Top 11 Best Snare Drums For Your Set
We may also earn commissions on purchases from other retail websites.
Depending on who you ask, snare drums are often described as one of the core components of a drum kit. Being a drum with the highest pitch in any given set, the way a snare sounds can literally change the way the entire drum set feels to a listener. Today we are going to go deep into snares, show you our picks for the top 11 best snare drums for your set and discuss what makes a good one. Some of these can be found on the best acoustic drum sets on the market but some are pure aftermarket gems.
Top 11 Best Snare Drums For Your Set:
| Image | Acoustic Drum Set / Rating | Summary | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
+ -  | Ludwig LB417 Total of 4.83/5 | A versatile, attractive and very refined smooth brass snare option from Ludwig. | |
+ -  | Pearl JJ1365 Joey Jordison Signature Total of 4.77/5 | A signature model designed for those who like a driving snare sound. | |
+ -  | Ludwig LM400 Total of 4.72/5 | A jack of all trades and master of each and every one. | |
+ -  | DW Collector's Series Black Nickel over Brass Total of 4.67/5 | A very robust piece of kit that brings on a great sound. | |
+ -  | TAMA SC145 Snare Drum Total of 4.67/5 | A classic snare that is simple, clean looking and quite efficient overall. | |
+ -  | Tama S.L.P. G-Bubinga Snare Drum Total of 4.50/5 | A very well balanced bubinga laminate model that brings numerous awesome features. | |
+ -  | Gretsch Drums S1-6514-BSH Snare Total of 4.40/5 | A highly flexible and pretty focused snare that is all about precision. | |
+ -  | Pearl M1330102 Picolo Snare Total of 4.30/5 | One of the most interesting and warmest sounding picolo snares currently available. | |
+ -  | MAPEX ARST465HCEB Armory Total of 4.28/5 | A simple yet affordable solution for those who need a piercing sound. | |
+ -  | Mapex MPX14 Total of 4.23/5 | An awesome traditional that just works and delivers a good average performance. | |
+ -  | Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Snare Total of 3.78/5 | A basic option for both budget users and those just starting out. |
Ludwig LB417
| Design: |  |
| Features: |  |
| Sound: | |
| Value: |  |
Ludwig’s LB417 is very highly regarded among drummers all around the world. It’s a very versatile snare that is built like a tank and features great materials all over. Ludwig went with a smooth brass shell for this build, which gives the LB417 a very unique sound. Since it is a 6.5“x14“ unit, you can expect a slightly deeper and richer tone compared to the more traditional 5.5“ models. LB417 also features classic lugs, making very easy to tune but also very reliable when it comes to holding that tuning. At the end of the day it is a very versatile snare that packs a mean punch. With all that said, it’s definitely a higher end model.
Pearl JJ1365 Joey Jordison Signature
| Design: | |
| Features: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
Slipknot is one of those bands who worked hard to build a reputation through their sound. A good part of Slipknot’s sound comes from Joey Jordison’s taste in drums. Pearl’s decision to dedicated a signature model to this great drummer was a very logical decision and one that was long overdue. As a result they have managed to trap that core driving snare that can be heard in many of Slipknot’s biggest hits. The snare itself features a 13“x6.5“ steel construction with a SR-017 snare strainer and master double ended lugs as standard. The whole snare sports a black finish with Slipknot logos around the shell. Its dimensions and materials give it a very strong, high pitch attack.
Ludwig LM400
| Design: | |
| Features: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
Ludwig has a very good track record of designing snares which simply excel in their niche fields. However, it just so happens that they’re also capable of designing a general purpose snare that can be used in just about any situation quite efficiently. That is the whole reason why Ludwig LM400 has grown to be so popular. From a purely aesthetic point of view, it’s a sleeper. You’re looking at a aluminum build 14“x5“ snare that comes with their imperial lugs as well as Supra-Phonic strainer. The key to its success comes from its precision machined aluminum shell. It gives the LM400 a very distinct flavor and plenty of depth. The resonance and the amount of definition is impressive.
DW Collector's Series Black Nickel over Brass
| Design: |  |
| Features: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
DW’s Collector's Series Black Nickel over Brass is a very interesting beast. It’s right at a price point where you start to see interesting things happen, yet it appears to offer much more than just the basic package. This 6.5“x14“ snare is made out of thin brass, which gives it a very flexible character. It can be utilized effectively in a large number of different genres, although it is arguable that it feels at home with rock music. The whole black nickel theme is seen all over the hardware ans well as the shell itself. From a purely aesthetic point of view, this particular snare is a really attractive piece of kit to have. Especially at this price.
