Can A Cheap 100€ Snare Drum Sound Like A Pro Drum? | Finding Your Own Drum Sound

[@chrislopez1391]

tip for using that stick under the snare wire trick to tune the reso head: don't use sticks that have rimshot wear on them, I've bent the wires by accident doing that. works well with a new stick.

[@patdeniston3697]

Guess ill have to buy some new sticks then lol

[@epicgamer9766]

fart

[@mp-mb6hx]

I would record it with a room mic and bo processing post vid. No EQ or Comp just to show the true benefits of changing different parts. Honestly right out of the box it did not sound that bad.. and I’m sure it’s because of post editing

[@ArtOfDrumming]

Totally agree on that Actually we were also pretty surprised how well the snare worked right out of the box Not only through the mic but also in the room. With those videos we‘re doing a live mix and nobody is doing a mix afterwards. But you are totally right that it is the question if you want to keep the signals clean and dry or if you want to show how it will sound when mixed and what you can get out of the drum as a final result. We‘ll consider bringing this aspect in with future videos Maybe showing the drum without processing in the beginning and then presenting what is possible with mixing in the end. Thanks a lot for your feedback and taking the time to comment 👍🏻 appreciate it a lot

[@thesneakysloth8481]

They also have a well treated room, and often times if you are have a $100 snare you don’t have the acoustic treatment that deals with the flutter echos and resonant frequency’s in an untreated room that will highlight the imperfections that are present in cheap drums.

[@benjamingaray5660]

@@thesneakysloth8481 This is a good point. And by extension ya buy a thousand dollar snare and play in a room shaped like solitary confinement you might be disappointed.

[@ZOB4]

Just tuning it properly made it sound great. Outstanding value for $100. I bought a cheap PDP piccolo when I was in college and a bunch of my studio mates borrowed it for recording because it sounded great with good tuning and decent heads. People sometimes get too worried about how much something costs and not enough about how it sounds. This particular drum sounds really good in the high tuning. I actually preferred the stock heads in the "mid" tuning compared to the new heads.

[@tombrame1562]

I did exactly the same make-over on the 6.5" version of this snare and added S-hoops too. It is now my favourite gigging snare...amazing value for the $$$!!!

[@philproevo4733]

I also did that but with a different batter head. Result is amazing

[@trxpleg]

I’ve done something similar with a Mapex Mars snare for fun, brass lugs, 2.3mm stick saver hoops, PureSound 30 strand wires and an Evans Hydraulic batter head. It sounds amazing now…

[@ochocabra1542]

"be sure to check out this video" --which you have to already be watching to hear me say that

[@kawaivandenelzen4019]

my snare is totaly upgraded and tuned and this snare still sounds better out of the box... (1980 pearl export metal snare with bend hoops, which is probably the problem)

[@theblackknight870]

The power of mics and processing. but yeah out of the box it sounded so buttery and smooth, I wouldn't have touched it if that's how it sounded. But how it sounds in your ears in the room is different than the final mix.

[@chsemaphor]

Your processing killed the point of the video - out of the box it sounds not worse than my LM402.

[@NEALBABBITT]

What you pictured wasn't an acrolite with eight bow-tie lugs, but a ten lug acro-phonic with ten imperial lugs.

[@johnrobinson8323]

New heads, new snares and proper tuning do wonders for any snare drum. My main gigging snare drum is a used Pacific that I bought for $40. I gave it a makeover and it sounds great! 🥁❤

[@ochocabra1542]

aside from it being just s little boing-y, it sounded pretty good out of the box. nothing a simple tuning key can't fix. it doesn't need a makeover, just a drummer who knows what's up and how to use his ears. as far as a decent and workable sound with the stock heads you could've stopped right there. cool video, brother. nice work.

[@flohermsch5815]

I still have a 20€ snaredrum and it sounds really, really nice with the right tuning!

[@adrielm.l.126]

The bad thing, is that 100€ is like R$900 for me hahaha

[@demonicsweaters]

it's the drummer, not the drums :)

[@easilydistracted1397]

Very helpful video, except Thomann do not stock the Aluminator snare any more!

[@Mikas_Emil]

It sounds pretty good out of the box in my opinion. I get harsh s'es from your voice in this video. Is it only me?

[@samchoate1719]

I've noticed the same thing. The dialogue has sharp S's and there's something unnatural sounding about the drum set mix as a whole. Still great content, but the sound is a little wonky.

[@patdeniston3697]

Okay so a cheap drum with stock heads sounds like crap obviously What about a good drum with stock heads?

[@DirtySk8RatStaney]

This is kinda how I built my own 14x8 snare. I bought a cheap 14x8 Mapex snare and changed everything on it. I started with the heads and wires, than fit the DW mag throw and 3p but plate. Then I added the PDP wood hoops and small bb style lugs and new tension rods. Finally to finish it all off, I sticker bombed the shell, and put it all back together. Everyone who’s ever seen it has asked about it, and most are shocked when o tell em “yeah I’ve literally got about $400 total in that drum.” As long as the bearing edge is good, and it’s round you can get almost any drum to sound decent.

