10 Brass Snare Drums We Love - Which Is Best For You?

[@andyham6094]

The Tama JT is literally an AMAZZZZZINGGGGG snare. Sounds so good live and cuts through any mix yet sounds so good and versatile in the studio.

[@Dan-hc1ow]

I did also like the JT a lot, after the Ludwig. Thanks for reminding me. I forgot to include that in my comment.

[@dalekay9ine]

The JT is underrated for sure!!! Plus I'm a huge WHITE ZOMBIE fan!

[@Jiwa.Media.Production]

For Me 1. Gretsch Bell Brass 2. Tama John Tempesta 3. Ludwig Raw Brass

[@BojanOstojicBlackflagStudio]

I've been waiting for this video for a long time, excellent production, and it's always a pleasure to see you, I hope one day I can go to the store, and it was a pleasure to meet the boss of bosses on the street in Anaheim after NAMM, greetings from Iquique Chile

[@pacificdrumma]

Love my Gretsch BB. Super versatile

[@af7119]

I can't remember a time when I've wanted every drum in a comparison video. This is it!

[@drumcenternh]

We felt the same way, they all sound killer!

[@traviswoodall6547]

Same…those clever bastards

[@billyrhythm]

That Pearl! Pearl snares are so underrated. My "desert island" snare is a Pearl bronze Sensitone Classic. My Pearl maple free floater is in constant use. That Pearl brass had a presence the others didn't have. The Keplinger had a distinct sound. It wasn't MY sound, but it was the one that made me say "What's that sound? That's different."

[@S281ER238]

specailayy free floating any 1990 free floating 6.5 14

[@nollissey]

And it's the most cheapest compared to rest in my country.

[@ChipsNeeson]

10/10 video Tony! They're all sensational drums but the ones that stood out to me are the Yamaha RC, Mapex Persuader & the Keplinger. Favourite had to be the Yamaha. Like someone else mentioned, the Tasting Notes were brilliant.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for the kind words and great choices!

[@MicahJoelDrums]

second that! Yamaha and Keplinger are some of my favorite drums

[@marcogman8905]

Dunnett COB, Ludwig RB, Pearl Duoluxe (in that order) are my fav. Great video.

[@scottculver5728]

Great review thank you. The LUDWIG for sure is great. YAMAHA was next for me. Then I really liked the MAPEX. BRITISH , DW, GRETCSH, DUNNETT, PEARL and then KEPLINGER. That’s how I’m feeling them. 👍🏼🥁❤️🎶

[@Calisto34]

Great demos of these snares. I bought a new Yamaha RC 14 x 6.5 brass a few months ago and replaced just the top triple flange hoop with a diecast. Sounds incredible.

[@Pentoute45]

The Ludwig Raw Brass... Cant ever go wrong with that one.

[@betulaobscura]

I bought Ludwig 14x8 Raw Brass in 2018... and Ludwig 14x8 Raw Copper in 2020. My most favourite snares since then!

[@cartoune]

Love to see that Tony's Notes are back! Loved them so much for the Aluminum series!

[@CaryDunlap]

I own the Yamaha RC and it's a wonderful drum. It's got the classic brass sound I've been searching for.

[@marclabelle8964]

Great vid my friend... 1 Dunnett 🇨🇦 2 british 🇬🇧 3 Yamaha 🇯🇵

[@gillespittet8705]

The Gretsch and the JT Tama were my faves.

[@drumcenternh]

Strong choices right there!

[@Romans219]

I always appreciate Shane and his crew.

[@juliussolovideo]

Loved the Kepliger, British, Ludwig and that Pearl was a lovely surprise

[@JulianFernandez]

Yamaha did it for me. Thanks guys!

[@drumcenternh]

Good choice, thanks for watching!

[@onalyd]

Keplinger, Dunnett, Tempesta and Ludwig are my top 4

[@Lateralus1007]

The dunnett is a force to be reckon with

[@mwb78]

That Halpern Pearl snare is an awfully nice sounding brass drum too! Good comparison!!!