TAMA SC145 Snare Drum
| Design: | |
| Features: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
Tama happens to have a lot to offer when it comes to traditional, brass snare drums. Their SC145 is a very impressive piece of kit that brings you a very traditional yet versatile brass sound at a decent price. Tama could have tried to go overboard with this one, but instead they have decided to stick to what works. Because of that, you are looking at their proven hardware, simple design and a very clean finish all around. The die cast hoops improve the overall consistency of this snare, while the MS20SN14S Starclassic Carbon Steel snare wire ensures that you’re getting that sweet, sweet brass flavor. Overall, this snare is a great choice for any genre of music out there.
Tama S.L.P. G-Bubinga Snare Drum
| Design: |  |
| Features: |  |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
Once we start moving into the mid range segment of the market, we run into quite a number of interesting models. One being the Tama’s S.L.P Bubinga Snare Drum. This 6“x14“ snare features a 12 ply bubinga shell that measures some 10mm in thickness. As it is usually the case with these, the outside layer is a quilted bubinga while the interior portion is standard tonewood. The hardware is all black nickle plated, which gives the whole thing a very attractive appearance. In terms of hardware, you are looking at a steel mighty hoop and Starclassic lugs. It is also worth mentioning that the factory head that comes with it is pretty decent to say the least.
Gretsch Drums S1-6514-BSH Snare
| Design: |  |
| Features: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
Most of us have heard of Gretsch and their awesome guitars, however not everyone knows that they also make some pretty impressive drums. Gretsch Drums S1-6514-BSH snare is a beautiful piece of kit that brings some pretty interesting solutions at a very reasonable price. What makes it pretty unique is its shell. Gretsch went with a hammered black steel. The 1.2mm steel shell alone would have been great, but those hammering impressions give the entire thing more focus and consistency. The tone is concentrated, sharp and rather easy to work with. The beauty of this Gretsch is that it can be used in just about any genre of music you can think of right now. It is extremely flexible.
Pearl M1330102 Picolo Snare
| Design: |  |
| Features: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
Picolo snares are an awesome way to spice up your rig but also to have a snare that won’t overpower the entire venue. Pearl’s M1330102 Picolo snare is a perfect example of what one such model has to offer. The whole thing comes down to the color of the sound this snare produces. You are looking at a powerful but warm sound that has a lot of projection but also clarity to it. That is generally the type of performance you can expect from a 13“x3“ maple shell that is just a blast to work with. The head is a Remo one, which works out perfectly with the overall configuration of this snare. It’s an awesome piece of kit.
MAPEX ARST465HCEB Armory
| Design: | |
| Features: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
Mapex designs are by far some of the most interesting ones you can find on the market. Especially if you are limited by your budget. One model that really caught our eye is the Mapex Armory. This is 14“x6.5“ snare that features a 1mm thick steep shell. The main thing to note here is that the shell is hammered. Despite there not being as much precision to this process as it’s the case with some hammered steel snares, Mapex Armory still gets you that focused and aggressive sound. The hoops on these belong to Mapex Power Hoops series, and really improve consistency. Same cane be said about the rest of the hardware. Finally, it’s one great looking snare.
Mapex MPX14
| Design: |  |
| Features: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
Next modelon our lsit also comes from Mapex and represents their maple shell series of 14“x5.5“ snares. One of the arguably best things about this particular model is its neutral nature. It is a standard snare in just about every way. The shell is interesting though. You are looking at a 6.5mm maple shell that adds a bit of color to the whole thing, but also gives you plenty of power. Compared to other models on the market and especially other models we have talked about, this one packs the most width in the lower end. That makes it quite a good choice for a variety of music genres. Lastly, it comes with awesome heads included.
Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Snare
| Design: |  |
| Features: |  |
| Sound: |  |
| Value: | |
Last but not the least we have a household name that can be found all over the world. We are of course talking about the Yamaha’s Stage Custom Birch snare in raven black. In all ways that matter, this is as neutral of a snare as they come. You are looking at a 14“ x5.5“ unit that features some slightly advanced solutions at a very affordable price. You’re getting ten lugs for a much more precise tuning, a 45 degree bearing edge and a so much more. The hardware itself is pretty decent too. The most remarkable thing about this model is that it just works. It’s not a top tier snare but it’s nothing to joke about either.
