Snare Drums

Snare Drums at Drum Center of Portsmouth

Over 1000 snare drums in stock from Ludwig, Gretsch, Pearl, Tama, DW, Sonor, Yamaha, British Drum Company, Noble & Cooley, and many more! Drum Center of Portsmouth is the place to go if you're looking to buy a snare drum.

We stock hundreds of percussion instruments and drum sets, including snare drums, which are so often the backbone of orchestras, parades, concert bands, drum lines, marching bands, rock bands, studio engineers, and so much more.

And while you may think that quantity is our advantage, we always keep quality at the core of everything we do. While other drum shops may carry a range of instruments in terms of quality, we only stock what we feel to be the best to guarantee our clients the best results and the best sound for their budget.

We've got snare drums for everybody, and depending on your expectations and requirements, we can help you find the perfect product for you. We carry snares of all sizes, from small 6×3s to large 28×6s, and all kinds of shells like maple, brass, and walnut. Furthermore, we even have most brands you know and love. We're also conscientious of price, trying to carry snare drums that can meet every budget.

If you need a snare drum to beat the rest, you'll find it here at Drum Center Portsmouth.

What Type of Snare Drums are There?

There are several types of snare drums out there, including a kit snare, a tarol snare, a marching snare, and a piccolo snare, with each of these drums representing a different style of percussive music and the size of the drum itself. Other types include:

• An orchestral snare (used in classical music)
• A drum set snare (more prevalent in pop, rock, R&B, country, and hip-hop)
• A Caixa malacacheta (used in Brazilian music)
• A tabor (predates modern drums, rarely used in contemporary music but used in medieval music)

Finding your snare involves a bit of testing and playing, check out a few different kits and discover the full range of sounds available.

What is the Best Snare Drum for Beginners?

While the best snare drum for beginners often relies on personal preference, there are some things you can look for when shopping to ensure you pick the right one. For a beginner, a name brand drum that is serviceable and easy to tune is helpful, to allow a consistent and clean (not tinny) sound.

One recommendation we'd make for beginners who want to get started would be the Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Snare Drum, which we stock in a gorgeous cranberry red. This snare is an excellent standard choice for sound and value, and Yamaha is a trusted brand that even newcomers love.

The shell is a beautiful six-ply birch with a triple-flange steel hoop that can be used in various situations to produce an expansive, open sound.

What Makes a Good Snare Drum?

When buying a drum, steer clear of the ones that aren't worth your money or time by using this checklist as a guide to ensure you find a good one.

• The Right Size - Smaller drums create higher-pitched sounds, while larger drums create deeper sounds (Don’t be fooled though, many deeper shells can be cranked up high!)
• Beating Edge - A sharp edge has more projection and wider tuning range, while a rounder edge makes fatter tones
• Proper Tuning - If it doesn't sound right at first, it may just need tuning (the bottom head is usually the culprit)
• Price in Budget - There's no such thing as a good drum for you if it's out of your budget, so stick with something you can afford
• Shell Material - Wood creates mid-to-high frequencies, metal creates high frequencies, steel has high and mid-frequencies, and brass/aluminum has more lows than mids

What Should I Look For When Buying a Snare Drum?

Things you'll want to look for include:

• Shell Material - wood, metal, or other (like acrylic)
• Diameter - smaller diameter means brighter sounds
• Depth - the deeper it is, the fatter the sound
• Hoops - the type of hoops will augment the sound of the shell
• Mechanisms - the lugs, the throw off, and butt plate create different tensions that adjust the performance

How do wood snare drums differ from metal snare drums in sound and performance?

Wood and metal snare drums offer distinct differences in sound and performance. Wood snare drums typically produce a warmer, more natural tone with a subtle, balanced response. They are great for genres like jazz, blues, or acoustic music, where a smoother, more controlled sound is desired. On the other hand, metal snare drums (usually made from steel, brass, or aluminum) deliver a brighter, sharper, and more powerful sound. They tend to have a more cutting tone with increased projection, making them a popular choice for rock, pop, and metal genres where volume and sharpness are essential.

Can I use the same snare drum for live performances and studio recordings?

Yes, you can absolutely use the same snare drum for both live performances and studio recordings. However, there are a few considerations. In live settings, a snare drum with higher volume and projection, such as a metal snare, may be preferred to cut through the sound of the entire band. For studio recordings, drummers might opt for a snare that provides a more controlled tone and versatility, such as a wood snare, which offers a wide range of tune-ability. Ultimately, the best snare drum for both situations depends on your style and the sound you want to achieve.

What’s the best snare drum for rock music?

For rock music, metal snare drums are often the go-to choice. They provide sharp, cutting sounds with lots of volume and sustain—perfect for loud, energetic performances. Snare drums made from materials like steel, brass, or copper are known for their bright, powerful sound. A snare with a slightly deeper shell, such as a 14" x 6.5" drum, can also enhance the overall punch and tonal depth, giving your rock sound a solid backbone.

What’s the best snare drum for jazz?

For jazz, wood snare drums are often preferred due to their warmth, sensitivity, and ability to produce subtle, nuanced sounds. Drums made from maple, birch, or oak are popular because they offer a smooth, balanced tone that works well with the lighter touch used in jazz drumming. A snare with a shallower depth (around 5" to 5.5") can also help achieve a crisp, articulate sound that allows you to capture the intricate details of jazz rhythms.

Can I use a snare drum with electronic drum kits?

While traditional snare drums are not typically compatible with electronic drum kits, there are electronic snare pads that are designed to replicate the feel and response of a real snare drum. Some high-end electronic drum kits even feature hybrid setups, where you can use a real snare drum shell alongside electronic pads. If you want to add a more authentic feel to your electronic setup, consider investing in these hybrid options or electronic pads that closely mimic the sound and performance of a traditional snare drum.

First, know what you're looking for in terms of each. Then, you can filter your search by drums that include all the aspects you need.

When searching for the best snare drums online, look no further than right here at the Drum Center of Portsmouth!