Image sourced from reddit

Have you ever wondered what a band would look like without a snare drum? It would surely not have the appropriate sound expected by a musical band.

Therefore, a snare drum is of prime importance in a music band. The snare drum helps provide a characteristic touch to the whole sound of the band. Without the snare drum, the band's sound sounds a little odd.

Every music band needs a snare drum, and in this blog, we will emphasize the role of the drum in a band and why it is considered that important.

Role of the Snare Drum

The snare drum has three core functions in a band

Keeping Time and Providing Rhythm

The snare drum has a key role in the maintaining of the tempo and providing the rhythm. The tempo of the music is a key and integral part of the whole sound. All the different instruments that are being played at a time in a band are focusing on the same tempo. 

While you need to focus on the tempo there are some instruments that are integral to maintaining the tempo and snare drum is one of them.

The snare drum helps in keeping the rhythm and ensures that the band plays in a synchronized manner. This helps in creating a music that is in sync and appeal to the audience

Adds to the Dynamic Range

The snare drum significantly contributes to the dynamic range of the music. This range, often described as the expressiveness of the music, is enhanced by the snare drum's ability to add variations in sound and volume, while still maintaining the tempo and sync of the music.

The dynamic range makes the sound produced by the and much more expressive, and with the variation, the audience is engaged. When there is no such variation in the sound being produced, the audience gets bored with that monotonous sound. 

So, adding the variation gives the audience a touch of spark, and they cheer up.  

Creating Accents and Fills

The snare drum is instrumental in creating accents and fills in the music. During transitions in a song, these accents and fills act as musical bridges, preventing the music from feeling disjointed.

Without these musical 'fillers ', it would seem like a new song has abruptly started. The use of fillers makes the new part of the song adhere to the previous part and makes it appear like one.

The creation of the accents and the fillers adds thrill and excitement to the song for the audience, and that makes them like the song as a whole.

Importance in Different Music Genres

The snare drum holds prime importance in different musical genres, including rock, jazz, marching bands, and orchestral music. Here is a one-by-one explanation of each one.

• In the rock genre, it provides the backbeat and drives the energy of the music. The snare's powerful, steady hits form the backbone of rock's rhythmic structure, keeping the band grounded.
• In jazz, the snare offers intricate rhythms and syncopation, contributing to the genre's complex sound. The snare's subtle nuances and variations are essential for jazz's improvisational nature.
• It acts as the primary rhythm keeper in marching bands, coordinating the ensemble's timing. Its loud, clear sound is crucial for maintaining uniformity and precision during performances and parades.
• In orchestral music, it adds sharp, precise notes highlighting key moments and transitions. The snare's distinctive tone accentuates dramatic points, adding depth and contrast to orchestral pieces.

Techniques to Stand Out as a Snare Drummer

Here is a quick rundown of the basic and the advanced techniques

Mastering Basic Techniques

In the basic techniques, you have strokes and dynamic control.

Strokes

There are three stroker types: single, double, and paradiddle. Proficiency in basic strokes is essential for any snare drummer. Single strokes involve alternating hands, double strokes require two hits per hand, and paradiddles combine both, creating complex rhythmic patterns.

Dynamics and Control

The use of dynamic control allows drummers to play at varying volumes, from soft whispers to powerful hits. Control ensures precision in playing, maintaining consistency and clarity in performances.

Advanced Techniques

The advanced techniques include Ghost Notes, Rimshots and Cross-sticking

Ghost Notes 

Ghost notes are very soft notes played in between the main strokes, adding subtle complexity and groove. Mastering ghost notes enhances a drummer's ability to create intricate, textured rhythms.

Rimshots

The rimshots are a technique that involves striking the rim and head of the drum simultaneously, producing a loud, cracking sound. Rimshots are used to accentuate beats and add dramatic emphasis to performances.

Cross-Sticking

This technique involves laying the stick across the drumhead and striking the rim, creating a distinct, clicking sound. Cross-sticking adds rhythmic variation and can be used for quieter, more controlled passages. 

Here is a quick youtube video about the top 5 must know rules for snare drum playing 

List of Top Snare Drums 

Here is a list of 8 top snare drums

 

Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Snare Drum 14x5.5

  Image sourced from reddit

The Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Snare Drum 14x5.5 is a classic snare drum with a 6-ply structure. It is made with high-quality snare plates and strong snare strings.

