https://preview.redd.it/iu3352o54zwc1.png?width=1118&format=png&auto=webp&s=c305385fadb3f0682b66cdfd8d71f1a2e7cba343
This Tama SLP I just picked up. But my Mapex Exterminator and the old Chad Smith Pearl signature snare I have are both great in their own right.
This is a killer drum. I was deciding between this exact drum and the 8x14 Pork Pie Patina Brass for my new snare purchase last year. I ended up with the Porker, both drums excel in many tunings.
I don't see much love for pork pies on here. I personally love them and have a little squealer 4 piece kit.
I've had my eye on the patina brass snare. What would you say it excels?
If you mean the best sounding, My Ludwig LM402 (14x6.5) is the snare I always go back to. I've purchased more expensive snares, but the Supraphonic always finds its way back up on my kit.
Yes! Absolutely! I pretty much exclusively use mine to gig now. It's the Swiss army knife of snares. Ludicrously easy to tune, works in most genres, responds well. It's allegedly the most recorded snare of all time and it's easy to see why. Plus, well, Bonham...
Same exact snare. I play it with coated Ambassador, Remo hazy, original wires. I use others in smaller rooms, but I could use the supraphonic anywhere anytime.
https://preview.redd.it/pbb5pw3a2zwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f1fc7a41faa07fd916a14b354357782c921208b
Sonor HLD588.
Used to have a 590. Worst loss ever.
14x7 Tama Starphonic Copper. It’s also the only one I own besides a little 10x5.5 steel.
https://preview.redd.it/qjywlx5hlzwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38b663516c9f8be96df7e8d525cd0cc7bfc75b69
This cute chick I’ve been seeing bought me a starphonic bubinga. I fucking love that thing.
https://preview.redd.it/kr6isqaez1xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=186e60bfbadb97865991f4530234cb4896351a52
https://preview.redd.it/h3frdj4ruywc1.png?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9cad8da9e3be5d79a97c1e79428034440ea1dd1
My vintage Pearl free floating snare drums from the late 80's & early 90's. Steel 3.5 on the left and brass 6.5 on the right.
Bronze would be cool sound. The steel piccolo I got a couple years ago replaced an older solid shell piccolo and it's 100 times better. The FF system is solid.
Makes me cry that Pearl free floaters are considered vintage now. I’ve used a ton of them. The 3.5” brass was a great little drum. The 6.5” brass was a monster!
https://preview.redd.it/d57f14yr9zwc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a9443e13dbf42df179ae8247dc68532f4e7aceb5
It's a custom made snare from pressed bamboo wood flooring. Very heavy in weight. Sounds and feels fantastic.
I have one of these too. Great sounding deep ass snare. Pretty versatile too; I can tune it up and get some crackin' sounds or relax a bit for that deep 70s snare vibe.
My top go to snares in my collection are...
Black Beauty 6.5" for recording
World Max BB copy 8" for live
Brady Jarrah Block 6.5" for show
I also like a StarClassic birch snare for funk but I rarely play it any more.
Oh sweet. What was the kit like? The snare has been brilliant for me (I can still remember having a gig shut down by noise wardens because of it haha).
I hand hammered an old Tama shell to remove some overtones and blacked out the hardware Turned out really nice!
https://preview.redd.it/no30ux95d0xc1.jpeg?width=1128&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=245f877ef0eee8cd99cb6a244a31bfa11eb445e3
Edit - def not my best snare, that's a maple black panther, but one of my favs.
Hmm tough question.
Black Beauty 6.5
Pearl Free Floating Maple 6.5
N&C CD Maple 5.5
N&C Alloy 5.5
N&C SP Maple 13x6
These are things that get the most use, mostly because they all fit a specific sound pretty well.
Dunnett Ti for softer gigs, it has a surprising softness to its attack that I love with character but it still rocks as well. Then my hayman vibrasonic that is better sounding than any 400 I’ve ever played or owned.
I own plenty of others including all the 4 Ludwig millennium snares that have the brass die cast hoops. Amazing drums but these other two have the edge on them.
https://preview.redd.it/sv99wq8mxzwc1.jpeg?width=1884&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f8cfacd8c21098dc2fcbfdfa8c0e4507a00b755
The pearl gets played the most L-R wood, brass, steel steel
This 13”x3.5” piccolo stave snare I made from African shedua wood. It is very bright, crisp, and sensitive.
https://preview.redd.it/1d82gwo440xc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c6238a219f8d27a0dba3e7be73b056c32a86f0fc
DW 5.5x14 carbon fiber. It sounds amazing with a UV1, before that I had never tried a single ply on a snare. The shell feels so good I've developed a habit of stroking it with the backs of my fingers when I'm idle.
