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Wire for snares can be made of many different materials, including but not limited to: steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. Each type of wire has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right type of wire for the job at hand.
For example, steel wire is very strong and durable, but it is also very heavy and difficult to work with. Aluminum wire is much lighter and easier to work with, but it is not as strong as steel. Copper and brass wire are both strong and easy to work with, but they are also very expensive.
The Blasters Series snare wires have 20 medium-gauge wires that are evenly spaced standard coils. They are Pro quality snare wires that have been developed for high volume, high intensity playing and feature specially formulated, premium-grade steel-alloy wires on angled, copper-colored end clips.
Blaster snare wires feature bent end clips that are designed to create greater snare wire contact across the surface of the drumhead while offering increased activity, consistency, response and projection.
These wires are fantastic. I needed a narrow set for a rehabbed 14×10 parade snare (a beautiful 50s Ludwig mahogany w/ maple hoops and rerings). I wanted to keep it in the spirit of traditional, but I wasnt going to use old gut or wrapped cable.
These were the perfect modern replacement. Its a very smooth and subtle snare sound, a lot of the drum comes through – like a snom.
This has been my go-to brand of snares for a little while. Great sound, and consistent timbre and tone. I have used them on multiple builds and refinishing projects, mainly for drum set style drums rather than orchestral or concert style drums, but these Snares really do sound good! Snappy and responsive.
Full, yet agile. Manufactured well and last a long time! Havent had to replace any of this brand for about 8 years so far!.
These snares have always delivered a great sound. The wires are not covered in chrome paint so you get more of a vintage, darker sound with the bare wire exposed, similar to the snares that vintage drums came with.
At first you will notice a richer, darker sound than you may be used to, but with time, you begin to hear the sound of your drum in addition to the “snap. ” If you want to brighten up the sound, simply choose a version with more snares on it.
For example, if you are used to a 16 strand, don’t be afraid to purchase the 20 strand version of this brand. Another great plus is that the snares are welded slightly below the frame ends to compensate for the space that the included attachment strings take up.
This allows the snares to lay firmly from end to end resulting in less after-buzz. This design fits perfectly on newer or custom drums, which may not have deep snare beds. If you are using these snares on older drums or any drum with deep snare beds built into the shell, simply use thicker attachment strings, such the tight woven cord used on window blinds.
These snares are perfect for studio or live performance and can bring even the fussiest snare drums back to life. I have never broken a single strand of these wires in 20 years of touring and recording.
If you are breaking these things, then be careful not to over-tighten, or watch an experienced drummer attach and tension them at your local music store or from an instructional video.
Available in 13″ and 14″ models, the Custom Pro Series wires are designed with Anti-Choke end plates that significantly reduce annoying snare buzz and also provide a wider range of available snare tension without choking the drum.
The Speed Release straps allow the player to disengage the snare wires without releasing the straps for the strainer or butt clamps. The result is snare wire changes that can happen in seconds. The brass models provide a brighter, resonant sound, whereas the steel models provide a darker, crisp response.
Available in 13″ and 14″ models. Speed Release Strap allows the player to disengage the snare wires for quick head or snare wire changes. Anti-choke end plates lift the coils away from the edge to reduce sympathetic buzz and increase the wire tension range.
Steel coil produces a quick and crisp snare response. All PureSound Snare Wires are designed and manufactured in the USA.
I had some bent wires on a used snare I bought and I wanted to replace them. Decided on these because I was drawn to the quick release system and the fabric straps with measurements on them. I’ve been using them for a few weeks now and my assessment is that the snares themselves are about on par with any decent quality 20-strand snare, although they’re very pretty.
But I’d pay the price for these again just for the straps and quick release pins. I absolutely love that aspect and think it’s the way snares should be attached. Other reviewers have explained the system well and I agree that once installed correctly they are secure and aren’t going to budge.
If you’re looking for a change in sound or less sympathetic buzz, I don’t think these will accomplish that by themselves. But if you just want nice quality snares with a smart attachment system, these are perfect.
I use pure sound wires on all of my snare drums. They sound great! For some reason, the included straps always make the wires sound more dull and affect the sensitivity of my drums. I always replace them with generic plastic straps or wires and they give me a much better sound + response.
The custom pro series of snare wires are the ultimate in ease-of-use. They’re designed with anti-choke end plates that significantly reduce annoying snare buzz and also allow the player to crank up their snare tension for a tight response without choking the drum.
The speed release straps allow the player to disengage the snare wires without releasing the straps from the strainer or butt clamps, enabling quick and easy head or wire changes. The brass coil models produce a bright and resonant snare response.
