Jazz Snare Drums

[@thegreatfatsby1912]

I follow a lot of drummers. This guy is right at the top. Chronically undervalued. Great musician.

[@robertalbiston7822]

Have you seen his video on the Wicked production? It’s a dive beyond! My coach, North Texas grad is principal orchestra percussionist here in Knoxvell and sent it to me so I could see what’s involved.

[@JulianFernandez]

theres no one else putting the amount of quality content you upload each week. thanks so much!

[@rickdior]

Hi Julian Thanks for watching

[@TheMASDrummer]

That slingerland is so warm...so controlled. My favourite.

[@JL1308]

I don't play drums but I've recently discovered Rick Dior tutorials and just really enjoy them.

[@larrytate1657]

Start playing drums you won’t have time for any other videos other than drum videos anymore.

[@malletjazz]

Great presentation, Mr. Dior - and while I know the focus here is on the snare drums, man...that 21" K is off-the-charts great.

[@zerekx]

The key seems to be 40's old stamp - I've got a 50's int stamp and a 60's new stamp that just don't compare to anything old stamp

[@johnboyle3297]

I’m now retired and can’t play anymore due to arthritis, I’ve owned many snares but always seem to go back to my radio king, it’s been loved, cared for and played for over 7 decades. Everything is subjective and it all comes down to personal preference, no wrong opinions no right ones either.

[@rickdior]

Hi John I'm so sorry about the arthritis. I have a bit of that as it runs in my family. My mom had it very bad and it was terrible to see her in pain all the time. I know it must be almost impossible for you to play without pain. Just wondering if you have gone to a hand specialist. I did and it helped me a lot although it sounds like yours is much worse.

[@twincrows3362]

Best Channel in KZbin about drums and playing. Thank you for your effort.

[@rickdior]

Thanks for the comment and for watching

[@billyrhythm]

Came for the drums, stayed for the playing. I dig your body motion; everything SWINGS!

[@danielcohn6884]

Incredibly tasteful playing, great time and phrasing. Fluid, relaxed, controlled and precise. You're an inspiration, and this video is very informative

[@YaroslavKurilo]

Thank you so much Rick! This channel is a gem, so much things to learn from.

[@iddrumco]

RICK DIOR IS AN AMAZING DRUMMER/PERCUSSIONIST!!! 😉👍🏻♥️🙏🏻🥁🇺🇸

[@brent3760]

Your playing is immensely superb! Fantastic my man. Such groove!

[@rickdior]

Thank you

[@yuggothrecordsarchives]

Can say enough about how much we appreciate your generous content! Not to mention you’re a monster player! Cheers!

[@williamfotiou7577]

Excellent in-depth tutorial, now I need to buy more snares...darn it! Thanks Rick.

[@tfr2602]

Wow, that Gretsch c.o.b....just an all around fantastic drum! Great playing and demo Rick. As always...great playing, man!

[@adambuczek5878]

Great skills and wonderful knowledge about drumming. I watch You very often and admire Your enthusiasm and energy . Adam

[@EricT43]

Rick, you have a wonderful collection of drums and cymbals, I really enjoy hearing you play them.

[@teacher5376]

Snare drums , are the best drums , can be rocks. Jazz.and marching drums....so much funs

[@el.aye.bee.4477]

I could not keep my eyes off the first snare drum and when you said, "it's just a beautiful drum," I drooled when I responded, "It is!" I had to get a napkin and wipe off my mouth.

[@gerdmilano8137]

at min42:00... That swing feel is deep like an ocean

[@TheGuitologist]

Excellent video.

[@davidsuprenant893]

Very nice video sir,thank you for sharing your collection and playing.I have amassed several snares as well,I just enjoy variety,stay well.

[@bonzomio]

Those calf skins make all the difference. Great video presentation!

[@cristianmolina8148]

Love that Sonor; its 14x6,5 btw and you are right, it´s made from beech..Amazing drumming..

[@Riddim4]

You have quite the body of serious, quality product on your channel. Much respect.

[@rickdior]

Thanks Nick, I appreciate that

[@tmaddrummer]

Thanks and Blessings Rick, I enjoyed it very much, and everything sounds wonderful together!

[@gw8278]

So comprehensive, beautiful tricks and patterns. I wish ...

