DRUMMER CAFE

Ok, so my 5.5x13''Mapex steel drum is a joy to me which is a fluke. I walk into a local pawn shop just to see what has been brought in and I notice this cheap Premier drum, black damond pearl covering, die-cast hoops, plied shell with support hoops and I tap on it awhile. The thing sounded good! (to me). As usual I walk out and ponder the thing but im goin back today and pickin the orphan up at 50 bucks. Am I just a cheap snaredrum junkie?. WHY cant I like the 600 dollar drums like everyone else, im seeking professional help.

No, I'd venture to guess you know good sound. I've got both a Mapex Bronze and a Craviotto. Just the same, if I was to run across a good sounding snare for $50 I'd probably snatch it up. Why? Because it's available for the right price and a sound I'd recognize a good. Just another sound to add to the collection. That's not saying you couldn't grab a $600 snare for another good deal at a later time. First thing I'd ask myself, "Will it go with one of my sets?" If so, I'd grab it just to have on hand as a spare at a gig. More than once I've been glad to have another snare on hand for a quick switch. Especially one that's good to leave at a practice house or bar and not worry about it. I wouldn't leave my Mapex or Craviotto at a gig, but I would a $50 snare. Just the way I tend to look at my gear. I know, I'm a snare junkie.... 

Yeah. Didn't Stewart Copeland record the early Police albums using some no-name snare drum that just sounded good? I hope I'm not repeating some urban legend.

I bought my '76 Acrolite for fifty bucks, and the only way I'd part with THAT cheap snare drum is at gunpoint, it sounds that good.

[Edit] - hey, while I was writing that the clock passed midnight and I turned fifty years old. Weird, huh? Feels pretty good!

"youngster" - I love it. 

My '76 Acrolite was made the same year I graduated high school, which kinda tickles me every time I sit behind it.