Specifications

• The size of the snare drum is 14 by 5.5 inches
• The snare bed is 1.8 mm
• The B-type release and P-type butt strainer are present
• Nylon snare string coated with nylon braid is used
• The snare drum has 45-degree bearing edges

Pros

• The snare drum is made durable due to its construction material 
• The high-quality birch shell is used, which leads to exceptional sound projection

Cons

• The size of the drum is limited to only the standard 14 by 5.5 inches
• The price can be an issue for some users

Black Hickory Snare Drum

The Black Hickory Snare Drum is a standard-sized snare drum that provides powerful sound. The snare drum hardware has a chrome finish that enhances the look of the snare drum  

Specifications

• The snare drum has a hickory wood finish
• The snare drum has eight lug counts
• 12-strand snare wire is used in the snare drum
• The gross weight of the drum is 6 pounds
• The shell is made up of 3-ply poplar wood with a thickness of 7.5 mm

Pros

• The hickory shell is used, which helps create a characteristic unique tone associated with the hickory shell.
• The snare drum is affordable for users, so everyone can enjoy the unique sound of this snare drum.

Cons

• The color options are not available. Only black color is available
• This snare drum's projection is smaller than some others, like birch or maple.

Here is what our client Will Hall has to say about the product 

Excellent Snare

Excellent snare for the newest member of the middle school percussion group! My son is 11 and was blown away by this cool snare! He especially loved the woodgrain appearance. He had a little difficulty tuning it so will bring it to his percussion teacher today to have it tuned. Otherwise, he has thoroughly enjoyed playing it at home and practicing all of the pieces they were newly assigned from school! I would recommend this for anyone and any age.

Pearl Export 14x5.5 Snare Drum

Image sourced from Reddit

The Pearl Export 14x5.5 Snare Drum is a powerful snare drum that comes in the standard size of 14 by 5.5 inches.

Specifications

• The pearl export snare drum shell comprises poplar and mahogany wood.
• The snare drum is available in various colors, including High-Voltage Blue, Mirror Chrome, Burgundy, Smokey Chrome, and Pure White.
• The snare drum has triple-flanged hoops
• The snare drum has 45-degree bearing edges

Pros

• The pearl export snare drum comes in a variety of different colors, so customers have a lot to choose from
• Due to the use of poplar and mahogany wood in the shell of the snare drum, users get a rich and warm tone.
• The snare drum has a classic pearl-quality 
• The snare drum comes in an affordable price range

Cons

• There is a size limitation of 14 by 5.5 inches
• The weight of the snare drum might be an issue

Black Wood Shell Snare Drum

Image sourced from Reddit

The Black Wood Shell Snare Drum is a 14-inch drum that provides the desired punchy sound.

Specifications

• The weight of the snare drum is 6 pounds
• The lug count is 8 
• The size of the snare drum is 14 by 5.5 inches
• The hardware has a chrome finishing
• The snare wire is 12 strand

Pros

• The snare drum is made up of high-quality material with durable construction. 
• The snare drum provides excellent projection of the sound

Cons

• The color options are limited in this snare drum
• The price is an issue for some 

Here is a customer review from our client, Chris Wright

This is a GREAT deal for a good little drum!

Drum arrived on time, as promised. I immediately removed and discarded the crappy batter and snare heads that came with the drum (produced at "The People's Glorious Musical Instrument and Fishing Equipment Worker's Paradise Factory No.34"), replaced by Evans 14" Black Hydraulic Batter head and Evans 500 Clear Snare head, also tossed the stock snares and replaced them with Puresound Equalizer 16 strand snares. After reassembly, application of a couple of Moongel pads on the inside of the Snare head and proper tuning , this drum sounds FANTASTIC, especially considering that it cost less than $100 even with all the upgrades. I'll play in the head for a while, and post a further review after it's been broken in properly. Now that I've had a close look at the quality of the shell and hardware, I would definitely recommend this instrument to a friend.

Birch Wood Snare Drum

The Birch Wood Snare Drum is a standard-sized snare drum with a birch wood shell that provides boosted high frequencies.

Specifications

• The gross weight of the drum is 7 pounds
• The Hardware has a red powder coating
• The shell has an 8 mm thickness 
• The drum head top has a premium white coating, and the bottom is clear
• The lug count is 8
• The snare wire is 12 strand

Pros

• The snare drum helps in producing a high-quality birch crisp sound
• The snare drum is quite durable due to its construction material

Cons

• The unavailability of color options is a con
• The snare drum is only limited to standard size 14 by 5.5 inches

Tama Woodworks Snare Drum 14x8

 Image sourced from Reddit

The Tama Woodworks Snare Drum 14x8 is a snare drum made of 8-ply poplar wood.