[@woody4269]

Grt vid DCP. Always excellent consistency Tony. T Dunnett was so diff to t others. Really liked that one. The ring on t BDC was amazing. T Gretsch looked killer. I've never heard of John Tempesta (yeah....shoot me). That was saf. T winner to my ears...BDC. I love a good ring. I'll take one of them, 2 of these. And that one.🤷‍♂️

[@fraserpeterkindrums9764]

All really lovely drums, I'd have the kepplinger and that JT Tama snares in a second... Maybe the British drum company blue bird too also a beautiful drum......

[@TM_Stone]

I'll take 'em all! Put 'em on my tab.

[@Scopay73]

Mapex, British, Ludwig and Pearl were my favorites but really, they all sound great.

[@cornholy69]

I bought the Tama JT based off of the videos you featured it in, and I couldn’t be happier! Killer drum, especially for harder hitting music. All the snares sound great in this video, all have their own flavors 🤙🏻

[@TJNoneday]

Hello, did you check bearing edges? I bought one too and it had small bruises around edges. I got snare replaced twice and every replacement had similar flaws. My serial numbers were 907, 909 and 919. Tama says it must be some quality check issue.

[@ColonelClaypool]

Awesome head2head. Blindly listening I like the Supraphonic the best.

[@plaisancepierre4748]

Thanks for the video. The JT is amazing!! it's the one I prefer. I also really like the character and the live side of the ludwig raw brass

[@dancalabrese3523]

The Ludwig was my favorite, but the others all sounded great. The Mapex and Yamaha surprised me as they sounded better than I thought, especially for the price. And if I was just listening, I would have sworn the Keplinger was a 6.5. Tony was spot on when he said the Ludwig could work with any situation. Best all-around sound to me.

[@elijahsacco]

Surprised you didn't have the 1980 Tama Bell Brass at the end with Shane yelling "Not for sale" in the background

[@drumcenternh]

Fair point... That would have been fun!

[@phillamoore157]

They all sound great. But, I was really surprised at how good the DW and Pearl sounded. I don't recall liking any of their snares (although, I'm not a huge fan of DW, in general). Love these videos....they're EXTREMELY helpful.

[@drumfanatik316]

That DW kills man!!! It’s my go to snare even though I’m a Tama guy through and through!!! I beefed mine up a bit though. I use a Remo emperor X for the batter, put 30 strand snare wires on it and use a snare weight for a little dampening. Doesn’t get much better man!!! Very versatile with the 3 position butt plate. Can change your sound in seconds with the flip of a switch!!! I highly recommend this snare!!!

[@phillamoore157]

@@drumfanatik316 Very good to know! Thank you, brother.

[@declancampion3051]

Yeah the Raw Ludwig first sounds really fine. The Yamaha RC too cuz I own one. I have the 13x6.5 drum. Musical Snare. All of the snares are nice and some could offer more meaty low end like the Yamaha. I could work with all of them not a bother. Thanks for the cool vids lad's.

[@drumcenternh]

Totally agree and thanks for watching!

[@sebastianfm7337]

I like the Dunnet but have to admit that the two Bell Brass sound even better. Thanks for the video.

[@klauth_Yksyn]

Great presentation Tony 👍

[@tinterlande]

Thank you sir!

[@hauntedhose]

The room mic says it all ! Very good demo video 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@paulbruno8327]

Thanks for another great video and the winner for me is… 🏆Ludwig🏆

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@the6ig6adwolf]

The DW and Ludwig were both fantastic but for completely different reasons.

[@mattdamico1526]

The two that stood out are the Gretsch & the Mapex. I own the Mapex Sledgehammer which is the precursor to the Persuader. Great drums. Thanks for this demonstration.

[@drumcenternh]

The Sledgehammer was great too and I'm glad the Persuader holds it's own!

[@stephenheidelberger616]

The Ludwig snare is still KING ! period

[@philmcfarlane8666]

fantastic video. i shut my eyes and compared the sounds. my faves were gretsch, bluebird, yamaha. and the bluebird is my go-to drum in my set! yay!

[@petermasalsky8844]

All sounded great, but some of them didn't sound as awesome as I thought they would. That said, I would take any one of these for my kit. I do like me some Ludwig brass, though, if forced to pick a favorite. Great job as always, guys.

