Vintage snare for jazz recommendations

[JDA]

all of em? out of 1000s of drums? doubt it even if so trust me, You won't notice ; / the difference

 

[Skyrm]

I'll second the Slingerland festival steel 5x14. Mine responds very well to brushes.

 

[JDA]

all (easy) metal need more wood recommendations

 

[Fibes]

My go to jazz snare is a SSB Jasper shelled 5 x 14. It's a simple thin 6 ply but with much more pleasing beds and edges than the earlier offerings. It's a unique bird in that it has one of their "standard" throwoffs, which were typically used on their aluminum student models from time to time. Still has the paper tag but the ink is pretty faded re: model number. But it just has that mid 50's to early 60's voice.

Greetings all- been thinking of getting new snare, maybe a project one, that would be versatile but especially good fit for jazz playing. Wondering what others out there might have tried? Any particular models that others are pleased with and that won’t break the bank? Thanks in advance.

 

[feelyat]

Greetings all- been thinking of getting new snare, maybe a project one, that would be versatile but especially good fit for jazz playing. Wondering what others out there might have tried? Any particular models that others are pleased with and that won’t break the bank? Thanks in advance.

Might I suggest a Ludwig Standard? They have a similar (identical?) shell to a Ludwig Jazz Festival, but have lighter (though still quite good) hardware.

Ludwig S-100 Standard Series 5x14" 8-Lug Wood Snare Drum 1969 - 1974 | Reverb

First introduced in 1968, the Ludwig Standard line was made as a more affordable alternative to the popular Jazz Festival line. While cheaper hardware was used on Ludwig Standards to keep production costs down, the shells are the same quality as more expensive lines, making this snare a great o...

reverb.com

 

[richardh253]

1920s nickel over brass Ludwig. Many people rave about them and there are a lotl of YouTube videos that sound great, killer for sensitive touch. It also happens that I have one I am thinking of selling for around 4 bills

agree although the one I bought from MAxwells about 5 years ago was $850 and sounds amazing!

 

[DD]

…but with much more pleasing beds and edges than the earlier offerings.

That’s interesting…were edges redone you think? Or did Gretsch change it up at that time?

 

[OttawaDrumGuy]

I would second that about the NOB. Mine's a 4x15 and is very defined and articulate, while providing a nice 'bark' when needed. Great for brushes too.
(I replaced the original clips with modern repops, )

I’ve got one of the 4 x 15 versions too (the Concert Dance model). Sounds much bigger than I thought a 4” drum would sound. And the extra inch in diameter does give a bit more room for brushes.

 

[JazzDrumGuy]

Gretsch 4157 wood or a Jazz Fest, in that order.

 

[markrocks68]

50's WFL Pioneer or 60's Ludwig Pioneer
6 lugs to the Jazz Fest 8 lugs and waaaay cheaper.
woody & warm and won't break the bank.
All my Ludwig kits have the matching pioneer for that reason.

 

[FitDrummer]

50's WFL Pioneer or 60's Ludwig Pioneer
6 lugs to the Jazz Fest 8 lugs and waaaay cheaper.
woody & warm and won't break the bank.
All my Ludwig kits have the matching pioneer for that reason.

My favorite wood snare! In fact my only wood snare!

 

[Sinclair]

50's WFL Pioneer or 60's Ludwig Pioneer
6 lugs to the Jazz Fest 8 lugs and waaaay cheaper.
woody & warm and won't break the bank.

I used this '61 on Thursday's trio gig with an Earthtone head. Soft and warm.

 

[pedro navahas]

I used this '61 on Thursday's trio gig with an Earthtone head. Soft and warm.

View attachment 521994

Is there a date in there?

 

[Sinclair]

Is there a date in there?

 

[sternerp]

Rogers Dynasonic seems to be the no brain answer to me. You won't find a more articulate snare when you take the time to learn how dial it in. If you fail at that, then a CoB Powertone can be had for $300 or less.

I agree! It took me awhile to get my early 70’s Dynasonic adjusted correctly. I bought it on Reverb, and looked great, but the throw off was hanging up every time I tried to turn it. I eventually noticed that the threaded screw was bent, probably from being dropped on the throw off. The easy solution was to purchase a brand new one from Rogers USA. It is now my favorite snare all genres.

Also high on my favorites are the Slingerland COB Sound Kings from the 60’s and 70’s; I have four of them and love their sound. The runner-up is my 68 Ludwig Supraphonic.

 

[Jazzhead]

I used this '61 on Thursday's trio gig with an Earthtone head. Soft and warm.

View attachment 521994

I miss it

 

[Kevinpursuit]

Rogers Powertone

 

[vintagedrummersweden]

Premier Royal Ace, wood.
I've got one, a 60´s 4x14 with newer Tama strainer (broken parallel throw).
Thin shell, aquamarine sparkle and die cast hoops.

If you want a vintage snare but with a smaller budget - go Premier!

 

[patrickwitherow]

I used this '61 on Thursday's trio gig with an Earthtone head. Soft and warm.

View attachment 521994

They are great to play and very versatile.

 

[sternerp]

Rogers Dynasonic seems to be the no brain answer to me. You won't find a more articulate snare when you take the time to learn how dial it in. If you fail at that, then a CoB Powertone can be had for $300 or less.

I agree with you. I have an early ‘70’s COB Dynasonic. It took me awhile to get the hang of dialing the snares, but once I did, I was impressed with the sound and articulation.