I've tried the new thin, nylon snare cords (Yamaha I think?) as a gut substitute on my military band's four, 1935 Ludwig&Ludwig 16" parade snares and found them very weak sounding. Searching for a stronger, thicker cord, I picked up a coil of heavy, gray nylon weed-whacker cord at Sears. This actually gave a nice, deep throaty sound when played out, but was completely unresponsive when playing softly. I finally found the perfect thing... actual gut snares from Cooperman Drum. There is no sound comparable.