4 Ways to Get a Phat Snare Sound

Nick D'Virgilio shares four tips on creating a bigger snare sound. Nick has selected four DW snare drums for this demonstration, but these tips will apply to a wide range of snare drums. After the video, learn more about the gear used in this video at the links below.
Drums:
Kick - DW Jazz Series 23" x 18" - www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Snare 1 - DW Jazz Series 5.5" x 14"
Snare 2 - DW Jazz Series 5.5" x 14"
Snare 3 - DW Design Series 5.5" x 14" - www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Snare 4 - DW Performance Series 5.5 "x 14" - www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Drumheads:
Evans G1 - www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Remo Ambassador - www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Aquarian Texture Coated
Drumsticks:
Vater Universal
Accessories:
Big Fat Snare Drum Auto-Tone Snare Drum Topper - www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Remo Control Rings - www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Microphones:
Kick Drum - Shure Beta 52A - www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Over head - Audio-Technica AT5045 - www.sweetwater.com/store/detai...
Apple 15" MacBook Pro - www.sweetwater.com/store/detai...
Universal Audio Apollo 8p - www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Avid Pro Tools 12 - www.sweetwater.com/store/detai...

[@bryonlanderman2330]

Or the 5th option. You could buy heads that are designed to take that overtone ring out like the Evans Genera Dry or Remo Powerstroke 3 that give you a great phat drum sound, without tuning gimmicks that can cause your head to wear out faster and possibly warp your hoop, or the need for using external muffling devices that actually choke the sound of the drum.

[@bigradio9195]

You can tell he's a drummer, look how thin his wallet is.

[@tylerbailey9329]

Ha. Haha. Hahahaha.....*cries

[@sand9577]

Virgil owns a state with horses...the most expensive I own is my PC.

[@Philipp.of.Swabia]

David Belanger Sir you got a point, xD

[@spedsledproductions]

Oof

[@alweenrvain2358]

Big Radio ain't that the truth brother! Lol

[@thebayoudiaries8389]

As a vintage country player, this thud sound brings me back to the old days of country. Thank you Nick.

[@nessrecords]

Another great example of why I love this guy. Not only a great demo, but invaluable "road tips" from experience. The doughnut (yellow drum) is my favorite today.

[@milescampbell52]

Nick, I swear you are the MAN when it comes to drumming. You have help me so much in my journey of drumming.

[@patricklong1187]

Never mind those snare drum sounds...I'm most impressed by his BASS drum sound! Finally, a bass drum that doesn't sound like you're beating soggy pound cake. This has TONE.

[@christopherdaley6304]

Nick: I loved your percussion and drumming on Calling All Stations. As a long time Genesis fan I loved every song you played on. Thanks.

[@leoavalos3010]

great video! Nick's one of the finest drummers out there, and a great singer as well. 20+ years listening to his records.

[@RoeShamBoe]

kick sounds absolutely fierce

[@matthewpaluch777]

Great job Nick, thanks for the sharing. One thing that should be pointed out though. When de-tuning the 3 lugs make sure they're not the lugs closest to the strainer.

[@glennedwardgo]

Thanks for this tutorial nick & the sweetwater folks!

[@marknjudi]

I must have found that same youtube video that you found on the tight bottom head and detune the 3 closest lugs on the top. Been using that, and also the BFSD and Remo O rings. Lots of options! Thanks for confirming these techniques with this great video.

[@JonathanHolt1988]

Those rings are magical. I got some evans erings and they are amazing on the snare and toms to bring out a lot of low, phat sounds, gets rid of overtones great.

[@bpdrumstudio]

Great tuning tips Nick...always love your Playing. I'd like to contribute that detuning for a phat snare sound , I found works best with triple flanged hoops and not die cast. My 2 c worth. Cheers.

[@MusicJamin330]

What are THOSE hi-hats!? MAN I want those!

[@lokwer]

seems like a meinl byzance dark hi hat... pretty cool hats !!

[@andre-pz1wv]

Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hats 14" i think

[@drew_on_drums]

They look like 15s instead of 14s

[@chasesteinberger3342]

I was gonna say the same thing! Pretty sure they are the Meinl 16" extra dry hats

[@jacksonmasco]

MusicJamin330 meinls whole line of extra dry hats are phenomenal

[@GoodKevin111]

Is that Lars' drumset?

[@autofocus4556]

GoodKevin111 he plays on trash cans

[@agork]

Beautiful drumming!

[@aaronmichaels8347]

Love Nick ... Great tips. I love the George Costanza (Seinfeld) reference ... from a guy who reminds me of john lovitz LOL. I use a trick like the wallet trick. I take a very small hand towel or wash cloth , fold it over and lay it on the snare just like the wallet was. It pretty much stays on. Sometimes i'll use a small piece of tape just to keep it from sliding off. It works well.

