Hi All
I've read a lot about the Ludwig Supra being the most recorded, and rated at number #1, also the Slingerland Radio King (single ply) as being a great choice for a wood snare.
in your option what other snare(s) would you suggest as a good second choice ? If possible some details on the year, ply, even the heads that you prefer to get that great sound.
I would like to have a few choices, I'm in need of some good advise !
Thanks RW.
RW,
Boy have you opened a can of worms now!Eye Ball
Personally, I have played piles of snare drums over the years, and while the Supra is a great snare and versatile, to choose a 2nd best to that is only going to be opinion, and we all know what they say about those......
So here's mine:
1980 Gretsch M-4155 8x14, Jasper Shell, Remo Ambassador single ply coated top, snare side bottom, 30 strand Puresounds, die cast rims. I have found the sweet spot in this drum and it has come to be my go to snare. Outside, inside, brushes, whatever I have thrown at this drum, it puts out! I have gotten more comments from guitar/bass players on the sound of this drum that any other snare I have ever played. Quite frankly, I never was a fan of Gretsch due to many issues with their quality, but that's a whole other post. I had heard of drums having "that sound", and for a drum I found in the used stuff at Sam Ash in Richmond for $350, this is my choice.
I'd pick either the Ludwig Acrolite or the Pearl COB, both at 5-5 1/2 X 14. And for wood a Duco Jazz Festival.
Early Fibes or a Pearl brass free floater from the mid 90's to early 2000's.
Great start, I sure hope it opens up the can, it's important to understand what people like and especially why they like a certain snare or kit for that matter.
There was another post about a fellow buying a Camco kit than not being happy with the sound, maybe with some different opions he might have made another choice ?
There are a great number of very experience people on this forum, Hopefuly we can learn a lot from these same people, so fire away !
Also the availability as well as the cost can dictate that second choice, for some of us.
Thank for your posts
Downbeat pre 66
A broad general approach is, if you own a metal shell snare, get a wood shell one. That's what I did anyway. :)
Folks will have their favourites, but I gotta think anything from the big 4 [plus a few other makes] would suffice, and then it's personal taste and the individual sound/quality of a particular drum...
Mitch
Slingerland sound king and Gretsch 8 lug aluminum model, also Ludwig acrolite. also Ludwig 5 1/2x14" Buddy Rich model.
I'm happy as pie playing my Pearl 4214 (Brass Jupiter shell) these days. I also really dig Hammered Bronze Supras. Either a Powertone or Dyna (though I refuse to use the term "second best" for either of these models!) are amazing. & yeah Pgm554, those Pearl Free Floating are the bomb! So I guess it's not so much about the company for me, but finding the right snare for the right job. For me half the fun of flipping drums is getting to try them all and developing opinions about their characteristics. Though, I do admit my weakness for Rogers!
I used a old 69/70 pearl cob for a decade in 80's it was my go to snare wish I still had it , it mite of been bell brass