Why Are Snares Important?
As we have already mentioned at the beginning of our guide, snares have a pivotal role in any drum kit’s sound. Snare alone has the power to completely alter the way a kit sounds, for better or for worse. Snares have been around for a long while, most of that time being used as a instrument on their own. This is why most drummers who don't yet have a drum set and often play a back line kit in a studio or a venue, always bring their own snare. Funny thing is that you can literally have a $2000 high end drum kit available and it will sound mediocre without a snare.
The point of our guide today is to show you why different types of snares are becoming more and more popular, how to properly choose the best one for your needs and what to look for in general. As long as you understand how a snare impacts an average drum kit, you are on the right track.
What To Look For In a Snare Drum?
Snares can be quite deceiving. When you first start looking into them, they tend to come across as very simple and straightforward piece of kit. However, they are anything but. A good snare is one where you have a quality shell, good hardware and a good head. Lets take a look at each of these in detail and try to uncover why they matter.
Shells
Shells come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and materials. Size and shape definitely affects the performance of a snare. In most cases, this aspect of a snare can have more impact on the overall sound than the materials used or hardware. With that said, we won't really talk about each specific shell dimension. There are many out there but you can always rely on a simple rule of thumb. The shallow, wide snares tend to have a rather warm sound to them, especially if the shell is made out of an appropriate tonewood such as maple. On the other hand, deeper snares tend to have a very punchy sound to them, and plenty of kick. Which one you will choose is going to depend on your style, the genre of music you prefer and more.
Different Shell Materials
Generally speaking, modern snare shells are made out of solid wood, poplar, laminate or metals. Each of these has its advantages and obvious disadvantages. Knowing what role your snare needs to fill in can greatly help you navigate this maze of options.
Solid Wood Construction
Solid wood snares are often times often found in the higher end segments of the market. The reason for this is quite simple. Solid wood snares are made by carving the shell out of a complete tree trunk. This whole process is pretty wasteful and quite expensive, which is why such snared tend to cost a lot. The benefit of using a solid wood snare is that you get a perfectly natural tone. There are no joints or layers of laminate to impact the performance of your snare. Again, these are most often found on professional sets.
Laminate and Poplar Shells
The complete opposite of solid wood snares are laminate and poplar snares. Both of these are made by using layered processed wood. Naturally, shells made using these materials won't have the finesse of a solid wood shell, but they can be every bit as capable and loud. Some of the best beginner acoustic drum kits come with poplar snares and their owners are doing just fine.
Brass and Metal Snares
The last category we would like to point out are brass and metal snares. As you can probably imagine, shells on these are made completely out of metal. The main advantage of that approach is the fact that you are getting a much more consistent sound every time you hit that head, simply because metal doesn't react the same way to environmental changes as wood does. In a way, metal shells are the logical step in evolution of snare shells.
Difference In Sound
One thing to keep in mind is that metal and wood snares tend to sound very different compared to one another. As you can probably tell, metallic snares have a lot more aggressive signature and projection due to their nature. On the other hand, wood shell snares can be both aggressive and mild depending on which model you go with. At the end of the day it all comes down to personal taste.
Good Hardware
After shells, hardware is going to be the next most important aspect of any snare drum. Hardware matters because it is what you will be using to tune the snare, maintain it properly and so on. Hardware includes a number of components. You have your hoops and rims, lugs and tension rods, snare wires and strainers.
Hoops and Rims
These seemingly simple components of a snare drum can definitely have a large impact on its performance. Hoops will either be die cast or triple flange in this segment of the market. In our opinion triple flange is always a better way to go. Die cast components are prone to variables in production which simply don't cut it when push comes to shove. On the other hand, triple flange hoops sit much better on the drum, perform much better and are overall efficient. The key thing to note is that hoops can impact the sensitivity of the drum, the sustain and more. Playing with these without understanding them can be a problem.
