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Search for the perfect snare

Posts: 7 Threads: 4

Below are 30 snare audio examples which attempt to explore snare drum properties and generally provide comparisons of various snare sounds for people who are attempting snare research.

Please excuse the length of the post but most of it is a long list providing links to hear a selection of snares. I am looking for the perfect drum and can't afford the option of trying before buying in a shop. I have to make a blind internet purchase and am being thorough to avoid spending hundreds on a drum which isn't right.

I am looking for opinions on which snares people can suggest and which properties people think are suitable to achieve a certain sound. Any help anyone can offer is greatly appreciated - even if you don't have the time to listen through all the sound files. I hope they will be useful to you all anyway!!

I need something versatile in the £250-£400 price bracket for styles ranging from Indie to Rock, Pop and Funk but in particular it needs to have a rich tone suitable for smaller acoustic ensembles. Though the drum I am searching for needs to be able to cut in louder situations, this shouldn't be it's defining quality. Because I will be playing a lot of gentle passages I wondered if a rich, warm and deep character would be most suitable, as well as an ability to open up tonally without having to lay into it. It needs to respond to a medium touch with a nice rounded timbre. Though the tone needs to have a nice decay I want to avoid harsh over-ringy qualities and metallic timbres. Here are the qualities I think I need.

1. Rich, warm, tone.

2. Ability to open out without hard velocities.

3. Sensitivity for pleasant sounding grace notes.

4. Beautiful tone within a wide tuning range.

5. Good tone for both recording and live applications.

Bearing these qualities in mind my instinct was to opt for a deeper and wooden shell. I assumed Maple was the best bet - with a depth of at least 6.5"... do people agree that this sort of shell would provide the above qualities and perfectly suit soft, acoustic music as well as provide versatility to rock out?

Rather than drool over your particular favorites, or hype up the specific snare you own, please try to keep responses within context. I am particularly interested in opinions about Mapex Black Panthers. I am gravitating towards these as they are said to provide great quality for their price. However there are 40 odd models of Black Panthers which hardly narrows things down.

Thanks a million taking the time to offer advice. I really appreciate your help because you will be saving me a lot of money and disappointment.

Cheers

Slimpyjamas

EXAMPLES OF SNARES WITH SONIC QUALITIES I AM LOOKING FOR

If you know of certain drums which have a similar character to this family of sound please let me know. In particular, if you know of particular Mapex Black Panthers that sound like these I would be very interested.

LEEDY MAPLE 14 X 4

http://www.box.net/shared/static/cefbhrdjmo.mp3

This is fairly close

TAMA ARTSTAR

http://www.box.net/shared/static/0n482o4cof.mp3

This is better than many for me but is still a little way off. It only speaks at higher velocities and the snares are too obvious. It is fairly warm however.

TAMA STARCLASSIC MAPLE

http://www.box.net/shared/static/0htu5y4abs.mp3

Though this is quite warm sounding it is a bit too poppy. However the overtones are controlled and the metallic qualities only poke through at velocities where I might need them. I wonder if this would sound right if tuned lower with the right heads?

PORK PIE MAPLE 14 X 5

http://www.box.net/shared/static/g8rmg82y0u.mp3

Though this doesn't have the shell depth I thought I needed it is sonically the closest too what I'm looking for, especially at medium too loud velocities. It is warm, full bodied has decent decay portion, the snare wire / shell tone balance is right and it doesn't have ringy overtones.

PORK PIE MAPLE TRIPLE FLANGED

http://www.box.net/shared/static/s3av37d1yx.mp3

At quieter velocities I think this is close. If anything it is perhaps a bit poppy but it has a good balance of top and bottom ended frequencies. Perhaps this could work in the context I specified as the metallic ring is controlled and pure and only pronounces when hit loud. This means it could cut through during louder moments and yet sound warm and full bodied during quieter passages.

PREMIER BRASS PICOLLO 14 X

http://www.box.net/shared/static/ivivx8mhlq.mp3

This was the greatest surprise. Even though its a picollo and its brass, I think it sounds warm, full bodied, rseonant and very close to what I'm looking for. If anything, the snares are too loud at low volumes.

PREMIER UNKOWN

http://www.box.net/shared/static/f2askmk3pz.mp3

This is pretty close in general.

PEARL MASTERWORKS MAPLE

http://www.box.net/shared/static/8o0uemyz04.mp3

Interesting because though it has a metallic ring which pronounces at higher velocities, I actually think it has a warm tone. It also sounds fairly fat until its whacked harder where it really pops with a slightly higher accent. Sustain and ratio between snare strand and shell tone are both balanced close to what I like.