The Super 30 Series utilizes the same steel-alloy wires, handcrafted construction methods and exclusive copper end clips as the Custom Series in a 30-strand format designed to increase snare response and articulation.
Compared to other wide-format snare wires, the PureSound Super 30 wires are able to create a distinctive and penetrating sound without choking the drum or sacrificing its feel. Additionally, the Super 30 needs only a slightly wider than normal (3 to 3.
5 inch) snare bed for optimum performance. Available in 12, 13, and 14″ models, the Super 30 Series wires create a distinctive and penetrating sound without choking the drum or sacrificing the natural form.
I purchased these for my vintage 14″x6. 5″ Yamaha Recording Series steel snare (already a wonderful sounding drum), and I’m very happy with the sound I’m getting. These wires are loud and crisp, and they really fattened the overall sound of the drum.
They definitely added more audible “snare wire sound”, but the tone of the drum also seems a bit more deep and full than before, as if the wires are somehow doing the opposite of choking it. They still have GREAT snappy response for ghost notes, but they really get loud and fat sounding when I hit the drum hard.
They do rattle quietly when I play the toms, but not excessively, and it’s not an ugly buzz. I keep the wires as loose as they can get before they start losing their nice responsiveness for lighter strokes.
For tuning, I get my snare side head fairly tight, then I bring up the batter head until I’m getting a pitch that I like (usually a low to medium tuning). I’m currently using Remo Weatherking Ambassador batter and snare side heads with a little bit of dampening.
I’m not sure that I could be much happier with this product – I’m finally getting the type of fat, punchy snare sound I’ve been looking for lately without having to tune so low that it makes the drum sound dead tonally.
The package includes thin blue cable for attaching the wires to the drum (which I opted to use), but straps would also work if you already had some on hand. I will be purchasing these Puresound 30 Series wires for all my “Rock” snares in the foreseeable future.
Up to a couple of years ago I only had one snare drum, my supraphonic 5. 5×14 ludwig snare. I had cheap snares on my supraphonic and they would start popping off one by one. I recently bought a epic brick, supralite 6×13, ocdp 7×13 and pdp blackout snare.
I put puresound on three of my snares—30s on my supraphonic and epic brick. I think the 30 gives a thick snare sound to both snares. I put the brass snares on my ocdp which I like, it has a bright sound.
I would like to get another set for a 14″ snare. I put evans dry heads on all of my snare drums. I have found that they are the best sounding head for snares.
Just Purchased a Ludwig LM402 and felt the need to up the wires. The SamAsh Hollywood Ca location sorted me out with the snare and wires. Gave it a little more snap and the exact sound I wanted. Highly Recommend these as they’re cost friendly and make a dramatic difference.
Whatever snare drum you play steel, wood, or acrylic PureSound Custom series snare wires can have you sounding your best. PureSound Custom snare wires are manufactured in the USA from crisp, lively, medium-gauge steel, and with consistent sizing and spacing.
This means all wires tension evenly across the bottom head and react at the same time, allowing you to quickly find your ideal balance of shell tone and buzz. This 20 strand will give you a slappy, white-noise sort of attack.
I recently purchased the Puresound 14″, 12 strand, “Concert”snare wires, primarily because I have a few snare drums that came equipped with 20 strand wires. The twenty strand wires sound too heavy, giving a lot of snare slap! I wanted to try something lighter and just as full sounding.
I have mounted these snare wires on about three different snare drums. They all sound just as good as with the twenty strand, but with less slap. Just as crisp. Great brush response as well. These snare wires are made bu Puresound, so the quality is un-questioned.
I thought I would try a set of these snares to see if I could get a better sound out of my Steve Gadd signature snare drum. The snares went in easy enough along with a new snare head. I bought the 16 strands because I didn’t want to get an overly buzzy snare that would be hard to control.
The stock Steve Gadd snares are a 10 strand staggered into 5 groups of 2. After playing with the new snares on for a while, the sound was definately more ‘buzzy’. I tried different tensions on the snare and it seemed that when I played towards the edge of the snare drum head there was more snare buzz going on.
The sympathetic tonal buzz from my high tom also was more pronounced. Unfortunately, I went back to my stock Steve Gadd snare, added a new top head and tightened it down. It actually sounds better. That’s not to say that this snare was a waste of time and money.
It’s a good product, but my snare drum might not be designed for more strands. This snare might work very well for a wood snare drum, or a non endorsed snare drum.
This designates the diameter drum the snare is designed to fit. It may not be the actual length of the snare wire assembly. Strands – this is the amount of snare wires on each snare normal fit – most snares do not fit past the edge of the snare side drum head.
