Snare Drums

Gear4music stocks an extensive range of snare drums, from beginner models to limited edition pieces. A true standout is the Ludwig Black Beauty Snare Drum, celebrated as one of the most recorded snare drums in history, with its iconic Imperial lugs and versatile tone.

Whether you're after brass, maple, piccolo, or deep snares, all come with a full warranty and money-back guarantee. You’ll also find signature snare drums from some of the world’s top drummers and leading brands.

Top Snare Drum Brands

About Snare Drums

Snare drums were originally developed in the 13th century and are thought to have descended from a medieval drum called the Tabor. They feature two drum heads - a batter head and a resonant head - along with a snare wire placed on the bottom of the batter head. The snare wires are held in place by a snare strainer and butt plate, which allows the player to adjust the tension of the snare wires. There are various types of snare drums, including deep, standard, piccolo, popcorn, and marching drums.

The type of snare is determined by the size of the drum. For example, traditional marching drums tend to have a greater depth and deliver deeper tones, whereas piccolo snares are very shallow and produce higher-pitched tones. Snare drums are typically constructed from a range of materials, including wood, acrylic, and metals.

The type of snare you'll need depends on the specific application it'll be used for. The piccolo snare, for example, is typically used as a side snare drum or as the main snare drum in jazz music. On the other hand, deeper snare drums are often the preferred choice for heavier genres like rock and metal.

The most common diameter for a snare drum is 14", which provides the standard power and quality needed for any playing environment. However, snare drums with diameters as small as 6" are also available.

FAQs

What is the average cost of a snare drum?

The cost of a snare drum can vary from £100 to £3,000 depending on your playing ability & personal preferences. A beginner snare drum usually costs around £200, whereas a high-grade snare drum can cost between £2,000 and £3,000.

What size snare drum is suitable for beginners?

The average size of a snare drum suitable for beginners is 14" in diameter and 5.5" in depth. This is a standard size for most snare drums and offers a versatile level of volume and pitch, making it suitable for a wide array of musical genres.

Is snare drumming easy?

Grasping the basics of snare drumming is relatively easy. As with any instrument, playing the snare drum requires practice. However, most people will find that they have a natural aptitude for rhythm to some degree.