Top 2 Favorite Snare Sounds for Jazz

[Devindrums78]

I’d suggest finding a wfl/Ludwig classic maple, Slingerland Hollywood Ace, or Rogers Tower. George Way Studio’s are great too. If metal becomes an option, Gretsch 4160 COB is iconic for jazz.

 

[glaze148]

Seb,

What’s the difference between Slingy’s Artist, Ace, and Student model?

This does not cover every variation of the drums, but it’s a general description.There are exceptions. Usually 3 ply. Artist is 8 lugs, and has the Zoomatic throw off, and for certain years they offered a single ply.
Ace has the 3 ply shell, but with a more basic throw off. Forgot the name. Early drums have stick saver chrome over brass rims. Sometime in the 70’s the rims changed to chrome over steel.
Student drums are most often 6 lugs. There is an early 60’s 8 lug Ace that does not have a muffler that is also called a student Ace.
All great drums. My favorite is 60’s Hollywood Ace. Great for Jazz.

 

[thejohnlec]

My favorite is 60’s Hollywood Ace. Great for Jazz.

The Hollywood Ace is a killer for just about anything - great, versatile instrument.

Will you playing a lot of brushes? I’ve been actually favoring metal snares over wood lately for jazz brushes. A 6 1/2 COB Slingerland and a 5” Supra have been working nicely for that.

 

[Skins_in_the_game]

here is a good example of the Slingerland 8 lug student radio king. Reviewer says its specifically great for Jazz

 

[MrDrums2112]

I have a 1930s 8x14 Radio King that just might be the best snare, let alone jazz snare, I have ever played. It just has a certain feel, tone and response that no other snare seems to have for me - but it's also had 80+ years to build up all that mojo!

More within the budget, I am thinking of picking up one of the Ludwig Universal Brass snares to add a metal snare to the mix. Don't discount the Supralite line either - great drums.