A&F Snare Drum Showcase - 10 Snares Tested!

[@tmaddrummer]

One thing's for sure at DCP..... there is always something for every Drummer! A&F is truly a work of art, each model having similar DNA, but like family, they are all different. I normally don't watch each and every drum video that comes along; however, if it's a DCP video, I'm sure to watch because there are lessons to learn, drums to review, and sounds to emulate, and always entertaining! Always wear earbuds or headphones, otherwise you'll be missing out.... Merry CHRISTmas Y'all!!!

[@drumcenternh]

That's great to hear, man. Thanks so much for the kind words. Have a great Christmas!

[@RecordingDrumsWithBrad]

The take away after watching this video is that you can't go wrong no matter which A&F snare you choose. All of them sound and look incredible!

[@davidmaraman855]

Wow! Really digging the sounds from these A&F snares. That drummer/percussionist/sales rep was a perfect choice to demo all the snares. Thanks for posting this!

[@rgalindo7021]

Love the voice of that 14x6.5 raw steel model! ✊

[@dugjay]

I never thought a snare could sound any better than the Ludwig Black Beauty but here we are! Incredible tones from all of those snares.

[@GediSpock]

Yeah. I’m thinking about the same.

[@josteinv.jordet257]

But the 1920s BB, beautiful👌

[@BumpNrun69]

Really? I take it you don't explore with many snares. Visit their other videos, hint: head over to the Sonor section. Although, sounds are subjective to each their own.

[@dugjay]

@@BumpNrun69 I have a Sonor snare that I bought right from DCP and love it. It's a very good snare, but not as good as their SQ2, Signature or the reissue of the Phonics snares. I've been following these guys for quite some time and their videos are top notch and it gives the customer the chance to really hear the snare as it would if you had bought one and mic'd it up. I also bought the Yamaha Steve Gadd Signature snare. It's a phenomenal snare. I'm just a Ludwig guy and always have been so it's hard for me to stray lol!

[@BumpNrun69]

@@dugjay Yeah them SQ2's are hard to beat (imho). Sounds like you either have the AQ or Force line. When you move into the SQ2, Pro-lite/One of a kind line, you're in a totally different world including $$$$. I'm finding that out now researching for my future new snare. I too have 3 of Ludwig's LM402, B.B. and Black Magic. All are good cutting snares, but they will never compete with the Sonor's, or the old bell brass Terminator. Agian imho But that's all it is - my opinion and it's going to cost me ;-) .... peace

[@brandonbuell3519]

Really love the multiple mic "angles", so to speak! That helps understand what the drum sounds like so much. Thanks!

[@drumcenternh]

Glad to hear it and thanks for the feedback!

[@GediSpock]

Rob Brown sent me. Amazing snares. Very very impressed.

[@KGTv123]

These drums are not only gorgeous, but sound absolutely amazing. That bronze was out of this world

[@Tankerbell21]

I wanted to thank you guys for changing up the mixing. I'm sure you guys get a lot of love, but I had to tell you that the work you put into it is much appreciated. This is often missing from most demo videos!

[@drumcenternh]

Appreciate the feedback Justin!

[@davidsuprenant893]

These snares are killer.The sound is just incredible, all of them,!! But that 14x7 bronze oh my god.!!! That's very special to my ears.

[@vincenzoa2929]

I live in Austin, Texas where A&F Drums are made and I personally know Ramy Antoun who makes these beautiful drums. He invited me back in 2016 to play one of the maple kits at his studio and I played the 6.5x14 Raw Brass which I want. All of his drums sound amazing. I just need to save up for a long time to afford one. They all sound incredible.

[@bacobill]

I am blown away.. These drums are masterpieces on all levels from looks to performance.. My personal favorite is the Maple Club Snare 14x5" which actually surprised me considering the competition.. The Raw Steel 8-lug was a close second.. TY

[@bacobill]

Just so you know.. the links to the snares are not functioning.. I can get to the website but it stops there with what is called a '404 error'

[@michaelmain8230]

I always prefer bigger snares but this 5" hit the right note with me too

[@MrJspowers2]

I LOVE that y’all include the room mics. I rarely play micd up and these videos are the most accurate representation, to me, of what a drum will sound like when I play it. So helpful!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Jacob! We're glad you enjoyed it.

[@cosmokramer1213]

Most demos of these snares sound bad, people have the wires loose and tuned low and honky.. you guys nailed it and did them justice! Kudos.

[@RazeTheWeak]

Just picked up an 80s Legend Phosphor Bronze 14x6.5 with brass hoops. It is unreal sounding. There is something about bronze. That raw bronze prototype just confirms it.

[@jermss_]

I've been eyeing one of those on Ebay. how you like it?

[@TessaAnderson]

I just bought the 7x14 bronze snare and it is as good as they said it would be.

