Ten 14x8 Snare Drums Compared - Which is Best For You?

[@machete660]

Canopus 1:46 Dunnett 3:03 DW Collectors 4:09 Gretsch Broadkaster 5:16 Keplinger 6:26 Supra 8:06 Pearl FF 9:25 Sonor SQ2 10:35 Tama 11:51 Yamaha RC 13:05 ALL 13:58

[@ChuckGlyder]

That Dunnett sounded the best to me. It had some serious bottom end the others lacked.

[@lou205]

1. Sonor SQ2, 2. Pearl FF, 3. Keplinger ... My 3 faves

[@victorarayatorrealba2233]

Canopus 1:46 , Dunnett 3:03 , DW Collectors 4:09 ,Gretsch Broadkaster 5:16 ,Keplinger 6:26 ,Supra 8:06 ,Pearl FF 9:25 ,Sonor SQ2 10:35 ,Tama 11:51 ,Yamaha RC 13:05 , head to head 13:58

[@anthonyn1312]

🆒😎

[@fightclub94]

🙏🙏🙌🙌

[@Tides-of-Time-and-Space]

1. Dunnett, is just perfect 2. Gretsch, love the depth 3. DW, that high end crack is nice

[@nickavenoso7851]

My Top 5 1: Yamaha Recording Custom 2: Dunnett Stainless Steel 3: Gretsch Broadkaster 4: Ludwig Raw Brass Supra 5: Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beach Honorable Mentions: TAMA SLP, DW Collectors Black NOB They all sounded really good. These snare “shootout” videos are really great, if your looking for a snare and don’t know which one to buy. Thanks for the video, DCP!

[@ramencurry6672]

I kind of didn’t like the Dunnett. It reminded me of a cheesy heavy metal song or an attempt of a heavy metal parody. It probably is still a good snare though.

[@nickavenoso7851]

@@ramencurry6672 Well everybody hears things differently.

[@ramencurry6672]

@@nickavenoso7851 You’re right

[@buddhaluv123]

I listened to the head to head blind then went back to see which one it was that I liked the best. The Recording Custom took it for me!

[@LetMeDieLord]

I loved that one as well! Best of all worlds.

[@MartinScheuerJr]

Great drum for sure!

[@thomasmoje5926]

First choice: Canopus Zelkova. Second choice: Ludwig raw patina brass. I have a preference for deep-shell snare drums: they just have more tuning flexibility to me than shallower-depth snare drums. One of my favorite snare drums in my collection is a deeper-shell snare drum: Pacific 'Limited Edition' 7 1/2 x 14" maple/walnut snare drum with wood hoops. While just a half inch shorter in depth than this collection of snare drums: it offers the same beefy full sound and tuning flexibility of these drums. All of these drums are excellent.

[@RA2Music]

I am a proud Canopus player and drool over the Zelkova all the time, but that Dunnett Titanium is simply fantastic. Been toying with idea of adding an 8” to my setup, thanks DCP for a comprehensive tasting of what’s out there.

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you enjoyed it, Raymond!

[@alexdeleon7135]

This has to be the most concise demonstration of the 14x8 snare platform. The Yamaha easily had the most distinct, and versatile tone of all the examples. However, the attack of the Dunnett surprised me. The Canopus is art in drum making; not having the structural strength of plies. The Canopus presents with a seamless, gapless, solid shell. It's purity in sound is very favorable. Well done.

[@Roy__Batty]

@@alexdeleon7135 well said re: Dunnett. The attack was a surprise for me as well and really liked the crack of it

[@Martin-kn6vc]

Amazing sounding drums! It's hard to choose a favourite, as they all sounded really good in their own way! Really loved the Canopus, Dunnett, Ludwig raw brass and Keplinger.

[@ramonkey2939]

I agree those were my favorites as well

[@alidisco]

Great Video, love a 14 x 8. The Gretsch and the Canopus sound all sorts of buttery goodness

[@klauth_Yksyn]

Been waiting for the 8's !!! Keep it coming guys !!! Will we ever see an 8" Alumium ? .... I think it's what Bonham would want these days.

[@alsdrumhang]

These are the snare drum sounds I hear in my dreams 🤤

[@ledzeppelinfan12344]

Please please PLEASE do one of these for 15" snares! I love that size and your demos alway sound the best!

[@drumcenternh]

I think we only have one or two in stock, currently - but we will definitely put it on the list! Thanks for the feedback, rerebah!

[@michaelcalimag430]

I love that gretsch Snare, it has a perfect deep sound!

[@HR2635]

GREAT video as always.. you guys make the best ones! Canopus , Gretsch and Dunnet for me.. I see you point on the Ludwig, but I am spotting the annoying brass overtone ringing/distortion that BB does not have.. so I will keep my BB. The Cnopus though.. mother.. I need that at some point.. or I will build one with those specs.. its just awesome! I would like to see what microphone setup you have and the full chain: sound card, preamps, EQ use and so on. That would help on understanding the sound in your videos.. maybe always put a "facts" box underneath your videos?

[@jamesspafford5985]

My top three: 1. Canopus 2. Raw Brass Supra 3. Pearl FF Honorable mention Tama SLP

[@drumcenternh]

Good choices!

[@ingemosh5430]

i have to say that i own and love my tama big black steel but from those in the video the gretsch really caught my attention. what a nice, buttery and lovely tone! maybe it`s because of your tuning skills and the head combination or the microphones or the combination of it all but this one is a fantastic snare and i would love to get to check one out in person. thanks for all your great videos and content dcp! cheers from germany!

