Versatile snare around £250

[Tamastar]

I am thinking about buying a snare drum for my kit. i still have the terrible one that came with it. my price range is around £250, but i could go slightly higher, and anything cheaper is brill. i like the sound of metal snares (the material, not the genre), but i would still consider buying a versatile wooden snare. Any suggestions??
Thanks, Henry

[Ricardo]

Two weeks ago, I traded for a Gretsch G4164 COB 5X14 snare............it is part of the USA offering from Gretsch, which means it is considered one of their top-shelf provisions.

I have played it twice at band practice and have been pleasantly surprised at how versatile this drum is...............sounds great and I think it is within your budget..............more mellow than I expected but still a brass snare.

Cast hoops, lightning throw, 42-wire snares...............cool drum.

[DanielS]

Check out the Tama Starphonic 14x6 steelsnare. Very good sounding versatile snare

[SpazApproved]

The Tama SLP G-Maple 13x7 is one of my top favorite snares right now. It's awesome!

[isaacvining]

I think a Ludwig Acrolite would fit the bill very well. It's a metal snare and one of the most trusted and reliable snares in all of the world of drums. With patience they can be found sub $100.

Another good option is one of the Pork Pie Big Black Brass. It's a fantastic Black Beauty clone that can be had under $250 (not sure what that is in pounds).

[BigFatDrummer]

I had almost the same requirements when I purchased new snare a few years ago. However, I preferred the sound of wood at the time so I ended up going for the Mapex Black Panther Black Widow which can be found for around £250:



A versatile metal alternative from the same line would be the Brass Cat but this comes in at around £350:

[EyePea]

Ludwig Acrolite.

[Tamastar]

I think a Ludwig Acrolite would fit the bill very well. It's a metal snare and one of the most trusted and reliable snares in all of the world of drums. With patience they can be found sub $100.

Another good option is one of the Pork Pie Big Black Brass. It's a fantastic Black Beauty clone that can be had under $250 (not sure what that is in pounds).

We don't get much pork pie around her (shame), but the one shop i know that sell them have it at £299 :(

[Dodeska]

There's a couple of Mapex Black Panther Blades on ebay at the moment at around the £100 mark. I got one earlier this year for £70 & it was in almost perfect condition. Great steel snare, especially at that price!

[SpatzST]

Can someone give me an example of a non-versatile snare that is anywhere from 5x14 to 6.5x14?

I've never played a snare and been like.. yup... this is only good for one specific genre.

Point is OP, just buy whatever snare sounds good to you in your price range.

[PeterBowman]

Can someone give me an example of a non-versatile snare that is anywhere from 5x14 to 6.5x14?

I've never played a snare and been like.. yup... this is only good for one specific genre.

Point is OP, just buy whatever snare sounds good to you in your price range.

probably the Lars Ulrich Tama signature snare.....meant to be loud and loud only I believe.

[PeterBowman]

I'll second Spazz on the Tama G-Maple...that's on my list to get too

but I'll recommend the Tama SLP Sonic Steel 13x7....very sensitive and has a rimshot that can take your head off if needed.

[Tamastar]

I'll second Spazz on the Tama G-Maple...that's on my list to get too

but I'll recommend the Tama SLP Sonic Steel 13x7....very sensitive and has a rimshot that can take your head off if needed.

Cool, i'm kind of leaning towards either tama or ludwig, because 1) I have a tama kit and 2) Ludwig have a good reputation in the snare biz

[Tamastar]

I have been looking around , and have found a nice looking Tama SLP Hammered steel snare.
I play a steel snare at my brass band, and it is nice (pearl sensitone), but will hammering give it a more dry sound than a normal, more musical sounding metal snare?

[Olimpass]

I am thinking about buying a snare drum for my kit. i still have the terrible one that came with it. Any suggestions??
Thanks, Henry

I don't know how terrible the snare that came with your kit is but you may be able to try new heads, throw off and or snare wires depending on what may be wrong with it. It may be worth a try.

[MrB]

Another vote for the Acrolite, and Ludwig metal snares in general. I'm partial to Taye metal snares, and the Pearl Sensitone series looks interesting.

[bdonley]

Another vote for the Acrolite, and Ludwig metal snares in general. I'm partial to Taye metal snares, and the Pearl Sensitone series looks interesting.

Yep! Supra/Acrolite. Can't go wrong with either. The most recorded snare in history for good reason. I have one of each, and an old brass Pioneer. They're all fun.......

[Tamastar]

Anyone tried a ludwig supralite? they look interesting...

[Ricardo]

The Ludwig Supra is an excellent snare.
I played one for years and regretted trading it away.
You can find them used for a decent price.

[Olimpass]

Anyone tried a ludwig supralite? they look interesting...

Haven't tried one (Ludwig Supralite) but what's cool about them is they're 1.5mm beaded steel, tube lugs and have a variety of sizes, 14x4, 14x5.5, 14x6.5 and 15x5 all in the same close price range.

The Ludwig Supraphonic is the most recorded snare drum which is basically a chrome plated Acrolite (Lud-a-loy / aluminum) with the Imperial lugs.

I'd go with an Acrolite for the best sound versatility and value IMO.

[G-man]

Everybody should have an Acrolite at some point. Great drum.

[EyePea]

Everybody should have an Acrolite at some point. Great drum.

What he said.

[kay-gee]

Ludwig rules snare world!!!


all the best...

[yam gb]

I'm in England too. Try a World Max....black nickel over brass. 6 and half and 5".....both same price...about £190 new! Just got my second 5"...Throw-off is a bit clunky, but great sounding drums.