[@boomerguy9935]

I agree about Gretsch, or any other brand, getting a bad wrap simply because of the name. I have two Gretsch snare drums (14 x 6 maple and 14 x 5 mahogany) which sound different and amazing. Each has a different type of top and bottom heads. To me, saying that one brand of anything - car, motorcycle, drums, cymbals or anything else - is bad, is just a type of profiling. This is not a good thing to do. I've owned many brands of drums in different price levels and model years and they are all good and bad. Personally, I finally settled on Gretsch as being MY favorite brand for my type of drumming; but, that's just me. As usual, your videos on anything are excellent! Keep 'em coming!

[@tombiggs491]

Rick last year you were talking about Concert Snare Drums. I bought the Pearl in White Marine. I collect snares and Jazz is next. Thanks!!!!

[@ivannio8519]

Killer drumming - great! :)

[@luiszuluaga6575]

I didn’t need a beer you recommended to go with the demonstrations. I got buzzed just listening to you play. 🤷🏻‍♂️😅👉🏼🥁

[@boristomakic5995]

Superb video...playing, sounds, everything...thank you from Croatia

[@makistudio1592]

I really enjoyed the material. Best drum channel imho, watching over and over Thank you, all the the best from Poland

Great video! The Pearl's Marvin Smitty Smith Snare is 14x4 - I also have it and love it! I find it very versatile.

[@JC-sj2pd]

This helps me immensely! Thank you. I was on the fence on getting a Gretsch cob for my Brooklyn kit to play contemporary and jazz. I’m sold on it sounds great

[@chuckc7375]

I like that Gretchen COB snare drum. You have really nice chops.

[@matspersson5188]

I love everything about this 👌🏼

[@sanrab75]

Well done Mr. Dior!!! cheers from Italy!

[@AnthonyFrantz]

If aliens came down to earth and wanted to know what a drummer is, I would show them you. Amazing drummer!

[@buschovski1]

Theyve probably heard of him already cause hes that good

[@yuggothrecordsarchives]

We had a 60s slingerland in our studio and it destroyed every other snare drum. We never changed the heads because we didn’t want to mess it up lol

[@johnaquino5055]

love how you comp

[@iorijones6351]

Really enjoyed watching this presentation. You have some beautiful snare drums ! I have never used calf heads, and very interesting to hear the differences. I also agree different snare drums for different genres and venues. Check out some of the British Drum Co snares, I have the Big Softy and Bluebird, and would recommend both. This afternoon, I was walking my dog on the Wales Coastal Path when your name popped up on my smart watch!! so .. when I got home, watched your latest snare drum etude. Though beyond my skills, still a pleasure to watch ! Thank you again for doing these video's and do hope you and your family are all keeping well!!

[@rickdior]

Thanks lori, wish I could walk the Wales Coastal path everyday. It's beautiful there.

[@iorijones6351]

@@rickdior thank you Rick. We have been to the USA a few times and you have stunning scenery. I have just done the same walk again with our border collie today. We are lucky as the path is only 200 yards from our home, on the Dee Estuary, Wirral peninsula opposite. It's flat so something our old dog can cope with. Out of view at sea level, but viewable a couple of so inland, is the River Mersey and city of Liverpool beyond. Sunny and dry today, but a chilly wind! I watch a lot of your output, which I much enjoy. Hope also your uni opens to students soon, so the young people can move on with their careers and studies, I bet you can't wait. It's been a tough year. Hope you have had your covid jab !!! 😀🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🥁🥁🎉👍

[@JonCurrie]

Cheers great all round snares

[@theavenger3363]

Brilliant Rick 👌

[@richardpine8011]

God I wish they'd bring the traditional flat rides back. That is the jazz sound I love.

[@rickdior]

Agreed, there's nothing quite like them.

[@rkaylor5769]

You got me into jazz drumming. I actually picked up a Yamaha Stage Custom Bop just yesterday.

[@rickdior]

That's great! Enjoy the greatest journey of all time.

[@rkaylor5769]

@@rickdior It’s an entirely different world, it’s challenging, and I’m glad I discovered the joy (and your channel).

[@brianmcguire5175]

Love it, real cool intro performance! Very cool stuff man

[@rickdior]

Thanks Brian

[@brianmcguire5175]

Thanks for responding, I'll probably upset you with this reaction though: I was illuminated by your video with your indebt assessment of the drum equipment you featured throughout your video but it was your intro exclusively that I really enjoyed. I guess not a critical point on you or the video but a recognising of my short coming as a drummer not to nerd out on the equipment side. That said I still watched it all and found it informative but my former comment that you have responded to is my biggest take away from your upload. You have a great feel! I'll check your other videos to see if you feature your playing more than the equipment in other uploads, if not I really encourage you to do both: your equipment review but some shorts(clips) of you just laying time down. You swing clean as hell! Just saying!

