The Bronze Snare Drum Showcase - Which Is Best For You?

We showcase 8 different flavors of bronze snare drums head to head!
Available for purchase here:
Pearl 14x6.5 Phosphor Bronze Free Floating Snare Drum
buydru.ms/FTPB1465
PDP Concept Select Snare Drum 14x6.5 3mm Bell Bronze
buydru.ms/PDSN6514CSBB
Gretsch USA Bronze Snare Drum 14x5
buydru.ms/G4160B
A&F Prototype Raw Bronze Snare Drum 14x7 10-Lug
buydru.ms/AF-RAWBRONZE-1470-10L
George Way Aristocrat Bronze Snare Drum 14x6.5
buydru.ms/AA654BZ
Canopus Solid Bronze Snare Drum 14x4
buydru.ms/SBZ-1440
DW Collectors Knurled Bronze Snare Drum 14x5.5 Chrome Hardware
buydru.ms/DRVZ5514SKC
Dunnett Classic 2N Antique Bronze Snare Drum 14x6.5
buydru.ms/65142N-ABZ
Kick Drum Used:
British Drum Co Legend SE Club 5pc Drum Set 12/14/16/14/22 - The Executive - NAMM Demo
buydru.ms/LEG-SE-22-CB-PINSTRIPE
Cymbals Used:
Sabian AAX 15 Medium Hats Brilliant
buydru.ms/21502XCB
Sabian AAX 20 Thin Crash
buydru.ms/22006XC
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#bronzesnaredrum #bestbronzesnare #bellbronzesnare

[@97VobraOwner]

I know these videos take a lot of time.. I want to tell you from all of us drummers out there WE APPRECIATE the hell out of them!! These are the BEST comparisons ANYWHERE... cheers !

[@adamfrost8417]

That's so nice to hear, man. Thank you for watching, we appreciate you.

[@tinterlande]

🍻 thank you!

[@luizoliveira4435]

My favourite videos..

[@BillMoorehouse]

So true 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@zenoncastro1809]

The king of all metal alloys for snares. Thanks for doing this bronze showcase. Cheers fellas

[@vicepresident6697]

Thanks for the time and dedication you put into these sound sample videos. I buy and sell a lot of used drums and ALWAYS refer a potential customer to DCP if they want to hear it in all tensions and different audio recordings. NOBODY does it better!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks so much!!

[@rodjames9314]

Yep.......Actually bought the Gretsch USA Bronze 14x5.......Absolutely love it!!! Already used it on a recording, sounds great!!!! Very happy with it!!!

[@roybeckerman7843]

Any issues with the micro sensitive throwoff..? I have this drum on order..

[@rodjames9314]

@@roybeckerman7843 No Roy none at all, seems to work really fine to me, it’s very smooth........cheers

[@loko306]

these are the best drum videos on youtube.. as simple as that. We really love them!!!!

[@Not_Andrew_Huberman]

I can really hear a perfect circle with that George way

[@Henry-uv9xu]

Not only are these the best drum comparison videos on the web, these videos are places where we drummers can go to be around like-minded individuals. Really cool. I almost feel like I know some of you guys personally.

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you Henry! That is exactly what we are going for!

[@DrummerGrrrl]

So, when can I come over to Shane's house, play with his dog, play one of the kits he probably has just laying around...sure! What fun! LOL.

[@garyjohnson4988]

The Canopus 4x14 is insane! It weighs a ton but the sound is extraordinary!

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Yeah...but almost $2K for a snare drum?! Right. After I become a famous Abstract painter, I'll be suuuuuure to buy this. 🤣

[@fl00d69]

I'm with you brother - the Canopus hands down the winner.

[@DavidKrautscheid]

it sounds definitly very full and round indeed

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

I liked the Gretsch best, then the Canopus; very unique sounding snare. The Gretsch was crunchy as all get out, and the Canopus was throaty as hell considering it’s depth. Another great video guys!

[@Jaake-my2rq]

Man that A&F snare drum is special. It's SO hard to find a snare drum, metal OR wood, where the note is as consistent sounding from the low volume all the way to the top volume. No overblown snare rattle at the bottom end, just nice clean Ghost notes and not a chance in all hell of choking when you head up to the top. The A&F does that beautifully. Totally incredible. Exactly the kind of playing quality that I want to hear in a snare drum every time.

