Paicey
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« on: October 25, 2005, 06:06 PM » |
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I think you can tell alot about a drummer by the way he likes to tune his snare drum so let me read all of your palms.
Heads used.
tuning
snare wires used as well as tension
muffeling used
preference for die-cast vs triple flange
tell me what you like about your main snare and why it is used above all others.
Thanks for a glimpse into your world.
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Drum4JC (Todd)
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Psalm 150
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« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2005, 06:19 PM » |
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Hmmm, interesting idea. Let's see how you all psychoanalyze me:
I only have one snare (so far).
Pearl. 5x14 Maple Free Floater.
recently upped my tuning a bit. High, but not super high.
Aquarian Studio-X on top. Aquarian snare head on bottom.
Gibralter 42 strands, moderate tension so it's fairly "wet".
no muffling other than the Studio-X head.
Not sure about rim preference, but I've got die-cast.
Currently only snare and it seems to fit reasonably well in a variety of situations.
So Paicey, what's your line?
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Coming in 2008: The Delta-3 Snare Drum by Fusion Drums. www.fusiondrums.com. Look for updates here at the Drummer Cafe! |
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Joe
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« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2005, 06:22 PM » |
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This sounds fun enough; I do hope an evaluation follows.  On this particular drum, I use an Aquarian Texture Coated Satin Finish batter with a Classic Clear snare-side resonant. The snare side head is around a fourth higher than the batter, and the batter head is set at a medium-low tension (to illustrate further, the drum resembles a 70s-type pop snare when it is struck). The snare wires appear to be stock 20-strand "Snappy Snares", attached with cord, and their tension is about medium. I dampen with a wallet, an O-ring, or the internal dampener (soft playing only), often opting to use no dampening in the case of brush use. The drum still has its stock triple-flange rim, and I admit to not really caring about the type of rim it has; I like the flexibility of this one anyway. I mainly use this drum because of its bright sound for its size. |
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I'm not a particularly slow player, yet I don't play fast. I play half-fast.
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Vintage Ludwig
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« Reply #3 on: October 25, 2005, 08:04 PM » |
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Sounds cool to me......so here goes-
My favorite snare drum is a Ludwig LM-402 Supraphonic metal shelled snare circa 1966 or 1967-I cant remember and I dont feel like running out to the music room and take it from its case to look. Other than its birth date, its history is as follows........
It was part of a Ludwig gold sparkle kit (which I still have) that I bought in 1979 or 1980. It was bone stock-even had the orig. snare side head. I changed a couple of things through the years, but nothing major really. I outfitted it with a set of Gretsch 42 strand wires, removed the bat style muffler (which I still have), got rid of the die cast hoops (have those too) and put a set of Ludwig triple flange hoops back on. I packed the lugs with a foam material, and also replaced 5 or 6 tension rods that were not Ludwig. I put a coated Remo Emperor batter head upstairs, and a Remo Ambassador head downstairs.
As for tuning-I like the drum tuned high-but not choked. The batter head and reso heads are pretty much tuned to similar tensions. I recently acquired a dial, and the batter is at 87, reso at 85. The snares are pretty loose-NEVER CHOKED! Tight snare wires kill a drum!
I dont care for muffling really on any drum-they sound better to me wide open. Get rid of things that will buzz or rattle. Overall, the drum does ok as far as sympathetic snare buzz goes. Cant hear it unless the drum is miked.
Why do I like it above all others? Thats simple-its the best sounding snare drum I have owned. Its absolutely fantastic. There are maple snares I really like-but my roots are fimly set in this drum. It has NO PITTING or rust either. Its been well cared for for nearly 40 years. Its very versatile-I use it mainly for rock, but its comfortable with jazz, funk etc....and I do gig with it from time to time. I turned down an offer of $700 for it this past summer. I love this snare drum plain and simple-
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jameswalker
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« Reply #4 on: October 25, 2005, 08:04 PM » |
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A snare drum thread? OK, twist my arm...  My "main" - 6x14 Tempus fibreglass (a shocker, I know) Heads used - Aquarian texture-coated (single ply) batter, Aquarian classic clear snare side. (Ludwig Weathermaster snaresides are usually my preference, but the Aquarian is working out fine.) tuning - here she is with the snares released - a nice medium tension, snare side a shade tighter than the batter side. snare wires used as well as tension - DynamicX 20-strand phosphor bronze, just a shade tighter than medium tension. After trying several dozen makes and models of snare wires (this being the "test snare" for my hideous snare wire comparison page), I picked up the bronzes last week, and it was a Goldilocks moment - "These are juuuuuuuust right!". Not as bright as steel wires, with more "cush" to the sound. ( mp3 with the new DynamicX wires) muffeling used - none needed preference for die-cast vs triple flange - triple-flange hoops on this drum (eight lug), but die casts sound just as good on these shells. tell me what you like about your main snare and why it is used above all others. It's my "mothership" snare. Huge dynamic range, phenomenal sensitivity, more than adequate tuning range. I've used it for jazz, Caribbean music, pit orchestra work, and more, it records wonderfully, and it sounds great in all contexts (at least, it hasn't failed me yet). It also looks pretty good.  |
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Roger Beverage
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« Reply #5 on: October 25, 2005, 08:06 PM » |
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1941 Slingerland (cloud badge) Radioking
heads used.
