I typically go with my '65 Ludwig Acrolite because it just sounds great in just about every situation I've used it in.

I own a new Gretsch Renown maple snare... and it's ehh.. ok.

I do like my Pearl Chad Smith Signature series snare. I've had it for 17 years and it's great for when you need cutting volume.. I use it when I play with the funk band sometimes and it sounds great!

I guess it all comes down to your ear and what you like, really. I've had a few vintage snares that I couldn't stand.. but I've got a couple that I'd tend to use before any modern one.

Hmm...I usually just do a touch up tuning of my snare before a gig (for the room) and don't mess with it until the next gig. I only bring one snare per gig, too, but I'll bring the snare I want for a particular gig to that particular gig. Sometimes, the Black Beauty gets the gig, sometimes the DW maple piccolo, and even sometimes the Ludwig Auditorium...it's about how I'm feeling the music that day and what palette of sounds I want at my disposal to create music with.

So, no "preference" for me. I like 'em all for different reasons.

my ddrum snare sounds like a coffee can ill stick with my pearl