[@milanlubke4186]

I realy liked the Ludwig and the Gretsch for their lovely overtones and I was suprised by the dunnett. Balanced, with great low end. The bluebird reminded me of the classic supraphonic

[@daltonidaho]

I like the "tasting notes" with each drum. Not a bad sounding one in the bunch! I own the Yamaha 😅

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for the feedback and agreed!

[@travelinman95]

It’s the Yamaha and the DW for me. Appreciate the video

[@drumcenternh]

appreciate you watching.

[@traviswoodall6547]

Lots of great options here…I loved several of these but my opinion is…most universal: Ludwig. Ludwig makes killer snare drums and dammit I would love have one of every single one. Most unique: Mapex If I were going to buy a snare that sounded nothing like any other metal snare I had it would be this one. Best studio snare: British Drum Co. I have zero access to this brand where I live but I am increasingly more interested in trying one. I just bought (from DCP) a Gretsch Brooklyn Chrome over Brass snare, but I own a few from other brands and love all of them for different reasons. Can’t go wrong with any of these but those three were my favorites.

[@michaelbourg8294]

I really appreciate the room miking since that is basically what we drummers hear. With that being said, price point being considered, I like the Mapex, DW, British and of course the Ludwig as my favorites.

[@cidboechat]

The Ludwig sounded the best hands down. Amazing

[@mountainhobbit1971]

they are all great but personally I really liked the Ludwig and surprisingly the Mapex!

[@Bald_rek]

Mapex make great snare drums

[@jehouse86]

​@@Bald_rek They're no joke! Mapex in general never caught my eye, but they make snare drums that can hang with the best of them.

[@xaverk]

The hammering of the shell makes the sound dryer, which is good for brass or, even more, bronze shells. The hammered Ludwig shells show this clearly. Too much of shell ring may interfer with the musical context.

[@WaterbottlE5]

GREAT VIDEO....The Gretch and Keplinger sound great, But with a price tag of over a grand they sound great...LOL. The Yamaha was my #2, it has just a classic brass sound, with the control of a Yamaha. The Mapex was #1 for me, I Just love this drum. It's just mean but enjoyable. I wasn't impressed with the Pearl, Tama, or DW. They are not bad by any means, but I'd rather buy a black beauty if I wanted the black beauty sound. Dunnett did it better.

[@marclabelle8964]

A great video. Thank you. For me, Dunnett and Yamaha. British surprised me. Hope your knee's better Tony 😉

[@gaddygadd]

I like Dunnet, British, and KEPLINGER.

[@nickdenardo6479]

every time i see/hear a Keplinger, i feel like i should add one to my collection. i was rather hoping to see an A&F snare in the mix. i'm not sure whether you guys carry these or not, but they are fine instruments indeed. i feel like Mapex snares are underrated. i honestly didn't hear anything i didn't like. i love the finish on the Ludwig and the hammering on the Mapex.

[@anotherDnightmare]

Great vid. The original Pearl Ferrone is an old workhorse for a reason. Could have easily fit in here. The Ludwig was curious. As was the Bluebird.

[@gwobcke]

Out of those drums the Ludwig is an easy winner followed by the Tama Tempesta for me.

[@stephenord3403]

Got two Ludwigs and I love them, a 402 and a black beauty

[@iantouzel638]

There can be only one, i am the highlander...... Gretsch bell brass. Haha. Like the BDC also.

[@La_sagne]

was never that much of a ludwig guy but it takes the cake here imo

[@davidcudlip6587]

Keplinger sounded great. Wasn't familiar with that company but now I'll have to check them out.

[@drumcenternh]

Keplinger is the best!

[@tobypuffer3286]

I have the DW Black on Brass and absolutely love it! To me it's like a black beauty with way better hardware. Just my opinion, but that John Tempesta snare is badass also! They are all great sounding drums. Great Video guys!

[@Juniscrazy]

It’s a bit more controlled, and a lot less $$ lol I had both ended up selling the black beauty cause I enjoyed the DW so much

[@nollissey]

And it's cheaper than the supraphonic as well!

