Studio it all depends. Typically with my metal bands I prefer one kit and one snare for a consistent drum sound. Other times I've used a few different kits, snares,etc to suit the song.

Live I usually have my one - I routinely change heads and snares. Funny enough that snare has come to the rescue of three buddies this past year who all their bottom heads blow out while playing. It's my '83 Tama Mastercraft Steel 14"x6.5". Certain gigs though I'll bring a back-up, but more often than not I know one of the other drummers at the gig. So I'm usually confident in there being a back-up if need be.

I'll bring one snare to shows, but like others, I'll bring as many snares as I need into the studio.

Ditto to mark

I got burned once a few years back so I bring two snares to every gig. If I am familiar with the room, two wood or two metal as the case may be. If not, one of each. In the worst case, another drum is available immediately instead of having to stop in the middle of a set to make repairs or trying to muddle through until a break. Sure it's one more drum to haul, but it doesn't add to the number of trips I have to make between my car and the stage.

I've only recorded once. I brought the four snares most likely to be successful. As it turned out, the first one I unpacked was the one we used for the entire session, but it would have been nice to present some options if that one didn't work.

Al

I used to only bring one, now I always bring two. My very first time playing a major outdoor festival I got a little too pumped up. I took one look at all the people and started hitting the crap out of the thing. About half way into the first song snap, right through the head. Luckily the drum tech for the headliner was cool enough to let me use their back up. No extra head, my only option would of been flip it over and play the snare side. I would of been screwed.

Ever since that I started bringing two, it doesn't matter how the small gig is. A couple times I've had to go to the back up for minor malfunctions. A lot of times it was stuff that could be fixed with a 10 minute break. But if you do party bands like a lot my gigs are you really can kill the mood of a room by taking break. IMO its much better to haul the extra gear and be able to switch out drums in a couple of seconds.

I take multiple snares to all sessions, at least 2-3 depending on the level/pay check. Something M.O.R., something Deep and woody, something light and high. Then on from there its more shades. Even taking something really crappy or messed up for that "funky break" sound.

Ok so I could just show up with my secret weapon snare and pack of moon gel and assortment of mylar dampening o-rings and a tea towel, but when your recording you want to be able to throw something up quickly in mode of what's needed.

For gigs I take one snare with me. I will change my Cymbals around though. I like to change up Ride's depending on the tune occasionally, and maybe swap in a sizzle cym on jazz gigs for ballads. Do many of you guys do that?

I don't swap cymbals between songs. But I will if I am playing in different bands. Last summer I was in two Metal bands, and we played a lot of shows together. So I had a lot of double header sets. Only thing that stayed the same was the crashes. The hats,ride, and effects cymbals got swapped between bands. I used to bring and set-up two rides on my kit. Haven't done that in some time though.

Just the one (14x6.5 jarrah stave), but it's also the only snare in my arsenal post-cleanout.

Wouldn't mind adding a Supra and an old WFL/Radio King/Pioneer/etc or even a Colosseum for some variety.

Steve Jordan appears to swap snares almost song to song at live shows, he must have at least half a dozen on standby at any moment... metal, wood, big, small, shallow, deep, wood hoops, super ringy, muffled-to-hell-and-back...

Gig: 2 minimum

Studio: as many as you can haul in there, as you never know when inspiration may call for a different snare voice - or you may realize that you should use (this or that) snare on this track instead of my current daily driver.

Pat Mastelotto used like 15-20 snares on XTC's Oranges and Lemons (1989)

One plus spare batter & wires also that cutout trick very nice!! Love that idea thanks Bermuda Cool1