[@brianmcguire5175]

Never mind, exploring your channel now, seeing your other uploads. I'm wrong about you not showing your playing. Got homework to do now, awesome! Love it! Watching a snare drum performance video now. Glad people like you share your ideas here, we all benefit from this, we being other drummers

[@rickdior]

Hi Brian Thanks for the comment but.... Not sure how much more playing you want me to do. I have close to 700 videos on here with lots and lots of playing...way too much in my opinion. Please look at the entire channel. It should keep you busy for several years. Stay well Rick

[@brianmcguire5175]

@@rickdior Yeap, my error before my last comment. I'm going through your channel proper now. Got homework to do! Knee jerk reaction, internet habit. What's cool though is that people like me wanting to work on something new can rely on a resource like your channel. Glad I've stumbled across your uploads. Trust me, I'm already working on one of your video's already, keep it up please! Your videos are a resource now for aspiring drummers like me on this platform! It's cool for me in particular to have access to worldly inspiration. I apologize for assuming about your channel prior

[@paulysci925]

My favorites are the sonor (surprisingly) and the gretsch centennial. In my mind the best jazz snares are 14×6 and below but those 2 smashed everything else except the metal gretsch for my taste of balanced jazzy snare tone

[@powbobs]

Thanks Rick.

[@jotagomezmusico]

Oooohh yes! I was waiting for this video. Thx

[@soroushnir]

Thanks a lot Rick great video.

[@aidanpoland9746]

You had me at 1 minute. I’m in. Love ur playing

[@SalMichael]

I've recently subscribed , Thank you for amazing info. and Alway's great technique and musicality.

[@rickdior]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words

[@DeLorimier]

Thanks Rick!

[@J.P.Lindsay]

👍🙂 Sweeeeeeeeet, as always!!!

[@DiegoDee]

Thank you for giving me some new idea to look to the Pearl Marvin Smitty Smith Snare. I am sure it will be an excellent Snare for old School Rock and Blues (shuffle). I would not have come up with this idea myself.

[@rickdior]

Thats a great drum. You will not be disappointed. Use this heads top and bottom on it.

[@DiegoDee]

@@rickdior When you use the calf Top do you use the same bottom as with the synthetic Top? Which synthetic Top do you actually prefer?

[@paulysci925]

Super great playing btw! 🙂👌👍

[@ratamacueseven]

Superb sir !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheMASDrummer]

That Ludwig piccolo has so much character

[@jdlog]

Sounds Good!! Awesome Tone!!

[@FawleyJude]

I was surprised, I liked that '20s Ludwig snare. I thought it would sound dated but it would fit in with a lot of contemporary playing. I've got "only" four snares and my main one is a 6.5x14 Yamaha Sensitive Series. Nice sound, lots of dynamic range, and it has a great feel.

[@rickdior]

Thanks Jude Those old brass drums are really great. Hard to find that sound in something modern.

[@johnaquino5055]

just got a brand new Gretsch 6.5 bell brass snare i think it weights twenty lb

[@brunomaiamusic]

Master!!!

[@noisydoll168]

I thought this would help me narrow down what sort of drum sound I want for jazz, but all I learned is that if it’s being played this well I like it no matter what! Going by what you said about matching your snare to your cymbal sound, what kind of snare would you recommend to go with a set of Zildjian A Avedis cymbals? I got them one at a time over the last year and love that splashy, lush sound I get out of them. I also like a nice full sounding buzz roll, and a lot of snares seem have a ring to them that hurts my ears when I play, but I can’t tell if these things are about the drum, or the heads, or the tuning. :( I think what you said about the Black Beauty was pretty helpful though.

[@rickdior]

Hi A Ludwig supra matches well with A's. It's a bit brighter with the aluminum shell. They don't normally ring as much as other snares. If you put a thick calf head on there it will hardly ring at all.

[@noisydoll168]

@@rickdior This is going to sound ridiculous, but I've been playing on my boyfriend's late 80's/early 90's Supra with an Evans calftone head for the last couple of months and I really like it! It had been sitting unused for years and years and we cleaned it up, and are kind of sharing custody of it these days because we both put so much elbow grease into it. I just didn't know if it was "right for jazz" because I'd heard about all the other music people like to play on it, not so much jazz. Thank you so much!! I feel kind of silly that such a great choice was already right under my nose this whole time, but also super lucky.

