Sharp Snare

[The Chazbo]

Hey guys, im a newbie here, and was just looking for some help with my snare drum. I have a Mapex M Birch 14" x 6" snare drum, woth the standard snare wire, standard Remo/Mapex side skin and Remo Emperor X batter head, through recommendation of a friend. I've got the drum sounding fairly good, but it's just a little too sharp for my liking, and was wondering if there's any way I could take some of the sharpness off without dulling the sound of the snare.

If anyone can make sense of that question and help me, I'd greatly appreciate it

[fiacovaz]

The Birch shell is going to have a sharper attack in the first place...which is why so many drummers like it when playing Rock. The Emperor is a double ply head that cuts down the natural resonance of a drum shell. You might want to try a thinner batter head...Ambassador and also loosen the batter head slightly. Our friends always mean well but, when it comes to playing musical instruments, what works well for one performer does not mean it will be suited for an other performer. We have to learn to the physical characteristics of our instruments as this relates to sound. Then, we can choose the material that will best compliment our playing. I like the Birch shells but, I play strictly jazz...small group and Big Band. Maple or 3 ply Maple/Mahogany is what works best in my situatiom...I need a little resonance from the drums, nothing to sharp. I also use coated batter heads for a warm and mellow sound. You never did say what kind of music you are playing but, from your description, I would think it's not really fierce Rock.

[The Chazbo]

Thanks for the advice =] I spoke to someone else today in a specialist shop and they said the same thing, although I played around with the snare a bit, loosened the head up by pushing on it, oiled the lugs and tightened it a bit more. It's still quite sharp, but it has a lovely tone to it and no unwanted ring at the end of it. I took it along to play with my band this afternoon and it sounded pretty awesome =]. So it turned out ok

[pastor_bob]

Glad things turned out well Chazbo, and for the future, Fiacovaz has given some excellent advice that you can store away for later use. Welcome to Drum Chat!

[ratmycue]

Just keep whacking it with no ear protection for a few months and your issue will be solved!!

It will sound as dull as a fart in a wind tunnel. and welcome,

[Zeta]

Just keep whacking it with no ear protection for a few months and your issue will be solved!!

It will sound as dull as a fart in a wind tunnel. and welcome,

Well the funny thing is i did the same exact thing, i bought an emperor x and could not get my snare to sound the way i wanted it, because i like a nice dry snare, so i put the stock head back on in it cracks like a whip.

its all just a personal preference i guess.

Welcome to DC!

[ironfist]

Just keep whacking it with no ear protection for a few months and your issue will be solved!!

It will sound as dull as a fart in a wind tunnel. and welcome,

pardon

[backtodrum]

2 ply head!