The 10 Best Aluminum Snare Drums

[@denisdolgiy4108]

Ludwig Acrolite 14x6.5 1:26 DW Collectorc Alum 14x6.5 2:19 Mapex Atomizer 14x6.5 3:17 Pearl Heritage Sensitone 14x6.5 4:18 British Drum Company Aviator 14x6.5 5:15 PDP Concept Select 14x6.5 6:13 Tama Starphonic Aluminum 14x6 7:12 Dunnett Classic 2N Modeling Aluminum 14x5.5 8:12 Gretsch USA Solid Aluminum 14x5 9:10 Noble And Cooley Alloy Classic 14x4.75 Raw/Chrome 10:14

[@rkdrumss]

Thanks, for doing the lords work

[@kevodavila90]

Dw AND dunnett

[@mygamesrock]

@@denisdolgiy4108 Legend! 🫶🏻

[@georgepelekoudis]

For the price, the Pearl’s unbeatable. If price isn’t an issue, the Noble Cooley kicked ass! Loved the acrylic kick. Have a good weekend guys :)

[@hfranke07]

I played the Pearl Steve Ferrone 6.5x14 aloy snare for years..... wow. I love this snare...

[@alexalja]

Three bass players didn’t like the video. I bought my drum kit with you guys and that’s just before the pandemic...one of best things I did in life. Best price, well packaged, great pre and post sale talk. People was great helping me. The drum kit is awesome! I wish someday visit the store. Great work as always DCP!

[@drumcenternh]

Haha yeah! Awesome, I hope the kit is still treating you well. Thanks so much for the support and hope you can visit someday too!

[@drummaman1]

Winner of 10 best aluminum snare drums: Everybody who buys one of these babies! Price: Pearl Die-Cast smackin: Gretsch All-Around everything, don't worry about it: Ludwig Best of group (my opinion): DW, Tama, BDC, N&C minute differences we're talking, note the first line of my comment.. Tony Interlande BEAST MODE!!!! 10:59 Pricelesssss....

[@philipnestor5034]

I still have my 5x14 Ludwig Acrolite I bought new with my summer job money back in 1966 from Manny’s Music on west 48th street in NYC. Now I have around 30 snares and the Acrolite and Ludwig Supraphonic are great snares for all kinds of music. Great videos as usual from you guys!

[@diverdave4056]

I have both of those Ludwig snares Acro is a 1964 and Super is 1969

[@thetonymoore6977]

Noble & Cooley and the Gretsch were clear headphone standouts. Pearl also was the best sounding bang4buck value for money drum.

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

I'm a guitar player, and I'm still obsessed with aluminum snare drums!

[@guillermoperezgerman]

N&C Alloy, Gretsch and Dunnett in that order. Gretsch has always been a dark horse on snare drums... but on alluminium drums they truly do shine.

[@michaellowe17]

I read your comments after writing my own. We picked the same three in the same order.

[@nikrieth6367]

I have a special edition 7” Gretsch aluminium snare. So good!

[@guillermoperezgerman]

@@michaellowe17 Solid choices amonst the others... but those really speak with a unique voice.

[@MichaelMiner-k8b]

Been a brass man all the way but took a chance on an aluminum snare made by Premier, I think the year is a 2003. Bought it used. It doesn't have the high end attack of a brass snare. I first played the drum by itself then added my ride and hi-hats. That's when you could hear the difference between aluminum and brass! Something tells me my ears will fall in love with this sound.

[@kevinremsen5627]

Totally agree with Tony. Aluminum is my go to material. And I love the sheer diversity of the brands and price points. Stellar job as usual gents.

[@tinterlande]

🍻 Kevin!

[@raycavazos8927]

The more and more comparison videos i watch from these guys the less and less i am liking DW in every category but finishes. You guys showcase so much fantastic stuff. Thanks Shane!!

[@RA2Music]

I too believe in the divine beauty that is the Acrolite. Really dig the BDC Aviator and the Tama Starphonic. Out of these, however, I must say the N&C Classic Alloy is my choice. Notable drums missing from this list worth mentioning: Yamaha Recording Custom, Canopus Aluminum, anything from Trick, and, of course, the Ludwig Supraphonic. There are more aluminum drums out there besides what the video and I mentioned, so check them all out.