[@adamalexanderray]

I took an old used 16" double ply head from my floor tom and cut the rim away leaving a 14" head sized piece. It's just the same as a big fat snare drum but you can make it for free.

[@kato968]

Yes!!

[@dazarecords3731]

I do the same at my studio and it works well! Problem is whenever the snare becomes Phat it loses its attack so you mic placement/technique becomes even more crucial

[@Gitarzan66]

I'm changing my snare and floor tom over the next couple hours and thats what I'm going to do. I dont use mics so that wont affect me. (ha ha). Just a basement drummer.

[@FacsTwo]

I love how the 4th snare sounds

[@markielinhart]

Brilliant Nick‼️

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

To get a similar sound to the big fat snare product invert a spare 14" head onto the drum. If you are like me you have more than one old head lying around which will work just fine.

[@Positive-pat]

Bruce Hewat this is the route I typically take to achieve the fat sound. I've found the older the head the fatter the sound!

[@drew_on_drums]

Like put it in upside down?

[@zynix976]

Yup, so the rim of the head (that sits on the outside the bearing edge) points upwards instead of downwards

[@AcDcDrummerJake1215]

I can’t quite put this together in my head. Do you mean cut the head out and or just slap it on top of the head you’re using and use it as a dampener, or something else?

[@Assimilator702]

Jake Becker I cut the head from the hoop after the section where it curves. Place the head onto your snare upside down. I’ve been doing this for years with a clear Pinstripe head. I don’t think I’ve ever thrown out an old head in my life. That’s ALOT of heads! I even have an entire set of Joey Jordinsons used heads. I think he only used heads for maybe 2 shows when he was with Slipknot.

[@drumsNstuff79]

I use the Remo rings and love them. i have the set of two 14", one thin, one wider.. Uts great to have that option when your band goes into a mid tempo song like "Angel of Montgomery" and you can hang the ring off your floor tom leg and throw it on to get an instant fat sound. I do think you may have to tune a drum down a bit if it is too high pitched to begin with to get a deep tone. I like the Remo rings more that the idea of the BFSD because you get that stick on head attack and it doesn't get too mushy. Although the classic muffled 70's sound can be as mushy as it gets!

[@chasesteinberger3342]

Those hats sound AMAZING!

[@thegayge]

Quick somebody isolate the "That's pretty phat sounding." at 5:05 and put it in the middle of dub track or something.

[@thegayge]

And add "Even more thud" at 8:15.

[@rodrigofernandez5825]

Leaving a comment for if someone does it

[@drew_on_drums]

I want to use it as a pre- breakdown line and just hit the most brutal breakdown in the world

[@jamesh.570]

Somebody please do this ^

[@drew_on_drums]

James Helfrich the breakdown or the dubstep idea

[@EixtremeDrummer]

Thanks, Nick, this is helpful

[@timcline161]

Excellent video Ty!

[@IFBSal]

Please make a review of the Pearl Eliminator Redline cause you guys make the best reviews for drum products lol

[@blushingtruth]

Sounds great!

[@grzesiek41st]

6:43 ...and that guy with umbrella :D

[@paulysci925]

🤦‍♂️

[@gacdrums6685]

Great job Nick !!! Paisan !!!! I was really interested in the high hat cymbals can you tell me about them ?

[@Doyledrumz]

Awesome video Nick! Do you have a bass drum tuning video???

[@buzzyhansen5653]

...that trick you slide a stick under the snares to tune bottom head is a real cool idea ! why didn't I think of that years ago 🤔

[@robertlucas9867]

I never use the first technique despite what some (Evans drumheads) and others say because it does damage the rim over time by warping and the heads break or stretch quicker. I use a spare head upside down, Big Fat Snare drum, O rings or some cut to shape paper or thin cardboard. Also I have spare snares for specific sounds. Also electronic triggers or pads for those occasional times you can't use all drums or have time to change.

[@blkjakk]

I use the Big Fat Snare Drum "Steve's Donut" & it's a great product too.

[@PedroDVC]

I love this guy!

[@DrHexagon_]

I’ve had a problem with my snare where it sounds like a tenor kind of, with the “snare sound” in the background almost. I’ve tried retightening the strings and a bunch of other things, but can’t get it back to normal. Was just wondering if anyone here had any ideas.👍🏻

[@ionianblue31]

I like how each of the snares are a different kind of phat and thuddy. If it were me, I'd use the yellow snare on, say, verses, and either the black wallet snare or white snare on the chorus. Especially if you're pushing the beat during the choruses.

[@D-Man_Jam]

The yellow one sounds the best IMO.