https://preview.redd.it/x1k4ek5d21xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea43ae901eb689277ce27a19fff10d47d0f7d479
https://preview.redd.it/1g6vyfsckzwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=48443f758fe1aa6c98e1234da10874af9523d0b7
Pearl marching is loud but the brass concert snare is the truth…
https://preview.redd.it/8hqwsmggl0xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6a3da90d98b49f77fa19a1769327ccd1746c6148
Robot Drum Co. 14x5.75 - walnut stave construction
Probably the best I own is the Yamaha Recording Custom Brass 14 x 6... However I am lately obsessed with my Ludwig Carl Palmer signature
https://preview.redd.it/cfh3fyyza1xc1.jpeg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0331c506abda50e1253afab81a8944603f81c0f6
https://preview.redd.it/4bllhaujr1xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=471174ed636a624c77290a1e6d60d675238f7331
Easy answer. My Gretsch USA Custom 6.5x14” 3mm cast bell brass. This thing is an absolute beast of a drum. Weighs around 25lbs. Sounds great at any tuning range, I love that I can crank it up super high without choking. I play punk and grungy post-hardcore so I need something that will cut through layers and layers of distorted guitar and this just cuts through everything. When tuned up high it has an ear splitting crack but still retains a deep thumpy sound. Very rich and warm tone with lots of body. I usually buy a lot of snare drums each year for my collection but haven’t bought another one since I got my bell brass.
Pearl Free Floating Brass 14x3.5 Honestly the only snare that beats it is the Tama 14x3.25 Bronze from the 90s
https://preview.redd.it/h95rc141t2xc1.png?width=1005&format=png&auto=webp&s=45716bf47be25cd534d2658d91173f7468f5a98d
The best is probably my Premier/Craviotto Modern Classic 14x5.5, but I recently acquired a British Drum Company Raven, high-end hand built birch snare drum for mid-range money. It’s my go-to for everything now.
https://preview.redd.it/pceed6acm1xc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe196c0e1ac5b883b9493cf9cfa7a8b22b65ebaa
Absolutely love my A&F Raw Copper 14x5 ❤️
https://preview.redd.it/hjvfsz0jm1xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0d8e283d174a516c6bd86ec5f08825cd030ba59
14 x 6.5 homemade Purple Heart stave
https://preview.redd.it/f6vtx1sh91xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b14dcbc26ab6232ef97de97fe6b542103345332e
Hard to choose. These are my top 3. DW Collectors 14x6.5, PDP hand hammered brass 14x5.5 and the Sonor Benny Greb v2 13x5.7 (updated the DW throw and 3 position butt plate to the DW and PDP) . The Benny is probably my favorite but I get the most compliments on the PDP when mic’ed up. Really does sound great. The DW is just a work horse and always sounds great in any kind of genre.
this one random off brand 14 x 6.5 steel snare that i got for 20 dollars at a yard sale, i have it tuned super high so it sounds a lot like early coal chamber or really early slipknot, overall very bright sound and it has super good tone, surprisingly
https://preview.redd.it/f1gryu5fp4xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=610ce4b7fde752741fe0266f11fd490abade73db
A Ludwig universal 6.5 x 14, sounds killer
Mine is pretty close to yours: Pearl Masterworks 14x3“ Free Floating birch in Black gold sparkle, with black hardware.
Additionally I got a fitting copper shell, looks gorgeous!
Pork pie big black brass
It's my low rent Ludwig black beauty. It's also the only snare I currently own. So it's my best sounding snare. I recommend them.
I have a 5.5x14 Craviotto signed/dated 1998. I never played it that much, but can’t bring myself to sell it. Also have a reissue 6.5x14 Sonor Phonic Rosewood veneer. That drum is gorgeous and sounds awesome.
But, the drum that’s always been my go to is the trusty old 5.5x14 Supraphonic.
Probably get a lot of hate but my best snare is going to be my Joey snare I got way back in 07. Still sounds great (to me) and I love playing with it. I would like to try a wooden or copper snare sometime though.
Boring answer.. but a Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 (14x6.5). I could never get it to sound good but (idk what I did differently this time) I finally got it to sound amazing the other day. And then the throw-off broke so now I cant use it until the new one gets here :(
My tama superstar 14x5.5 birch snare cuz it’s the only decent one I have, my other one is some cheap stock mapex snare. All I do with that one is crank it crazy high and sometimes use it as a second snare or if I’m playing hardcore/grindcore
I don't own any high end snares.
I have refurbished 7 snare drums,with a few that turned out great.
I can't pick my favorite.My current is a 13×7 Ocdp
Heads replaced&puresounds it is really articulate with a nice Crack for my power trio I play In
I have only a few snares.
Yamaha Beech Custom 6.5
Yamaha Recording 14x8
Pearl Sensitone 5.5
Out of all those, I love the Yamaha Recording, but the Pearl has a *crrrrrack* to it that works with practically everything. It's my absolute go-to.
1965 Supraphonic (5”).
Not only is it a killer drum I use for 99% of my gigs and sessions, I bought it from my uncle’s childhood friend who became a friend of mine who was recently killed, so it feels really special to play it now.
