Snare drum advice

[BigFatDrummer]

Hello one and all!

I suspect that this question may have been asked many times but I would like to obtain some advice from the good people of DC on the subject of snare choice.

I do not have the luxury of purchasing a number of different snares for the varying applications I play. Therefore I'm looking for a solid all rounder that:

1. Can be used for rock both modern and classic.
2. Can be used in the church setting - this will mean it will require some sensitivity at lower volumes.
3. An ability to tune in some crack and pop sounds for more funkier sounds.
4. An ability to tune in warmer tones when needed.

As you can see I'm probably trying to find something that possibly doesn't really exist so I'm sure there will be some compromise on some points.

My budget isn't much - around the £200-250 mark but I'm looking at the second hand market which I think will get me a quality drum.

My research so far has indicated something in the Black Panther range which I have seen come on the used market for prices I can afford. The video below demo's the new 2010 range:



Based on this video, my stand outs are either the Black Widow or the Panther. However, I am very much open to other models and brands.

So, over to you...

[late8]

Hello one and all!

I suspect that this question may have been asked many times but I would like to obtain some advice from the good people of DC on the subject of snare choice.

I do not have the luxury of purchasing a number of different snares for the varying applications I play. Therefore I'm looking for a solid all rounder that:

1. Can be used for rock both modern and classic.
2. Can be used in the church setting - this will mean it will require some sensitivity at lower volumes.
3. An ability to tune in some crack and pop sounds for more funkier sounds.
4. An ability to tune in warmer tones when needed.

As you can see I'm probably trying to find something that possibly doesn't really exist so I'm sure there will be some compromise on some points.

My budget isn't much - around the £200-250 mark but I'm looking at the second hand market which I think will get me a quality drum.

My research so far has indicated something in the Black Panther range which I have seen come on the used market for prices I can afford. The video below demo's the new 2010 range:

Based on this video, my stand outs are either the Black Widow or the Panther. However, I am very much open to other models and brands.

So, over to you...

Hello BFD! Here's a second hand 6.5x14" Mapex Birds Eye Maple snare I found for £175.



In my humble opinion it has everything you are looking for:

1. Can be used for rock both modern and classic.
2. Can be used in the church setting - this will mean it will require some sensitivity at lower volumes.
3. An ability to tune in some crack and pop sounds for more funkier sounds.
4. An ability to tune in warmer tones when needed.

[kyle102565]

3 words,Ludwig Black Beauty

[rickthedrummer]

3 words,Ludwig Black Beauty

I'll second that. I've used them (in my case, the Super Sensitive) in big band jazz, small un-amped trio, and straight ahead rock&roll.

The best snare drum ever made.

The downside, they are not cheap.

[kaosotis]

Another option, although not super cheap and not that common used, is the Tama 5x14 Stewart Copeland Signature Chrome over Brass snare. I have one of these and like the Ludwig BB it can be used for anything, but it's half the price or less.

[Screwy]

3 words,Ludwig Black Beauty

Way out of his price range in the UK considering they're ~$600USD in the states where they're made.

Of the two that the OP mentioned, I love sound clips of the Panther on Mapex's site.

I might look into one as a more affordable thick shelled metal drum as opposed to N&C's Alloy Classics, or a Dunnett.

[late8]

£200-250 = $321-400 US dollar

[Screwy]

£200-250 = $321-400 US dollar

True but that doesn't always translate the same on the street. It's not as cut and dry as that. Someone pointed that out to me on an earlier thread.

Just as an example, I just found a new Ludwig BB new on the UK Ebay site for £548.00. That's a lot more than the $600 that you can buy that drum for in the States.

[dropdtune]

I can speak up for Pearl Ian Paice Signature. Very under-rated, its like a Ludwig Supraphonic only half the price. Great price point. But I also like all things Ludwig ......

[late8]

True but that doesn't always translate the same on the street. It's not as cut and dry as that. Someone pointed that out to me on an earlier thread.

Just as an example, I just found a new Ludwig BB new on the UK Ebay site for £548.00. That's a lot more than the $600 that you can buy that drum for in the States.

You misunderstood my point. £200-250 = $321-400 is the conversion rate from British pounds to US dollars. I posted what the budget is for this particular purchase so those of us in the U.S. know how much the budget is. People are suggesting snare drums that cost well above £250.

[weezy]

Brass, aluminum, and maple come to mind. Probably a 5 or 5 1/2 inch depth for sensitivity. Buying used is a good way to stretch your budged. I don't know what the market is like in the UK, but you might be able to find a used Ludwig Supraphonic in your range. Barring that, a Ludwig Acrolite. Pearl sensitone: aluminum or brass, but not steel. These are all pretty ubiquitous on the used market in the States. A used Black Panther would be pretty sweet, just stay away from any of the steel models. Whenever possible, try before you buy. And, bring a drum key to see if it has the tuning range you need to accomodate your needs. Happy hunting.