LUDWIG STEEL

http://www.box.net/shared/static/a8h702slq0.mp3

Here's a confusing one. I avtually think this sounds quite warm though its a steel shell. It doesn't suffer from the shrill over tines that I'd expect. Though its warm I wouldn't say its that fat sounding. Pretty close however, the snares strands could be a touch quieter and I wonder if the sensitivity would allow for nice grace notes.

EXAMPLES OF SNARES WITH SONIC QUALITIES I WANT TO AVOID

As sonic descriptive terms and snare shell properties can be misleading, I list these so people can hear exactly what I want to avoid buying.

UNKNOWN METAL SNARE

http://www.box.net/shared/static/80a420tncq.mp3

Sounds too mushy with snare strands being too prominent. Only opens up at harder velocities though when it does the tone isn't bad. If it weren't for the snare wire prominence the depth and tone are quite nice and I wonder how snare wire options and adjustments might affect the sound.

DW BELL BRASS 14 X 6.5

http://www.box.net/shared/static/hlv0yubohk.mp3

Though this snare sounds too mushy at very low velocities it does open up nicely when struck just a little harder. I like the tone but it is a bit too metallic and not quite fat enough. Nice but not quite right.

DW MAPLE 13 X 6.5

http://www.box.net/shared/static/nizy9gro20.mp3

This is quite warm but not full and resonant enough. Neither does it open up enough without a solid thwack.

GREG MCDONALD 14 X 6.5

http://www.box.net/shared/static/crtp62kasn.mp3

These wires sound too dominant, it is far too thin and metallic tonally. There are too many conflicting harmonics which provide a less pure overall timbre.

Gretsch 14 X 6

http://www.box.net/shared/static/y2fmx2t16y.mp3

Not resonant. Too dry not enough sustain and not at all fat.

LUCITE SUPER SEMSITIVE

http://www.box.net/shared/static/5iaktqb59j.mp3

At quieter volumes it's too dry and thin. When hit hard it's sound is closer to what I like but it needs to pop more like this when hit quieter.

LUDWIG 502 SUPRAPHONIC METAL

http://www.box.net/shared/static/xe191ja68h.mp3

Snare wires are too prominent for what I'm after. Also a bit too bright.

LUDWIG ACROLITE 14 X 5

http://www.box.net/shared/static/x2vovm11mp.mp3

too dry, metallic, buzzy and bright with not enough body.

LUDWIG ACROLITE 14

http://www.box.net/shared/static/b7ylqxqg4t.mp3

Too flat, too much snare buzz, no decaying resonance

LUDWIG BLACK BEAUTY

http://www.box.net/shared/static/lb3e75een7.mp3

No doubt a classic drum but it needs too hard a thwack to pop and though its definitely fat I wouldn't necesarilly say its a woody warmth. Snares are too prominent in the velocity range i need to use it al lot.

LUDWIG BUDDY RICH

http://www.box.net/shared/static/lltxzy7bc9.mp3

When hit very quietly the tone is near what i like. But it needs to project this sort of sound at medium too loud velocities instead of developing a more metallic sound like this.

LUDWIG DUAL STRAINER MAHOGANY

http://www.box.net/shared/static/5txgsoxol1.mp3

Quite unique sounding and seems to be able to create a wide range of tones. However the snares are too prominant, its not rich or full bodied enough at lower volumes and even though its mahogany, it sounds slightly respy at high velocities. Definitely quite warm though.

LUDWIG NICKEL OVER BRASS

http://www.box.net/shared/static/udqnbizct8.mp3

Very metallic ring is not what I'm after.

LUDWIG SUPER SENSITIVE

http://www.box.net/shared/static/s9isvjoemz.mp3

Too dry, thin, bright and metallic.

LUDWIG VISTALITE PLASTIC 14

http://www.box.net/shared/static/cjcrn7squ2.mp3

Snare strands way too loud and tone is too bright though the sustain is quite close.

PEARL FREE FLOATING

http://www.box.net/shared/static/9z82uukmfa.mp3

Though these shells can be interchanged, this example is too dry, thin and bright with no sustain.

PREMIER WOOD 14 X 6

http://www.box.net/shared/static/m331vcvrgl.mp3

Listen to how metallic and ringy this snare gets even though its a slightly deeper wooden shell. Not at all what I'm after.

SLINGERLAND 2 PLY CHROME OVER BRASS

http://www.box.net/shared/static/xqr44ngyh5.mp3

This is complex and unique. It almost sounds like its got a quivering reverb to the tone. Though its fat but its not warm and its too metallic.

SONOR EXTRA LIGHT MAPLE 14

http://www.box.net/shared/static/mh8850rljb.mp3

Another maple shell which doesn't exactly sound warm to my ears. Too dry, buzzy and metallic at higher velocities.

