A Snare Drum Comparison

Here's the short answer... BOTH! In all honesty this video isn't about choosing a snare drum or pitting metal snares vs. wood snares. I made this snare comparison video is for you so that you could sit down in a quiet place and really listen for the different attributes that both materials offer. These are both AMAZING snare drums and they are equal in quality so the only real differentiator is the sonic properties of the shell material. I hope you enjoy this video :) - Mike J

[@company543]

You showing love to your dogs was so wholesome and I loved that you left it in the video. I love when creators let a little bit of their lives inside the video. It's very sweet.

[@conjmcnal]

These dogs should be in every video

[@mikeslessons]

I couldn’t agree more!!! 🍵🙏🍵🙏

[@adrianlyord5300]

Great Drums , Great video, Great Drummer, Great Dogs!!!! ❤😎

[@BennieTriplets]

Any A&F drum is on my bucket list. They’re artwork in of itself and of course sound amazing. But agree with you - I closed my eyes and listened to this and couldn’t tell very much difference between the 2 drums at all!

[@JanPatrickLucas]

The metal sounds like wood and the wood sounds like metal lol! I prefer metal snares but also can't live without wood. If it's gotta be one it's a Dunnett "Kore" series. It contains both wood and metal and it's my favourite of all time! Cheers Mike! Your fantastic playing and positive energy is contagious. God loves you and so do I!

[@christopherg9806]

Oh my gosh, I LOVE your dogs! It's surprising how close different shell materials and sizes sound. We make a huge deal out of it because we're drummers and we want an excuse to get more stuff, but depending on tuning and muffling, you can get all sorts of different sounds out of a single drum. That said, I have both wood and brass snare drums and love them all.

[@KirksDrumRoom]

Fantastic demo of those drums. Also, I'm always amazed at the sound you get from your minimal mic setup. And lastly, your dog's ROCK!

[@mikeslessons]

Awe Kirk, thanks a ton my friend. Truth is I struggle to get a good sound with a full mix. So much to pay attention to. My setup just proves how lazy I am, LOL

[@KirksDrumRoom]

@@mikeslessons just proves less can certainly be more. Take care.

[@vfxtutswithdan1893]

What about his dog's rock?

[@KirksDrumRoom]

@@vfxtutswithdan1893 they're just cool dogs.

[@raymondkolbinski3033]

Great chops. I like both snares, and your dogs are so adorable,.

[@teedogg319]

I like the brass in the medium tuning the best great video

[@MaTTheWish]

I just listened to your 20 snare drums video and the Brooks steam-bent really stood out to me. Such character in that drum. Great stuff.

[@Drumsticks747]

My favorites; Metal snare = Ludwig Black beauty Wood snare = DW Collectors Maple VLT 10ply + 6 ply re-enforcement hoops

[@luisroberto3306]

Very subtle difference. Both sound absolutely great!

[@qtimbroad2350]

Man, this is totally what I have been looking for! Thanks so much for the info, it is really helpful. I have my first kit, which was the base model PDP in the shop. Pretty crappy cymbals which haven’t lasted long but after some work I have got the snare sounding kickass! Looking to buy another snare now and this video couldn’t have come along at a better time. I’ve subscribed, so keep up the good work brother!

[@do8671]

I really appreciate this video and your opinions... It reflects my observation and confirms what I was thinking of my snare drums! ✌🏻 Nice dogs btw!🩶

[@primalconcretesledge3137]

Dogs were hilarious 😆. Nothing like a dog almost yacking at the front of a video taping.

[@jasonwiller3980]

They both sound killer! And so do you dude🔥 That way awesome

[@pietro-viecelli]

Great conclusion! Makes me feel I'm not alone on that one..

[@howardk4016]

Awesome video Mike! Have you ever done a snare drum tuning video? You always get such a great sound!

[@xsus4544]

Dear Lord, that ride sounds great! Such a nice clicky - ticky awesomeness!

