METAL SNARE - FOR A METAL DRUMMER!!!!

i beat 4 skins

Good Afternoon Everyone, (well it is where I am)

Anyway, I'm interested in getting a metal snare and I can't decide which.
I've already got a birch snare ( 20ply 14x7", custom made by a small drum maker here in England) but I fancy a change.
I really love the sound of Matt Camerons snare on Superunknown (Soundgarden), which is the sort of sound I wanna aim for. I know its a Keplinger Stainless Steel snare which is far too expensive for my budget. I looking to spend around £200 (about $300 I think?)

It needs to be quite cutting, but not harsh, deep but not too mushy....(Contradictions I know)
Nothing smaller than 14 x 6". Brass, Bronze, steel, copper...ahhh I dunno!
Any suggestions?.....Please!

Ugly Man On Parade · Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2003 10:25 am Post subject:

I cannot help you with this one, but I just want to say i love the way you said, "I fancy a change," good stuff!!!

gdawson44 · Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2003 10:39 am Post subject:

If you're going with a metal snare...... I say go with brass. Not only will it look great with any color of kit, but you're also going to get a nice range of tones from it and it won't break your bank either.

Ugly Man On Parade · Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2003 3:42 pm Post subject:

Anyone wanna explain the whole metal snare deal? what's the difference between metal and wood. What difference does the type of metal make. Man, I just wanna know what the hell they are.

Saurencaerthai · King Kong Joined: 24 Sep 2002 Posts: 2609

"What's the deal with metal snares", you ask? I shall try to tell you. First "What's the difference does the metal make?" Well, what's the difference between Birch and Mahogany? Different types of metal (as well as the thickness of the metal) have different properties. Some metal shells conduct vibration differently than other metals. Some tend to lend themselves to a much louder sound, while others might be darker.

Metal snares tend to have more of a ring, as well as have more decibleage. Wood shells often have a warmer sound with less ring, depending on the wood type and number of plies.

As for I Beat 4 Skins, in terms of the hierarchy of equipment which is very personal, I rank the snare as the second most personal piece of equipment (cymbals being the first). With this in mind, I think the only way one can really figure out whats right for them is go out and try a bunch. You've already established some criteria for your search, which is that the drum must be at minimum, 6" in depth, and that's a good start.

I agree somewhat with gdawson44, in that you should try out the brass snares. I have played a few and liked most of them, but remember to keep your ears out for other sounds. I might suggest that you steer clear of Aluminum drums, though. As for brands, take a look at Tama, as well as Premier, I'd say.

One thing you might want to try if you're looking for a metal (genre) snare, take a look at a 7X13" drum. The head may be one inch smaller, but you'll have a much greater depth, and a deeper sound.

Agent Kennedy · Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2003 3:19 pm Post subject:

i recently went from a 14x5 to a 12x6 pork pie snare. the sound is incredible dont limit yourself to a certain size try different things.
_________________
-Rich
(DW)