[Russ]

Sounds like you're interested in a general use workhorse snare. For that, the Ludwig Supraphonic 402 comes to mind and gets my vote(if you can get a good price on it, if not try an acrolite). If you prefer a wood shell, look for a Slingerland Radio King.

[ThePloughman]

Ludwig Acrolite, used. Any era.

[BigFatDrummer]

Thanks for all the advice so far - very helpful!

The UK market for Black Beauties is very strong which keeps prices beyond my current reach. That would be an awesome drum to own!

Please keep the suggestions coming. I'm taking my time on this one and will be looking to try out plenty of snares in drum shops over the coming months before deciding on a model to hunt on the used/ex-demo market.

[kyle102565]

granted the black beauty is pricey but they can be bought used in great condition in the mid 400 range. im still shopping for one. i will second the black panther which ive demo'd and like, not to mention very pretty.

[BigFatDrummer]

granted the black beauty is pricey but they can be bought used in great condition in the mid 400 range. im still shopping for one. i will second the black panther which ive demo'd and like, not to mention very pretty.

Thanks Kyle for your thoughts. Which Black Panther model are you referring to?

The more I listen to the sounds files on the Mapex website the more I love the Black Widow. I need to see if I can try some snares out I think.

Does anyone use/used the Black Widow at all that could provide a review?

[SomeGuyDude]

Pork Pie Big BOB. The shell used for it has BEATEN the Black Beauty in blind listening tests before, and it's about 1/3 the price.

I have one, and I adore everything about it.

EDIT: I should note that I went into this purchase with about $400USD in my pocket. I was looking at one of the Panthers, maybe a second hand Beauty or a Black Magic. I walked out with a BOB because it sounded amazing and I couldn't see why I'd want to spend any more on a drum that didn't sound better.

[kyle102565]

sometimes the snare picks you. case in point i picked up a 10 lug brass piccolo for 50 bucks mint condition and i just love the damn thing. it scares dogs and makes kids cry though.

[marko138]

sometimes the snare picks you. case in point i picked up a 10 lug brass piccolo for 50 bucks mint condition and i just love the damn thing. it scares dogs and makes kids cry though.

Sounds perfect!

[jafo]

I'll second any Ludwig Supraphonic or Acrolite recomandations, but will also look at Ludwigs Stainless Black Magic's also. Kinda close to Supraphonics, they have great sound in all ranges. It will be my next snare......

I currently own a Blue/Olive badge 14x5 Ludwig Supraphonic. Exellent snare, with tons of tunability. The 14x6.5 Supras have more indepth tone but the one I have gets it done. exellent snare. Scored it off the Bay for around $180. It was missing the tone control. Got one of those for around $25 brand new.

Supras on the Bay go for around $400 to $600 for the 14x6.5, $200 range for the 14x5's used.

Acrolites are anywhere from $150 to $200 range used.

S.S. Black Magic's 14x 6.5 are $300 up new, and not many used for sale. Tje 14x5 model is in the upper $200 range new.

[Kazaamski]

What do old radiokings run for in the UK?

[rickthedrummer]

Pork Pie Big BOB. The shell used for it has BEATEN the Black Beauty in blind listening tests before, and it's about 1/3 the price.

I have one, and I adore everything about it.

EDIT: I should note that I went into this purchase with about $400USD in my pocket. I was looking at one of the Panthers, maybe a second hand Beauty or a Black Magic. I walked out with a BOB because it sounded amazing and I couldn't see why I'd want to spend any more on a drum that didn't sound better.

Does it have the tuning range of a Black Beauty? Probably not.

In my traveling days, I saw Slingerland and Rogers sets with Supras as the snare drum, and BB's if they could get them, (although I liked the Dynasonic when I had my Rogers, it took more muffling to get rid of the ring from the rim shots). Also more than a few with Speed Kings.

I have 2 Ludwig BB SS's. I played on a lot of different drum sets over many years, and have met more drummers that have told me they wished they had a BB for their set, including a few that were sponsored by other companys, that played with Supras, or BB's.

Granted that the BB SS's are not for everyone. They can be touchy, and some don't like that.

All in all, I've played on virtually every "name" snare drum that has come out in the last 40 years, and I'll take my BB SS over any of them.

[Xoferif09]

Ludwig Acrolyte. Works for just abut everything imo. Good drum and cheap.

[tah821]

Ludwig Acrolite gets my vote as well.

[AndyC]

I had a Ludwig 400 for many years as my "Any gig, workhorse," snare. Then it got stolen, I needed a replcement fast as I was going away on a cruise, Local shops didn't have a Ludwig. I bought a 10 lug Pearl Sensitone. To be honest, I couldn't tell the difference and it was maybe 1/3rd the price.

Andy