Best Snare Drum
A short Introduction
Snare drums create the most pronounced drum sounds in the orchestra of percussive tones. They’re the head of the artillery, powerful and strong, so it’s quite obvious why you should pay close attention when searching for one.
We’ve prepared the list of the Top 10 best snare drums, so let’s see what we have for you:
QUICK RUNDOWN
If you are in a hurry these are our TOP 5 Picks for the Best Snare Drums:
Image
Product
Features
1. DW Reverse Edge 6x14" Snare Black
- True-Tone Snare Wires
- MAG Throw-Off™ Systems
2. JBL JRX215 Portable 15” (Best Budget Speakers)
- STL Tube Lugs & Die Cast Rims
- Vintage Snare Beds
3. Ludwig LB417 Black Beauty
- Compact, ergonomic size
- Mic and line inputs with mix capability
4. DW 6.5x14 Pure Oak Custom
- Pure Oak Custom Snare
- Chrome Hardware
5. Mapex BPML3700LNWU Black Panther
- Mapex's New Piston-Style Throw-Off
- For An Ear-Shattering Loud And Aggressive Response
Table of Contents
Best Snare Drum:
A short overview:
We’re wrapping our review of the best drum snares with DW’s Reverse Edge Black Core snare. Now, this drum snare is great in all aspects and it excels in virtually all fields of performance.
It’s beautiful, it’s durable, and it sounds exquisite. The only downfall is that it costs quite a lot, but that can be easily compensated for by the abundance of premium quality features and the advantages you can benefit from.
Value for the cash:
The MAG Throw-Off system and 3-position plates are the cornerstone features of DW‘s Reverse Edge drum snare. On top of that, this snare is very easy to tune and play, boosting the overall performance along the way.
If, and only if you’re prepared to part with a serious amount of cash will you be able to understand the value of DW’s Reverse Edge drum snare. Its performance simply can’t be described with words, and you’ll have to actually play it to understand it.
- Durability 94%
- Performance 96%
- Sound 95%
THINGS WE LIKED
- Superior versatility
- Majestic features, including MAG Throw-Off, Remo Heads, True Hoops, and True-Tone Wires
- Ultimate performance
- Extremely durable and hard
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
- Quite expensive
Best Snare Drum for Rock:
A short overview:
Pearl’s PHTRF1450/C Limited Edition Philharmonic Snare Drum is very specific. This is, basically, a premium-quality drum snare made by one of the prominent leaders in the industry.
Furthermore, even if you’ve never heard about Pearl, you can deduce that this drum snare offers quality by simply looking at it. The design of Pearl’s PHTRF1450/C Limited Edition Philharmonic Snare Drum is exquisite in all aspects, and it offers superior durability and the ultimate level of performance.
The snare beds are vintage, and they’re also the reason why this drum snare is so beautiful. On top of that, the Twilight Fade finish ensures that whoever lays eyes upon the Pearl’s PHTRF1450/C Limited Edition Philharmonic Snare Drum never forgets it.
Value for the cash:
In all honesty, Pearl’s PHTRF1450/C Limited Edition Philharmonic Snare Drum is quite expensive. Now, that alone doesn’t mean much, as people who search for quality are often prepared to pay top dollar for it.
If this sentence describes you, then look no further, as Pearl’s PHTRF1450/C Limited Edition Philharmonic Snare Drum is perfect for you.
- Durability 90%
- Performance 92%
- Sound 92%
THINGS WE LIKED
- One of the most beautiful drum snares on the market
- A cool, vintage outlook
- Superior level of performance
- Twilight Fade finish
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
- Expensive
Best Snare Drum under $800:
A short overview:
We can’t have a proper review of the best drum pieces without mentioning Ludwig, now, can we? As you might already know, Ludwig offers only the best drum pieces on the market, but they’re usually quite expensive. That applies for the LB417 Black Beauty as well.
This drum snare was built to last, and it’s safe to say that it can withstand quite a lot of abuse and punishment. The build quality of Ludwig’s Black Beauty can be defined as “classy”, as it’s both hard and vibrant. The superior wood materials allow for high performance.