[@leo_adrian]

What about remo ring on the first snare (the one with loose hoop bottom). How'll sound?

[@kristianwest3855]

Can you do a review of the Tama Starclassic Bubinga drumset?

[@WadeLucas]

I didn't know Jon Lovitz played drums!

[@djevlhelvete]

Wade Lucas I knew he reminded me of somebody but I just couldn't figure out who. Thanks! Hahaha!

[@rockem3411]

Thx it work well for my export series can i do same for my tom?

[@thundermolloy]

take the third technique and also put a Evans staccato disc inside the drum you get a super dry super dead Fat Sound which is actually kind of cool to use for an auxiliary snare

[@LukeAlejo]

the yellow snare does it for me!

[@willyrodriguez5317]

How many turns do you do on the bottom and the too head ? I really like how the first snare sounds but I can’t get to sound like that

[@1111Paiste]

The "Big Fat Snare Drum" does it for me.

[@mikaelsnare]

George Costanza mentioned!

[@notnerd3]

My favourite way is just laying another head upside on top (like the BFSD). Pretty much sound exactly like the BFSD but it's cheaper (considering you can recycle used heads).

[@dogmart]

Tony Williams Yellow--the only way to go, baby! :)

[@Positive-pat]

dogmart isn't that thing gorgeous!

[@jknighton]

BFSD is great too...

[@NamYagami]

not so sure about the first one. wouldnt that warp the shell? or possibly even crack it if its wood..

[@yaki_font]

in my opinion the first technique probably can damage the drum edges

[@CzarCustom]

that's why I use metal snares

[@FacsTwo]

Indeed, I wouldn't do it too

[@dereckkami8200]

I'm afraid of the warping

[@loveroflife1438]

yes warps the rim to if its a flang rim

[@bohdaaanek]

You'll break the head first...

[@el_nestorvgc]

I'm guitar player and a frustrated drummer too LOL. BTW i like the first snare tone

[@SubaruWRXspdManual]

This vid gave me an idea... An all snare drum kit. Well, except the kick. What do ya think? Lol. It could work. On a serious note, this was a pretty good vid, although I'm not a fan of the bottom three lug tuning trick. Just my opinion, but I can tune my snare higher or lower pretty fast without the fear of jacking my shell or hoop up.

[@baconfromhell666]

This guy is very likable.

[@connerhartigan7576]

Yellow drum shell is the deepest in my opinion!

[@cooldjism]

Hey, any recommendations for my Gretch Snare drum as its probably about 3-4 years old now, its got that really old, stick marked, grey accents all over the skin of it because of all the use from over the years. But I've realised recently that the snare drum just sounds very very Tinny and stale, almost like when you're hitting your own pockets thats full of change (If you get what I mean). Is this a sign for me to finally save up and buy a new snare drum or can this be fixed using these methods in the video?

[@EphICanIMite]

I've used the "wallet" trick for a while now at church. I leave mine folded though, and maybe leave a third of it hanging over the edge. If I want it really dry, leave the entire wallet on the head. It does work really well.

[@montesk_3646]

You can use the gel window stickers or sticky hands

[@patovega]

will detuning the three lugs damage the shell or rim?

[@sammbobdylan]

Brant Parsons makes a good point in that it should not be the 3 lugs closest to the snares. Some drummers have their strainer in different positions. I think it is noteworthy. S

[@zhongxina8426]

can the first technique be applied to a 8-lugged snare drum? if so, how?

[@tsrohydag3290]

Thanks a lot

[@roybeckerman9253]

Depends what music you’re playing. 60s snare drums had a tighter, crisp ,cracking sound The 70s were much more deep and dead.

[@singingfeces]

I actually just wrap my snare with a t-shirt. It's out of tune and the snares are broken, but that makes it sounds great. I do like a dead snare sound tho. Plus the head lasts longer than if you do that uneven tuning trick.

[@blkjakk]

Oooooooh I'm imagining how fat of a sound Bill Gate's wallet would produce.

[@Positive-pat]

Blkjakk hahaha right! Or Warran Buffet.

[@mrpositronia]

Donald Trump's just contains a whole bunch of ready-made IOUs

[@blkjakk]

mrpositronia Baaahaaaaahaaa!!!!!!!!!

[@LaurentOliveri]

Hahaha

[@richardpine8011]

Morbidly obese kinda phat.

[@davidmartin6959]

et si on ajoute des pieces dans le portefeuille ça fait tambourin ?

[@iananderson4355]

Anyone know if that's the 15" or 16" Byzance hat?

[@fecatellus1337]

The Seinfeld reference was extraordinary XD

[@loveroflife1438]

my fave is getting a ludwing vintage marching drum with thick ass heads

[@dwexoticmaple]

interesting how you mount the snare drum can you explain? ive always put hoop at the bottom of the right angle

[@StefanGoranov]

dwexoticmaple was just wondering the same

[@andrewarbogast1]

@SweetwaterSound what hats are being used?

