Are you into drumming? If you’re a total novice or simply wish to improve your kit, here’s something you can be sure of: the snare drum’s an essential element. It’s the backbone of a drum set and gives you that sharp, crisp sound that can slice through the mix in almost any genre of music. From rock and jazz to marching bands and classical orchestras, the snare drum is the centrepiece always. If you’ve ever been tapping out the beat on the floor while listening to your favourite tune, then more than likely it would have been the snare beat that had your foot in action.
What Are Snare Drums?
A snare drum is a type of percussion instrument characterised by its biting, sharp sound. The defining characteristic is the set of wires, known as snares, that are stretched across the bottom head of the drum. When the top (or batter) head is struck, the snares vibrate against the bottom head, creating the distinctive “snap” or “crack” sound.
A good snare drum for sale in a variety of sizes and materials, gives you the chance to pick something you prefer based on the different and unique ways the sizes and materials affect the tone. You’ll find snares made of wood, metal, acrylic, or even composite materials. A wooden shell will often produce a warmer, rounder tone, while a metal shell offers a brighter, more cutting sound.
Though the snare drum might appear fairly straightforward, it’s a linchpin of everything from timekeeping to adding dramatic accents and dynamic contrast. In a drum kit, it’s usually set directly between your knees and receives more use than any other drum. Orchestras and marching bands also use larger versions of it, sometimes with deeper shells, to add a punchy rhythmic kick to performances.
Features
One of the main features of the snare drum is, unsurprisingly, the snares themselves. These can be wire, synthetic or even gut, and can be tuned tighter or looser, which changes the tension and thus the tone. A tightly set snare will give a dry, crisp sound, while a looser set gives a more rattling, old-fashioned sound.
The other significant feature is the throw-off switch that allows you to release the snares entirely. This essentially turns your snare into a tom-like drum, giving you more sound options. It’s a handy feature for musical genres that like to experiment with sound or for certain sections of a song where you want a snare-less sound.
The snare drums also feature different kinds of drumheads. Coated heads produce a warmer, textured sound and are excellent for brush playing in jazz, while clear heads provide a punchier, more contemporary sound. The hoop, which secures the drumhead, can also influence the feel and tuning of the drum, with die-cast hoops providing a more rigid and controlled sound, and triple-flanged hoops allowing more resonance and flexibility.
How to Play?
It is not enough to just hit the snare drum with a stick. It is all about rhythm, technique and control. Most drummers play using matched grip or traditional grip, depending on their background. Matched grip is more common in rock and pop music, while traditional grip is typically used in jazz and marching bands.
For optimum sound from your snare drum for sale, strike the centre of the drumhead for volume and power, or the edges for soft ghost notes. Rimshots, when you hit the rim and the head together, give you that crisp “crack” you hear in rock and funk. And then there’s the cross-stick technique, wherein the stick is laid across the drum and bounces against the rim, excellent for softer passages or Latin grooves.
Brushes, rods and mallets can all be used on the snare for different textures and styles. From practising rudiments to jamming along to your favourite tune, daily practice on the snare can help take your overall drumming to the next level.
How to Choose?
Choosing the right snare drum for sale comes down to your budget and sound needs, and playing style. If you’re playing rock or metal and you want it loud and aggressive, a metal snare of medium depth may be your best bet. Steel and aluminium snares are popular for their bright attack and projection.
If a warmer, mellow sound is what you prefer, a wood snare drum made of maple, birch or mahogany might suit you better. These are suitable for jazz, indie or acoustic sets, giving a full sound that will blend rather than cut through.
Depth and diameter also play a role. Shallower snares (5 inches deep or so) have a fast response and are great for fast playing, while deeper snares (7 inches and up) add more body and boom. The standard diameter is 14 inches, but smaller snares known as “popcorn snares” or auxiliary snares can add playful accents to your setup.
A Final Word
This drum may be just one piece of a drum kit, but it carries a lot of weight. Its sharp snap, wide dynamic range and all-around playability make it a fundamental element for drummers worldwide. Whether performing in the garage, live on stage, or recording in the studio, a good snare can enhance your sound and playing.
