ONE Snare Drum

[Houndog]

Bill 3 concurs with me !!!

 

[DamnSingerAlsoDrums]

I absolutely could not weed the my still modest 4 snares collection to "only 1". But when I'm at home, my 5x14 Rogers Holiday snare seems to have all the stand time. I've come back to the 5" depth after a lot of time on 6s and 6 1/2s. There ain't much this little Rogers cannot do in the styles I play at home these days (mostly Americana, RnB, soul and funk based music.) I like the punch, the stick feel, the clarity. And I really like how well it responds to processing such as EQ and compression.

I think if I had to weed down to 1, this "Little Rogers that could" would probably be it

 

[Sequimite]

For a decade I only owned and used a Gretsch 4160 COB. Then for two decades I only played a Slingerland 6.5" COB while the Gretsch sat on a shelf. Dozens came and went during this time as I flipped sets to make money for cymbals.

Then I retired and all hell broke loose.

 

[mfry2112]

Something bronze

 

[wayne]

Favouurite?...in what setting?...studio, live, rehearsal?
I wish i could pick one, it would have been a lot easier on the wallet

 

[Pat A Flafla]

And preferably it’s on stage right behind you , not out in the parking lot …..
The crowd should barely notice the swap ..

But it needs to be a dramatic spectacle when their roadie (spouse) runs out to the car to fetch it. Oh wait... it's a downtown gig and they had to park three blocks away on the 7th floor of a garage. Oops.

 

[Fat Drummer]

I'm with Wayne.... just one? Context is SO important, but for fun I would say this hammered STAR copper. I prefer metal to wood in most applications and copper over most metals so this one by default. But I have 8 other snares that would argue my selection!

 

[JimmyM]

I only have one that’s worth a crap. I was plotting to get a couple more, but mine is so good that I really don’t have the desire to get another one.

 

[Ptrick]

It would be very hard for me to only have/use one snare. To me, venue size, style of music, whether I am taking it on the road with me would all play into which one I’m going to grab.

My favorite sounding snare (A Tama Bell Brass Replica cast bronze) I would not take on tour due to the 40 year old hardware. I’d probably take a black iron Keplinger, as all the parts are standard sizes and easily replaceable.

But I wouldn’t bring either of those for a jazz gig or singer/songwriter. Would have to have a wood drum.

For that, my Cask Steambent Indian Rosewood would get pulled.

And if I had to only grab one to play everything, well, I’d probably throw an adult fit and look for an exception.

 

[pwc1141]

These days, just the one ... Brady 12 x 7 Sheoak block.. does everything I need or want to do ...
.

 

[VintageUSA]

Something bronze

Agreed!
My fav is the 4169B from Gretsch USA.

 

[DanRH]

Absolute minimum is 2 , You HAVE to have a back up on gigs ……..

Totally agree. Having one snare when you’re gigging is akin to driving without a spare tire. It’s like if it’s gonna happen, it’s when…

Now if you’re asking which two are the minimum, for me, it’s my 14x8 Tama Star Walnut and any metal drum as the spare.

 

[bigbonzo]

So, apparently, no one has only ONE snare. Interesting.....

 

[Olrocker]

Hmm...for sentimental reasons I'd probably keep my '67 Supra, but absent that, my 6.5x14 raw Copperphonic for sure.

 

[Tony_H]

Totally agree. Having one snare when you’re gigging is akin to driving without a spare tire. It’s like if it’s gonna happen, it’s when…

Now if you’re asking which two are the minimum, for me, it’s my 14x8 Tama Star Walnut and any metal drum as the spare.

I would much rather pack some extra heads in my truck then bring an entire drum that I hope I will never have to use

It's probably quicker (and easier) to just swap out snares, but I already bring too much stuff with me.

Cheers,
Tony

 

[JohnnyVibesAZ]

So, apparently, no one has only ONE snare. Interesting.....

50 years ago, a great lot of us couldn't afford owning more than one! That's why I asked which one snare you all thought could do it all, and fit in almost any music situation. I know, times have changed, but a few of you DID answer the question!

 

[Madmarian]

I have strong oppinions on snare drums. I love smaller ones, as you only get a well balanced acoustic sound when your snare is not twice as loud as the rest of the kit. You'd be surprised how much your stage sound improves by having a smaller, less loud snare. I know many drummers want to crucify me for this statement... anyhow. So for a long time - despite having dozens of snares, my go-to snare was a 12" Maple. Now I mostly play a 13" walnut snare (built myself), because while it is a bit louder than the 12", the warmth of the walnut shell makes it sit so well in the mix.

I even have a 10" Snare i sometimes use; not as much as I used to though bc the actrylic shell broke and I therefore keep it in my studio and not use it live anymore, so the crack would not split the whole shell. But it is so funky, just awesome... Note to myself: fix that darn shell and use it again...

 

[mtarrani]

I have many more than one snare drum, but could easily get by with only one. These days I grab the nearest snare drum if it's one of those rare gigs, or whatever matches the kit in my home studio, or in my band's rehearsal space.

Frankly, I don't care one way or the other. I do have a marked preference for wood, even if it's a cheap Catalina snare.

I have a 6.5x14 George Way copper snare drum sitting around collecting dust. It's probably better sounding than most of my other snare drums, but once I am playing with a group they all sound like snare drums to me.

 

[KingLudwig]

I've got it narrowed down to 3.
- Brady
- Craviotto
- AK

 

[Peano]

So, apparently, no one has only ONE snare. Interesting.....

I have only one. Ludwig Super Sensitive, vintage late 1960s.