I have a BIG question that I need help with. I would like to quiet a snare without changing the feel, or putting anything on the head. I play big backbeat stuff, with big rimshots and I really don't want to change the way I strike the drum. I know, it sounds like I want to have the cake and eat it too, but maybe I do. I'm wondering if any of you knows anything at all. ANY help would be really appreciated.
thanks folks,
Dan

Doesn't Vic Firth have something coming out called "Blades"?  I think there was a link at one point to new 2003 or 2003 stuff and they were pictured.  They looked like plasic or fiberglass sicks which were rounded at the butt end and flattened and spread out at the head end.  Vic Firth Blades I do believe.  Am I off my rocker or has anyone tried these if I'm not.  They could sound pretty good I think but if you are really laying into a drum I'd have to imagine you're gonna really have to be careful to not hit these things on the edge or you'll go right through the heads.  Just imagine a big oversized plastic butter knife but that is fanned out an inch and a half or so but solid, not like brushes.  Solid brushes???