(this includes all gibraltar snares except sc-4467l and sc363e) extended length: some snare drums utilize snares, which fit over the edge of the side hoop. The sc-4467l will fit most drums with this feature.
Special snares – the sc-363e fits ludwig super sensitive snare drums with non-individually adjustable snare wire systems and a yamaha model which utilizes split snares. Note – gibraltar snares are designed to fit many manufacturers’ snare drums.
They are made to fit snare drums ranging from 10″ to 14″ in diameter and are primarily used for jazz, rock, and concert performance applications, such as field marching corps or similar performance situations.
I am using this on a vintage 1976 Slingerland Buddy Rich TDR snare drum to replace the original snare wires. The length of these wires are almost a perfect replacement for the original Slingerland wires.
I say almost because they are just a slight bit shorter than the original wires and they are chrome plated whereas the original were not. Of all the available snare wires on the market, these seem to be the best replacement fit.
The snare drum does sound good with these wires and they do perform well on this vintage drum. It was recommended to me by Jim Moritz of Chicago Drum Co to purchase these snare wires for this snare drum.
I can’t believe Gibraltar had the balls to charge $15+ for this strainer. The bottom where they soldered the strainer in have strands sticking out like pins that would destroy the drum head. I had to cut some thin foam to place under the soldered ends to prevent ruining my new bottom head.
I’m a big fan of Gibraltar hardware. But this is the worst piece of workmanship I’ve ever seen from Gibraltar!! And to boot they were too cheap to include the two plastic tensioner strips to attach the strainer.
I’ve bought $5 strainers in the past better made than these. Absolute useless junk!!!.
These are the perfect Snare Wires for YAMAHA Parallel Strainers! I used these to replace the damaged wires on an SD-493. They sounded just as good, if not better, than the original Yamaha Wires!
The 16 strand is a snare wire for snare drums. The snares are designed to fit many manufacturers snare drums. They are made to fit snare drums ranging from 10″ to 14″ in diameter and are primarily used for jazz, rock and concert performance applications, such as field marching corps or similar performance situations.
This designates the diameter drum the snare is designed to fit. It may not be the actual length of the snare wire assembly. This is the amount of snare wires on each snare. Most snares do not fit past the edge of the snare side drum head.
Some snare drums utilize snares, which fit over the edge of the side hoop.
I needed something compact for busking. This holds my acoustic guitar securely while I’m setting up but I wouldn’t trust any of the low stands in a windy area for acoustics.
I really like how better my snare drum sounds its amazing how additional strainers can make such a big difference. I don’t think you would be disappointed in this product. The features are pretty simple, and very easy to install.
I like the quality it seems very sturdy. I think it was a great buy, for great price!.
Tama 14″ 20 Strand Regular Carbon Steel Snare Wire Snare wires are critical to the sound of your snare. With these standard carbon steel snare wires from TAMA, you get classic sound and sensitivity that let you dial in your own signature snare tone.
Let me start by saying that I would not use these for my main snare. I like my snare crisp. These snare wires buzz longer after each stroke than the standard 20 stand wires. However, it’s a really cool sound.
I bought these to try because John Bonham used 42 stand wires and now my 14×6 metal snare sounds like one of his! I cranked the bottom head. I tuned my batter head low-medium ish. I also put on a DrumDot to dampen the overtones.
I’m left with a snare with a nice fat sound, due to the many snare wires and low-ish tuning, but it also has a bit of snap from all the snare wires, too! If you’re trying to find a good all around snare sound, I’d go with 20 strand wires, but if you’re trying to expand your snare collection, give these a try!.
I was working on a Gretsch maple snare drum, new heads and various tunings, different snare-throwoff tensions. I could not get a good snare sound, if at all, at low ghost note volumes, when I had them set for accents, and vise versa when I would loosen them to get them to resonate at a looser setting.
The accents would make them slap. I thought the snares must be the problem so I tried these Tama, 40 strand, Snappy Snares. Wow! Full range “fat” snare sound no matter what volume I’m playing. If this drum had good snares on it to begin with it would’ve saved me two days of experimenting.
If your having a hard time getting a big fat , full range snare sound, look no further these are it.
We came for some Snares and were not disappointed! I like the ambience and the vibe of the employees at Sam Ash. Not too pushy, but knowledgeable and helpful. Was able to complete my restoration of a Tama Piccolo snare drum I had bought from a different Sam Ash, years ago.
