut off 2 and 2 wires at a time and playing the snare in between. It's amazing how much difference it can make.

Now that snare only has 6 wires left, and I love it! x-)

Btw, I think Bob Gatzen has a video on this up on youtube somewhere. Ah, here it is: http://="http://www.youtube.com/watc...?v=75Mf16E48KU

Naigewron · #4 02-23-2011, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MLdrum

Btw, I think Bob Gatzen has a video on this up on youtube somewhere. Ah, here it is: http://="http://www.youtube.com/watc...?v=75Mf16E48KU

Fixed link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75Mf16E48KU

MLdrum · #5 02-23-2011, 11:07 AM

Oh, thanks! =) I don't think i've got the "insert link" right yet :s

kyle · #6 02-23-2011, 12:36 PM

My snare drum only has 8 snare wires. You can really hear the sound of the drum come through.

Skwerly · #7 02-23-2011, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naigewron

Fixed link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75Mf16E48KU

Awesome! I really like that guy. His vids on drum tuning are top notch too. Thanks man!

Thanks to everyone for the help. More snare sound makes sense if there's, well, more snares. :D

Haha!