Value for the cash:
Well, Ludwig’s Black Beauty certainly isn’t for everyone. This drum snare costs quite a lot, and it’s safe to say that some people just can’t afford it. This is, however, the only downfall of this marvelous drum snare, which is not a deal breaker, all things considered.
- Durability 90%
- Performance 89%
- Sound 90%
THINGS WE LIKED
- Beautiful and elegant
- Famous Ludwig quality
- High performance and outstanding features
- Ideal for intermediate and veteran drummers
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
- The design is overly simplified
Best Snare Drum under $700:
A short overview:
Right after their Collectors Series, we have DW’s Pre Oak custom snare drum. The chrome hardware on this drum model ensure superior durability while retaining an exquisite level of performance.
The oak construction further increases the hardiness of this snare drum, resulting in a nearly indestructible drum piece. As far as the sound’s concerned, there are two ways in which we could see it.
First, this is a custom snare kit. This means that the performance is excellent, but the sound is quite peculiar. You can either love it or hate it. Objectively speaking, this drum offers a high level of performance, though.
Value for the cash:
We’ve reached the bottom bracket of the “expensive” price point category with DW’s Pure Oak custom snare drum. If you have the cash, you’ll definitely find this drum snare valuable.
- Durability 90%
- Performance 88%
- Sound 91%
THINGS WE LIKED
- A custom drum snare
- Premium-quality pure oak construction
- Chrome hardware ensure a high level of durability
- Outstanding performance
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
- The sound output is quite specific
Best Snare Drum under $600:
A short overview:
Tama’s Starphonic snare drum is the ultimate drum snare in this price range. Its ravishing outlook could attract you, but wait to hear it in action before you judge its quality. The usual retro style of Tama’s vintage drums have been modernized with the Starphonic model with the Freedom lug, Grooved hoops, and claw hooks.
On top of all, Tama’s Starphonic snare drum sounds like a wounded, roaring beast – powerful and true. The premium-quality construction ensures that even the slightest hand motions create strong, vibrant tones, so, if you’re out searching for quality, this might be your best bet.
Value for the cash:
The only issue you might have with Tama‘s Starphonic drum snare is that it isn’t exactly cheap. Now, it doesn’t cost a fortune, but it’s definitely not a bargain as some models we’ve inculded in our Top 10.
Anyhow, we can safely say that Starphonic holds a great value for the cash, mainly due to its unique appearance and performance.
- Durability 88%
- Performance 93%
- Sound 89%
THINGS WE LIKED
- An exquisite outward appearance
- Superb performance
- High-quality vintage freedom lugs, grooved hoop, claw hooks
- Nickel-plated shell
- Linear drive strainer
- Easy Precision tuning
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
- Quite expensive
Best Snare Drum under $500:
A short overview:
Drum Workshops never fails to deliver quality, that much is certain, but their Collectors Series offer way more. Here we have the DW’s Collectors Series Black Nickel drum which is absolutely amazing.
This snare drum is beautiful, smooth, and as elegant as can be. It features a black nickel shell that was adorned with high-quality brass for the best sound output and performance.
Furthermore, this drum set features stainless steel tension rods that are accurate and allow for precise tuning.
Value for the cash:
Frankly, DW’s Collector Series drum snare isn’t just for everyone. This is a beautiful drum piece which offers remarkable drumming performance and sound, but it’s one the verge of being “expensive”.
Anyhow, it boasts a major value for the cash due to its outstanding features and quality.
- Durability 90%
- Performance 89%
- Sound 92%
THINGS WE LIKED
- One of the most beautiful drum snares on the market
- Excels in aesthetics and performance
- Superior sound quality
- Absolute precision tuning
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
- Belongs to the upper bracket of the “medium” price range
Best Snare Drum for The Money:
A short overview:
Mapex is a serious manufacturer that is “responsible” for legions of satisfied drummers worldwide. One of their most valuable inventions, and also the main contributor to that matter, is the Mapex Black Panther.