Aquarian American Vintage or Studio X Batter, Classic clear snare
tuning .
Fairly low
snare wires used as well as tension.
20 strand original type tab end for outrigger strainer. Just loose enough to not choke. Will go for Puresound if they ever make a 20 strand.
muffeling used.
built in double pad, just enough to kill ring. No muffling in large venues
preference for die-cast vs triple flange.
Die cast usually, switch to original brass stick choppers for a brighter sound
tell me what you like about your main snare and why it is used above all others.
Wide tuning range, stays put on stand without clamping, matches the kit
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Jon E
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This just in.....
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« Reply #6 on: October 26, 2005, 06:12 AM » |
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Mapex 5x14 Black Panther Aluminum Heads used: Remo Amb. Bottom--Evans Dry something on Top Tuning: Pretty tight and poppy! Snare wires used/tension: Stock wires, medium tension. Muffling: None. Die-cast/triple flange: Triple flange tell me what you like about your main snare and why it is used above all others. It's currently my only snare! btw; this is probabaly the first time I've really thought this much about my SD!  |
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Snowdogyyz
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Go Wolfpack!
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« Reply #7 on: October 26, 2005, 06:42 AM » |
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6.5x14 Yamaha Manu Katche Signature Snare. Remo coated ambassador on batter (tuned fairly tight) and remo hazy ambassador snare side tuned tight. 20 strand puresound snare wires at medium tension (I like a little ringiness to it). Stock hoops work fine.
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dannydrumperc
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Boricua aunque naciera en la luna!
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« Reply #8 on: October 26, 2005, 07:40 AM » |
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I just have 2 very humble snare drums: Ludwig Rocker 6.5x14 steel shell and Ludwig Rocker Elite 3x13 maple/basswood. My favorite is the 6.5x14 because it is more versatile than the piccolo.
Heads â€" Remo: Powerstroke 3 (builted-in muffling ring) coated on top, Ambassador Snare on bottom.
Hoops â€" Factory 3-flanged (1.6?); 8 lugs. Planning to put some 2.3 as in the piccolo for a beefed-up tone and louder cross-stick and rim-click.
Tuning â€" It has an awful harmonic (steel-shelled drum) ring when tuned to med. tension and I don't like the feel of low tensioned batter head, so it is tuned quite high (almost choked); that way I can disguise the ringing with the batter head tone - specially during rimshots. Fifth interval between heads, with the snareside head lower than batter. That way the resonant head enhances the lower characteristics of the drum (6.5†deep).
Snares â€" Gibraltar 42s. Bought them because I play many outdoor gigs with a batucada-like ensemble and wanted more snare sound. It works perfect in this drum (same sized snare beds). Also helps make-up some of the ring. Almost-choking tension. The only drawback of 42s is its sympathetic buzzing, but it is not so apparent when playing with a band, so I’m cool with it.
Overall â€" Big snare drum sound. Killer rimshots. Kinda dry sound in the center but quite open nearer to the borders.
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Tony
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Art is the expression of the self.
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« Reply #9 on: October 26, 2005, 09:02 AM » |
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Drum: Pearl Maple Masters Custom 6.5x14
Heads: Aqaurian Texture Coated top and Classic Clear reso
Snares: PureSound 42 Strand, tensioned slightly tighter than normal, but not choking
Hoops: 19 Ply maple
Muffling: 0
Tuning: Top side is tight, with lots of attack, pitch is mid range. Seperation between top and bottom is a fourth.
I like everything about this snare. The sound is huge, yet controlled. Listen to any live Billy Cobham stuff from 98-present and you'll get an idea of how it sounds. Dry, with a lot of pop and snap to it.
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The techniques, though they play an important role in the early stage, should not be too restrictive, complex or mechanical. If we cling to them, we will become bound by their limitation. Any technique, however worthy and desirable, becomes a disease when the mind is obsessed with it.
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felix
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Y no keno!
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« Reply #10 on: October 26, 2005, 09:02 AM » |
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He he he. Let me psychoanalyse:
Drum4JC- Has a slight identity crisis but is working towards self fulfillment
Joe is in a timewarp, totally stuck in a rut in the 70's. Smart guy, drumming is something that bores him if he gets to involved in it.
Quicksfoot is stuck in the 80's. Because of this anger about not being the next John Bonham, he reefs down on his snare drum until he just but about kills it from choking but doesn't "choke" the poor thing and likes to "play it" at the point of near death! What sort of monster is Quicksfoot down deep? Don't wanna go there.
Roger is so old he is bordering senility. Can't accurately psychoanalyse him. Probably a great player since he's been playing so long. He basically can make a bucket sound good and doesn't particularily care how is drum is tuned in that it's kinda low and has the same wires on it as there were in the 40's. He likes peace and quiet and likes just the right amount of muffling!