[@nicolacilli6183]

Nice lesson

[@angerisanenergy1290]

Amazing review !! thanks a lot...one question,Does the Sonor Rosewood beech size is 14x7 or 6,5 ?

[@drewwainacht4674]

Thanks, Rick! Question- why do you go to the trouble to use a vintage Gretsch cob, fit it with calf skin heads, yet use a modern large number of snare strands? Thanks again for all your vids!!

[@rickdior]

Hi Drew I use those snares because they sound good on that drum. That has nothing to do with the heads. Just a preference.

[@MichaelGibson5047]

What about the pearl stavecraft snare drums

[@52ndst97]

How does the Gretsch COB compare the Slingerland Sound King COB for jazz in your opinion?

[@daviewavie112]

How about a 13” piccolo snare for jazz?

[@w.sanmarco]

Well Done Rick! Two questions- #1 I have a 20 K Custom Flat Ride, that i rarely use because it is to dry and too quiet. I want to add rivets but not sure how many to add. I really like how you use your flat w sizzles and i see you added them all around. Should I start with 3 rivets and add as needed? I can drill them myself. #2 ALL your snares sound amazing, but i cannot afford that level of snare. I currently have a 6.5 x 14 Pearl Masters maple with diecast hoops. I am using Coated ambassador on top and clear ambassador on bottom. Its a decent snare but i cannot get the sound I'm looking for, and it is not as articulate as i would like to hear and feel. My other snare is a 5.5 x 14 Ludwig Supraphonic that Think would be too bright. Thanks for your response in advance..

[@rickdior]

Hi If the flat ride is heavy it may not sound good with rivets because they won't vibrate very long. You can start with a few spaced evenly apart as I show in my cymbal rivet video. If they are sustaining I would suggest installing 8 rivets in total a few inches from the edge. As far as the SD question goes try a diplomat snare as well as a diplomat batter head. Those are thin heads and will open up the drum a bit.

[@zerekx]

Only have 1 in common with you, the Krupa solid shell with the clam throw. Badge on your Krupa snare would indicate 50's, small oval brass? Lugs on the Krupa are called 1955 Lugs also. Those hoops didn't appear until the 50's too :)

[@rickdior]

Hi Eric Thanks for writing. I have had 2 people tell me the drum was from the late 40's based on the catalog and the strainer. Either way It's a really different sounding drum and I love it.

[@zerekx]

@@rickdior 1955 catalog is the first year to show the new '1955' lug casings, the snare drums in the catalog also show the clam shell throw off and the new style counter hoops. Those lug casings definitely were not around in the late 40's same with those counter hoops on your drum, here's the link to the 1955 catalog - drumarchive.com/Slingerland/Slingerland1955.pdf - sorry I'm kind of a vintage drum nerd and would hate for you to accidentally mislead anyone in your awesome video sir! Great sounding drums for sure in any case! :)

[@rickdior]

Hi Eric Thanks for the information. It's great to know the correct year. I will change it in the description.

[@zerekx]

@@rickdior Hey Rick, if you could post a picture of the badge that would really narrow it down - anyway, thanks for the great videos and playing sir! :)

[@MichaelGibson5047]

I have a budget of 900 dollars. And would love a wood snare drum for jazz

[@gustavoborchert]

Thank you, Rick! I really like the calf sound. Have you heard about the Kentville kangaroo heads (from Australia, obviously)? I am really inclined to try it after watching some reviews. All the best...

[@rickdior]

No, I have not played on one but I have heard they are great. Let me know what you think when you try one.

[@SalMichael]

Rick , Thoughts on the Gretsch 10 lug COB U.S.A. custom as opposed to 8 lug?

[@pablocaluch9061]

hy man! your videos are great!!! I´m about to get an gretsch usa custom 14 x 5,5 wood drum from the 2000, do you think it would work in jazz? thanks man really good information!

[@rickdior]

Absolutely, just use thinner heads.

[@pablocaluch9061]

@@rickdior thanks man! I'm using at the moment remo ambassador fiberskyn top, bottom I don't know which one be batter

[@daviewavie112]

What are your thoughts on aluminum snares for jazz? Someone’s selling a slingerland aluminum snare locally.

[@rickdior]

I love aluminum snares. I use them for all types of music including with the symphony (Pearl Philharmonic aluminum drum) which sounds great. You can use an Ludwig Acrolite or a Supraphonic for jazz as well as the Slingerland drum you are asking about. Try a coated Remo Diplomat batter head for that application.