[@benjamingaray5660]

Yamah RCs are awesome. Really wish i had an aluminum one, mines brass 14x4 but i still love it.

[@papalegba6796]

Canopus sword should be in there. Great snares.

[@RA2Music]

@@papalegba6796 indeed it’s my main snare with my Yaiba bop kit.

[@papalegba6796]

Yup, it's like an acrolite without all the maintenance problems. Yamaha SD3455/3465 another excellent aluminium snare, picked one up for £120 a few years back.

[@raymondlugo9960]

This deserves a listen on headphones and not my phone speaker.

[@jasona1806]

Great video review… I completely agree that an aluminum snare covers a lot of ground sonically for a working drummer. N&C, Dunnet, Tama, Pearl for me in this comparison… I’d like to mention that I own a Tama star phonic for about ten years and it’s my go to snare for everything from Jazz to Rock , I can’t say enough about the design, build quality and superb sound of this drum and it’s important to note that all drums don’t have smart smooth throw offs or stay in tune..etc, the Tama has the smoothest throw off and you NEVER have to worry about anything breaking or going out of tune. Dry heads from Evans sound fantastic on these drums.

[@andyham6094]

Tama is the Toyota of drums. Durable reliable and fairly priced with top quality.

[@Lightpat]

Entièrement d'accord, j'adore ma Starphonic Alu !!

[@RA2Music]

Addendum: My go to snare for most situations is the 6.5 x 14 Ludwig SE Hand Hammered Acrophonic, bought at DCP during the 10th Anniversary celebration. Love it.

[@roneystapes]

Atomizer is the best one!! Amazing sound! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@davidhamilton7780]

The biggest plus about having a ten drum shootout - there are 10 drums to compare. The biggest problem with having a ten drum shootout - there are 10 drums to compare. Great video, thanks. Aviator, Dunnett and Tama for me (not necessarily in that order)

[@oscarpayne4639]

I picked up a Steve Ferrone signature snare from Gretsch recently for a great price. Gone from a maple snare to an aluminium, and I’m in love

[@mrlefty51]

Ive got that same SF aluminum,,love it

[@CharlesTPrimm]

Aviator, Pearl, and the Acro stand out. But each of these is absolutely beautiful!

[@ClanceVaasen]

I went from the OCDP Vented snare to the Pearl Sensitone 6,5x14. It’s my daily driver now. Such a fantastic grunt to it, incredible tuning range, and best of all.. incredible feeling rimshot. Love it!

[@plasticmummyhead]

The Gretsch sounded the best in the room to me, like that James Brown back beat crack. Close mic'd I liked the Ludwig (bought my first acro in the 80's it was a secret back then that sounded good!) , I'm very suprised by how pleasant, fat and balanced the British Drum Co. is!!! and the NC is just lovely, not a lot of frequencies to pull out on it mix-wise. Great video! tnx

[@Senortiger]

I own the Pearl Sensitone 5"x14" and it sounds awesome.It's a really versatile snare too.I picked it up brand new at a GC.outlet for $120.

[@papalegba6796]

Aluminium sensitone is a great gigging drum, rock solid, never lets you down. 80s/90s maple Tama 6.5" superstar snares with cast hoops are another underrated gem imo, sound immense & are indestructible.

[@papalegba6796]

I had a Gretsch COB that was a road warrior too. Very versatile snare, idiot -proof too lol.

[@petermasalsky8844]

Lots of surprises in that video for me. I really liked the Dunnett, the N&C, and the Ludwig. But they all sounded great.

