However, some materials simply don’t catch on with the masses and develop a cut following among certain drum aficionados. Some snare drums are innovative and experimental in their construction. There are plenty of other materials used to make snare drums, but they are less popular and more niche. You may notice a boost in the low-end that is coupled with plenty of warm mids. In fact, bronze is often used for cymbals. Bronze: These types of snare drum shells are less common than other materials.You are most likely going to find these drums in orchestral ensembles. They do not emphasize the top-end too much, instead offering plenty of bass and mids. Copper: Copper snare drums give you a more round sound.They are not the most expensive snare drums either. They also offer lots of sustain and a fantastic overall presence. Steel: Steel snare drums give boosted mids and plenty of treble.They offer a great treble response and cut through any mix with relative ease.

Aluminum: These types of snare drums are dry and sharp.

It comes with an accentuated top-end without sacrificing too much bass and mid warmth.

Brass: This is the early known metal snare drum.

If you don’t like wood snare drums, you may also be interested in the metal variety. The sound is reminiscent of the Mahogany alternative, but they swap some bass for top-end.

Poplar: Poplar snares are becoming more popular in recent times.

As such, they are associated with a desirable vintage sound. They were also the most popular shells for years.

Mahogany: Mahogany snares are rich, warm, and resonant in the low and mid frequencies.

Beech: These types of snare drums offer a balanced tone but with an added mid-boost.

The balanced sound makes them one of the most versatile snare drums around.

Maple: Maple drums are more well-rounded than their Birch counterparts, but still provide plenty of bass.

There is plenty of attack, which is perfect for aggressive players.

Birch: Birch snare drums lend themselves to projection thanks to a great low-end response and clear treble.There are lots of materials to choose from.įor example, wood is one of the most popular types of snare drums, but these come in many of their own varieties as well. Without a doubt, one thing that changes the drum sound above all others is the type of material used in the design. There are lots of things you should consider before investing in a new snare drum. Things to Consider When Buying A Snare Drum Loose wires make the snare drum sound like a high-pitched tom.

Tight wires give you a quick and bright attack. These wires can be tightened or loosened to change the general sound of the drum. The snare is a collection of metal wires attached to either or both of the heads, usually the bottom. A snare drum is a percussion instrument that is made up of a round frame with two heads - top and bottom. We’ve even provided a nifty FAQ for your viewing pleasure. Within this guide, we’ll be covering everything you need to consider, as well as how much you should expect to pay for a popular snare drum. To help you make your purchase, we have provided this handy buying guide. If you’re not careful, you could easily wind up spending a lot of money on a drum that doesn’t do what you want. When choosing the right snare drum for your kit, you need to understand a few things about what makes a snare drum better than others.

Snappy snare heads