JonE is a high strung chap that likes his snare poppy and tight. Dammit, you are going to hear that sucker no matter where you are in the room. I'm the drummer with the Black Panther snare and you better stay back or I'm going to claw you to pieces with my exotic animal snare drum!
James blew himself up with a chemistry set his parents bought him one Christmas in CN. Ever since then he had a dream to be a percussionist and abandon his childhood dream as a genetic scientist. He is a musical " Dr. Frankenstein" though and has twisted visions while conducting experiments (still illegal in the Catholic church) on snare drums.
Snowdogz is Jame's "Igor"
Danny is a hard working "Cassanova" type guy who woo's the beautiful women with his well executed playing and steaming good looks. He has a nice apartment that could use some work, and if he could ever get the girls out of his place I'm sure he could eventually get around to some remodeling!
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Yaay!
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felix
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Y no keno!
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« Reply #11 on: October 26, 2005, 09:08 AM » |
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And I leave Tony alone. Sorta like the movie "analyse this" with Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal- I'm worried about what sort of ramifications would be involved if I analized him.
Ok you guys know I'm fooling around. So if any of this rings true I would be surprised!
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Yaay!
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moosetication
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one ... two ... one two three four
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« Reply #12 on: October 26, 2005, 09:10 AM » |
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James blew himself up with a chemistry set his parents bought him one Christmas... Anyone got a screenwipe? Coffee everywhere... |
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After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music. Aldous Huxley
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Tony
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Art is the expression of the self.
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« Reply #13 on: October 26, 2005, 09:13 AM » |
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Faggetaboutit, s'okay. No, really, s'okay you choose to disrespect me this way. I'll keep this in mind, we'll discuss it at a later date. |
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The techniques, though they play an important role in the early stage, should not be too restrictive, complex or mechanical. If we cling to them, we will become bound by their limitation. Any technique, however worthy and desirable, becomes a disease when the mind is obsessed with it.
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dannydrumperc
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Boricua aunque naciera en la luna!
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« Reply #14 on: October 26, 2005, 09:14 AM » |
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He he he. Let me psychoanalyse:
Danny is a hard working "Cassanova" type guy who woo's the beautiful women with his well executed playing and steaming good looks. He has a nice apartment that could use some work, and if he could ever get the girls out of his place I'm sure he could eventually get around to some remodeling!
LOL Oh, Felix. I hope my wife never reads this... je, je, je!!! |
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felix
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Y no keno!
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« Reply #15 on: October 26, 2005, 09:15 AM » |
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And if you want to have fun with me:
My favorite drum is my 7 x 13 Zehner eyeball snare.
It's half maple and half acrylic filled with plastic eyeballs of various sizes that roll around.
It's also stained pink with puresound equalizer wires and a nickleworks throw.
The heads are a coated aquarian 2ply on top (which I do not like at all) and an aquarian hi perf snare head on the bottom.
This drum has 3 vents.
Why is this my favorite drum? I have no idea.
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Yaay!
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Louis
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« Reply #16 on: October 26, 2005, 09:46 AM » |
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filled with plastic eyeballs of various sizes that roll around. Funny you would mention this! Years ago I would put 15-20 popcorn kernels (un-popped) inside my snare and someone once mentioned that I should get some plastic eyeballs to use instead. |
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No one will believe it's the "Blues" if you wear a suit, 'less you happen to be an old person, and you slept in it last night!
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jameswalker
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« Reply #17 on: October 26, 2005, 09:47 AM » |
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He he he. Let me psychoanalyse:
James...is a musical " Dr. Frankenstein" though and has twisted visions while conducting experiments (still illegal in the Catholic church) on snare drums. The Church is still quite displeased with my theory that the universe orbits around North Vancouver, BC. (Apologies to Prof. Irwin Corey, the World's Foremost Authority.) |
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Louis
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Will Drum for BBQ
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« Reply #18 on: October 26, 2005, 09:49 AM » |
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The Church is still quite displeased with my theory that the universe orbits around North Vancouver, BC. They should be, everyone knows it really orbits around a cowbell! |
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No one will believe it's the "Blues" if you wear a suit, 'less you happen to be an old person, and you slept in it last night!
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sptucker
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Old wood is better...
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« Reply #19 on: October 26, 2005, 10:41 AM » |
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You guys seriously crack me up. Thanks for brightening a dismal day...
This question needs to be posed once every month or so, as the snare du jour is definitely a moving target!
The past couple of weeks I'm back in love with my '76 Slingerland COB 6.5 x 14 "Buddy Rich" model. Currently sporting 15" 20-strand "Snappy" wires, coated Ambassador batter and clear Diplomat reso. No muffling.
Batter is medium tight. Reso is slightly higher. Overall pitch is about 1/3 higher than my 10" tom. Snares are medium tight, just a hair past the always buzzing tension.
Felix, we know you can analyze, but can you recommend therapy?
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Drumming IS life
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