[@010aray]

I'd have liked to see the inside of the shell to see if it truly is seamless and not just computer welded and blended to make the seam "invisible". I find it a little hard to believe that a drum that cheap is truly seamless.

[@ArtOfDrumming]

Same here But I took some time checking for any signs of welding when the drumheads were removed and did not find any

[@010aray]

@@ArtOfDrumming thanks for the reply! An actual seamless shell that cheap, wow. Are you maybe gonna do another video and change out the 1.6mm hoops that came on that drum with a 2.3mm tf and perhaps a diecast? I'd be really curious as to how that would change the tone.

[@ArtOfDrumming]

You actually made me grab the snare once again and recheck right now but I still can‘t find any evidence for welding or something similar 😄

[@jazzhole8208]

The funny thing is that a spun aluminum shell is way cheaper to produce then a welded one. That was the reason behind the famous lm402. They sell it to you as something special but that is how pots and pans are made since, well forever. That doesn't make it bad, it's just a rational business decision to mass produce a line of goods. And by the way, the hardware is also made in the same OEM factory like the other big companies do 🤗

[@robsco1249]

Having the Yamaha stage custom steel 14 x 6, 5 cheap but super sounding snare I only wait for Yamaha stage custom bronze and copper versions. Cheap snares always sound beautiful with Remo heads and pure sound 20 strand custom pro brass snarewire.

[@bishopoftroy]

Yes, by excessive EQ-ing lmao.

[@DerNetteHerrSchmidt]

Klasse Video. Allerdings ist die verlinkte Snare dort nicht mehr erhältlich. Bestimmt ausverkauft aufgrund Eures Videos 😜👍

[@ericBcreator]

I did the same 10 years ago with a Millenium 14 x 3.5 Piccolo steel snare drum. If the drum has no issues, with decent heads and tuning you can make most sound nice to great. About playing a (snare) drum straight out of the box and judging its sound: all I bought new had to be tuned, the heads were too loose. Also expensive snares.

[@ashleycrashdissinger8021]

Finding ‘that sound’ is half the fun. I’m a Yamaha guy but I love my under $300.oo steel Mapex I have yet to come across a sound I don’t like and I’ve changed the reso and snares several times and batter n tuning countless times. Just exploring. I don’t love every sound but I don’t hate any of em. 🤟😝 🥁

[@deechristoff2405]

I'm partial to the last example - tuned high with the equalizer snares. I have a used Ludwig piccolo snare I got for $50 and have been meaning to change the heads. Good to know about those equalizer snares too! Thanks.

[@nelsontorres1694]

I upgraded a cheap 10” x 6” snare drum by griffin. Top hoop was bent replace it with a 2.3 hoop just the top and replaced top drum head only to Remo coated sound control. And replace the wire to 16 wire. It’s my favorite snare drum now I get 3 different tune. Also I tried a remo clear dot control sounds fabulous even better. But for now, I stay with the coated control Love it . I also order new better lugs to put on. Double ended tube lugs. Going to but it on this weekend. I also have a peace metal snare 14”x 5.5 that’s my next project. After that my Lugwig quest love snare going to replace just the top hoop to 2.3 hoop or die cast. And maybe the wire to. Will see. Thanks

[@xPoisonDashx]

That songo at the beginning doe 🔥💦

[@franckydookie]

That was super detailed and super interesting! Have you ever consider making an episode where you create the sound of Brad Wilk ? His snare sounds is the best I've ever heard

[@ArtOfDrumming]

Already filmed this one. Coming next thursday 👍🏻

[@franckydookie]

@@ArtOfDrumming Amazing ! Can't wait it !

[@ben1ben]

​@@ArtOfDrumming Oh wow, I'm definitely interested in that.

[@franckydookie]

@@ben1ben that's out dude

[@1thess523]

I would trade my Ludwig blackcrolite for this snare

[@M4RCM0NT31R0]

Oooohhh!

[@gretschludwigdrummer209]

That's a no no 2:19 you'll ruin the snares !!!

[@ryanjordan8635]

Only if there's tension on the wires, otherwise no damage with the snares loose.

[@gretschludwigdrummer209]

@@ryanjordan8635 I still wouldn't risk it....just as easy to remove the wires !!

[@michaelbruhl4425]

Sehr gutes und informatives Video. Das gleiche Problem bzw. Herausforderung besteht auch bei den teueren Modellen wie Acrolite oder Supraphonic, auch hier muss man in vernünftige Felle, guten Snareteppich, und oder sogar in eine qualifizierte Snare-Abhebung investieren. Also warum mal nicht das gleiche Spiel mit einer günstigen Snare ausprobieren, um das letzte aus ihr heraus zu holen. Macht doch auch letztendlich Spaß und Freude, "das Herumtüfteln". LG

[@matthewbrooks4168]

That low tuned sound is perfect for worship music

[@leanderthal-z]

I don't think the shell (only element that was not replaced) is as significative when it comes to sound as the wires and heads.