Designed for 13″ snare drums, the Custom series snare wires feature 12-strands of medium-gauge wire, allowing for an even balance between snare wire and shell sound. The Custom Series wires feature medium-gauge wire with evenly spaced standard coils.
The Custom line offers four different strand configurations that can be employed to change the balance between the drum and snare components of the sound. Models with more strands tend to allow the snares to be more active in influencing the sound while those with less strands allow the drum to be more prominent in the overall sound.
PureSound offers a wide variety of professional quality snare wires including a selection of vintage wires designed specifically for older snare drums with unique snare mechanisms. PureSound snare wires are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.
Custom Series wires feature medium-gauge wire with evenly spaced, standard coils. The Custom line offers four different strand configurations that can be employed to change the balance between the drum and snare components of the sound.
Snare wires are simple, right? DW’s True Tone snare wires elevate the standard. They’re constructed of a special, proprietary musical wire that’s precision-cut and crimped, so that the wires line up correctly.
The end clips are made of premium-quality brass, to provide a consistent and long-lasting surface for the wires. Soldering is painstakingly done to ensure the optimum balance of solder to wire, for both longevity and even balance.
You don’t need to own a DW drum to take advantage of DW True Tone 20-strand snare wires – they’re the perfect replacements for any 14″ snare drum.
I tried this as an experiment for my Yamaha 8×14 10 lug snare. It didn’t do what I first thought it would, which was to make a buzzier sound. Instead, it cleaned up any residual ringing and gave more snap to the drum, which was a very cool surprise.
It is obviously well constructed, fairly priced and came with the strainer strings that are often left out. Very happy with the purchase.
Greetings Dig the fat sound produced when installing this DW 42 strand onto my Yamaha snare drum. Very little time to install and love the fat sound. Im 67 and just sorry I waited so long to pull the trigger.
Replaced factory Ludwig Snares on Centennial Kit and sound no different, just cheap snares. Misleading photo as well, item was not plated polished or finished in any way. Wire flux welds are completely exposed , looks like they are pulled from the line and shipped.
Packaging probably cost more than the snare itself. Sorry DW, getting $25 for 10 cents worth of shotty materials isn’t cool. Not a USA Product either.
These snares are really great, just make sure to take your time and install them properly. Snare wires are probably the most overlooked part of a drum kit. Check out the snares you have now and replace them if they are stretched out too much.
Proper head contact is crucial in achieving a great snare sound. One important detail that Pearl has incorporated is how the cord lays properly where it’s laced through the snares. They created a little indent which provides the proper contact on the drum head.
You may already be aware of this, but if this is new info for you, this may just be the ticket to eliminating your snare problems. I highly recommend these snare wires and see no point in spending 2-3 times the money for what I believe is not any better.
I have these on a wooden snare and an aluminum shell. My snares are 14×5, I don’t get into deeper snares because I play mostly with brushes and these are nice sizes for getting a sensitive response. Good luck with you snare wire experiments.
you can also check out youtube for advice and installation.
My Pearl Free Floating Brass Snare wires were starting to buzz. Apparently there is no snare bed with this type of instrument. But the buzz went away when I replaced it with this. This fits perfectly if you have the Pearl Free Floater but I would not recommend it for something else.
This is the 20-wire set and I find that it improves upon the sound of 12 wires I had because the drum tone is so overpowering (at least with the brass free floating shell). Again, this wire sits fully across the entire width of the shell, like a Ludwig Super Sensitive.
Without benefit of Ludwig’s elaborate strainer system on the Super Sensitive, the margin for imperfect fit is very close. I’m very happy that this OEM replacement functions the way it is supposed to.
Perfectly designed to replace snare wires on the pearl free floating snare drums, oversized to normal 14″ snare wires so the wires completely cover the diameter of the snare side head
Designed for 10″ snare drums, the Custom series snare wires feature 16-strands of medium-gauge wire, allowing for an even balance between snare wire and shell sound. The Custom Series wires feature medium-gauge wire with evenly spaced standard coils.
The Custom line offers four different strand configurations that can be employed to change the balance between the drum and snare components of the sound. Models with more strands tend to allow the snares to be more active in influencing the sound while those with less strands allow the drum to be more prominent in the overall sound.
Tama Factory Accessory. # MS42R14SYou are buying a set of new Tama 42 strand Snappy Snares for a 14″ snare drum.One pair of mounting straps is included.Tama’s msrp is $31.
I needed to replace the snares on my 1980 Tama maple snare drum and after trying another brand I was disappointed in the overall quality and sound. The moment I put the Tama snares on I could hear and feel the difference! Don’t settle for anything but these snares if you want to retain the quality and feel you had when the drum was first purchased!.