[@DavidEpstein]

This was a great video. Very cool to hear these different bronze snares all one after the other in the same recording environment. You can definitely hear that they have certain characteristics in common, though they really do each have their own unique sound. Thanks for doing these. Sad to hear about the Ludwig Bronze Phonic getting phased out.

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tobiaswinter1358]

Great video! I like, that you talk more about each individual drum, the pros and cons. I'd appreciate it if that would be always the case.

[@AdamStachelek]

Love the George Way Bronze. Plus it screams class. Might need to go on the bucket list.

[@james12erby43]

The PDP, the DW, and the Dunnett are the best sounding according to my ears family. Seriously!

[@drumsanddrumming]

I have the Pearl Phosphor Bronze and am so happy with it

[@Claes_Isacson]

And you’ve done it again! A perfect comparison video. Thanks as always guys! ✌️🤟

[@tinterlande]

Thanks so much!

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you liked it!

[@pfunnk14]

That gretch is such a great value for the sound. Fahkin tasty.

[@franktatom1837]

Great video. The first time I heard a bronze snare, I bought it (a 90's hammered Ludwig Bronzephonic 5X14 I bought new). Bronze somehow strikes a nice balance between wood and metal, and there are some varied tones you can get depending on where you hit the drum. The cross-stick sound on mine is unreal, too.

[@garyjohnson4988]

Bronze may be my favorite of all the metals. Love the low end warmth!

[@sega.milkis]

Tony is probably the best sound engineer on YT amongst these drum reviews. THE best, the punchiest, the fullest, present, hi-fi drum sound I've ever heard in drum reviews/tests. And that bass drum... Ouffffffffffff

[@Vivi2372]

I was originally going to get one of those PDP's last year but they were so delayed in being released thanks to covid that I got a 14x8 5mm thick Oriollo instead for not much more. I definitely made the better choice on that one.

[@beckman3075]

The Canopus is my favourite. For a small drumshell there's a lot of fundamental bottom and clean sounding drum without ringing on and on and on... Very cool. 2nd place: the Pearl Free floating Snare. I'm playing myself a Yamaha Steve Gadd Signature Steel Snare with wood hoops and a Stage custom 6,5 with Puresound wires and other xtras. Great sounding snare for low budget. Greetings from Germany 🤗

[@Henry-uv9xu]

The Gretsch, Canopus, and the Dunnett had the most character to me. That said, I think it’s mostly up to how it feels when you put a stick on em.

[@pacificdrumma]

The knurled DW really surprised me. Sounded excellent

[@evensteven8129]

Love all of these snares. Im really interested in that Gretsch USA.. Great job DrumCenter NH!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks!

[@retired_robot666]

woke up to this video in joy⚡️🌊🏄‍♂️ bronze snares!

[@jermss_]

another perfect video guys. canopus and dunnett for me rip bronze supra glad I have one

[@jamesspafford5985]

The video Tama has of that new SLP 14 x 4.5 bronze is amazing!!! Bronze has never really stood out to me as I’d rather have aluminum or brass for their brightness and save warm and loud for my wood snares, but these do give pause for further consideration...

[@ryanspeed4671]

Thx for the video they all were nice in their own right. I liked the DW because of its dryness..

[@russelw.6288]

nice video. So whats the difference between bell bronze / phosphor Bronze and bell brass? i played the Tama starphonic bell brass and the gretsch phosphor and loved it.

[@MrNickDrummer]

Hey DCP dudes! I have an Oriollo Bellmaker on order to be paired with the monster SQ2 kit I've ordered from you guys 🤘 - very custom snare with bell bronze hoops and custom bearing edges.

[@jasonb2180]

Did not see the one I own - the Borlai Bronze. I like it a lot. Interesting how different it sounds from the other Dunnett - small differences add up. Thanks for the vid!!!

[@drumcenternh]

The Gergo is a beast as well, just not in stock at the moment!

[@williamperri3437]

Every snare drum sound great! Really Blown Away by the fullness of the 4-inch Canopus and the d w sounded great as well. Very impressed with the Dunnet having the flanged rim around the batter side and having a Standard Edge bottom. Does someone remember if the snare drum head that it came with was the Remo Ambassador suede?