[@12tayloaush]

Rick, in which jazz playing situations would you play a metal snare and in which would you play a wood snare? Great videos, by the way! You are a wealth of knowledge!

[@kondko]

Yes, great question! I'd like to know as well :)

[@rickdior]

Hi Austin. It depends a bit on the type of Jazz and the volume of music. All of these drums work but for live playing I stick to the high snappier sounds like the wood Gretsch and Sonor and the metal Leedy and Pearl Smitty drums. The others are great in the studio since they are quieter drums.

[@tombiggs491]

Rick how many Snares do you own??? It's amazing.

[@SalMichael]

Hi Rick , excellent job. What's your main ride ? Type and weight ? Thank you

[@rickdior]

Its in the decription....1940s 21" K Zildjian. Can't remember the weight offhand but its probably around 2400 grams

[@SalMichael]

@@rickdior Ever try Bosphorus?

[@SalMichael]

And thank you. I should have looked.

[@rickdior]

Yes, if you check out my jazz ride cymbal video you will see one in there.

[@SalMichael]

@@rickdior will do.

[@kordakorda9101]

What is the accurate name of the ride cymbal?

[@lincolnmmitchell]

Killin man!!

[@jwb60]

Like them All . But no Rogers Drums in Your Collection or DW Snares! All in All there all great!

[@rickdior]

Hi I have some Rogers and DW snares and they sound fine but they are not my favorites. Thanks for watching.

[@martinalejandroelizalde99]

Hi Rick! I'm getting a 12 ' Sonor maple snare. Is it too small for brushes or it's OK? I'm building mi practice kit (that would also work as a cocktail one) and loved the snare because it sounds great but that's my main concern. I'm a rock drummer trying to get into jazz music. Thanks for your videos. Everything is amazing in this channel. =)

[@rickdior]

Hi Martin A 12" drum will be too small for brush playing. For a jazz kit I would go with a 14" drum. Thanks

[@melapela6043]

Wow Rick, how many snares do you have?

[@daviewavie112]

Do you prefer 8 or 10 lug snares for jazz? Any non calf skin batter/reso head combos you recommend?

[@rickdior]

The lug count does not matter to me. As far as heads go, I am partial to Remo coated heads but use calfskin quite often. I have lots of videos on that subject if you do a search.

[@daviewavie112]

@@rickdior thanks Rick!

[@vincentrizzi4929]

Did Buddy Rich play calf heads in his Later years.

[@rickdior]

As far as I know he did not. I saw him many times live in the 70' and 80's and I never saw him using calf heads. That doesn't mean he didn't.

[@davidsuprenant893]

Do you pretty much go for the same tunning on the bottom heads of your snares and adjust the top for pitch and playability? If so ,about how much tension on bottom head?

[@rickdior]

I tune the bottom a out a minir 3rd lower than the top. When you engage the snares it brings up the bottom head in pitch. So if I tune an A on top it would be an f# on the bottom.

[@Anton_Nikolaus_Mangweth]

Dear Rick a question: if you play jazz standards in small locations with bad acoustic (and you have to play very soft) which snare would you buy ? Slingerland spitfire or Radio King? Or another? Thanks for your time! Toni

[@rickdior]

Hi Toni Any mahogany snare, like an old Leedy or Ludwig works well in that situation. Even the cheap Philippine Mahogany drums like the older Gretsch Catilina work well .

[@Anton_Nikolaus_Mangweth]

Hi Rick! Are the radio kings and spitfires made from mahagony?

[@rickdior]

No They are maple.

[@stephendufort4154]

Rick what the heck is the difference between a rock and a jazz stair drum?

[@rickdior]

Watch the video. Certain drums sound better for playing jazz than others. The size, the shell material, the heads, and the tuning all make a huge difference.

[@mattwestfall8081]

What’s your secret to keeping that gold hardware clean? I own number 44.

[@rickdior]

meguiars wax

[@chuckc7375]

I meant to say GRETSCH but my computer spelled it wrong and I didn’t catch it in time.

[@larrbrown7277]

Where in the world can I get skin drumheads.

[@rickdior]

www.drumsupply.com/products/earthtone-real-calfskin-drumheads

[@larrbrown7277]

Thanks for getting back to me, they’re out of stock right now.

[@teacher5376]

14×6....inches. equal fat 's , in sounds.....