We know that how a drummer strikes the drum has a lot to do with how a snare sounds, but what do you think it is about the drum itself that contributes most to its sound? Sure they all play a part, but which does the most? (choose up to 3)
Poll: What most affects a snare's sound?
- Thread starter bermuda
- Start date
Xstr8edgtnrdrmrX
Local Boob
i put, shell material, bearing edges and heads
I feel like everything on the list combines for an overall sound, but those 3 make the biggest difference to my ears.
I feel like everything on the list combines for an overall sound, but those 3 make the biggest difference to my ears.
Stroman
Diamond Member
I put diameter/depth, bearing edges, and heads. I feel like shell material is definitely a factor in some cases, but given other construction factors, I think it falls down the list. But then, I ain't no doctor, lol.
A J
Silver Member
I have about 7 really nice snare drums and 1 cheapo 1980's vintage student snare that I picked up for $40. For months, the only snare that's been seeing any action at band practice is the $40 cheapo.
Reason: The lead guy kept complaining that my snare was too loud. The student snare had an internal muffler. I cranked that sucker way into the head. Now he's happy. Go figure.
As for the poll... I still think good heads are the key to every snare. Yeah; there are many other factors that impact a snare's sound, but heads are #1.
Reason: The lead guy kept complaining that my snare was too loud. The student snare had an internal muffler. I cranked that sucker way into the head. Now he's happy. Go figure.
As for the poll... I still think good heads are the key to every snare. Yeah; there are many other factors that impact a snare's sound, but heads are #1.
Certainly they all matter, but I'm curious what everyone thinks tops that list.
jda
Diamond Member
what if it was a Gift
or if you bought like I did a Brass Supra used in 1970 when it was $30
price is a fluctuating moment in time
you build a guy a shed or fix his plumbing and he gives you a Gene Krupa special in return
Or you take in as part trade on a 72 Olds Vista Cruiser a 59 Les Paul Special still in it's alligator case (that's true story from 1976
or if you bought like I did a Brass Supra used in 1970 when it was $30
price is a fluctuating moment in time
you build a guy a shed or fix his plumbing and he gives you a Gene Krupa special in return
Or you take in as part trade on a 72 Olds Vista Cruiser a 59 Les Paul Special still in it's alligator case (that's true story from 1976
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BobC
Silver Member
I truly don't have a definitive answer. To me, they all matter.Certainly they all matter, but I'm curious what everyone thinks tops that list.
Hollywood Jim
Platinum Member
Give me 10 snare drums all different sizes and different materials; using heads and tuning I can make them all sound very much the same. Especially in a live band setting.
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I pretty much agree with @Hollywood Jim ^^^, so voted drum heads - only. As far as I'm concerned (with my limited knowledge and experience), I can mostly eliminate all the demons that reside in my shell/hoops/snare wires with my choice of heads and tuning,
And, I'm pretty much on the fence wondering if heads are part of the snare drum's construction. Sure, they are part of the integral drum, but they are consumable and in many cases, as is tuning, they are subject to the drummer's whims. Drum hoops and snare wires could fall into the same category as heads, but to a lesser degree in my opinion. Hoops and wires generally aren't swapped/exchanged/tested as often as heads - in my world, anyway.
FWIW, these are just my opinions - but you asked!
And, I'm pretty much on the fence wondering if heads are part of the snare drum's construction. Sure, they are part of the integral drum, but they are consumable and in many cases, as is tuning, they are subject to the drummer's whims. Drum hoops and snare wires could fall into the same category as heads, but to a lesser degree in my opinion. Hoops and wires generally aren't swapped/exchanged/tested as often as heads - in my world, anyway.
FWIW, these are just my opinions - but you asked!
BonsaiMagpie
Junior Member
I've got two snares, steel Mapex tomahawk and a Yamaha Hybrid Oak. Both are 14 x 6.5, with 10 lugs, triple-flange hoops and using PureSound 24 snares.
They differ in material, thickness, and bearing edges. I've tried them with different heads and though they are both loud, attack oriented snares, they could not sound more different. The Mapex is wretched, but muted and muffled with Hydraulic heads and sky gel, it sounds quite fat. The Yamaha is versatile works well with every head I've tried on, but is uniformly loud and full.
Though I have to agree with everyone else, in terms of biggest difference in sound, it has to be heads.
They differ in material, thickness, and bearing edges. I've tried them with different heads and though they are both loud, attack oriented snares, they could not sound more different. The Mapex is wretched, but muted and muffled with Hydraulic heads and sky gel, it sounds quite fat. The Yamaha is versatile works well with every head I've tried on, but is uniformly loud and full.
Though I have to agree with everyone else, in terms of biggest difference in sound, it has to be heads.
Suburbankidz
Well-known Member
I checked off heads, bearing edges, shell diameter and depth and shell material
Rattlin' Bones
Gold Member
Diameter & depth followed by heads. No way you can make a 3" deep piccolo snare sound like a 15" deep marching snare. I know those are the extremes, but that example demonstrates the importance of depth. Followed by heads. Man the sound of different heads makes such a difference.
Ensnared!
Active Member
I'm just going with what my very good, jazz drummer buddy.( the reason I'm here!) -told me
- the bearing edges
Context:
I know NOTHING, and get all my info ( I'm a guitar player, fascinated by drums & drummers) from the wonderful drummers ( all vintage gear nuts) I play with.
Anyway, last week, my buddy brought in his old Ludwig Pioneer Snare to use with bass player's home drum kit. He was talking about it ( he has 4-5 vintage Ludwig snares & always changes them up, for kicks), and I asked him " What are bearing edges ?", and he showed me.
He told me their thickness and and their angle are literally where drum tone is generated-
That sounded important to me !
Kind of reminded me of acoustic guitar top
.( wood, type/thickness, construictin) and bridge construction, and strings poit of contact at the bridge , where tone starts when strings are plucked...
So, just passing on his opinion om the significance of bearing edges?
- the bearing edges
Context:
I know NOTHING, and get all my info ( I'm a guitar player, fascinated by drums & drummers) from the wonderful drummers ( all vintage gear nuts) I play with.
Anyway, last week, my buddy brought in his old Ludwig Pioneer Snare to use with bass player's home drum kit. He was talking about it ( he has 4-5 vintage Ludwig snares & always changes them up, for kicks), and I asked him " What are bearing edges ?", and he showed me.
He told me their thickness and and their angle are literally where drum tone is generated-
That sounded important to me !
Kind of reminded me of acoustic guitar top
.( wood, type/thickness, construictin) and bridge construction, and strings poit of contact at the bridge , where tone starts when strings are plucked...
So, just passing on his opinion om the significance of bearing edges?