[@dmanalang9037]

I luvit! Thank u!

[@randywoolum2648]

I wish I could figure out how to get the Alex Van Halen "Diver Down" and "1984" snare drum sound!

[@matthewpaluch777]

Randy Woolum Easy Randy, remo black dot with duct tape on top head. Google it 4photo-

[@paradigmshiftz7]

Plz make a video on how to get a snappy snare sound

[@larryprice6321]

Thanks so much , I'm new to drums, Aldo dude you sound like Cassie cassum

[@dazarecords3731]

I know this is a snare drum video but what are those hi-hats he's playing? They sound incredible

[@a-8702]

I think they're Meinl Byzance Extra Dry

[@ElephantsGerald]

Hey Nick... Can the techniques you used on the first snare also be applied to the toms for similar results?

[@clearestapricotpencil4125]

Alan Slimak probably not, because tom sounds go after more tone and sustain and pitch, rather than the short crack of a snare. The first technique can also probably damage your drums over time. You generally want to keep your tension even around the drum.

[@ElijahRock92]

Been doing the wallet technique since high school. lol Nice. Love it.

[@jmpsthrufyre]

the yellow on downbeat and white ghost notes... but how?

[@itsDarrell]

what hats ? 15" Extra dry thins?

[@connerhartigan7576]

White snare drum has a deep fat sound!

[@electronicsandradio3945]

What are those Hi hats..

[@curtishill109]

👍 Useful!

[@officialzephireedm5949]

who else is a producer here just ripping these snare samples lol

[@circusreturn2397]

OfficialZephireEDM you must feel really cool by ripping these snare samples lol

[@jmpsthrufyre]

circusreturn what's wrong with that? If I had a sampler I'd be ripping off of tons of videos. It's a new world.

[@WinshipWheatley]

It’s just a room mic and a lav mic

[@arbogast4950]

It's a new world lol... imagine if no one took the time to learn how to tune and record drums. You "producers" wouldn't have shit.

[@rollingtones1298]

You ain't a producer lol

[@CoryPelizzari]

God bless Udo Masshoff.

[@brandonquod4910]

Maybe its just me but i loved the sound of the snare on the first one, before you detuned the three lugs. After that i wasnt a big fan but idk i guess i like a sharp sound

[@drew_on_drums]

Is it true that if you loosen the 2 lugs closest to the wires you eliminate snare buzz?

[@georgeb6300]

Jack Jekyl sort of not completely I find though :/ try out moongel or gaffer tape if you wanna try and kill some overtones

[@drew_on_drums]

Does the tightness of the heads affect the ammount of snare buzz?

[@georgeb6300]

Jack Jekyl Not too sure tbh but I don't believe so

[@HGRRecordsWilcox]

On the reso side yes. Then also slip a business card under the wires. That eliminates ALL reso wire bleed except there's just a bit left from my 8" tom (10" tom causes zero buzz tho, might have to replace that 8" with a 12"--or gate the snare mic, which is notorious for cymbal bleed anyway, but that's a new subject.)

[@zeefour]

I use a Vintage A on my snare. If I layer it with an Evans Hydraulic, my face changes shape. It's beefy.

[@roybeckerman9253]

The wallet actually sounds the best. Is it supposed to be empty or full ? Not sure how practical is it playing .

[@aalegge]

If you're a musician it's probably empty

[@jmpsthrufyre]

Let me just repeat something already said many many times. An old head, preferably undented, and a razor is all you need. I started doing this around 20+ years ago( because I'm a genius) And the the thicker the head, the deeper the tone/pitch becomes. I would actually use a thin cloth or rag, before coming up with the old skin idea. But the skin works great because it stays put...I wonder who the first person was who thought of this....and when... probably some hippie in the 60s.

[@user-wh6sp6st8s]

The first technique was made by a guy named Mashoff.. the owner of Mashoff drums. Check him out

[@sammbobdylan]

If you want to get a phat snare sound refer to the Udo Masshoff snare tuning technique. Simple. Respect. S

[@papabolognese]

hats?

[@glytch5]

That can't be good for the edge though. Super uneven tension in one spot. Over time I feel like that is going to cause a problem.

[@pjcouture9944]

John Bonhams snare sound. NICE!!!

[@jknighton]

Ludwig Black Beauty, Remo hydraulic head, tight bottom, looser top. Proper eq, mics (and placement), and you're done.

[@veerchasm1]

What if I just want a Fat snare sound?

[@Eurodrummer666]

"...feels good in the hands!" (x4)