[@grahammartin1461]

Great informative video! It just goes to show you that price isn’t everything with drumming. Tuning your instrument and listening to your kit is so important. Thank you for illustrating this so well 😎

[@srenolsen1446]

Can you do a video where you show, how you mix your drums?

[@ZetroDrummer]

No star pattern tuning drums... How dare you?

[@israellgtbi5585]

Buen parche de caja doble lo he probado

[@juliaabatemarco3532]

Already anticipating the look I'll get from my partner when I put " a Mini Muff" on my Xmas stockings wishlist.

[@ArtOfDrumming]

Definitely a small gift that will make you very happy 😄 great little tool!

[@stuartmenziesfarrant]

Your video has sibilant audio. You may want to sort this out!

[@cidboechat9472]

It is hard to find a bad sounding aluminium snare. I have a cheap RMV alu snare and replaced the upper hoop and the snares and It sounds completely professional. The problem with cheap drums is durability, however

[@santiagopacheco4020]

I love this kind of videos, thanks!!

[@eduardoricardo94]

I dont know about you, but I am disturbed by the circular pattern tuning Instead of the star pattern. Does tuning pattern does not matter as long as you use a tunebot?

[@ozzku]

No it doesn’t really matter when using a tune bot. without it it would be pretty hard to get the tension even all over the head.

[@bryan0710]

Yesssss MOST beautiful snare sound!! 11:04 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😭😭😭😭 my favorite mix on snare👌🏼

[@thibautjamar3504]

Your drum mics are amazing, but please do something with your lavalier (de-essing, eq...) Anyway thanks for your videos

[@manuelmendoza6096]

I have a tip: I love your channel but I suggest running the mic through a de-esser. Everyone I hear the audio on your videos I have to turn it war down because it's unlistenable.

[@DerTeufelskerrrl]

Ich glaube, dass Problem mit Millenium-Trommeln ist nicht der Sound an sich, sondern die Verarbeitung. Klar, bei schroffen Gratungen kann man einfach mit Schleifpapier nachschleifen, aber das Schlimmste finde ich ist die Hardware. Die Spannböckchen sind meistens nicht sonderlich gut verarbeitet, sodass es oft zu Störgeräuschen (metallisches Klackern) kommt. Insbesondere die Tommounts oder auch Legmounts für Floortom oder Bassdrum- Beine haben sehr unhandliche Schrauben , welche meistens feststecken oder sogar abbrechen. Alles in einem liegt das Problem nicht immer am Material der Trommeln, sondern eher an der sehr billigen Hardware :(

[@ArtOfDrumming]

Absolut Gerade bei Drumsets bzw. bei Holzkesseln ist das definitiv ein Problem. Hier ist die Gratung nicht sonderlich problematisch, da das beim Metallkessel kaum zum tragen kommt. Die Hardware macht erstmal einen recht stabilen und guten Eindruck. Über die Stimmstabilität lässt sich nach dem kurzen Check leider nicht viel sagen. Auch die Snare Abhebung ist nicht das beste was auf dem Markt zu finden ist um es so zu formulieren. Trotz allem war ich sehr überrascht die gut die Snare für den Preis funktioniert. Über die Roadtauglichkeit lässt sich sicherlich aber diskutieren 😉 Definitiv hat sich hier aber in den letzten Jahren einiges getan wenn ich das mal direkt mit den Millenium Trommeln vor einigen Jahren vergleiche… 😄

[@adrielm.l.126]

@@ArtOfDrumming concordo plenamente

[@christopherbassett8585]

I was intrigued when you mentioned my first aluminum snare drum 🥁Ludwig Acrolite- which l now use with my Pearl Kit . The Acrolite comes with a unique stock snare wire strand, not very wide- l think l like the idea of the two narrow strands with the gap to fatten and increase sustain of the buzz -thx.

[@rotek824]

Great video. I love some mid action on snare. And sometimes higher for black metal :✖

[@andreaperucca_]

Someone have try the brass snare of millenium? I think also worth it

[@trolling2701]

Nice vid, hallo Thomann !

[@cheesquilin962]

I prefer tama snares, upper tuning for me, great vid.

[@boristomakic5995]

Instead of changing heads and wires for 70-100 euros you can buy 100 euros more expensive snare and get everything right

[@ozzku]

The snare on the video was a 100 euro snare. Did you even listen to what he said at the start? Also new heads and snares are somewhere from 40-70 euros

[@somebloke13]

Oh man, just imagine how good it would sound if it was made of aluminium...

[@ozzku]

It is made out of aluminium, but it’s manufactured pretty poorly.