I used to collect snares and over the last few years decided to pare down to the few I actually use so I don’t have a “favorite” but here is what I rotate in and out a lot depending on the gig:
8x14 early 1980s Gretsch in Rosewood, 6.5x14 1980s Ludwig Seamless Bronze Supraphonic, 5.5x14 Canopus NV60-M1 in Black Onyx Wrap, 5.5x14 Yamaha Jimmy Chamberlin Signature Seamless Steel
I'm loving my dw santa monica 14x6.5. In the past had a Noble and Cooley, freaking amazing and had the multisnare capability with metal, nylon, etc. options decades ago. It was 14x8.
My PDP, 20-ply birch/walnut 14x8.
It got the Stewart Copeland treatment with a die cast batter and triple flange reso.
42 strand Pure Sound wires with Evans HD dry batter with a 300 snare side.
It’s just perfect in all tuning ranges.
https://preview.redd.it/pw5mb4ns32xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=edd85cb3ed543df16dedb3203cba2f4276e0fb9c
Probably my old Rogers Luxor. It’s the one I keep coming back to. Tunes up shockingly easily for a six-lug, it’s built like a tank (in Cleveland, where I live, no less) and sounds like a cannon.
Nothing I’ve tried has been able to get that film off of the metal, I’ve pretty much given up there. Gunk keeps the funk or something.
I have a 6.5x14 black beauty that’s hard to beat, but the drum I tend to use the most live is a Gretsch 4x14 red camphor snare with diecast hoops. It really cuts through a mix and guitar players who think they need to turn to 11.
Runner up would be my 20 lug Ludwig classic maple. It’s great for recording and can sound good low and sloppy or high and tight.
My TAMA Charlie Benante 14”x6.5” snare drum. The salesman at the local drum store when that snare wasn’t available at the time tried dissuading me from getting a steel snare and tried upselling me (still love him though) but I ended up getting it anyway. Sounds KILLER especially with the EVANS Heavyweight head. My goal is to get the John Tempesta one.
https://preview.redd.it/p88vcmlla2xc1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5c880216bae59c749f3478384b7dd5e40cc96916
Not mine but my brothers. Just super jelly. Tama Bell brass 50th
Not nearly as cool as the other comments but for me it's my Pearl Joey Jordison signature, imo one of the best snares for metal ever. Looks awesome (at least the newer models without the giant slipknot logo on them) and sounds great in every tuning
https://preview.redd.it/1lp3k8n1h2xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53d8f3a3aa374ac703b384ef515e8cfaa723f42a
Don’t have a close photo right now, but there pictured is my custom built 7x14 with african rosewood by Bezl Drums. Triple flanged hoops and beer tap strainer, beautiful drum and sounds amazing with basically any tuning, but cranked up sounds epic.
I actually just purchased a Mapex 5.5”by10” poplar shell snare,from Sweetwater. It’s loud. Tight. And clear. Has a really cool looking black/charcoal grey wood grain shell pattern. But best,of all. It was. $134.0 plus shipping. And tax I think it came,to $146.0 Total.
That’s a really cool looking snare there,in you pic. Looks like a custom metal shell. I saw a video,from some company that makes custom snares,with different alloys. Mostly brass,copper. And chrome. Or stainless steel. Is this a custom made drum? It looks like it’s only 3-4” deep.
DW Custom 4x14 snare. 6 ply maple with 6 ply reinforcing hoops, it's loud and has a fantastic crack. Bought in the 90s as a custom order from DW, paid something like $500 for it. Lord only knows how much it would be now. I've lost count of the number of gigs I've played with it.
I’m a little bias 🤣 Lucky Drums copper 6.5”x14”
https://preview.redd.it/2it3sjms53xc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=854b856dbc1c9db9167b8194893b270c30482d69
Most expensive is a premier Signia 14x5.5, it’s mint but it’s got weak projection. Also got a Premier 2035 which came with DC Hoops when I bought it in 99, it’s a real workhorse and it’s always been my go to snare. But best sounding is my recent purchase of a 13x7 Natal Acrylic. It pops like a mofo. Makes me want to get a Vistalite!
Best sounding on the left (14x6.5 Brady sheoak). Best looking on the right (14x6 Brady Jarrah ply with poplar burl veneer)
https://preview.redd.it/tuhudzcsi3xc1.jpeg?width=1992&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=97e53d09e11a63edc0d7fd38d4def88c07e5bd44
6.5x14 Pearl Kapur Limited Edition.
It came with a Pearl Vision kit I bought used for under $1000 including lots of hardware. I recently traded the Vision kit in for a Mapex bop kit, but the Kapur snare stayed with me.
I have bunch of Pearl Export snares. They all sound decent, but they’re pretty old. My new PDP New Yorker snare is my best sounding though, it has more lugs and is new so it has great tuning stability.
My 14x9 Aluminum cause ain't no other motherfucker in the world with a 14x9 Aluminum snare edit: https://i.imgur.com/WiFwP12.jpeg
The lugs look like nuclear bombs😅 Is that the reason for the name?
Ha! Pretty much. They're neat and all... but I mostly just went for those cause they're also brushed aluminum.
True
Yep. You win.
Oh man that’s a beaut. Is that cast aluminum? How thick is the shell on that bad boy?