[@Musiknird]

I have the Pearl Free Floater brass snare and I love it. No matter what way you tune it will sound fantastic. I like the bronze but I think the brass has a little more crack and attack. But I must say the PDP sounds good!

[@dancalabrese3523]

If I had to pick one in this group I'd say Tony sealed the deal for me when he said that The George Way snare "felt" the best and was the most satisfying to play. You can change the sound of a drum, not so much the way it feels. After that the PDP and A&F. The Canopus was a surprise for 4" depth; it reminded me of a 14x4 Gretsch Progressive Jazz Snare drum I had a long time ago in that it sounded bigger than it's size. I'm literally in shock that Ludwig is stopping the bronze line. If I was in the market for a bronze snare it would have been my first choice. As always, great video content from DCP.

[@bilhamcobbly2957]

I have a bronze phonic from the 80’s it’s perfect.You might be able to still pick one up from Ludwig?

[@dancalabrese3523]

@@bilhamcobbly2957 Thank You. I had just recently purchased a Copperphonic in Pewter Finish from DCP and have been enjoying it very much. A bronze wasn't on my radar, but now that Ludwig will no longer be making them maybe it should be.

[@viviencharrier1984]

Thx for the huge work ...it's a nice video, still what about worldmax bronze snares ? And what about higher tunings ? Thx again for the work involved

[@LIXOSonidoyDiscos]

Curiously, pdp sounds great with a good price. I really love Pearl, but the A&F sounds good with strange size!?

[@alvaroruizruiz7538]

Is that pdp bell bronze comparable to a tama bell brass? Because if so it might be a killer option if you add some die cast hoops

[@jessebillson]

These all sound amazing!

[@VermontPrepper]

I own the Gretsch Phosphor - 6.5. It's phenomenal. They just raised the price a few hundred this year.

[@soorpdoggy3713]

Hi, I have zildjian sweet k cymbals and i don't know how to clean them because they have a traditional finish. Do have a method of cleaning cymbals that have a traditional finish ?. Thank you in advance.

[@bradanderson1442]

The PDP really blew my mind.. So did the George Way

[@jeffwhitfield173]

I was thinking the same thing!!!

[@maryted]

I like this format. Good job.

[@kbdrumz713]

A&F , DW & Gretsch drums sounded great too me! 🔥🔥🔥

[@coreydaggett6887]

Lately, really enjoying the diameter:depth/ 2:1 ratio of 14x7 snares, and the A&F doesn't disappoint in this video- though I wonder if an ever so slightly thicker (Amb-X) batter head would really give it life. And the DW- I love any drum w/3mm true hoops.

[@michaeljohnson8058]

Congrats you have the best drum audio/video on the Interwebs! As according to: me!

[@drumcenternh]

Wow, thank you Michael!

[@MM-pd5zi]

For me the PDP sounds just right. Also the best bang for the buck

[@lauripold5188]

Good comparison. Thanks! I also suggest to check out Ludwig LM306 - seriously underrated bronze snare drum. It sounds amazing!

[@remygaron8311]

Can we have a description of the pro mark snare drum in the back thanks love your 😁

[@Chriswasreigns]

Is the badge of the Bronze Free Floater secured with screws? Mine is just glued onto the shell.

[@MrMrh1958]

I’ve just ordered an Indie bronze 5.5x15 which as an oxidized patina finish!

[@nickavenoso7851]

They all sound great, but I think my favorites are between the Dunnett 2n and the PDP Concept Select.

[@james12erby43]

Correct 💯

[@jared1zn]

Man that Pearl free floater is my jam

[@drumcenternh]

Killer sounding drum!

[@diegogaldamez4689]

What are your thoughts on the 6.5 version of that gretsch snare? And how does it compare to the bronze pdp?

[@drumcenternh]

The 6.5 is the standard. Similar to the George Way Bronze, just a little brighter. The Bronze PDP is a different animal. Lower fundamental pitch.

[@davidsuprenant893]

I'd have to go with gretsch.Very well built drum,sounds great,digging the shallower depth now days,and hits that sweet spot under $500.00 for a snare drum.Cant wait to see and hear the tama slp.Great drums at a very affordable price.

[@jonashellborg8320]

They all sounded brilliant! I think I like bronze. Great demo - as always!

[@dave_sanderson]

You guys rock. As always. Awesome video.

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you Dave!