[@davidperaza9526]

I’ve always known that Pearl snares have always had a little special something to them and the sensitone line just proves my point! It was up there in terms of sound alone. I’d love to see how it behaves recording but MAN the sound of those pups has me drooling. Great video as always y’all, keep it up!!! Go aluminum 🔥🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@jrfrondelli2023]

ALL sound great! I closed my eyes and listened to the head-to-head section. Found myself drawn to the Pearl, Tama, and Gretsch. But really, and one of them. As I said in another video comments (Pearl Heritage Sensitone), for my money, there isn't a better snare drum made, so Sensitone, at $349, it is! :)

[@WeAreClaves]

I believe the acrolite is really what started the love for aluminum snares. It was meant to be a cheap alternative, and the acrolite was actually meant for beginners. Pros began to pick them up and play them, and thus began the aluminum snare trend. As a punk drummer there really is no meatier "CRACK!" than a good aluminum snare. For this I picked up a Mapex Black Panther atomizer for my kit. Absolutely the best snare for what I play. Still have my acrolite though, I now kinda use it as an ambassador for aluminum snares.

[@martinlaporte2112]

I own a 5.5x14 DW Wrinkled Aluminum 3mm thick shell. It's a phenomenal snare.

[@Juniscrazy]

Pearl was a surprise. I still prefer the acro for this video, Acro is unique, but Dw thin aluminum to that wasn’t on this video is a killer too. A&f raw aluminum is a beauty.

[@nonahyobusiness8063]

You guys always have the BEST audio in your videos. Bravo. Keep the videos coming!

[@tinterlande]

Thanks so much Nonah!

[@iantouzel638]

Bargain, Pearl, best one overall Ludwig, my choice but in 6.5 the Gretsch solid aluminum.Sound is something, but the feel, ease of playing and sensitivity can only be known by playing and testing by yourself.Great demo as always

[@edmondoification]

Good evening! My biggest congratulations to you as always ........! The headphone sound is great for ALL the snare drums in the test! We should really try them with a blindfold in front of the eyes, I mean really, and choose the one that responds as WE want it to respond A snare drum, MAYBE AFTER PLAYING IT blindfolded I repeat, for half an hour .......! ......... AGAIN great congratulations to all of you! WISH YOU THE BEST!

[@gordonwoodbatteur]

Hi there. For my taste, needs and budget, Acrolite and Pearl sensitone! Both versatile, simple, that’s it! Great video! Thank you!

[@SuperZombie07]

The Dunnett was to die for 🙌

[@JanPatrickLucas]

Before I even clicked I knew my favourite would be Dunnett....indeed, it does sound and look the best in my opinion, and has a response like no other as per all Ronn's drums.

[@spinadude]

Thank you @Drum Center of Porrsmouth. Been waiting for this one!! Nicely done. I liked them all except for the PDP. The Tama, British and DW were my tops.

[@paulmora2480]

1Tama Starphonic sounds awesome also (if u haven’t used a freedom lug your missing out), 2 The Acro after that, and a good fight for third Dunnett/Gretch.

[@-ValerON-]

Ludwig Acrolite 14x6.5 1:48 DW Collectorc Alum 14x6.5 2:42 Mapex Atomizer 14x6.5 3:43 Pearl Heritage Sensitone 14x6.5 4:44 British Drum Company Aviator 14x6.5 5:39 PDP Concept Select 14x6.5 6:41 Tama Starphonic Aluminum 14x6 7:38 Dunnett Classic 2N Modeling Aluminum 14x5.5 8:39 Gretsch USA Solid Aluminum 14x5 9:38 Noble And Cooley Alloy Classic 14x4.75 Raw/Chrome 10:42 They all sound the same to me 👀

[@StirfriedGerman]

The Acrolyte 5.5 was my first serious snare back in 1981, I would have kept it if it had been the 6.5. Getting the Tama when my studio finishes. Absolutely awesome comparison, thanks !

[@nikolabegonja5490]

Was not expecting that double bass part. You killed it.

[@tinterlande]

Metal 🤘well… kind of… thanks!

[@sega.milkis]

I have Pearl ULTRACAST Aluminium 14"x6.5". Was lucky to get one 3 years ago. Love it. 3mm thick with 5mm reinforcement rings. Cannon.