With the shell covered in art grain wrap, it gives a whole classical look to the snare drum

Specifications

• The snare drum is 14 by 8 inches in size
• The shell is made up of poplar wood
• The snare drum has two colors: natural zebrawood wrap and black oak wrap

Pros

• The Tama woodworks snare drum has a deeper shell that helps give a deeper and fatter sound.
• The poplar shell helps provide good sound quality
• The snare drum is available in affordable price range

Cons

• The snare drum has a lower projection of the sound
• The weight of the snare drum might be a concern for some

Sonor AQ2 Steel Snare Drum 14x5.5

The Sonor AQ2 Steel Snare Drum 14x5.5 is a snare drum with a 1 mm thick steel shell that provides a shimmering tone.

Specifications

• The size of the snare drum is 14 by 5.5 inches
• The shell is made up of steel 
• The snare drum has a chrome finishing
• The drum has a 2.3 mm power hoop

Pros

• The steel shell provides a bright tone that gives an exciting feel to the music.
• The steel construction helps make the snare drum durable
• The snare drum is also renowned for producing consistent sound

Cons

• This snare drum is heavier than other types due to steel construction
• In terms of warmth in the tone, it may lack a bit

Sonor AQ2 14x6 Maple Snare Drum Aqua Silver Burst 

Image sourced from Reddit

The Sonor AQ2 14x6 Maple Snare Drum Aqua Silver Burst is a snare drum with sharp edges and a 7-ply maple wood construction.

Specifications

• The size of the snare drum is 14 by 6 inches
• The color of the snare drum is aqua silver burst, which gives it a stylish touch.
• The snare drum has sharp 45-degree bearing edges

Pros

• The snare drum has a decent sound projection
• The aqua silver burst  makes the snare drum look more aesthetical

Cons

• The size is limited to only 14 by 6 inches
• The price might be an issue for some users

Snare Drum Kit

The snare drum kit is a packaged product that includes a snare drum, a snare drum stand, two pairs of drumsticks, and a drum key. 

Specifications

• The weight of the kit is 11.5 pounds
• The snare drum shell finish is a glossy black wrap 
• The drum top has a white coating, and the drum bottom is clear
• 12 strand snare drum wires are used

Pros

• The snare drum kit is a comprehensive kit that solves all the issues of a drummer.
• The snare drum kit has equipment made up of high-quality material, making it quite durable.

Cons

• The price of the kit might be high for some users
• Not for you if you are only looking for a snare drum

Here is a comparison table for the products

Product	Best For	Highlighting Feature	Pros	Cons
Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Snare Drum	Versatile Use	Natural Wood Finish	High-quality birch, durable, easy tuning, consistent tone	Mid-range price, standard size
Black Hickory Snare Drum	Budget-Friendly	Affordable	Unique tone from hickory, die-cast hoops, affordable	Less projection, limited color options
Pearl Export 14x5.5 Snare Drum	Classic Tone	Multiple Color Options	Classic Pearl quality, rich tone, multiple colors, affordable	Limited to standard size, heavier
Black Wood Shell Snare Drum	Versatile Use	Natural Maple Finish	Excellent projection, warm tone, durable	Mid to high-range price, limited colors
Birch Wood Snare Drum	Crisp Sound	Affordable Birch Shell	High-quality birch, crisp sound, affordable	Limited to standard size, limited colors
Tama Woodworks Snare Drum 14x8	Warm, Full Sound	Deeper Shell	More body and warmth, affordable, good sound quality, attractive wrap	Less projection, heavier
Sonor AQ2 Steel Snare Drum	Cutting, Bright Tone	Steel Shell	Bright tone, durable construction, consistent sound	Heavier, less warmth
Sonor AQ2 14x6 Maple Snare Drum	Excellent Projection	Aqua SilverBurst Finish	Excellent projection, warm tone, attractive finish	Mid to high-range price, limited size
Snare Drum Kit	Variety of Tones	Comprehensive Kit	comprehensive kit, durable	Higher price, not for ones looking for only snare drum

Why You Should Choose GeekStands for Snare Drums

One should choose Geekstand for snare drums because we at Geekstands help our clients by providing them with high-quality drums with excellent sound quality. With a wide variety of drums and additional accessories, we are a trusted brand in the market with positive reviews.

The snare drums at Geekstands will never disappoint you in terms of sound quality. There is a wide variety of snare drums available, each with its own characteristic sound based on the wood or material used in the drum's shell.

Apart from the snare drum, we are a one-stop solution for drummers, offering clients additional accessories that are essential for snare drums.

Due to all these reasons, we enjoy the complete trust of our clients. So, if you want to know about our clients' responses, you can check out reviews of our products on-site at Geekstands and then place the order for whichever snare drum you want!