[@robinjohnson6301]

Great video as always! For many years, I used wood snares with flanged hoops for pretty much everything as I thought they'd give me the best "crack". Then about a year ago, almost overnight, my tastes changed. I saw Eddy Thrower do a drum clinic and he had his old Tama King Beat snare with die casts, tuned wayy up (of course 😂) and it was one of the best snare sounds I'd ever heard! Soon after that I bought a 14x5.5 Tama Starclassic brass snare with die casts, and I've used that on pretty much every gig and recording session since and haven't looked back. Best snare I've ever owned by far - it works for any style, any kind of tuning and everyone seems to love it! The die cast hoops also give the drum a certain fatness that I feel you don't get with flanged hoops. This is just my opinion but I now feel that if you want to have a drum that's a chameleon, metal is a great way to go as you can always tame it with tuning and dampening (I have a cut-out narrow o-ring that I like to use quite a lot) to get it to sound more like a wood drum. But the other way round is much harder in my experience. I guess metal drums have more frequency headroom in that respect. That's not to say I'll never use a wood drum again but there is something about that Tama snare that just makes me come back to it again and again!

[@scmcarthur]

Cool video, I listed to it on my Bose headphones and I preferred the maple one as it had a nice crack and was "smooth" and its more my style. Brass one had too much overtone for me but that being said It could always dampened.

[@drumjedi5301]

I have a handful of snare drums, but my favorite two are a '65 14x5 Ludwig Supraphonic and an early 2000s 14x6.5 Gretsch Mahogany. The Supra is open and fat sounding when tuned low and medium, while also sensitive, and having just the right amount of overtones. The Gretsch is warmer and tighter sounding, and CUTS really hard. They're both great drums!

[@mikeslessons]

I love that!!!

[@theguamy]

Good stuff, Mike! I need to get over to Dublin to look at the selection.

[@mikeslessons]

For sure! Darin and the crew are AMAZING!

[@alkingborn4620]

Never been a fan of metal snares cos I don't like overtones and A&F is no exception. Brooks snare seems a beautiful instrument, love its crack that reminds me Noble&Cooley which are my fav. Having said that I'm convinced that any snare played by you would sound fantastic!!

[@qtimbroad2350]

And your dogs’ cameos are the best!

[@terryvernieuw141]

Love the dogs Mike!! My next snare will be your signature model. Cool choices though..

[@JPOnDrums]

I'm usually not a huge fan of snare overtones. I don't know if it's how you mix it or the natural sound, but the sound and the overtone of the A&F just sound perfect to me. Not just too intrusive just complimenting the rest of the sound. And I like that you were honest enough at the start to say that it sounds pretty much the same. I was at the same place. Nice honest comparison. Good job!!

[@nayrdrumr]

A&F is amazing! Typically not a fan of overtones but agree, they add to the vibe a bit.

[@gwphantom1980]

Both sound gorgeous, but I find my ears preferring the brass - in general, I do prefer metal drums: the ring especially. Not sure if it's the idea of all of the other drums being wood so the metal stands apart or what. Great vid as always 👍🥁

[@phineasbenamori333]

amazing job

[@BayouMaccabee]

I definitely dig those A&F drums...never heard one I didn't love.

[@tommyp7547]

Honestly I thought these snares were basically interchangeable. Small difference depending on the tuning! Good one, Mike!

[@jayven7306]

That ride sounds perfect

[@SoulFaeWorld]

Informative video thank you

[@kissaguitar]

i love your videos. Thanks.. and just 2 let Ya know... RESPECT

[@Trays7940]

I thought both sounded very similar. The AF is what I like though. I have an AF in copper and love the ring. I have some older Slingerlands that sound more controlled and dry, because of the round over edges. I also have some Gretsch snares, including yours, But my favorite is a 4160 that has an original jazz , bebop sound to it. I guess I love Ring! Great video- Love the pups!

[@Juniscrazy]

I think at the high tunning you can lose a little of the uniqueness of the drum if I make sense, cause i also have a brass and a maple snare. I notice when i have tuned them high they also sounded really similar. But that medium tuning is beautiful on the A&F.

