Snare question

jak · Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 1:21 pm Post subject: Snare question

Im thinking about buying an extra snare (not the drum just the wires) so I can keep an extra on hand.

But I have a couple of questions

What difference does it make if it has those little strings that hold it on or those clear strips of plastic, and is one better than the other.

And what effect does it have on the sound if it has more / less wires and is more wires better.

Are their any crappy brands that I should avoid.

Thanks

Snake · Big Lion Joined: 10 Feb 2004 Posts: 989 Location: DFW

Some snare wires have holes for the strings but not the straps and vice versa, but strings vs. straps shouldn't effect the sound or functionality. Although, strings do seem to wear out quicker than straps, IMO.
More snare wires will give you more snare response (duh, right?), but also more sympathetic vibrations. More isn't necessarily better, just different. And it depends on the drum. 42s on my copper snare buzzed uncontrolably, but on my stock Rockstar Custom snare they sound pretty good.
There are more expensive snare wires (Puresound, Grover, etc.) and cheaper snare wires (Gibraltar and others). I have yet to try any that totally suck or any that blow me away. Again it depends on the drum - the 42s on my RC snare are $14 Gibraltars and they sound good; the 16s on my copper snare are $29 Puresound Equalizers and they also sound good. Neither sounded right on the other drum.
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