Hey gang,
I'm building a snare drum from an antique 8x14 shell. I'm planning on buying the snares for it today, and am wondering how many strands I should get to bring the snappy sound out of this deep, but thin shell. Any opinions?
Is more better than less in this case?
Lots of variables to consider when choosing snare wires! First, take a look at how wide the snare bed is, which will dictate how wide a set of snare wires you can use. For your "average" snare beds, you can't go wrong with either 16 or 20 strand wires. Most Ludwig vintage snares, and I'm guessing the new ones as well, have very wide snare beds. You can easily use a set of Power snares... 42 strands. I'm using a 30 strand Puresound set on an Acrolite, as the wide snare beds allow for the use of these. A very sensitive drum, ideal for concert work. Finally, the metal composition of the wires will also contribute to the sound. I've seen wires in chrome steel, phosphor bronze, brass, etc., with each giving a different sound. It's fun to experiment... but it can get costly!
Lots of variables to consider when choosing snare wires! First, take a look at how wide the snare bed is, which will dictate how wide a set of snare wires you can use. For your "average" snare beds, you can't go wrong with either 16 or 20 strand wires. Most Ludwig vintage snares, and I'm guessing the new ones as well, have very wide snare beds. You can easily use a set of Power snares... 42 strands. I'm using a 30 strand Puresound set on an Acrolite, as the wide snare beds allow for the use of these. A very sensitive drum, ideal for concert work. Finally, the metal composition of the wires will also contribute to the sound. I've seen wires in chrome steel, phosphor bronze, brass, etc., with each giving a different sound. It's fun to experiment... but it can get costly!
Thank you for your response. It looks like I did the right thing, even though I split before any responses came in. The snare bed is 2.5 inches, so I bought a 20 strand Puresound Blaster. Fits perfect. Now if I can just get the right wrap. They sent the wrong wrap and it got delivered today.
Will call tomorrow to see if they will make things right.
Can't go wrong with the Blaster wires! I've used these quite a bit and they always sound great. The bent end plates are designed to bring the wires into greater contact with the snare head with little tension. This is the same principal used by Tama on their higher end wires, which Puresound copied! You'll be happy with the Blasters!
Thanks, I am encouraged by your post. Had the company I bought the wrap from sent the right color, I would have tried the snares by now. UPS just delivered hopefully the right color 10 minutes ago. If I open the box and it's still wrong I will report the company, but I figure they get one fail. Will try to post a pic when all is done. Thanks for your input.Cool1
