I really wouldn't know, I use the cheap 20 strand wires. But honestly I dont think it matters too much. 42 strand wires give so much snare sound that I dont know anyone can tell the difference. You could get several pairs off the cheap wires for one set of Puresounds, then again, the Puresounds probably have a guarantee/warranty.

I've used the cheapie Gibraltar ones before.....avoid them like the plague! If you can find a set of Puresound Metrix series on the shelf somewhere, those sound decent and are cheaper than regular Puresounds (the Metix series is discontinued, but there may be some availabel still). The Gretsch ones sound the best in my opinion, but the cost may be a deterant. If you buy new ones, not so much, but if you are looking for "period correct" NOS ones....be prepared to pay a premium price for them.

they will be for my 402 and i will use it for gigging so they do not have to be vintage.. but I do want them to be good ones.. I have never used 42 strand before but like alot of things I want to try them before I forget.. LOl thanks

42 strands are very......ummm....buzzy.....lots of snare sound to those.....you may or may not like them.....I know that some companies offer 30 strand as well....might be a more middle ground to experiment with as well....if the 20 strand wires aren't doing it for you and you find the 42 strands too much, maybe a 30 strand might be just right....you know? x-mas3

I bought a set of German snare 20 strand that sounded very good for $11.30. the 42 strand go for $20.

I put 42-strand unit on my last snare, but it was a cheaper Ludwig Accent series wood snare. It only made it buzzier, but the overall snare response still sucked. Once I got the Acrolite, I only needed a 20-strand unit.

If you need more response from the snares, I'd look elsewhere. Like what bottom head are you using, and how much tension is on it, snare tension, etc...

42-strand units can work fine, but the snare bed has to be wide enough for the WHOLE width of the snare unit to bed itself into the reso to get the right results. Otherwise it'll just buzz worse.

PureSound wires are good for Rock/Metal.

but i would HIGHLY recommend Canopus snare wires.

they truly give the drum a new sound that is not so "one-dimensional"

check em out!

http://www.maxwelldrums.com/canopus-snare-wires-accessories-c-274.html

A friend of mine has a 402 with empourer sp* on top coated, and diplomat on bottom with 42 strand wire and the thing sounds just like Bonhams on Moby Dick and the early recordings this is the sound i am looking for I think I have read where Bonham used a 42 strand snare wire not sure though..

Are you talking about Puresound Blasters or their entire product line?

I'm not a heavy-handed player and I'm happy with the sound and response I get from 16-strand Puresound Customs on Slingerland Radio King and Sound King drums.