[@cszetela1]

Excellent comparison video.

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@grayknight836]

Great video 👍🏻! Wish the Sonar: Artist Series Cast Bronze Snare Drum 🥁 came in a proper standard *6.5” Depth.* The shorter 6”sounds 👂🏻 too Piccolo for my tastes, especially coming from 8”depth.

[@johnjuan6698]

It would be nice to hear it on default hit. No rimshot. Is rimshot the default way of hitting the snare nowadays?

[@spinadude]

@Drum Center of Portsmouth With the DW Knurled Bronze...is the knurling purely cosmetic or is it designed to affect the sound in a specific way?

[@drumcenternh]

Cosmetic.

[@matthewhartman7269]

I'm a Gretsch guy buy ALL of these were so awesome!

[@wilkinsnl]

I have a Mapex Black Panther Posphor Bronze that I loved till I got my Dunnett Gergo Borli snare. Both bronze both fantastic. As for the vid, Gretsch, Canopus, DW

[@mellifluousfable]

Hmm.. the Gretsch, Cannopus and the DW were my top 3. Great video.

[@drumcenternh]

Good choices!

[@vovkin1001]

Good job guys! Thank you!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching!

[@GamingDrummer89]

Favorites are the Canopus, the A&F and the Free Floater. All sound great though!

[@HushAngel]

Which bronze snare is best for me ?...mmm, a Sonor HLD590 or a Paiste S-Bronze since i can't put my hands on a 80s Tama BB...great video, always like your comparison vids, they are very informative...

[@adamfrost8417]

Good taste.

[@HushAngel]

@@adamfrost8417 Good my hands on a Gretsch USA Bell Brass recently, its 3mm shell has a very nice tone once dialed in...also bought a fractured Noble & Cooley Zildjian 14x6.5 snare at a bargain price, that thing blows a lot of snares out of the water, even with its fracture going across a third of the shell depth, can't tell it's cracked unless looking closely inside with the heads off...

[@petermasalsky8844]

All sounded great, but I really like the A&F snare. Their stuff is just so good, but not quite in my price range.

[@khushichauhan9973]

Prvaj.musraf

[@JulianFernandez]

Thanks guys!!!

[@drumcenternh]

Our pleasure!

[@snapascrew]

some of these ring in tune with the fundamental and others ring to a different note... what dictates that? Just a matter of tuning the head to be in tune with the shell note?

[@Assimilator702]

Guys is there a higher chance of ripping snareside heads with the Dunnet considering the non rolled over edge with such a thin shell? It must be shaped a certain way to give it more thickness if you understand me.

[@adamfrost8417]

We actually haven't experienced that with a 2N yet, but we have with some other, thicker-shelled makers. You'd think a thinner shell would present more of a problem. 🤷‍♂️

[@Assimilator702]

@@adamfrost8417 Ok I see. I got my Gretch Bell Brass from you guys last year and with the 3mm thick shell I’m still a bit leery of cranking the snareside heads too much. That’s not a drum I would try a Diplomat snareside if you get my drift.

[@deaconblue5211]

Very shocked to learn Ludwig is phasing out their bronze snares. I have the hammered bronze and it is amazing. I prefer it over the Black Beauty any day of the week. The bronze Ludwigs were always kind of the "cult" snare in their line up and for some reason drummers never put them up there with the chrome Supraphonics or the Black Beauty's. If you can get one, do it. The bronze Luddy's are fantastic.

[@clearaltar]

Agreed! I have a 6.5x14 Hand Hammered Bronze Beauty and it has only continued to sound better and better over the years. I prefer to most other metal snare drums I've heard in general. It's very versatile and can be applied to any type of music. Now it's even going to be more cult. Rad to know someone else feels the same way!

[@Incognitobaby2]

6.5 Hand Hammered Bronze, one of the best drums I’ve recorded.

[@sunscarredmusic]

I picked one up today - I had been eying it for months and couldn’t get the tone out of my head. Complete game changer, and I can’t praise it enough when it’s wires are off.

[@jerrygamez5723]

Thank you so much for this video

[@vb6427]

The gretsch was my personal favorite. The pearl freefloater was impressive too. And, A&F was special for sure but not in my budget...

[@PicardManeuver]

Top tier video as always, thank you DCP! Still can't believe Ludwig axed the Bronze supra... what a shame, it's always been my favorite bronze snare.