[@ronnyjohnston6039]

A Dubs and Brooks reference right off the bat, nice start!

[@mikeslessons]

Nor Cal love :)

[@ThePogle]

BOTH SOUNDED GREAT AND SIMULAR

[@jacobmartin2125]

Generally a metal snare fan myself as I like how they cut through a mix especially when tuned medium or high. That said, currently using a deep wood-acrylic-wood that is just spectacular!

[@roadrocket7]

LOVE the Brooks tuned low. So fat and just perfect for a lot of musical styles. Thanks for pointing out tuning tips with just a matter of loosening a couple of

[@amadorsanchez5222]

nice snare drums.beautiful dogs.

[@yusufsupriyadi9406]

Hi Mike . . When will you come to Indonesia & have a drum masterclass . . . ???

[@rockerbob949]

Your dogs are awesome. Drums and Dogs-new channel. 🤘🏼

[@Brooksdrumco]

Great video, Thank's Mike !! Both drums were presented very well and sounded great. The video was an excellent opportunity to really A/B the 2 shell types. HOWEVER.... not to be a stickler for details, this snare drum is not a steam-bent solid shell, it is actually a 7ply Maple shell. But, this was about the dogs, right ? lol ...... Love the pooch's !

[@mikeslessons]

Oh man, I’m so sorry. Not sure why I thought it was steam bent. Well, no matter what wizardry you used to create it, it’s AMAZING!!!

[@LouMontulli1]

Juno, your the best!

[@BororJ]

Hey loved the comparison video of the snares! Couldn't help but notice you're awesome metronome app with the flashing count. What app do you use? Thanks!

[@that-avr-drummer]

I'm playing a pair of Gretsch Ridgeland snares right now, 6.5x14 and a 5x14. The 6.5" is on the side and tuned real low for that 70s funk sound and the 5" is my main snare, tuned high for modern music. They complement my Brooklyn kit perfectly!!!

[@cltubby]

Not a professional at all, but what I heard was the maple had a much more focused sound than the brass in the high and mid tunings. Not a bad thing for the brass just different which can be fun to explore. All bets off when it came to the lower tuning. That seemed to be the equalizer. Both had body and ring that were pleasant. Two nice shells to have in your arsenal!

[@mack56]

They are very similar sounding, like them both. Aquarian heads are the shit. My DW Performance and Ludwig Supersonic are way far apart with the same tunebot tuning. I'm surprised at your almost equal sound. Great video, thanks

[@isihernandez9752]

Nice 4 beauties that you showed us here. The playing ain't bad at all either... 😉👌🏼 I like both, wood and metal. Currently all my 3 snares are maple so I guess my next one should be some metal. In fact, since I have a full set of snare drum hardware in a box somewhere, I could just buy a metal shell and put it all togheter myself, but I just can't decide what metal to buy... perhaps aluminium, that is supposed to be a bit dryer and so easier to deal in a mix with, or maybe brass, that is supposed to be more (I guess I should say "wet")... ?? 🤔 Any thoughts by there someone...?

[@davepounds8924]

Love your dog !!!

[@mikeslessons]

Just one of them?

[@davepounds8924]

@@mikeslessons I meant dogs Love the snares too I have 3 A&Fs snares

[@jlucas42]

Love both sounds! What metronome app is that that you're using?