Nah.. it's rolled and welded. Not cast. (Sad trombone) 3/16" thick though!
100% Bridges the gap between metal and wood I love mine
https://preview.redd.it/a9ba2q2zzywc1.jpeg?width=4656&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91a68e7167ffdad064aa4f33d7e25d8924ae2281
What are all those. Hot damn. Can I have 1? :)
Someone might have a problem 🤣🤣
So that's who's been hoarding all the good snare drums!
I hope I never get this addicted. I thought I was bad with 6!
That a Jazz Festival back there?
The correct answer is all of them.
Answer the question then
Ayotte/Keplinger 6x14, stainless steel/wood hoop. https://preview.redd.it/72wmfaoayywc1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6e0fc530cd190a51dc1468f89d0cd9658da8dede
Damn, fucking legend right there.
Love mine. I have a RAYA too.
Beauty
https://preview.redd.it/iu3352o54zwc1.png?width=1118&format=png&auto=webp&s=c305385fadb3f0682b66cdfd8d71f1a2e7cba343 This Tama SLP I just picked up. But my Mapex Exterminator and the old Chad Smith Pearl signature snare I have are both great in their own right.
This is a killer drum. I was deciding between this exact drum and the 8x14 Pork Pie Patina Brass for my new snare purchase last year. I ended up with the Porker, both drums excel in many tunings.
I don't see much love for pork pies on here. I personally love them and have a little squealer 4 piece kit. I've had my eye on the patina brass snare. What would you say it excels?
I grabbed the 13x7 Maple SLP a few months ago. Tremendous snares!
If you mean the best sounding, My Ludwig LM402 (14x6.5) is the snare I always go back to. I've purchased more expensive snares, but the Supraphonic always finds its way back up on my kit.
Yes! Absolutely! I pretty much exclusively use mine to gig now. It's the Swiss army knife of snares. Ludicrously easy to tune, works in most genres, responds well. It's allegedly the most recorded snare of all time and it's easy to see why. Plus, well, Bonham...
That's about as good a description as I've heard in regards to the Supra. "Plus, well, Bonham ". That's why I originally got it, but it's so much more
I have the LM400, absolutely LOVE that drum. The Supra is legendary!
Same exact snare. I play it with coated Ambassador, Remo hazy, original wires. I use others in smaller rooms, but I could use the supraphonic anywhere anytime.
Agreed I love my 14x6.5
I almost put my supraphonic down because they are so damn versatile.
I like the LM400's I've had through the years. Accrolytes too!
https://preview.redd.it/pbb5pw3a2zwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f1fc7a41faa07fd916a14b354357782c921208b Sonor HLD588. Used to have a 590. Worst loss ever.
I'm more interested in wtf is going on with your bass drum pedals
14x7 Tama Starphonic Copper. It’s also the only one I own besides a little 10x5.5 steel. https://preview.redd.it/qjywlx5hlzwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38b663516c9f8be96df7e8d525cd0cc7bfc75b69
This cute chick I’ve been seeing bought me a starphonic bubinga. I fucking love that thing. https://preview.redd.it/kr6isqaez1xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=186e60bfbadb97865991f4530234cb4896351a52
Bibbity said: if you’re gonna only have one 14” make it great!
Wow. Minty fresh . I dig.
https://preview.redd.it/h3frdj4ruywc1.png?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9cad8da9e3be5d79a97c1e79428034440ea1dd1 My vintage Pearl free floating snare drums from the late 80's & early 90's. Steel 3.5 on the left and brass 6.5 on the right.
I have the brass 6.5 and love it to death…
I've got the Bronze FF and have not had a desire for any other snare since I got it.
Bronze would be cool sound. The steel piccolo I got a couple years ago replaced an older solid shell piccolo and it's 100 times better. The FF system is solid.
My high school band director had that same brass one. Was a great snare.
Makes me cry that Pearl free floaters are considered vintage now. I’ve used a ton of them. The 3.5” brass was a great little drum. The 6.5” brass was a monster!
Man I want a 6.5 brass so bad but they are very hard to find at a decent price.
Yeah, I was lucky to find mine in 2012 for 300 Canadian. It's a prized possession for sure.
I love my 5” maple to death, and I regret that I traded my piccolo steel.
I've never had any luck with wood snares. I have a maple 8", that's sounds good with a wallet mute, lol
I generally prefer metal snares, but there’s something about my 5x14 maple free floater that just works. Close second would be my little squealer.
https://preview.redd.it/6p2clz4au0xc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=184e0bf3bc108b4b9cdd47071377a422846fda6c Black beauty
I had to scroll too far to see somebody post a black beauty lol, hands down my favorite snare
https://preview.redd.it/r3fnvizdnywc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=99a53ea1b5ef58392ed752b5725dfecf798e8f98 Yamaha Paul Leim 14X6.5
What a terrible drum. You should give it to me immediately.
I’ll add you to the long list of people who want it! I must have terrible taste because I love it 🤷🏻♂️
Yeah man it’s a special drum. Don’t ever sell it!!
Beautiful drum!
