What’s the Best Snare Drum for Me?
One of the most essential parts of a drum kit has to be the snare drum. In fact, since the sound of a drum kit depends heavily on the sound of the snare and cymbals, gigging drummers will always bring their own snare drum and cymbals to shows, even if a full drum kit has been provided. This is so that they still get their own, personal sound out of the kit. Because it is so important, what do you need to look out for when picking out your snare drum? In this Buyer’s Guide, we answer your snare-related FAQs to help you find what you need. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us!
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1. What’s a Snare Drum?
The snare drum (or just ‘snare’ for short) is the drum that’s set up between the legs of the seated drummer and is the most played part of a drum kit. The snare forms an essential part of the ‘backbeat’ and is used to play fills or drum rolls. Snares are also used in classical percussion where they’re more often referred to as timpani.
A special snare mat fitted with metal wires is attached to the underside of a snare drum. These wires vibrate against the resonance head (so the drum-skin on the bottom of the drum) to give the snare its distinctive, crisp sound. The snare mat can actually be turned off with a lever (the snare strainer) mounted on the side of the drum. Turning the ‘snare off’, creates a more round and warm drum sound.
2. How Big Should My Snare Drum Be?
The size of any drum is described by two measurements, e.g. 14” x 5”. The first number refers to the diameter of the drum shell and the second number refers to the depth.
A snare with a large diameter has a lower pitch than a snare with a smaller diameter. If you’re looking for a medium-sized (and sounding) snare for your kit, then a snare with a 14” diameter would be about right.
The deeper a snare drum is, the more volume it can produce and the more full the sound. The depth of a snare is usually around the 5” and 6.5” mark, so with a 14” x 5” snare, you have a versatile drum that will sound great in most popular music. If you want to play heavier music, then the depth and volume of a 14” x 6.5” snare will probably feel better. Of course, you could go for a size that sits somewhere in between so that the sound is a little less full or not too light. If you’re more interested in classical percussion, then there are specially made snares available that are much deeper and usually made of wood.
As is always the case when it comes to music, there are no specific rules, so it’s simply best to go for what feels and sounds best to you.
14” x 5” Snare Drums
14” x 5.5” Snare Drums
14” x 6” Snare Drums
14” x 6.5” Snare Drums
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3. What Kind of Materials Should My Snare be Made of?
If you’re a beginner, and an all-round drummer learning to play various different styles, then a wooden snare drum is a good choice. Later on, once you have a better idea of the kind of sound you’re looking for, it’s worth trying out something else.
A wooden snare sounds relatively warm and full and can come made of an immense range of different woods, each offering their own particular timbre. If you’re a beginner, then it’s likely that you won’t notice the difference between two different woods, but the most common snare wood is maple, followed by walnut, and then bubinga.
On average, a metal snare drum has more volume than a wooden snare, and has a slightly sharper sound to it. If you’re looking for a snare with the brightest sound possible and that can still be heard over the loudest guitar solo, then go for a steel snare. The sound of copper, brass, and bronze snares sit somewhere between the sound of wooden and steel snares.
4. What Kind of Snare Mat Should My Snare Drum Have?
A snare mat is made up of individual metal wires that are usually made of steel. Most snare drums will come with a snare mat fitted with 20 wires and produce that ‘standard’ snare sound that we’re all familiar with. The more wires a snare has, the more full and ‘broad’ its sound. Wide snare mats are more often used to play classical music. Remember! You can always swap the snare mat for a different one, but just make sure that you get the right size for the diameter of your snare!
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