TMe
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« on: February 20, 2008, 10:46 AM » |
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Can anyone tell me what sort of snare drum would suit the following purpose?
I'm learning to play Blues with brushes at a volume level where I can accompany an unamplified acoustic guitar (nylon string). I've got the bass drum full of pillows and I've purchased small, light weight crash and ride cymbals. The snare drum is still giving me problems.
It seems metal or acrylic snares are too harsh, so I should probably be looking for a wood snare, for a mellow sound.
It also seems deep snare drums require too much energy to activate the snare wires, so I should be looking for a shallow snare.
Does that sound correct? If so, are there any particular snare drums that really fit the bill? Do I even need a different snare drum or should I just focus on finding a different set up for my present snare drum (changing heads, snares, tensions)?
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chilledbongo
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« Reply #1 on: February 20, 2008, 11:36 AM » |
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it seems to me all you really need to do is learn to play your current snare drum quietly. if you are using brushes, that should not be much of an issue. i use wires all the time on my pearl piccolo chrome over brass snare and play nothing but acoustic music with one or two guitars. works fine. just dont whack the thing so hard...  |
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TMe
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« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2008, 11:48 AM » |
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just dont whack the thing so hard... Actually, I'm having the opposite problem with my 6" deep drum. If I don't hit hard enough, the snares don't vibrate much at all. I want to hear the snares, not just the drum going "ping". I'm thinking a shallow snare drum like a piccolo might do the trick. |
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Louis
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« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2008, 01:53 PM » |
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I'm thinking a shallow snare drum like a piccolo might do the trick.
That would be my guess also. I have not played an acoustic gig in so long I am unable to offer any relevant personal experience. Sorry! |
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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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Chip71
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« Reply #4 on: February 20, 2008, 03:15 PM » |
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51/2"x14" Craviotto maple snare + Puresound 30 or 42 strand wires = Awesome for blues, or anything else.  Warning....They're not cheap! Great sound tho!  |
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Chris Whitten
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« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2008, 03:55 PM » |
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I agree with the above.
I'm a big fan of single-ply drums if they are in your budget.
There are others around, more sensibly priced.
I also think 5" or 5 1/2" would be better than a 6 1/2" or Picc.
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Nathan
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« Reply #6 on: February 21, 2008, 10:39 AM » |
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I played on another drummer's DW Craviotto the other night. It was cranked up tight like a marching snare and had a big wad of Moon Gel duct taped to it. I almost cried.  |
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Nathan
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« Reply #7 on: February 21, 2008, 10:41 AM » |
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What kind of heads/snare wires/tuning/wire tension do you use?
A 6" drum isn't all that deep. You should be able to get those snare wires buzzing with a few adjustments, but we need to know your specs.
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Chip71
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« Reply #8 on: February 21, 2008, 11:41 AM » |
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I've got another 6"x14" cherry Craviotto. I use 42 strand Puresound wires. I also use a Drum Dial to tune all my snares at their recommended specs. I love the sound of all my snares using that guage. One of best investments I've made. I know how to tune by ear, but the Drum Dial made the job a lot quicker. My wife said that she noticed an improvement also. I would spend hours doing something that I now do in minutes. |
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chilledbongo
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« Reply #9 on: February 21, 2008, 12:12 PM » |
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Actually, I'm having the opposite problem with my 6" deep drum. If I don't hit hard enough, the snares don't vibrate much at all. I want to hear the snares, not just the drum going "ping".
I'm thinking a shallow snare drum like a piccolo might do the trick.
shd be just a tuning/snare adjustment thing then...throw on a coated ambassador on top...i have my 4inch piccolo cranked pretty tight and use a very wide set of snares, adjusted medium to loose. i get all kinds of snare sounds and a wonderful rim shot with the regal rubber brush handle ... unless you want to get yrself a piccolo - and i wdnt blame you if you did - id muck around w the 6 inch some more first.... |
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TMe
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« Reply #10 on: February 21, 2008, 01:47 PM » |
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Where would I get 42 strand snares? I don't see them on the Puresound web site.
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Dave Heim
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« Reply #11 on: February 21, 2008, 01:51 PM » |
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Where would I get 42 strand snares? I don't see them on the Puresound web site.
Try any drum shop, MusiciansFriend.com (there's a link on the left of this page), or musician.com. Search for "42 strand snare". |
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