When shopping for a new snare drum, most drummers will generally gravitate towards one 14 inches in diameter. 13-inch snare drums can often be overlooked as a novelty, perhaps only suitable when tuned up high and "poppy." At the Drum Center of Portsmouth, we're all about dispelling stereotypes. Our latest video comparison showcases the tuning range of ten amazing 13-inch snare drums! Here are the snare drums we chose to feature:
Our top picks:
- Best for focused, articulate sound: Gretsch USA Solid Aluminum Snare Drum 13x6
- Most Versatile: Canopus 'The Maple' Snare Drum 13x6.5
- Best for enhanced sensitivity: Mapex Black Panther 13x7 Hydra Snare Drum
- Best timeless looking: Sonor Vintage Series Snare Drum 13x6
- Best ambient sound: Gretsch Brooklyn Steel Snare Drum 13x7
- Best sound with rich mid-range: Yamaha Recording Custom Brass Snare Drum 13x6.5
- Best versatile 13-inch snare drum: DW Collectors Series Satin Black Brass Snare Drum 13x7
- Most balanced: Mapex MPX Birch Snare Drum - 13x6
- Best Titanium shells on the market: Dunnett Classic Titanium Snare Drum 13x6.5 Brushed Black
- Most distinct: George Way Aristocrat Acacia Snare Drum 13x6.5 Hot Red
1. Gretsch USA Solid Aluminum Snare Drum 13x6
With its classic Lightning throw-off, diecast hoops, Snap-in key holder, Gretsch Round badge, Permatone coated top head, and 20-strand snare wires, the seamless Gretsch USA Solid Aluminum's beefy aluminum shell projects a ton of focused, articulate sound.
2. Canopus' The Maple' Snare Drum 13x6.5
Sporting a classic Natural Oil finish, "The Maple" by Canopus is a staff favorite here at Drum Center of Portsmouth. This 13x6.5" model is one of those snare drums that will do it all. The 8-ply shell configuration optimized for maximum projection. 8 premium, brass-plated single point lugs give it just the right balance of openness and tunability. It's responsive and thick at lower tunings, and it screams when it's cranked up. Canopus diecast hoops tame the overtones just enough. This is the ultimate instrument for the serious drummer!
3. Mapex Black Panther 13x7 Hydra Snare Drum
The New Mapex Black Panthers follow the tradition Mapex conceived long ago: Create the best sounding and performing snare drums for an attractive price point. They just keep getting better! The Hydra boasts a premium 13x7 Maple/Walnut hybrid shell, with equally premium appointments, including the Design Lab Air Flow Venting, and the Soniclear Snare Beds to provide enhanced sensitivity.
4. Sonor Vintage Series Snare Drum 13x6
Like the original Teardrop drums, the VINTAGE series snare drums feature hand-selected premium German Beech shells with rounded bearing edges. Sonor has carefully recreated the look of the 1950s teardrop lug and updated it with Sonors exclusive Tunesafe tuning system. Not overlooking any details, Sonor has redesigned the Superprofil triple flanged hoops, and brought back the timeless Sonor logo and badge used between 1952 and 1961.
5. Gretsch Brooklyn Steel Snare Drum 13x7
The Gretsch Brooklyn Steel features Gretsch "302" 3mm/double-flanged hoops, Lightning throw off and butt plate, "Snap-in" drum key holder, 20-strand snare wires and Gretsch Permatone drum heads. The steel shells resonate with classic, musical tones and are extremely versatile. The "302" hoops provide a timbre that is more open and ambient than traditional Gretsch diecast hoops.
6. Yamaha Recording Custom Brass Snare Drum 13x6.5
Traditional Yamaha Recording Custom drummers tend to prefer metal snares on their kit; the brightness rounds out the overall sound of the kit well. This 13x6.5 Recording Custom Brass is relatively new addition to the RC lineup has a full sound with rich mid-range, along with a broad tuning range. Features include a 1.2mm brass shell, 2.3mm DynaHoops, and premium 20-strand wires.
7. DW Collectors Series Satin Black Brass Snare Drum 13x7
What a beast! This is one of the meanest looking snares we've had in our showroom. Featuring a thin industry-standard 1mm shell, coated in satin black nickel, and adorned with the premium fittings, this Collector's Series brass is a versatile workhorse snare drum. Suitable for a variety of musical applications, it offers that sought-after "classic studio brass snare sound" for whatever you're into. Bright projection with pleasant metallic overtones. You'll be drawn to this snare for its looks, and love it for its performance.
8. Mapex MPX Birch Snare Drum - 13x6
MPX Birch Snare Drums deliver a crisp and bright attack, balanced tone, and a shorter sustain that result in enhanced overall projection, allowing the sound to cut through the rest of the band. This INCREDIBLY affordable drum performs well in a variety of styles, from Funk to Hard Rock.
9. Dunnett Classic Titanium Snare Drum 13x6.5 Brushed Black
Ronn Dunnett makes the best Titanium shells on the market. This 13x6.5 model sports a magnificently subtle textured black finish, along with Tube lugs, hypervent, R4 Strainer, and Dunnett triple flanged hoops.
10. George Way Aristocrat Acacia Snare Drum 13x6.5 Hot Red
The George Way Aristocrat has a distinct, unique tone thanks to its Acacia wood shell. This particular Aristocrat features old George Way Turret lugs and a mind-blowing Hot Red lacquer finish.
These ten 13 inch snare drums opened our ears to their ability to fit nicely into a wide range of musical applications. Check out our selection of 13" snare drums here - we think you'll be glad you did!