[@JamieStrowhiro]

Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together. This video was great. (nice playing too!) That raw brass really did it for me.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching, Jamie!

[@mitchdooley8089]

I want a sonor 14x6.5 cast bronze, but they are so hard to come by I'm listening to the A&Fers bronze 14x7, they sound great and a work of art, since I live in Corpus Christi, I might ride up to Austin one day and check them out.

[@alessandrorossini8704]

The tone quality consistency throughout the whole range leaves me speechless... attack, body, dynamic range, sensitivity, clarity, overtones balance, even the most "dangerous" brass piccolo sounds cracky but sweet and balanced, really awesome products. Kudos to the drummer.

[@johnmclachlan6746]

As much as I love the look and sound of these drums, the faces that the drummer is making at the end of each of his sets are top competitors. 😄

[@kevinbullock9443]

14x7 Bronze is magic.

[@nickavenoso7851]

All those A&F’s look and sound incredible! The 14.6 Bronze was probably my favorite, but it’s tough because they all sound great.

[@andybryant1772]

These are all amazing sounding. I can't chose a favourite. I would have too play them first. Probably the best sounding snare drum I've heard.

[@joshkirkwoodrealty3643]

Just take my money now! I want four of these immediately

[@jonathanbormann5077]

Wow...those sound fantastic! That 14x4 raw bronze prototype is killer

[@martinlaporte2112]

OMG ! Those are the sounding snares i've ever heard !!!!

[@SaS-Music]

Great... Well past midnight. I’m tired, need sleep and need to get up early. Just a quick check of my email (via KZbin) and I find this. How am I supposed to get to sleep now? Fantastic snares presented with perfection. Thanks DCP!

[@matthewwilson1700]

Ramy Antoun definitely knows how to make a wonderful sounding snare drum. Every one of these sound exactly like what I want my snare drum to sound like. My preference is the Raw Brass 14x5 with the Prototype being neck and neck, but I would play any of these drums and be as happy as one could be. Awesome creations coming from A&F Drum Company all the time. They really do sound amazing!!

[@gonzaloluna9998]

In need some of this stuff in my life! btw, that bass drums sounds sooooo power and deep.

[@bruceperkins2921]

Everyone one of these sounds amazing

[@jaredg.2211]

Amazing sounding snare drums! A video on DW Collectors Series Snare Drum Showcase would be amazing!

[@Monsterdrumma]

I played a 6.5” raw steel and it feels and sounds like absolute butter but here I like all the bronze snares the best.

[@rogerpye1865]

That A&F Copper 14x7 is killer!

[@rogerpye1865]

My mistake the, Bronze 14x7 is killer!!

[@cosmokramer1213]

"Bronze is almost a mystery metal" always love that line haha

[@PumaPhreak1]

Each of these sound fantastic.

[@antona94]

Absolutely incredible drums. Thank you DCP for another fantastic video!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching!

[@richp4449]

Great video providing good sound quality on all the snares. Alas, the one I liked the most, Raw Brass 14x5, 10 lug, is out of stock!!! Will it return?

[@BubblegumBrown]

Dudes grooves here are just as impressive as the snares. Great stuff. There's a few I'd like to have. Unfortunately, I'm in the lower 95% of Americans and can't afford it.

[@BubblegumBrown]

And I'm the guy that bought that DW John Aldridge flower pattern engraved black beauty replica with hold hardware/tube lugs (from the Memphis drum shop). I have one of the only DW collector snares made intentionally with gold tube lugs and I can't afford A&F. Lol the 6 inch snare is 450 bucks.

[@DrummerGrrrl]

WOW! These snare drums are all incredibly amazing sounding!! I hesitate to even ask how much one of these gems costs...

[@aleharrison2714]

Great video as always! Best quality on the net IMHO!! Maybe its me but... I was blown away at first by the sound of those gorgeous snares but, at the 4th snare being played my hears got used to the sound and every snare sounded the same. And if I go back to the first drum I hear the same character and mostly tuning differences. Maybe is because the player is (great!) and the same trought the lenght of this video... Really, I don't know! Or maybe modern recording gears, method and technology tend to even out, flatten and boost everything in the same way. The more I listen those comparisons the more I feel they're becoming less useful. The only thing you can't feel on a video is... the feeling indeed! The way that a drum inspire your playing. So, it may sound 90s but... just get in your car, head to a big badass drum shop like that, and play those drums yourself!

[@adamfrost3722]

There isn't a ton of difference from one snare to the next, mostly subtle nuance you can hear with high quality speakers. Most "unique" snare sounds are created post-mix, which we try to minimalize. A great snare will deliver good sounds at different tunings, and give you more flexibility in post mixing as well as live situations. (IMO)

[@frankspikes4867]

Is it just me, or is it most videos have really nice drums but they sound boxy. Not this one. Every snare was a bit different. A few of them were bright, most of were kind of dark to midranged. Great playing. Grooves so sick, I need to see a doctor!!! Kind of a mix of Stanton Moore, Steve Jordan, the drummers from James Brown, the dude from the meters. His playing makes me happy! !