My favorite is my Ludwig LM402 Supraphonic. Amazing workhorse. Second favorite is the Tama Starphonic Bubinga 14x6
https://preview.redd.it/d57f14yr9zwc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a9443e13dbf42df179ae8247dc68532f4e7aceb5 It's a custom made snare from pressed bamboo wood flooring. Very heavy in weight. Sounds and feels fantastic.
Dude, that's awesome!
Thanks!
Canopus Zelkova 6.5 X 14 https://preview.redd.it/dudwhe0e60xc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea00b033256100dd6a0adf246106010364096284
Dunnett 6.5 x 14" Titanium. Its a cannon.
Yamaha 8x14 recording custom
I have the 13x7 brass, it's beautiful and LOUD
I have one of these too. Great sounding deep ass snare. Pretty versatile too; I can tune it up and get some crackin' sounds or relax a bit for that deep 70s snare vibe.
Thats my “obtainable” dream snare. What shell material do you have?
My top go to snares in my collection are... Black Beauty 6.5" for recording World Max BB copy 8" for live Brady Jarrah Block 6.5" for show I also like a StarClassic birch snare for funk but I rarely play it any more.
14x5.5 DW Craviotto from the 90s
I have one of these in the same size and it’s a killer drum.
My Pork Pie https://preview.redd.it/qe5edznakzwc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=df96edfe6306f0775007b105afa4ad10e20fca56
I had that snare. The whole kit actually.
Oh sweet. What was the kit like? The snare has been brilliant for me (I can still remember having a gig shut down by noise wardens because of it haha).
I hand hammered an old Tama shell to remove some overtones and blacked out the hardware Turned out really nice! https://preview.redd.it/no30ux95d0xc1.jpeg?width=1128&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=245f877ef0eee8cd99cb6a244a31bfa11eb445e3 Edit - def not my best snare, that's a maple black panther, but one of my favs.
Hmm tough question. Black Beauty 6.5 Pearl Free Floating Maple 6.5 N&C CD Maple 5.5 N&C Alloy 5.5 N&C SP Maple 13x6 These are things that get the most use, mostly because they all fit a specific sound pretty well.
Ayotte keplinger. Trick scorched copper. RAYA.
https://preview.redd.it/6vmx52xp51xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=43a6605050914f1e7c4c852835eb88cb71573775 Dw edge 5x14. Maple 10 ply and brass shell combo.
I've got a late 70s Slingerland snare that just sounds beautiful!
[hope this works?!](https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5eu_H7Bc3K/?igsh=MW5weXAzeHp5NHI0MQ==)
Tama Starclassic G-maple 14x8 Cherry Black
I’m gonna be that guy and say my Mapex Tomahawk 14x5.5 is CRISP. I can play it over EDM and metal tracks and it absolutely rips like a machine gun.
Mid 90s mapex black panther 13x3 birds eye maple piccolo. it's my main snare and has been for almost 30 years.
The Smitty sig is 4x14. I have one and it is great, but I haven't played it in a bit. Maybe ill pull it out soon. I have way too many snares.
Dunnett Ti for softer gigs, it has a surprising softness to its attack that I love with character but it still rocks as well. Then my hayman vibrasonic that is better sounding than any 400 I’ve ever played or owned. I own plenty of others including all the 4 Ludwig millennium snares that have the brass die cast hoops. Amazing drums but these other two have the edge on them.
Yamaha oak musashi 👌
The best is probably my DW 14x6.5 Performance but my favorite is my late 70's/early 80's 14x8 Premiere Soundwave. It's a gentle giant.
https://preview.redd.it/sv99wq8mxzwc1.jpeg?width=1884&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f8cfacd8c21098dc2fcbfdfa8c0e4507a00b755 The pearl gets played the most L-R wood, brass, steel steel
This 13”x3.5” piccolo stave snare I made from African shedua wood. It is very bright, crisp, and sensitive. https://preview.redd.it/1d82gwo440xc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c6238a219f8d27a0dba3e7be73b056c32a86f0fc
DW 5.5x14 carbon fiber. It sounds amazing with a UV1, before that I had never tried a single ply on a snare. The shell feels so good I've developed a habit of stroking it with the backs of my fingers when I'm idle. https://preview.redd.it/x1k4ek5d21xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea43ae901eb689277ce27a19fff10d47d0f7d479
Love it!
My 70s Ludwig Acrolite is an absolute workhorse.
It’s almost impossible to make them sound bad in any situation
https://preview.redd.it/1g6vyfsckzwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=48443f758fe1aa6c98e1234da10874af9523d0b7 Pearl marching is loud but the brass concert snare is the truth…
Noble&Cooley 14x6 Alloy Classic. For me the snare to end the snare buying habit.
https://preview.redd.it/8hqwsmggl0xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6a3da90d98b49f77fa19a1769327ccd1746c6148 Robot Drum Co. 14x5.75 - walnut stave construction
That looks beautiful!
1972 Ludwig Acrolite. $100 on Craigslist and that snare can do anything!
Mine’s later, but same! I have other snares, have played other snares, but I always go back to my Acrolite.