[@koolBOY8323]

they really sound very similar. john tempesta, gretsch, and yamaha stand out. but that keplinger...*chef's kiss

[@drumfanatik316]

Drum Center of Portsmouth, thanks for taking my suggestion albeit, I did suggest only Tama brass snares!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Great video!!! I still want to get my hands on the JT signature snare!!! So bad ass!!! 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@martinlaporte2112]

Awesome video. If you want to experience a phenomenal brass snare, try the DW Bell Brass 6.5x14 with the 3mm thick shell. Mine is by far the best sounding snare I've ever heard.

[@drumcenternh]

That's a great drum as well!

[@tysonduquette1414]

i just bought one locally for 375.00 mint unused really. sick snare and i can do curls with it!!! heavy as fk

[@michaeleuefueno3517]

Great Video Tony. My three favorites are #1 Ludwig Raw .#2 BDC Bluebird. #3 Keplinger. 👍🎉🥁

[@timurhant469]

Tama JT and The British stood out for me. Linear overtones, definition with enough grit and punch. JT get‘s my cash on this comparison though. I also liked the Keplinger.

[@HankNinja]

I was hoping my Mapex would make the cut. ;) I dig mine. Surprisingly, the vented “dry” heads actually dry it up too much for my taste. Boring ol’ Ambassador does the trick on this one. Very responsive.

[@billyhughes9776]

All of those drums sound great, but overall the Ludwig was my fav. Surprised by the Mapex and Yamaha, and if I'm being honest the Keplinger (love the Black Iron) didn't sound as fat as I thought it would. Awesome demo -- thanks!

[@bakedalaska4363]

Great video! Glad to see the DW BNOB made the list. I have one and it is a keeper. Truly a workhorse snare. I would take any of these, however. Not a bad one in the bunch.

[@jeffrobinson6145]

very helpful comparison, thanks!

[@drumcenternh]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timm1139]

Ludwig comes in first for me. I’ve never heard that Keplinger before, but that would be my 2nd choice. Thanks for the review.

[@jrfrondelli2023]

I think the Pearl Brass Sensitone deserves an honorable mention here, as it's an old workhorse. However, I wouldn't throw ANY of these out of bed! 😁

[@drumcenternh]

Always, it was almost in this video, but, we hadn't featured the Duolux yet and it sounded great!

[@alexalja]

Years ago I got a Pearl Sensitone Brass 14x5 but actually wish a Ludwig Black Beauty. Sometimes there is a wrong thought to sell it but every time I try this Pearl for the “last time”, just can’t let it go. Sounds so good. Lately it’s my go to snare. Reach a very pleasing low and still sensitive.

[@richbuck100]

The Ludwig is the one I would buy. The British drum is outstanding, with incredible character. The Keplinger kills. But overall, the Ludwig takes it. Ther is just nothing that captures the "it" like it does..

[@perosa99]

Dunette, Yamaha, Ludwig and DW. All I have heard in person and are excellent. The Tempesta is a great drum as well. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them. Black beauty and Gretsch’s COB are two staples that I can’t overlook when talking about brass snares.

[@MykWazowski]

Yamaha, Ludwig, and Tama were my top 3.

[@leonardolaviola1622]

A question; Can be the RAW BRASS easily damage by corrosion?

[@cpu554]

My favs: Pearl free floater brass Ludwig COB Rogers Dyns Tama Copeland Ludwig Venus

[@georgwassner9427]

That Pearl snare is the one for me. All the way!

[@tsunamijesus]

Tony was having a ton of fun on that Keplinger

[@georgeguest397]

I have the Ludwig raw brass but in a 5 x 14. Great drum but I also love the 6.5 x 14 shown here.

[@mattroiddread]

Can’t pick a bad one out of the bunch but I’m partial to the Yamaha and the Ludwig raw brass. Having played on both of those they’re the best substitutes for a classic Black Beauty (the best of them all imo)

[@karlmaanum4286]

I have both the DW and Keplinger in 7" depth and the Kep is my favorite, but the Tama and Ludwig really sound phenomenal and the Mapex may be the best for the price. Thanks again for great comparison videos. Brass drums are so versatile.

[@teeheejejo]

The kep really stood out

[@JGerman68]

Ludwig for me. It goes pop and bang at the same time.

[@semeryuk2]

Please please please do a video on 13” Brass / metal snares? A lot of manufacturers are coming out with these diameters and I’m dying to hear a 13” bell brass snare! Thanks!