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@janceulema]

Indeed, Ludwig should not have discontinued their Bronze Supraphonic line. Maybe one day in the future they will reintroduce their bronze snaredrums like Paiste did with their Formula 602 range, who knows ... Let's hope so.

[@jessebillson]

Hey, what is the mic set up? I was hoping to see the signal chain in the description. Maybe you said it and I missed it?

[@anthonyn1312]

My favorite bronze Snare drum is 14x5 Gretsch USA bronze Snare drum

[@marcusfinchum6322]

Ran across this one today even though its 3 years old.... I love the autocorrect on some of the markers. Cannabis snare and Dinette drums anyone?

[@omarcortes5754]

The PDP was a nice surprise, and it´s not super expensive.

[@drumcenternh]

Lots of value, that's for sure!

[@roybeckerman9253]

Is there much difference between the PEARL FREE FLOATER PHOSPHOR BRONZE and the PEARL SENSITONE PHOSPHOR BRONZE.. In particular, the sound.

[@woutervanrenterghem570]

The DW would be my choice … thanks for this great video!!

[@SONORSQ2guy]

Gretsch is the winner👍 My A.D.D. can’t stop drooling over the Sonor signature snare on the shelf in the background! 👍👏👊

[@brianchisnell1548]

Nothing sounds as good as a 6.5 brass slingerland. Way ahead of everybody

[@drumcenternh]

You do you!

[@portley777]

Where was the 2020 limited issue Ludwig Bronze Black Beauty? Big omission there considering it is a new offering. Good production and comparison as usual- good stuff ;)

[@NinthDensity]

That Canopus is unreal sounding.

[@drumcenternh]

It really is!

[@W3APONS]

Does any know why Ludwig phased out the bronze Supraphonics? Bought a 1979 6.5 x 14 Bronze Supra a year ago and its probably the best sounding snare drum I’ve ever owned. Curious as to why they’d phase it out while other companies are still making them.

[@michaelgolikov]

oh man. that Canopus is the gem

[@timschrieber9741]

Is there a reason you chose the Pearl free floater over their Sensitone Bronze?

[@adamfrost8417]

I feel like the free floater is a more unique drum.

[@ivanbajovic3476]

Pretty awesome

[@larrytate1657]

Do you find bronze more like wood than aluminum?

[@jeffs8525]

Got the Gretsch in the 6.5 depth arriving any day!

[@rhythm302]

Hey guys you are not entirely correct in saying that Ludwig has discontinued making the Bronze Snare Drum, they are in fact making the Raw Bronze Supraphonic and it sounds amazing, I have one on order and it should be here the first week of January. That snare drum has the widest tuning range I have ever heard and it is stunning! It should absolutely be included in your best of the best Bronze Snare Drums.

[@drumcenternh]

At the time of this video, they did discontinue them. Ludwig brought the bronze Supraphonic back this year.

[@hugorezende199]

Theyy wrote "Cannabis" on the Canopus on the low part of the screen that apears on KZbin haha

[@scotturban54]

I want them all

[@roybeckerman7843]

Which is the loudest and which is the softest ..?

[@andreaskallee103]

The Canopus sounds absolutaly awesome

[@afj617]

Have an 83 Signature Bubinga 5 piece shell kit 20 10 12 14 16 I saw one in youre museum area and was playing it a little (apologies I wasn’t aware that was no go but completely understand) Don’t know if I could ever sell it. Do need a kit to bring on gigs because as much as I absolutely love the Sig, it’s just too much in every way for smaller rooms. I always loved the Yamaha PHX but that’s dreamland for now.

[@beckman3075]

Adam und Tony, Ihr seit echt witzig. Good job. Greetings from Germany 😅

[@drumcenternh]

Cheers!

[@robsco1249]

It would have been great to see Worldmax bronze snare there. Thank you anyway for your video.

[@HadEnough745]

Ludwig Bronze 6.5"x14" Supraphonic is one of the best sounding drums made. How do they not include this drum? I used to play a Ludwig Bronze on gigs & people would compliment it a lot..They all sound pretty good. Where does Canopus get off charging $2K?

[@drumcenternh]

17:41

[@larrytate1657]

If you have a secret stash of them let them know and maybe I’ll buy one.