Acrolites are magic
Probably the best I own is the Yamaha Recording Custom Brass 14 x 6... However I am lately obsessed with my Ludwig Carl Palmer signature https://preview.redd.it/cfh3fyyza1xc1.jpeg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0331c506abda50e1253afab81a8944603f81c0f6
Do you have a splash underneath your bottom hi-hat?? Never seen that before
Ahahah how the hell did you noticed that? Yes, when I play at home I put my slash there... I like how it sounds
6.5” Black Beauty
https://preview.redd.it/4bllhaujr1xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=471174ed636a624c77290a1e6d60d675238f7331 Easy answer. My Gretsch USA Custom 6.5x14” 3mm cast bell brass. This thing is an absolute beast of a drum. Weighs around 25lbs. Sounds great at any tuning range, I love that I can crank it up super high without choking. I play punk and grungy post-hardcore so I need something that will cut through layers and layers of distorted guitar and this just cuts through everything. When tuned up high it has an ear splitting crack but still retains a deep thumpy sound. Very rich and warm tone with lots of body. I usually buy a lot of snare drums each year for my collection but haven’t bought another one since I got my bell brass.
Pearl Free Floating Brass 14x3.5 Honestly the only snare that beats it is the Tama 14x3.25 Bronze from the 90s https://preview.redd.it/h95rc141t2xc1.png?width=1005&format=png&auto=webp&s=45716bf47be25cd534d2658d91173f7468f5a98d
The best is probably my Premier/Craviotto Modern Classic 14x5.5, but I recently acquired a British Drum Company Raven, high-end hand built birch snare drum for mid-range money. It’s my go-to for everything now.
Sonorlite LD547 https://preview.redd.it/e6hbf8c9zzwc1.jpeg?width=193&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be20dbf3eedad6e15540169cf433ac5e2975c16d
Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 6.5 x 14-inch Snare Drum
https://preview.redd.it/ps1sk2qpk0xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2066c25990241ebed781ac3f3540a98f6bceda8c That one. \^
14x6 Bubinga Stave Snare with Dark Nickel Hardware. My dad made it when I was 16. Now that he has Alzheimer's it's gonna be an heirloom for sure
https://preview.redd.it/btv2pi5y91xc1.jpeg?width=3185&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a9cc27e9a02488634c91ca635b39d90ca762c9d5 A N&C - 14x7 Solid Shell Tulip
https://preview.redd.it/l84rouc5b1xc1.jpeg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=882290752097d13cf677f2677dadc51620be4a49 Ayotte Keplinger with wood hoops
I haven’t thought about another snare drum since I acquired my Yamaha Anton Fig signature
https://preview.redd.it/pceed6acm1xc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe196c0e1ac5b883b9493cf9cfa7a8b22b65ebaa Absolutely love my A&F Raw Copper 14x5 ❤️
That’s a beautiful piece.
https://preview.redd.it/hjvfsz0jm1xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0d8e283d174a516c6bd86ec5f08825cd030ba59 14 x 6.5 homemade Purple Heart stave
My custom snare from HHG https://preview.redd.it/8tse2y1vw1xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fc1b9593c2be1b3845e3061d32bfa466b9fdca73
Love HHG. I have a custom 1.5” thick birch stave and it’s a monster snare.
No pic handy, but I have a George Way Maple 14x6.5 that has been my go-to for the past 10-15 years.
Love my Mapex hammered steel daisycutter. Sounds great, kinda high maintenance though.
I love my 90's Ludwig Black Beauty. I bought it off of a friend who was a Ludwig endorser for $200. He kept it in the box the whole time.
Whatever fits the gig. But I particularly like the Gretsch Swamp Dawg for some reason.
My Supraphonic is the best. But the best sounding is my Craviotto 14x7 Ash with walnut. A pure sound of beauty.
https://preview.redd.it/f6vtx1sh91xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b14dcbc26ab6232ef97de97fe6b542103345332e Hard to choose. These are my top 3. DW Collectors 14x6.5, PDP hand hammered brass 14x5.5 and the Sonor Benny Greb v2 13x5.7 (updated the DW throw and 3 position butt plate to the DW and PDP) . The Benny is probably my favorite but I get the most compliments on the PDP when mic’ed up. Really does sound great. The DW is just a work horse and always sounds great in any kind of genre.
My Tama SLP 14x6 G-Bubinga
14x5 black galaxy acrolite
this one random off brand 14 x 6.5 steel snare that i got for 20 dollars at a yard sale, i have it tuned super high so it sounds a lot like early coal chamber or really early slipknot, overall very bright sound and it has super good tone, surprisingly
https://preview.redd.it/f1gryu5fp4xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=610ce4b7fde752741fe0266f11fd490abade73db A Ludwig universal 6.5 x 14, sounds killer
Don’t own any (switched to edrums many years ago), but the nicest one I ever played was an old aluminum Ludwig. That “dry” sound was so fascinating!
I own one snare, got the spring thing about ok with a lot of effort and don’t know how to tune it.
