Ask 10 drummers about their perfect snare drum sound, and you’ll get 10 different answers. As the core of our kit, choosing the right snare for the job presents myriad options.
This year is no different, but you’ve voted in your droves, and chosen the snares that got you rattled this year.
1. British Drum Company Raven
Slotting into the dynamic British Drum Company's range as its most affordable snare, the Raven clearly won over many admirers amongst you this year.
Eccentrically inspired by the legendary ravens at the Tower Of London, it's 100% handmade in the UK, and offers cutting-high frequencies and balanced low- and mid-tones thanks to its 10-ply Scandinavian birch body, while that tasty dark finish is a black ash veneer.
Learn more at British Drum Co.
2. Ludwig Universal Series
It looks like black finishes were a thing for you this year, as Ludwig's Universal Series snare pushed the Raven all the way. With a lineage like this, that's no surprise; the Universal is modeled after the legendary Black Beauty snare, aiming to land in the same sonic ballpark with an optimal response, sensitivity, and dark warm tones.
Key features include heavy-duty tube lugs, P88i throw-off, P35 butt plate, and 20-strand snare wires.
3. Gretsch Ash Soan Signature
Ash’s distinctive ‘high’ snare is recreated as a signature model from Gretsch. Derived from his '90s custom Noonan purpleheart stave drum, this ply-shell production signature drum from Gretsch is the same drum that Soan has been using in the studio and on Instagram for the last couple of years.
It’s loaded with character, with plenty of cutting attack and sustain, and is a versatile drum despite its 12”x7” dimensions. Gretsch hallmarks such as 45-degree bearing edges, Lightning throw-off and internal silver sealer are all present.
“They all said he was crazy. The whole industry said he's going off the deep end. Who would even buy a guitar or a piano over the internet? And he just stuck to his guns. For him everything was doable": See behind the scenes as Thomann turns 70
Roland’s SPD-SX Pro electronic drum pad is an industry standard for hybrid drumming, and you can save $200 on one: but only if you’re quick!
