Brass Snare Drums

If you wanted to start an argument between drummers, the best way to do it might be to ask them which snare drum is the best. Every percussionist has their own opinion about it, and it's usually a pretty strong one that they'll defend right to the bitter end! But the truth is that none of them are wrong, because the best snare drum isn't an objective thing - it's based on personal preference. For many drummers, the favorite will be one of the brass snare drums in this section. With the natural ringing quality of brass, they deliver sound that's clear and enduring, adding a sharp accent to your percussion kit that's great for just about any style of music.

Deciding on the right snare for you is a matter of figuring out what you want to get out of your drum, and there are a few traits to look out for. The most important one is probably shell thickness. Look for a drum with a thinner shell (2mm or less) to get a lower-pitched note with an open twang and whip-like response. Or, if you'd prefer a higher pitch with extreme attack and sensitivity, try looking for a thick shell around the 3mm mark. Brass snares at this thickness will also give you a fatter tone that helps rein in their natural brightness.

Some of the most popular brass snare drums are Ludwig's Black Beauty series, which come in lots of different styles allowing you to choose the perfect one for your setup. There's the Ludwig Supraphonic Black Beauty Snare Drum, for instance, and the Ludwig Black Beauty Brass on Brass Snare Drum - to name just two. In fact, they've had such a big influence that most other brass snares are in black now as well, including top sellers like the Mapex Wraith Matt Halpern Artist Inspired Black Panther Snare Drum and the Ahead 6"x14" Black Chrome on 3mm CAST Bell Brass with Chrome Trick Throw-Off.

Of course, these examples are only the tip of the iceberg, and you'll find lots of other outstanding instruments in this selection of brass snare drums. So if brass is your jam when it comes to snares, you have no shortage of options to choose from, with a variety of shell thicknesses, heads, snare styles and drum sizes in the lineup. Like anything else that goes into your drum set, the best thing about brass snares is the ability to customize with something that's the perfect fit for you - so go ahead and get started!