[@joebisbey4521]

Excellent demonstration covering all the aspects I wanted discussed including mics. I assume minimal processing. One thing I kept thinking, was about your declared biases. I mean, sure you’re biased but I find myself curious as to what makes your signatures the best of all you’re looking for. I agree it’s a better equation with favorites removed so mebbe I have no point there ;)

[@drummermomcjs]

The lower the tuning, the more difference I heard. I prefer the tight, crisp sound of the maple, but that brass drum sounds really nice at the medium to low tuning. I can see how having both a wood and metal snare can be beneficial. While I am still on the building side of my music studio and funds are limited, I do have a couple of wooden snares that I can tweak to see what sounds I can get out of them. I believe I may actually have an old student snare that is metal as well, that I can tweak. I figure I will start with what I have, and as I accrue better equipment, then I will be a little more familiar with the process. :-) Thanks Mike for the comparison, as I found it quite helpful and encouraging. :-)

[@StoyanStoyanov88]

So lovely dogs 😊

[@tillgerke9481]

What was the video about? Was looking at the cute dogs all the time:) No just kidding, loved the Video, Mike🙌🙃

[@GeloAlcantara]

JUNOOOO!! I misseddd you budddy! ❤❤❤

[@steveklinck526]

Hey Mike, Always enjoy your videos and energy. Can you share the name of the app that displays the large numbers? Not sure if this is an add-on that will sync with a metronome app or a specific metronome. Appreciate your time on this. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

[@mikeslessons]

No worries at all. It's a metronome app called CLICK. Hope that helps :)

[@strato023]

Awesome video, what is the metronome app you are using?

[@mikeslessons]

Thanks so much! It's called CLICK

[@viniciusberni7806]

Hey, good video! Wich metronome app is that you're using?

[@Lumerdrums]

A&F build some beautiful drums. that snare is fire!

[@danielfc]

The main sound from both is very similar, while the harmonics differ just a tiny bit. Seems to me that the shell size (or height, sorry, I don't know the right term) could be the reason for it and therefore more influential than the shell material imo.

[@harryplaysdrums]

The gushy A&F tuning was beautiful! low, but not so low that there is no impact.

[@mikeslessons]

Ya man, 2 little pieces of gaff and that thing would have been ready for a session!

[@harryplaysdrums]

@@mikeslessons gaff tape?! You wouldn’t?! 😲😏

[@mikeslessons]

@@harryplaysdrums no, I wouldn’t! I would just use my signature Snare Drum, because it has an internal muffle, lol

[@harryplaysdrums]

@@mikeslessons the practical approach! With self-promotion included haha

[@marcpatzelt2430]

They sounded surprisingly similar

[@IisParida]

the drum music game is amazing, it's really cool

[@nickdenardo6479]

to my ears the maple was a bit more focused and the brass a little more open. this is probably also helped by the depth just a little bit and maybe the thickness of the shells. i don't think you mentioned what those were, but that's getting a bit nerdy as well. even the hoops. the single flange hoops on the A&F play a role. i think you're exactly right. get a good brass drum and a good maple drum and you'll have a lot of bases covered, but my favorite/most unique sounds don't come from either of these.

[@DrummerBoy2513]

LOVE your videos!! (Could do without the dog silliness.) I could listen to you play ALL DAY LONG! Soooo smooth. As much as we love to talk about shell material, the reality is we buy drums based on our budget and our eyes. 99% of ALL drummers, no matter the level of expertise, can’t CONSISTENTLY tell the difference between shell material. And they definitely can’t tell between solid vs ply vs stave. I would love to see more blind listening test videos!

[@rhetriver]

Dogs are great.

[@timcloutier3729]

KILLER licks......KILLER sound!!! If I may also chime in three snares.....Two metal, and one wood. All sounding AWESOME, along with what I would consider the best "BANG FOR THE BUCK." Metal snares: LUDWIG 14x8" SUPRALITE $185.00 YAMAHA 14x6.5 STAGE CUSTOM STEEL $149.99 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Wood snare: YAMAHA STAGE CUSTOM BIRCH 14x5.5" $125.99 As I'm sure there are many snare drums to choose from. If you haven't had a chance to try these out. You may be very surprised how well these snare drums sound and perform. Along with great craftsmanship. "DRUM UNTIL YOU GO NUMB!!!" 🤘🏻🥁

[@spencerharding5328]

Your dogs are awesome dogs are awesome imma go love my dog, oh yeah the snare drums ❤

[@rickwattanaparuda]

How long has that ceiling tile above the kit been like that? 😬

[@sondrasheahan1831]

I love this guy even more now that I know he’s a dog lover too ❤ 🥁 🐾

[@mikeslessons]

Much appreciated my friend. My dogs appreciate you as well :)

[@Jazz-vf4cr]

Wooooooooood !!!!!!