[@jamesspafford5985]

I have the 13” x 5.5” DW cast aluminum, though mine was classified as “Exotic Metal Cast Aluminum” and it is my favorite snare drum by far!!! I added a “Russ Miller” groove wedge for a more refined cross stick. I also love my Pearl UltraCast 14”x 5”!!! Also, I have #23 of 30 Gretsch 135th Anniversary Flat Black Aluminum, 14” x 7”, but I just can’t bring myself to play it. The only time it has even left it’s box was to change the heads and YES, I still have the original black Remo heads… Of the drums played here, I fell in love with that Gretsch USA 14” x 5”!!! That thing sounded amazing!!! From there I felt it was just too close between the Mapex Atomizer, the Tama Starphonic, the Dunnett Aluminum, and the Noble and Cooley Alloy Custom…. I was surprised the Ludwig didn’t really grab me, I actually thought I heard the Pearl detuning, I know Shane mentioned concerns about that when he reviewed it, and I was almost completely turned off by the British Drum Company, though it had a lot of redemption in the room mix…

[@nikrieth6367]

Play the 7” - I have #13. Love it.

[@MeTuLHeD]

I liked the Acrolite best overall. But I also loved the PDP for bringing something different to the table...THE FATNESS!

[@jorymil]

The thing about wood hoops is that you can switch back to metal really easily. Going the other way is expensive.

[@stuartmcgregor7810]

I think the British drum company Aviator was where it's at! 👊🤩

[@baptistefall7131]

....Pearl Ultracast / Dennis Chambers Signature, 3mm Aluminum sound fantastic !

[@Monsterdrumma]

My old 5.5”-14” ridged aluminum slingerland is my favorite snare drum I own out of 12 snare drums.

[@tonydrums66]

That Noble And Cooley is a mighty beast. Loved it.

[@drumcenternh]

That it is!

[@nickmosko6258]

That mapex Atomizer had way more power than the others! Wow it was amazing!

[@drumcenternh]

Raw power 💪

[@roneystapes]

I have this snare, i did a lot of research and this one was the most pleasing one to me, it's very sensitive but when you really lay down on it it's a beast!

[@jemmace2586]

Having owned a few acrolites over my playing year's, i lean toward those, that Ludwig pioneering sound with the material in question wins, but the Gretsch is well up there too! Saying that, the pearl sensitone hit some great notes as well! Surprisingly to me, but then not having owned a bronze sensitone for a while, the tone i could get from that drum was amazing. I always tend to draw the body I need for my style of sound, then slightly muffle it with a edge ring and or gel pad, sounds like too much restrain for some ears but when an ally drum really pop's, there's no hiding it's sheer beautiful tone and tonal depth. Ludwig acrolites and 400's love this IMO, they just cannot fail in my eyes/ears. Brilliant video DCP! Some beautiful playing, beats and very worthy video for us drummer's, thank you! :)

[@prongATO]

it’s hard for me to understand how you guys only have 69k subs! Your content is crucial for drummers trying to make equipment decisions.

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you and spread the word!!

[@davidcurtis4478]

This is awesome! Loving the little bubbles with summary, great jobs guys! Keep those bubbles coming! All those snares were awesome, exactly how the bubbles described each 👍👍DC

[@tinterlande]

Glad to hear it David! Thanks for the kind words!

[@gb4477]

Top 5 1. Ludwig Acrolite 2. BDC Aviator 3. Tama Starphonic 4. Noble and Cooley Alloy Classic 5. Gretsch USA Solid Aluminium To be fair, I liked them all - just personal preference. Love aluminium snares. Great demo.

[@robertleahu]

The Dunnet resonance and ring is just orgasmic for my ears. Also the Ludwig amazed me.

[@nathanielking7481]

Gretsch, N&C, and Tama are the flavor I'm looking for. I play a lot of notes and I think those three would certainly get the job done. I need to find a Brass shelled drum and a wood snare to complete my arsenal!!!

[@jmagnum15]

Digging that British drum co snare. Would be my pick based on the sound and style as compared to the others.

[@jdavis4394]

Acrolite. After that, the Pearl and Gretsch sounded really nice. Thanks for doing this!

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you enjoyed it and good choices!

[@VBHenry]

Not a bad sounding snare amongst them. For the money you can’t beat the pearl but if money was no object then I would definitely buy the Nobel.

