Snare drums in some form have been around for hundreds of years, with modern construction methods blossoming in the early 20th century. With such a lineage, it's easy to see why there's so wide a spread of snare drums now available.
There's really no end to the variety of snare you can find. Some are deep, some are shallow. Some are perfect for funk, and some are better for jazz. If you're in the market for a new, used, or vintage snare, we've made a video to help you understand a few of the most common types of snares—and we've put together a full snare drum buying guide to teach you everything else you need to know to make an informed purchase.
In the video above, Jessica Burdeaux demonstrates the different characteristics and playing styles associated with five snare types dating from the '60s to the present day. There are, of course, far more options for snares than just the ones we show. But you can use our picks to begin to understand some of the variety out there in the larger drumming world.
Here are the snares featured in the video:
- 1964 Slingerland 5.5x14" Deluxe Student Model
- 1980s Ludwig 5x14" Acrolite
- 1980s Ludwig 6.5x14" Supraphonic
- 1970s Rogers Dyna-Sonic 5x14" Chrome Over Brass
- Pearl Free-Floating Phosphor Bronze
For further information on how the size and construction of snares can impact your sound—and to learn how to choose the right one for you—take a look at our complete snare drum buying guide.