Posted on 14 years ago
#1
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188

A good snare drum should cover more than just one, narrow range. There aren't that many fine points to a snare drum, really. You adjust the fine points with different heads, muffling techniques, sticks and the way you play the drum. The idea that a snare drum is so specialized that it can only do one or two tricks is ridiculous. I would bet you cash money that I could take any five of the drums you listed and play them for you in a blind-test and you wouldn't be able to identify one from the other. I'm not just picking on you. The same would hold true for anyone.

You tell me what "good" and "beautiful" means to you and it will be slightly different for anyone else's definition. Therefore, how can anyone advise you in this regard?

Plus....Your sound file thing is EXTREMELY short-sighted in terms of what sonic qualities of those drums are being displayed. There are no buzz roles, no playing near the edge as opposed to near the center, no loud/soft dynamics.

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 14 years ago
#2
Posts: 4715 Threads: 299

One that you have completely missed, and I am not sure you could find a sample of, is the new TAMA StarPhonic wood. It has all of those finer qualities, and no annoying ring, unless you ask it to do so. There is no way you will be able to purchase the "perfect" snare without putting stick to head. As O-Lugs says, any good drummer can take any drum and make it sound good. I have some old MIJ snares that sound great, one single ply, one 7 ply, and one COS. I also have an Acrolite that if I put a heavy head on it, Like a Falams II K-Series Super, sounds nothing like an Acrolite. So, to say the "perfect" snare...well the statement is subjective. Try out some drums at your local drum purveyor. If he knows you are going to part with some of those hard-earned paper foldies, he will let you play all day. A StarPhonic will get you, I would put money on it, and it is in the 5-600 USD range. BTW, I do not own one, I only have heard one played by my neighbor. It is very stout.

"Ignorance may be overcome through education. Stupidity, however, is a lifelong endeavor." So, educate me, I don't likes bein' ignant...
"I enjoy restoring 60s Japanese "stencil" drums...I can actually afford them..."I rescue the worst of the old valueless drums for disadvantaged Children and gladly accept donations of parts, pieces and orphans, No cockroaches, please...
http://www.youtube.com/user/karstenboy
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Posted on 14 years ago
#3
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

The advice so far from my fellow forum members is on the money, there are so many variables involved in your main drum the snare drum, heads selection, damping methods and techniques, snare wires, and even the sticks you use, all said, for your hard earned pounds, you have got to go and play these drums and be your own judge, don't let the salesman decide, he isn't buying the drum you are just follow your gut instinct, what ever brand of set you are using look at that companies snare drum line first, good luck

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 14 years ago
#4
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

let me make another suggestion, there is a drum competition called the snare drum Olympics, put on by not so modern drummer magazine they take various snare drums and test them to a certain criteria, just copy and past not so modern drummer once on the site look for the snare drum olympics link click on to that and your there.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 14 years ago
#5
Posts: 241 Threads: 26

the texture of the music and instruments can alter the perception of what sounds good. its so subjective

Posted on 14 years ago
#6
Posts: 1273 Threads: 22

I heartily agree with all; several sounds can be harvested from a single drum and searching for a singular animal that is "perfect", is completely subjective. That said, I'll let you all know when I've completed recording my sound files, searching for the perfect set of matched sticks, that will produce the best rimmy. (I'm just poking fun, you understand) ;)

PS - Dude, you must have more time on your hands than me (I don't even work!)

Vintage Drum Fan (Not a Guru)
Posted on 14 years ago
#7
Posts: 816 Threads: 72

If I can offer a poor attempt at an analogy...................

A Nissan Altima sedan will not travel where a Hummer H2 will roam. A Ford Escort will not have the punch of a Nissan 370ZX or the elegance of a Maybach.

I would need each of these to achieve all my driving requirements perfectly.

Posted on 14 years ago
#8
Posts: 712 Threads: 24

If you haven't got a beat up 60's or 70's Supra, I'd get one and start there. Very few drummers hate them. Every snare on those soundfiles could sound like one of the other ones with changes in heads and snares etc...

mp3's sound cheap, and when you record anything the mic and the rest of the process have as much to do with the sound as the sound of the instrument. You can make a great drum sound like garbage and a junk drum sound good with recording techniques.

To me the most important thing is that a drum has character. Some cheap drums do, some great sounding expensive drums don't. It's about feel because feel always is more important than sound.

Plus, you can't judge a drum outside of a song. Some drums that sound junk by themselves are fine in songs, and the opposite is also true.

And the same for musicians.

Posted on 14 years ago
#9
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188

From Stallwart

If I can offer a poor attempt at an analogy...................A Nissan Altima sedan will not travel where a Hummer H2 will roam. A Ford Escort will not have the punch of a Nissan 370ZX or the elegance of a Maybach.I would need each of these to achieve all my driving requirements perfectly.

Sure. But, what most people do is get a regular car/pickup and make it work for them. When the roads get slick, you put on the chains, etc.

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 14 years ago
#10
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