What’s the best snare drum under $250?

SomeBadDrummer

SomeBadDrummer

Well-known member
Looking to upgrade my cheap Peace piccolo snare without breaking the bank or explosive volume. Thinking 14” x 5”
Rest of the kit is 2000’s Tama Superstar with a mismatched Tama 10” Tom and Remo rototoms.
What say ye?5E579617-F223-41A4-A919-DA7B7E3540F4.jpeg
 
K

KamaK

Platinum Member
I also recommend looking at Goodwill for Acrolites

You can usually find them with a case for ~$125 these days.

Example:
www.shopgoodwill.com

Ludwig Snare Drum W/Hard Shell Case

Ludwig Snare Drum W/Hard Shell Case Title: Ludwig Snare Drum W/Hard Shell CaseLudwig Snare Drum W/Hard Shell CaseItem AttributesBrand: LudwigUPC: N/AActual Dimensions (LxWxH): 17.50 x 20.25 x 9.50CONDITION: Pre-owned; Instruments have...
www.shopgoodwill.com
www.shopgoodwill.com

Ludwig Snare Drum

Ludwig Snare Drum Brand/ Model/ SN: Ludwig / Snare Drum See imageCondition: This item appears to have been heavily used and contains damage around the shell & shows signs of use on the head.Dimensions: Length:...
www.shopgoodwill.com
 
MusiQmaN

MusiQmaN

Platinum Member
I would say a used Supraphonic.

Bought mine at an auction for 150. Sold it for 250 a few months ago and ever regret it.

As it is a killer snare that every drummer should have next his/her prefered snare.
 
J

johnjssmith

Junior Member
My WorldMax NOB/Black Magic cost me the equivalent of about $250 including new Evans top and bottom heads and that's a pretty good, versatile snare!

But it depends on the kind of sound you want really, and if your local used market is thriving you might find a lot of good deals on good snares, the Acrolite will probably be an option, same as maple/birch/beech/oak custom (absolute) snares from Yamaha, a handful of Gretsch models, the Tama Starclassic, most SLP and some Starphonic snares...
 
L

Lennytoons

Senior Member
yammyfan said:
An Acrolite would be a good choice as they're not particularly loud. I have one and it sounds great but I've given up using it in un-mic'd situations.
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You must have a two ply head on your Acrolite. I have one with the original Ludwig Orchestra batter and it is plenty loud. The more I play my Acrolites the more I'm convinced they are the best snare drums period...regardless of price.
 
Winston_Wolf

Winston_Wolf

Platinum Member
For $250 you should be able to find a used Tama Starclassic, since you seem to be a Tama guy.

If brand isn't an issue I think the multitude of black nickel over brass snares can be found in your price range and they're all solid choices with a classic sound.

Ludwig Supralites are a great choice if you want something new.
 
MusiQmaN

MusiQmaN

Platinum Member
Jeremy Bender said:
About a year ago I sold this Yamaha 'concert' model metal snare in great condition to a guy who then used it to play in an R&B band in a casino on the Gulf Coast. Said he loved it. I let it go for $175.00

View attachment 96921
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The older concert line is so under rated and can be had so affordable now.

Brass, Steel, Copper and the Maple and Birch models all for under 400,- (copper) and much less (steel)
 
wraub

wraub

Well-known member
As a tonal experiment, I recently picked up a Yamaha Rock Tour (mahogany) with a replaced snare side head and Puresound Blasters to compare with my Yamaha Tour Custom Maple. I paid $160- for both. ;)
Neither is "the best snare drum under $250" for most people, but they sound good and also served the tonal experiment. I am not displeased. :)



Jeremy Bender said:
About a year ago I sold this Yamaha 'concert' model metal snare in great condition to a guy who then used it to play in an R&B band in a casino on the Gulf Coast. Said he loved it. I let it go for $175.00

View attachment 96921
Click to expand...
 
yammyfan

yammyfan

Senior Member
Lennytoons said:
You must have a two ply head on your Acrolite. I have one with the original Ludwig Orchestra batter and it is plenty loud. The more I play my Acrolites the more I'm convinced they are the best snare drums period...regardless of price.
Click to expand...
I've got a Remo Controlled Sound head on there. The snare can get pretty loud but it struggles to keep up when the stage volume ramps up. I don't rim shot so that could have something to do with it. I'm not a hard hitter, either.
 
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pgm554

pgm554

Platinum Member
Depends upon what you're looking for.
One mans feast is another mans famine.
New ,I would look at the Yamaha stage custom steel @$149 new or the TAMA Artwood Birch@$199.
Both can be had on sale for much cheaper than list.
 
Swissward Flamtacles

Swissward Flamtacles

Member
Congratulations, now you have 248 options! :p Here are some more:

The Cheap Snare Thread

Hello everyone. It's certain that not everyone can afford a Supraphonic or Black Beauty. A lot of people have a lower budget of maybe around 250 dollars for a snare, so let's help these people (including me). It would be helpful to write personal reviews for cheaper snare drums, comparisons and...
www.drummerworld.com

THE GOOD SNARE THREAD

Im wanting to buy a new snare but im not really sure what to go for. Any sugestions?
www.drummerworld.com
 
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