The custom pro series of snare wires are the ultimate in ease-of-use. They’re designed with anti-choke end plates that significantly reduce annoying snare buzz and also allow the player to crank up their snare tension for a tight response without choking the drum.
The speed release straps allow the player to disengage the snare wires without releasing the straps from the strainer or butt clamps, enabling quick and easy head or wire changes. The brass coil models produce a bright and resonant snare response.
Designed for 14″ snare drums, the PureSound Custom Pro series snare wire features 20-strands of medium-gauge of wire, allowing for the snare wire to be more prominent in the overall sound. The Custom Pro series of snare wires are the ultimate in ease-of-use.
They are designed with Anti-choke end plates that significantly reduce annoying snare buzz and also allow the player to crank up their snare tension for a tight response without choking the drum. The Speed Release straps allow the player to disengage the snare wires without releasing the straps from the strainer or butt clamps, enabling quick and easy head or wire changes.
The steel coil models produce a quick and crisp snare response. PureSound offers a wide variety of professional quality snare wires including a selection of vintage wires designed specifically for older snare drums with unique snare mechanisms.
PureSound snare wires are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.
A massive snare wire that delivers much more articulation. These DW True-Tone 42-Strand snare wires feature double the amount of wires than a standard snare wire, enhancing response and snap. The wires feature specially-designed stainless steel coils and brass-end plates for perfect snare-to-head contact.
PDP Snare Wires, 20-strand, 12in Put the bite back into your snare drum sound with a new set of PDP Snare Wires, a high-quality, reliable replacement that will get your snare drum singing again. They feature 20-strand construction, and fit almost all 12″ snare drums.
Recently purchased this set of snare wires to replace my Puresound Customs on my Ludwig Acrolite. While Puresound snares seem to give a great sound initially, the wires seem to stretch out faster resulting in more loose snare rattling after a year or so.
Being on a budget, I purchased this PDP set of snare wires and instantly my 70s Acrolite snare was back to being crisp and responsive. Some cheap snare wires produce ringing overtones, but these have a nice mellow tone.
Not as dark as brass, but appropriate for most styles of music. Highly recommended to the gigging musician!.
I bought one of these strands 2 years ago for my one snare drum and they are still holding up great, no rust or broken wires yet and I play with a very tight wire. And I just bought another one recently for my Tama snare that needed a tune up and it’s the best the drum has ever sounded.
These wires are strong, sturdy, and sensitive. And they can handle pressure pretty well considering I’m a hard hitter and they are pulling through.
Bought to upgrades cheap snare in church band. Made a big improvement in tone quality. Still like pure sounds better but this was less than half the price and sounds very good.
PDP Snare Wires, 20-strand, 10in Put the bite back into your snare drum sound with a new set of PDP Snare Wires, a high-quality, reliable replacement that will get your snare drum singing again. They feature 20-strand construction, and fit almost all 10″ snare drums.
The PDP Accessories Snare Wire 13” 20 strand is a high-quality snare wire designed to provide a professional snare sound. Constructed from twenty tightly coiled wires, the PDP Accessories snare wire offers powerful and crisp tonality.
With defined drum tonality, this high-quality snare wire is a perfect way of achieving a unique drum sound. Ideal for any drummer wanting to refresh their current snare sound, this exceptional quality snare wire will certainly not let you down.
While there are many ways to make a snare, one of the most common and effective is to use wire. There are a few things to keep in mind when using wire for snares. First, it is important to choose the right type of wire.
Second, the wire must be the right size. Third, the wire must be properly tensioned. Fourth, the wire must be securely attached to the bait. Fifth, the wire must be camouflaged.
The type of wire you use will depend on the game you are targeting. For small game, such as rabbits, you will need a thinner wire. For larger game, such as deer, you will need a thicker wire. The wire must also be the right size.
If the wire is too thin, it will break when the animal tries to escape. If the wire is too thick, it will be difficult to tension and could injure the animal.
The wire must be properly tensioned in order to be effective. The wire should be pulled tight so that there is no slack. If the wire is not tight enough, the animal will be able to escape. If the wire is too tight, the animal could be injured or even killed.
The wire must be securely attached to the bait. The bait should be tied or fastened to the wire so that it cannot be easily removed. If the bait is not securely attached, the animal will be able to escape.
The wire must be camouflaged. The wire should be hidden from view so that the animal does not see it and become suspicious. There are a variety of ways to camouflage wire, such as using leaves or branches.
When used properly, wire snares are an effective way to catch game. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your wire snare is effective and humane.