[@TheMeandrummer]

They all sound good and with the right drum head combination , it will only get better. Good video.

[@jasonmckinney2705]

Something to like about all of them. Top 3 ; the Keplinger, BDC Bluebird, and the Yamaha. The most surprising was the Pearl. Had an olde tyme R&B vibe.

[@jeremystanosheck773]

They are all great...and love that you did this. I honestly look forward to these snare throw-down comparisons - and cymbals too. For me I would say Ludwig, Keplinger, and DW for tops. Just curious why you didn't address the elephant in the room, but why the Black Beauty was left of this list. Was it too close to the raw brass Ludwig? Cheers!

[@tinterlande]

Thank you! I didn’t wanna have to Ludwig brass snare drums in the video, and my ear was just liking the raw brass that day. The black beauty is obviously a legend for a reason though!

[@jeremystanosheck773]

@@tinterlande I agree! I totally forgot that Ludwig made a raw/patina version of a brass snare. I have been looking for a brass snare for a little bit now, and I've kinda been blinded by the holy grail BB - glad I heard this raw version!

[@tinterlande]

@@jeremystanosheck773 it’s an awesome alternative to the BB! Slightly warmer and less metallic. Can’t go wrong with either though!

[@Dan-hc1ow]

The Ludwig was my favorite. Not surprising, since my 14"x5" Ludalloy Supraphonic is my favorite snare drum of all time. Lots of warmth and sensitivity. I loved how the character changed with increased volume. In contrast, I was a little disappointed that the Mapex sounded the same regardless of volume. It has a nice dark, dry sound but I like the timbre to change a bit when I change dynamics.

[@johnreardon4944]

The first two were my favorites given this video and my headphones. I think the written descriptions were also accurate for each drum. I love brass drums! All of them were very nice so obviously buyers will be happy with whatever appeals to them most. My personal snare is an early 2000's 14x5 nickel over brass Sensitone Classic II with zinc die cast hoops, a coated CS dot head, and a Canopus Vintage uncoated 20-strand wire. To me, regardless of tuning range, the Canopus Vintage wires made the biggest difference. Uncoated type specifically. Next would be the die cast hoops. I would use those with any of these drums demonstrated here. One has to be very good at tuning to tame a brass snare so it can breath properly. Only then will one truly hear what they have. Price be damned. In conclusion, I will never sell my Pearl Sensitone Classic II, but I'm now interested in the Ludwig raw brass 14x6.5. Even more so than a Black Beauty because of the look and coolness factor, which normally doesn't appeal to me. I guess I'm still hip for thinking about it. Haha! Thank you for the video. I thoroughly enjoyed it and your professionalism to the music has my respect.

[@elithepitbulldog2209]

Yamaha for my ears. And it’s also the best value for the money by far. Lugs make a difference, and Yamaha took that into consideration when they designed them. Win for Yamaha engineers

[@ArturDrums]

I really dig the Ludwig, Yamaha, Mapex and Tama. All sound very different and have very different treatments 👍🏻

[@ryanspeed4671]

Thx for the video. I really like the Ludwig & own the DW (7x13). They all sound nice in their own way, but I would say the Ludwig was tops.

[@robypontesdrummerrock7283]

Ludwig \Pearl\ Yamaha, The best sound for me

[@joeldrummer23]

Dw ,mapex and Ludwig wow

[@marksepulveda5912]

Really Loving the pearl

[@zkzpb8]

Keplinger - Phat focused attack, great for recording IME.

[@constantinedance]

Black panther favourite in this game

[@jackdelessio1591]

All nice, but I'd have either the Gretsch or Tama.

[@pheachshorbet916]

I'm not a brass guy. Or so I thought. I'm surprised at how BIG most of these sound, while I'm used to brass drums sounding thin and only really sounding good at high tunings. I loved most of these.

[@frank.l181]

I really like the DW. I think it has the most balanced range to my ear.

[@waltheisenberg7626]

The Ludwig all day long. The Tama in a part of the day and maybe a part of the night.

[@giulienk]

The Keplinger sounds amazing. Is it die-cast? How thick is the shell?