Lugs and Tension Rods
Just like any other drum, snares need to be tuned when you swap a head. Tuning is done using tuning lugs or other methods such as tuning rods. Generally speaking there isn't much to this particular part of snare hardware. Different brands are using different lug designs which may or may not offer advantages in terms of tuning retention and performance. However, the general rule of thumb is that you want minimal contact between the lugs and the shell of the drum. What is much more important than sheer design of the lugs is their durability and reliability. A snare that drops out of tune every once in a while can be tolerated, but one that drops out of tune all the time is no good to anyone.
Snare Wires
The next piece of hardware we need to discuss are snare wires. These seemingly simple and innocent piece of hardware is what gives the snare its sparkly sound. As a matter of fact you can do a lot to change the sound of a snare simply by swapping the wires. Coiled wire snares that have a bunch of coiled pieces of wire sitting side by side, often times 30-50, will give your snare a very bright and shimmering sound. If you want to achieve the complete opposite effect, you can always install a cable instead of a coil set and get a much darker, focused sound. This whole effect gains a new meaning when you start experimenting with head and snare wire combos.
Snare Heads
Last but not least we need to discuss snare heads. If there is one component of snares that is completely saturated in terms of aftermarket options, it's the heads. Despite the sometimes overwhelming selection of options available, most drummer are sticking to the basics. In other words, we are talking pre-muffled as well as straight up single or double ply heads. There are many brands you can turn to for good aftermarket heads. Evans and Remo are just some of the most popular ones.
How To Choose a Snare Based On Your Preferred Genre of Music?
This is where you already start stepping on other peoples opinions and preferences. Every drummer has their own taste. Even so, we can give you some general guidelines which will help you find the best match for your needs. Lets start with rock music.
Rock Music
Rock tends to be very forgiving when it comes to shell sizes and hardware. With that said, a 6.5″ deep snare is probably going to be your best bet. Some like to go much deeper than that, which is perfectly fine depending on which specific genre of rock you are into. However, if you are not certain and don't want to over commit to something that is a bit extreme, a 6.5″ will do you just fine. Additionally, sticking to this depth will allow you to make easy transitions into other genres. For example, a 6.5″ snare will work perfectly with most metal music, punk and country for the most part.
Jazz
When it comes to jazz, many drummers are going for shallower snares, usually in the 5.5″ area. The main reason for this is the fact that a shallower snare tends to sound warmer. If you want to play with brushes, you can add a single ply head to this snare and enjoy yourself a truly authentic jazzy vibe.
Funk
Compared to rock and jazz, the usual setup most funk drummers use may come across as a bit extreme. We are looking at 3.5″ picolo snares which are tightly tensioned both on the head and on the wires. This is where you really need to be careful as it is super easy to go too far. Due to their fairly niche nature, picolo snares aren't the most popular option right now. Unless of course you need such a niche snare in which case you are good to go.
Owning Multiple Snares
One truth that many drummers reach sooner or later is that you just can't get by on a single snare. It is simply not viable in most cases and this has nothing to do with how many different genres of music you want to play. A snare is what ultimately dictates the sound of a kit. If you limit yourself to just one, you are basically locked into that drum voice. By owning more than one snare, you are allowing yourself to experiment with different tone colors, depths and so on. The available combinations are borderline unlimited.
One Rule of Thumb For New Drummers
As we are nearing the end of our guide, we really need revisit one of the oldest yet most important rules of thumb you can use to your advantage when shopping for snares. This rule generally applies to every single musical instrument out there. It is quite simple and very effective. The rule is that you should always get the absolute best snare your money can buy.
One mistake that many drummers make is to limit their budget significantly because they want to get aftermarket heads and wires right away. In reality, there is absolutely no reason to get these two components right away. The stuff that came with the snare will do a very good job, especially if you do the right thing and invest everything you have got into a proper shell and hardware.
Upgrading your stuff can wait. Get the basics covered, build a good foundation and then move on from there. In today's market, it is really easy to go crazy with various upgrades. As long as you shell is good enough, those upgrades will turn to be great. To most of you, this so rule of thumb might come across as rather obvious and redundant. However, you would be surprised at just how many new drummers fall into this trap.
Conclusion
Snares might look simple on the outside, but as you've seen, they are quite complicated when you get into the heart of the matter. The models we have listed above represent what we feel are the best models you can get right now. We've sourced models from a whole array of price ranges so that you could see what the market offers at every step of the way. We didn't want to include custom snares and boutique models as those are pretty special. Overall, no matter which one of these you go with, you will be happy with their performance.
Reader Interactions