What’s the best snare drum under $250?

SomeBadDrummer

Platinum 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
 
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...
 
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.
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.
 
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.
 
I just saw 4 Acrolites on CL, 3 were under $200 and one had a stand and case included for $250.

My own snare hunt had a much lower budget and I did okay, you can do it. :)
 
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
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)
 
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. :)



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