[@musiqsoundsproductions]

For me the older DW 14x5 cast alu beats everyone including the Ludwig’s. I use this one with the 10x4,5 cast alu as side snare. Best snares out there!

[@billyrhythm]

I didn't think the Dunnett was crisp and and dry. In fact, I would've thought it was nickel over brass. I dug the overtones, and the LOOK. The one that made me look up and go "what's that?!" was the Noble and Cooley.

[@jarrahdrum]

I thought it was more like nickel over brass also

[@jeremy20100712]

Acrolyte and Tama for me. The PDP was beautiful to look at but the pitch bends drove me crazy.

[@mwdrum]

Bass drum sounds great also, your playing is very seamless, nice.....

[@ronaldzeoli7528]

My favorites are the Ludwig Acrolite, and Pearl Sensitone. I did love this video.

[@iorijones6351]

Hi, great comparison, thank you. For me the ones at the top are the Acrolite, Aviator, Sensitone and Noble & Cooley. I own the first two, and did have the Tama. You can't beat the Acrolite (or Supraphonic) . I live in North Wales UK, and have followed you for quite a long time. Wish I was closer to visit your store. Thanks & all the best ! Iori

[@geovannisouza4846]

I loved the sound of Acrolite !! I really like starphonic aluminum !!... what is the sound difference between aluminum and brass?... Now all that's left is to make the list of the 10 best brass snare.

[@rongriffin5980]

Pearl snare sounded airy yet full. I liked the cast DW as well followed by the PDP

[@Ted_Swayinghill]

I own 4 aluminum snares The Tama SLP Dry aluminum snare being my favorite live and in studio Next to the N&C Alloy classic in a gold vein finish favorite for SUPER loud gigs Ludwig Acrolite from the 70s My go to "Al Green and James brown" tuning Ludwig Supraphonic from the 90s

[@hyamsosnow3973]

1. Acrolite 2. - 10. Just buy an Acrolite already!

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

my personal favorite: The Yamaha Recording Custom 14x5.5 Aluminum Snare. Followed by the 14x6.5 model.

[@adamfrost8417]

You're not wrong. Just wasn't in stock.

[@dancalabrese3523]

Great video and spot on Tony regarding the larger issue that aluminum snare drums are the most versatile. In all my years of playing I always found that snares of other material (steel, brass, wood, etc.) couldn't "cut it" for the entire night. But my Supra 402 could be played all night no matter the music venue or the room and always sound and felt perfect. I'm finding the same to be true for my N&C 14x6 Alloy Classic. I never had a Ludwig Acrolite but I need to try one (cheaper, no worry about chrome pitting and sounded as good as the 402) along with an Alloy classic in the 4.75 depth. The DW surprised me of how great it sounded along with a couple of the 14x5's as I usually prefer a deeper snare especially in aluminum.

[@jimsuhy]

The Dunnett does it for me. I'd like to hear the 6 1/2 Dunnett too. Perfect balance between shell and snares

[@AlbertMoyerJr]

I love the Acrolite too. It was my first snare and drum. After your tests, I really like that TAMA too. It sounds similar, but looks great.

[@StratsRUs]

That part where ' Wasted' was cracked me up.You must have laughed a lot there ! You always sound great too.

[@anthonyn1312]

My favorite 😍❣️💕😘🥳🤩 Aluminum snare drum is Gretsch USA custom solid Aluminum 14x5

[@BrenainnJordan]

Fantastic comparison, the head to head was particularly helpful to really hear the differences. For me it's between the Acrolite and the Sensitone, both beautiful drums, if I had to spot any differences I'd say the pearl has slightly more body. Honourable mention to the Tama though, that has such tight control over the tone, the centre hit almost sounds like the rimshot!

[@stijnwigger]

The Noble & Cooley Alloy Classic snare drum was the best 😍❣️, but the Ludwig Acrolite and the Pearl Sensitone were also very good 💙 To be honest Noble & Cooley really should make hardware and thrones too 😁

[@glennhenderson2724]

I loved them all but my favorite was.hands down the pearl snare drum I'm very interested in it

[@tylerrynberg]

The Gretsch was my favorite, with that dense tone. The Pearl was very good for the price and just as enjoyable as several of the more expensive drums. The DW was my least favorite.