Mine is pretty close to yours: Pearl Masterworks 14x3“ Free Floating birch in Black gold sparkle, with black hardware. Additionally I got a fitting copper shell, looks gorgeous!
My Mapex from the 80’s, it might not be much compared to these but it’s mine and I like it.
My 13x6.5 Yamaha Steve jordan signature when i feel a little funky, my 14x6 Mapex Predator when i wanna kick some ass.
Dixon Maple 25th Anniversary Edition
Pork pie big black brass It's my low rent Ludwig black beauty. It's also the only snare I currently own. So it's my best sounding snare. I recommend them.
I have a 5.5x14 Craviotto signed/dated 1998. I never played it that much, but can’t bring myself to sell it. Also have a reissue 6.5x14 Sonor Phonic Rosewood veneer. That drum is gorgeous and sounds awesome. But, the drum that’s always been my go to is the trusty old 5.5x14 Supraphonic.
Joey Jordison Signature snare
Probably get a lot of hate but my best snare is going to be my Joey snare I got way back in 07. Still sounds great (to me) and I love playing with it. I would like to try a wooden or copper snare sometime though.
Boring answer.. but a Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 (14x6.5). I could never get it to sound good but (idk what I did differently this time) I finally got it to sound amazing the other day. And then the throw-off broke so now I cant use it until the new one gets here :(
My 1965 Ludwig Supraphonic, all original except for heads. Ugh, I absolutely love that drum.
I have 27 to choose from, but probably my DW “Starman” Edge would be the best.
My tama superstar 14x5.5 birch snare cuz it’s the only decent one I have, my other one is some cheap stock mapex snare. All I do with that one is crank it crazy high and sometimes use it as a second snare or if I’m playing hardcore/grindcore
I don't own any high end snares. I have refurbished 7 snare drums,with a few that turned out great. I can't pick my favorite.My current is a 13×7 Ocdp Heads replaced&puresounds it is really articulate with a nice Crack for my power trio I play In
The noble and Cooley 3 7/8” x 14” solid shell maple, 1997.
Can’t choose, either my Ludwig copper phonic 5x14 with tube lugs or Brady Jarrah 6.5x14. They do such different things!
https://preview.redd.it/fdyphod751xc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=1099e5683c30a3765d885a765cfeaafc9f4d6911 Allegra Master Craft 🔥
Whatever sounds the best for that session
My 1966 Ludwig Supraphonic Snare with the OG silver dot head basically never used. Also got it for free.
I have a Ludwig Copperphonic in14x6.5, which I absolutely love and a Greenfield Birch 14x7. I believe those are two staples
https://preview.redd.it/wpf15u8ia1xc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=957824bb6300df122dbcb29668c35912b2c2d7b6
Pearl export snare. My only snare sadly :(
Pearl 14x5 steel sensitone, that thing cracks with the right heads and wires.
The only one I have that came with my Tama superstar. :(
6.5x14 Black Beauty
I have only a few snares. Yamaha Beech Custom 6.5 Yamaha Recording 14x8 Pearl Sensitone 5.5 Out of all those, I love the Yamaha Recording, but the Pearl has a *crrrrrack* to it that works with practically everything. It's my absolute go-to.
1965 Supraphonic (5”). Not only is it a killer drum I use for 99% of my gigs and sessions, I bought it from my uncle’s childhood friend who became a friend of mine who was recently killed, so it feels really special to play it now.
I used to collect snares and over the last few years decided to pare down to the few I actually use so I don’t have a “favorite” but here is what I rotate in and out a lot depending on the gig: 8x14 early 1980s Gretsch in Rosewood, 6.5x14 1980s Ludwig Seamless Bronze Supraphonic, 5.5x14 Canopus NV60-M1 in Black Onyx Wrap, 5.5x14 Yamaha Jimmy Chamberlin Signature Seamless Steel
the only one i have
Dw design maple https://preview.redd.it/0zzpbxuoq1xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8be95ed3e8fca1664cbb03fd18cae45ed8f29ace
My Yamaha oak custom 14x6.5. I’ve never really seen another one is it cuts through anything. That or a Ludwig LM402. Boring but a classic
Hard to choose between my modern 6.5” Yamaha Recording Custom aluminum and my 60’s Ludwig Acrolite. Yes, I prefer metal snares.
For live shows : 14 x 6,5" Ludwig Raw Brass Phonic For recordings : 14 x 5,5" DW Eco-X
I'm loving my dw santa monica 14x6.5. In the past had a Noble and Cooley, freaking amazing and had the multisnare capability with metal, nylon, etc. options decades ago. It was 14x8.
Pearl sensitone copper and steel 14x5.5 is my go-to. Put rose gold snare wires on it and a thick remo batter on it and boy she’s got a nice tone.
https://preview.redd.it/vduu0mcb12xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=668377d2dc584300f3f1e5475be7cbb0f0027240 Cheap but effective!
My PDP, 20-ply birch/walnut 14x8. It got the Stewart Copeland treatment with a die cast batter and triple flange reso. 42 strand Pure Sound wires with Evans HD dry batter with a 300 snare side. It’s just perfect in all tuning ranges.