The Black Panther is a moderately affordable drum snare that excels in pretty much every field of performance. When it comes to aesthetics – it’s beautiful beyond words.
Affordability? It’s not too expensive. Performance? Well, it’s safe to say that the Black Panther devours the competition without as much as a contest.
Value for the cash:
The reason why Mapex Black Panther is so good can be seen in its features. It uses a special Cylinder-Drive strainer with self-lubricating bearings that ensure the most pleasurable drumming experience every time.
The Sonic Saver hoop bridges provide a major boost to the overall performance while the Micro-Lock provides the subtle click, allowing for superior control.
- Durability 88%
- Performance 84%
- Sound 92%
THINGS WE LIKED
- Moderately affordable
- State-of-the-art features
- Premium-quality construction
- Unique outward appearance
- Outstanding performance
- Top-shelf technology
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
- Top-shelf technology
Best Snare Drum Under $300:
A short overview:
We’re slowly advancing to the price range that offers high-performance drums that have retained their affordability in spite of their superior quality.
Tama, as one of the prominent leaders in drum industry would make a great introduction to the “medium” price point category. The Starclassic Performer snare drum is an affordable B/B snare drum that offers plenty of opportunities for intermediate drummers, but seasoned veterans and beginners alike tend to favor it as well.
Value for the cash:
Tama’s Starclassic features a durable outer shell with bubinga birch core plies. The Tama trademark strainers and snare wires were used to ensure superior and recognizable quality, so you don’t need to fret about the durability of this snare drum.
All in all, this drum snare holds an exquisite value for the cash.
- Durability 89%
- Performance 83%
- Sound 87%
THINGS WE LIKED
- Moderate affordability
- High-quality materials and features
- Decently durable
- Ideal for drummers of all skill levels
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
- No major flaws
Best Snare Drum Under $200:
A short overview:
Yamaha is a world-class leader that makes some of the best drum pieces, even for the budget price point category. Their Stage Custom Birch snare drum is a true representative of their craftsmanship, as it boasts superior affordability without sacrificing performance.
Stage Custom Birch snare drum features a high-gloss lacquer finish and 45-degree edges, ten lugs, and a birch shell. Overall, it’s safe to say that this snare drum is decently durable.
Value for the cash:
Now, first of all, you shouldn’t expect too much out of a budget snare drum. The drum pieces in this price range don’t really excel in performance, but they’re pretty good for beginners.
All things considered, Stage Custom Birch snare drum boasts a considerable value for the price.
- Durability 85%
- Performance 89%
- Sound 90%
THINGS WE LIKED
- Comes in five vivid color variations
- Ten lugs allow for precise tuning
- Decently durable
- Highly affordable
- Distinguishable Yamaha quality
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
- Basically, a beginner drum snare
Best Snare Drum Under $100:
A short overview:
The first model in our list is Griffin’s Snare Drum. It’s one of the best budget snares we could find, as it’s made of premium-quality poplar wood with a beautiful PVC finish.
The poplar construction makes Grifin’s Snare Drum best suited for rock and metal music, but you could easily tune it up for different music genres if you wish.
Value for the cash:
As a budget drum, Griffin’s Snare drum is often favored by people who’re down on cash. If you’re in such a situation, you will definitely find it valuable. However, people looking for quality should continue reading.
- Durability 72%
- Performance 85%
- Sound 79%
THINGS WE LIKED
- Very affordable
- Decently durable due to Poplar Wood construction
- Comes with a special drum key and 8 tuning legs
THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
- Mediocre performance
CONCLUSION
The snare drums are one of the most important drum pieces in any drummer’s setup. It’s not only due to the fact that they’re positioned right in front of the drummer (most of the time), but they’re also making the most accentuated tones.
These are just some of many reasons why every drummer should consider putting aside some cash for a high-quality snare. Apart from that, you can always try relying on low-cost drums, but you’ll end up paying for repairs sooner or later.
If you enjoyed this article be sure to go through our guides about cymbals and electronic or beginner drum sets.
With this being said, we wish you good luck with your search, and we hope you’ve found this review as helpful.