[@SaltySicilian]

What’s the left hand ride there with the sizzler?

[@ronniek7748]

These drums sound very similar. I don’t think you couldn’t go wrong with either one, however, it does beg the question, why have both if they’re so similar?

[@johnrogers9481]

To my ears, I do think you couldn't go wrong with either.

[@robertreedy414]

Ludwig 14 x 5 Supersensitive chrome over brass is my go to...

[@roybeckerman7843]

Dogs, drums and a good wife. That’s all we need in life, to make us happy…😊

[@krusher74]

I dont feel like the A&F if giving a very "normal" representation of a brass snare. They allways have there own sound from the hoops/claws etc. This to me would have been better done with a snare drum that come in both brass and maple. ludwig classic maple to a ludwig universal brass snare would work.

[@mikeslessons]

That's awesome. I can't wait to see your video. Please hit me up once you've posted it.

[@theriphraff]

Wood my preference. Metal sounds like jazz to me.

[@matiasgastou]

😂 I love the hidden Gadd! The video should’ve been called 50 ways to love you snare drum…

[@DeAthWaGer]

Your dog knows that A&F is worth a year of food.

[@mikeslessons]

Or 3 weeks of their fancy food! LOL jk

[@dgarreis]

After seeing this I had to think do I have my wood snare on my kit right now or my brass. I agree any can be used anytime and to the average joe blindfolded would probably not care just listening to music. I am normally strutting the brass. I will say when I set up the wood drum I say to myself gees I miss this thing but the brass ends back on the kit at the end of the day.

[@brucereisenauer8719]

I have an egde snare n seem to get it in both worlds, middle is maple with both top n bottom being brass egdeed

[@rjvsmb]

Abercrombie and Fitch make drums?

[@mikeslessons]

Damn right they do, and they small as good as the old stores in the mall used to! LOL

[@coreyroberts47]

Dogs are life

[@Andrew-wb2zq]

I think metal sounds better on recordings but wood is a little more manageable playing live.

[@helgederweise7740]

Is the dog a "weimaraner" ? Thx!!

[@RedDogMamaHD]

I am so glad that you didn't restart the video without your fur-babies! I didn't realize Juno had a brother! 😉

[@mikeslessons]

They are the best part of the whole thing, lol. Ya, Han is a recue and he has been with us for a little over a year :)

[@robertreedy414]

What about crossstick?.....

[@ChrisDN]

Not a drummer. The two general snare tones I'm after when putting drums to my tracks are, more-or-less, the low-tuned maple and the high-tuned brass. Those harmonics from the brass in to a plate reverb really make a snare cut so well.

[@TROKA2023]

I like that 2dpgs. Hahaha.

[@skywarrior3508]

Wood only

[@LoveItDirtyOffroad]

I was surprised my DW maple 6x14 w reinforced hoops cuts thru a heavy mix better than my black beauty. Guess which songs use which at 🎧🤘”IMPERIALICIOUS” by “WE SUCK AS HUMANS”🤘🎧 Rock it out! But they both sound great

[@robertreedy414]

Bell bronze is a whole nother...but like A&F...$

[@benroe]

more dog footage as well!

[@coreyroberts47]

Brass snare had more body to my ears. Wood slightly more chalk

[@nixneato]

I think your two beauties might have stolen your two beauties' thunder...

[@mikeslessons]

LOL!!! They did indeed.

[@uonadtehrrocks]

Up vote for doggos

[@roadrocket7]

*screws (oops!) My keypad is ultra sensitive.

[@juancarlosbatres6782]

I dont hear a significant difference.

[@theicnot]

Hands, not drums,,,,,