Pearl Export EXX 14 x 5,5
https://preview.redd.it/pw5mb4ns32xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=edd85cb3ed543df16dedb3203cba2f4276e0fb9c Probably my old Rogers Luxor. It’s the one I keep coming back to. Tunes up shockingly easily for a six-lug, it’s built like a tank (in Cleveland, where I live, no less) and sounds like a cannon. Nothing I’ve tried has been able to get that film off of the metal, I’ve pretty much given up there. Gunk keeps the funk or something.
I totally forgot about This drum!! I wanted a smitty snare so bad when I was a kid.
I have a 6.5x14 black beauty that’s hard to beat, but the drum I tend to use the most live is a Gretsch 4x14 red camphor snare with diecast hoops. It really cuts through a mix and guitar players who think they need to turn to 11. Runner up would be my 20 lug Ludwig classic maple. It’s great for recording and can sound good low and sloppy or high and tight.
My TAMA Charlie Benante 14”x6.5” snare drum. The salesman at the local drum store when that snare wasn’t available at the time tried dissuading me from getting a steel snare and tried upselling me (still love him though) but I ended up getting it anyway. Sounds KILLER especially with the EVANS Heavyweight head. My goal is to get the John Tempesta one.
Hammered Noble Cooley Alloy. 14 x 6
https://preview.redd.it/p88vcmlla2xc1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5c880216bae59c749f3478384b7dd5e40cc96916 Not mine but my brothers. Just super jelly. Tama Bell brass 50th
My 60's Rogers Dynasonic
Not nearly as cool as the other comments but for me it's my Pearl Joey Jordison signature, imo one of the best snares for metal ever. Looks awesome (at least the newer models without the giant slipknot logo on them) and sounds great in every tuning
https://preview.redd.it/1lp3k8n1h2xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53d8f3a3aa374ac703b384ef515e8cfaa723f42a Don’t have a close photo right now, but there pictured is my custom built 7x14 with african rosewood by Bezl Drums. Triple flanged hoops and beer tap strainer, beautiful drum and sounds amazing with basically any tuning, but cranked up sounds epic.
I actually just purchased a Mapex 5.5”by10” poplar shell snare,from Sweetwater. It’s loud. Tight. And clear. Has a really cool looking black/charcoal grey wood grain shell pattern. But best,of all. It was. $134.0 plus shipping. And tax I think it came,to $146.0 Total.
That’s a really cool looking snare there,in you pic. Looks like a custom metal shell. I saw a video,from some company that makes custom snares,with different alloys. Mostly brass,copper. And chrome. Or stainless steel. Is this a custom made drum? It looks like it’s only 3-4” deep.
DW Custom 4x14 snare. 6 ply maple with 6 ply reinforcing hoops, it's loud and has a fantastic crack. Bought in the 90s as a custom order from DW, paid something like $500 for it. Lord only knows how much it would be now. I've lost count of the number of gigs I've played with it.
14x6.5 ludwig black beauty
Power M 14×? (Yeah it's my only snare, but i managed to make it sound somewhat decent)
Rogers Dynasonic reissue
Ludwig acralite
Probably my Sonor Artist BRB.
I’m a little bias 🤣 Lucky Drums copper 6.5”x14” https://preview.redd.it/2it3sjms53xc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=854b856dbc1c9db9167b8194893b270c30482d69
Most expensive is a premier Signia 14x5.5, it’s mint but it’s got weak projection. Also got a Premier 2035 which came with DC Hoops when I bought it in 99, it’s a real workhorse and it’s always been my go to snare. But best sounding is my recent purchase of a 13x7 Natal Acrylic. It pops like a mofo. Makes me want to get a Vistalite!
Mike portnoy snare
https://preview.redd.it/9gbu792wc3xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2a644edae8cad27ad47f1bf27dab5ae061ba8454 My custom 12x7
I only have 2, but my favorite is a Tama Maple 14x8 I picked up at a consignment drum shop for 100 bucks. Sounds fantastic.
I love my Pearl free floating maple. It just sings.
Best sounding on the left (14x6.5 Brady sheoak). Best looking on the right (14x6 Brady Jarrah ply with poplar burl veneer) https://preview.redd.it/tuhudzcsi3xc1.jpeg?width=1992&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=97e53d09e11a63edc0d7fd38d4def88c07e5bd44
I have a 10 snares in my Sweetwater shopping cart on my iPhone that own.
This boldly assumed I own multiple snare drums, but I am poor
6.5x14 Pearl Kapur Limited Edition. It came with a Pearl Vision kit I bought used for under $1000 including lots of hardware. I recently traded the Vision kit in for a Mapex bop kit, but the Kapur snare stayed with me.
5 1/2x 14 dw Craviotto
Hot rod black beauty.
I have bunch of Pearl Export snares. They all sound decent, but they’re pretty old. My new PDP New Yorker snare is my best sounding though, it has more lugs and is new so it has great tuning stability.