[@lcollingwood5959]

Would they compare to a vintage radioking snare? Ive tried these snares. They are amazing!

[@3lueant347]

Beautiful instruments. I might have to sell something to raise the $... solid demos too. Makes me want to buy from you guys.

[@TempoDrift1480]

Good playing and good tuning. Good video.

[@VudooChild]

Man, I didn’t expect a 4” deep snare to have such a full sound!! These are beautiful drums but looks mean nothing if it sounds like 💩 and these guys nailed the look and the sound. I found myself drawn to the mahogany and the 4” bronze.

[@thebusinessend1]

even on laptop speakers that sounds fantastic and I think most snares sound the same. Very impressive

[@SpittinSquirell]

Beautiful snares all of them! I especially like the Club Maple and the Bronze 14x4. The price is pretty high though. Going to have to save up a bit for one!

[@luismendez7632]

Very good presentation.

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you!

[@claydrums]

Great sounding snare drums

[@ctrodrums]

Amazing video! Btw missed the best seller of A&F: Raw Brass 14x6.5!!

[@thebluecollardrummer9032]

Amazing instruments!

[@Picklesismyhero]

Great playing

[@krowochron]

Off-topic, but the kick sounds great too. In the full mix it has the snap of a classic house music kick.

[@drumcenternh]

British Drum Company Legend Series!

[@Ninja6485]

Your probably thinking of the roland tr-707

[@gerardodelprete7919]

All amazingly fantastic !!!!!

[@drumsanddrumming]

If I ever buy one it will be the steel snare.

[@StuartJrBarrett]

Great playing Tom!!

[@gulinotm]

wow that nickle plated brass had some pop to it lol

[@yellowflash7303]

Brilliant drummer !!!

[@MatthewBarelick]

I see the earthworks DM 20 on the snare but what are the rest of the mics being used on the rest of the kit and room?

[@drumcenternh]

Much older set up here, but looks like: Audix D6 and Shure KSM32 on kick, Earthworks SR20LS on snare, Earthworks SR25 on Overheads, Earthworks QTC30 on rooms.

[@ghostrider8902]

Awesome kits SOUND great!!

[@nitronamous]

Uhhh yeah those sound amazing! Your playing is perfect for this demo as well thanks!

[@travisgraham9818]

Them drums so doggone good

[@JasonLeonPike]

Great stuff!

[@MrJireh09]

now THIS is a demo......great job guys!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching!

[@SONORSQ2guy]

14x4 nickel over brass is the winner.

[@matthewpaluch777]

UPDATE needed Shane! What about the A&F'ers Bell Series Snares?

[@drumcenternh]

We just got 'em in! Will post videos soon, but they are BEASTLY.

[@drumsanddrumming]

Phenomenal! One day I will get one of these. Do you ship to Sweden?

[@NEALBABBITT]

What's not to love about Tom? 👍

[@StuartJrBarrett]

That NOB!!! It’s fire 🔥

[@chriswright8464]

GREAT CHANNEL!!!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Chris. Glad you like it!

[@cosmokramer1213]

Seems most people are hating on the price more than anything, but comparatively its not much more than other premium snares.. just save up!

[@tuslokbaki9579]

All I need is raw steel, raw copper, raw bronze and raw aluminum.

[@bikemayer1]

The 5x14s are the hits for me! Articulate and splooshy.

[@TheAtheistworld]

What drumheads?? Thnxx brother ❤

[@williamfrost9910]

What mikes did you use?

[@fweddyfwintsone4491]

The drums sound good, but it would have been valuable to see the snare design, the snare wires, throw off, etc.

[@michaell.8938]

Less rim shots, guys. I want to hear the normal tone of the drums.

[@BumpNrun69]

18:45 mm.. how about, "all of the above"....

[@ChristopherSmithNYC]

Is that Bass Drum for real?!?!?!?!

[@TempoDrift1480]

I'd like to see a drummer or some sort of musician these days that could change a tire or something.

[@alandanielw]

A mazing!

[@alandanielw]

I like the maple 10 lug

[@connorcampbell144]

these snares are killers

[@user-le9dv3vg3b]

Крутые малые!!!

[@adrianmixit1998]

The pearl modern utility 12×7 is way better. For the price

[@msaradio7455]

Way to expensive (not you guys, in general) compared to others of similar and better quality..

[@adrianmixit1998]

New company overpriced. Big mistake. I see this with alot of companies.

[@betulaobscura]

Overrated and overpriced. I can get that sound from any snare.

[@itchyvinyl]

Betula Obscura My guess is that you haven’t played one? I didn’t think A&F was for me until I played them.

[@toddcapiton6285]

lol fuck no you can’t. And these look better than yours too