[@dugjay]

Acrolite. Supraphonic should get a mention here as well.

[@instdjp]

Hands down, the Acrolite projected its class (and most desirable) sound the best when using room mics only. Making it, in my humble opinion, the best drum for the average gigging drummer (and you can’t beat its price point).

[@andrewkeiswetter8629]

Love the DW. Solid, focused and tight

[@Thompsongs]

This video showed me that I apparently don't really go for 6" or 6.5" depth in metal snares. At least aluminum. But, choosing from that depth, I liked the PDP. On the other side of the coin, I loved the Dunnett and Noble & Cooley snares.

[@markmullen9919]

Noble &Cooley, Dunnett and Gretsch sounded amazing.

[@kushking420]

the pearl sensitone sounded amazing for the price

[@TimbalEnMS]

The Acrolite, The Pearl and Grestch were my favorite in a nice price range for me!

[@motodrummer]

Great video, after listening a few times it would be very hard for me to justify spending extra on anything more than the Acrolite, Pearl or the Mapex used. I agree 100% though I do need an Aluminum snare.

[@m.charron]

N&C and Acrolite for me. The BDC Aviator was interesting though, and one I'd take a look at along with the Gretsch.

[@johncollins5552]

that solid Gretsch again had as much ring as a steel snare I thought, I liked it. Until I get paid a thou per gig the sensitone is the one to beat.. pun intended , good work Interlande and co.!

[@Dave-lr2wo]

Love me a Ludwig. It and the PDP are tied for me. That PDP is something special...

[@Terry-oj2bi]

Wow when I saw this thought I would see the Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum snare! How could you guys not include this drum as it sounds Amazing!

[@tinterlande]

As I have mentioned in previous comments, it is out of stock. The global supply chain issue has been killing us lately. That is a great drum, and I would’ve loved to include it.

[@219Dave]

@@tinterlande Great vid and nice playing! And were the supras also out of stock, or did you just not want to include two Ludwigs?

[@tinterlande]

@@219Dave thank you! Yeah, pretty much. I’m more of an Acrolite guy, but the Supra is killer too of course.

[@gwobcke]

In my opinion the best out of these were the Noble and Cooley and the Ludwig Acrolite. I didn’t mind the more aggressive Tama but the Sensitone was the worst for me, yet many comments like it. That’s the great thing about choice and different tastes. Shame no Yamaha Recording custom was in the group.

[@aristotle5698]

Pearl sensitone 100%

[@woody4269]

Excellent vid!! 🍻✌️ I love that ring from alum snares. Sort of adds another dimension to a beat.

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you and totally agree!

[@Andreas-yt9wv]

Very groovy playing skills! 😉👍

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you!

[@drumsavvy8224]

Great vid..I have the Tama S.L.P. chrome over aluminium 14x5, it is discontinued, as they now have the brushed super dry model..but man it works in every setting..

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Big fan of Ludwig Acrolite snare drums!! So cool, so shiny, such a great feel under one's drumsticks. 🤪

[@AliStraightRazor]

thanks, very cool ! for me it that video 1. Dunett 2 Acrolite 3 N&C ... My snare is a gretsch USA COB

[@alexalja]

I did a blind listen here on head 2 head part…The best to my ears was 1, 3 and 6. In order Ludwig , Mapex and PDP. I didn’t expect that. Thinking about the trend and fame I would choose Tama Starphonic, DW, Dunnet…but my ears choose the PDP one of the best sounding drum snares on the list. And the Mapex was really good. Maybe I have cheap ears. Other thing…amazing how can Pearl deliver such a good quality job for the price. Thanks for the video, you guys are “show de bola”

[@demonicsweaters]

That pdp concept select is really interesting and cool looking

[@SkinnyGeorge]

I love my old 6.5 x 14 Pearl Ultracast Aluminum. Still haven’t found a drum like it today. But man the drums in this video are KILLER!!

[@phillamoore157]

Aluminum is the only material I've heard that's hard to make sound bad. All of these were really nice sounding drums...

[@ryandavis170]

Ahh that Ludwig sounds SOOO good!