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

No, Gretsch makes beautiful sounding snares. I heard one in person going on 30 years ago, and still kind of remember the experience 😂 ....I like that black dw too....

[@jabezscratch]

You weren't kidding about that Canopus snare. It sounds great.

[@jove1155]

It was my favorite of these. I have the 14x6.5 and it's amazing as well.

[@davebander9730]

All of them are nice. I listened with closed eyes the head to head: Yamaha. Has it all.

[@baronrichmond5667]

I'm against pretty much the entire comment section, I love the DW the best...the supra was great too. They're all close, but what took the cake for me was listening for which ones had the least overtones and ping. But I know that depends on tuning as well. Thanks for the comparison.

[@antoniodecola3591]

listen and choose without knowing the brand

[@jove1155]

I was going to, but then he said the brand right at the beginning :(

[@chris_d_r_u_m_s]

I did that and I came out with the dunette titanium

[@billyhughes9776]

The Keplinger, Canopus and Dunnett sounded the best to me, but, for the money that Tama SLP sounded surprisingly close. The Pearl had a nice ring to it as well.

[@iantouzel638]

Billy Hughes i got the Pearl in 14x6.5 and the best head to pu on it is the Remo CS.

[@formu1fan]

I’ve got a Pearl 14x5 full floating but now I want a 14x8 too

[@I.Milanov]

Man, i swear, sometimes it feels as if you get your ideas for videos out of my search list.. love ya😘 cheers

[@drumcenternh]

Great minds think alike! Thanks, Ivan.

[@I.Milanov]

@@drumcenternh thank YOU for all the effort making that great content!

[@XcluZiveBeats]

I wish they would one day do a comparison video to my video idea that they said they would take into consideration for almost a year now. I’m sure many drummers would love to see a Pearl Decade Maple vs. Tama Superstar Classic vs pdp concept maple.

[@I.Milanov]

Alright DCP, we want that video☝️☝️☝️Make it happen!! pretty please 😇

[@meekoloco]

My top 3: Zelkova, Keplinger, Sonor. I’m sure they’re the most expensive!

[@josephcollura1220]

Another great video Shane. Although, all of the snares sound wonderful, my top three are: 1. Canopus 2. Gretsch 3. Sonor

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Joseph!

[@dancalabrese3523]

I never would have considered a 14x8 snare drum in all my years of playing until now. Thanks a lot guys! Now I have to add a 14x8 to my list! My wife is eventually going to ban me from watching your videos!

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you liked the video, Dan! We'll help you set up a burner KZbin account.

[@dancalabrese3523]

@@drumcenternh Bribing her with trips to Portsmouth and lobster rolls while we are there as an excuse to get more drum equipment has been working but eventually she is going to catch on.

[@PeedroPitter]

Soud check fantástico, a qualidade de áudio e vídeo do canal de vocês e incrível! Saudações daqui do Brazil - Ceará

[@drumcenternh]

Obrigado Pedro! Felicidades!

[@patrickwoods2583]

I'd have to say hands down the Dunnett Titanium. Not too many overtones, and just listen to just the room mic recording part... It sings! (#2 on my list is the the Keplinger. Doesn't look very attractive but sounded great in both full mix and room mic as well.) Sure, all of them sound pretty good but the Dunnett, in my opinion, takes the cake. I never even heard of these two brands before.

[@ramonkey2939]

I agree the two top choices were the Dunnett and the Keplinger

[@camerondean6804]

I concur. Both sound pre-EQd, due to very controlled (to my humble ears) overtones

[@ZXMaverick]

The Tama big black steel snare is a great snare for the money I've had mine for years and still my favorite I just switched the flange hoops for Die cast ones and put 42 strand wires on it

[@alexmilward9732]

What's different with the snare wire as far as the count? I just got a metalworks steel 14x8 and really want it to be my "forever" snare. So,...doin research. Lol

[@ZXMaverick]

@@alexmilward9732 how I personally feel on what it does it gives the drum more sensitivity and if you are a power player like me gives a snare that extra oomph though messing with a 42 strand takes a bit of time to learn how to really mess with them, the metalworks snare the 14x8 with 8 lugs right? Hmm personally I think I'd go with a 30 strand wire for that one

[@sarojaband4664]

@@alexmilward9732 I'm an 8x14 TAMA player myself. To answer your question: Snare wires material and count are crucial. **42-strands are very difficult to control, and often excessively buzz due to edge wires being looser than center wires. Puresound makes a wide variety of 24 and 20 strand snare wires for all size drums. Been using 'em for years. They sound much better than standard cheap stock snares, and last way longer. Good luck.

[@theworshipdrummern8]

I personally prefer a 20 strand Puresound on any snare, simply because you get more body and shell sound. 42 strand wires can be obnoxiously "buzzy" and make that 8" deep shell play more like a 4" piccolo. Just my .02 though and to each his own. 🤙🏻

[@ttommyschannel1149]

Hey thank you so much for this great, great video comparing all of these great snare drums! It is much appreciated.

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you like them!

[@Kickflip2Willy]

I really love the tuning you used in this demo. Great video! Could you by chance make a tutorial on the tuning method? Thanks!

[@jamesjackson5418]

After awhile I thought they all began to sound the same so I would go with the Yamaha Recording Custom cuz I ain't afraid to rock that surf green finish 🤑

[@drumcenternh]

That finish does look pretty clean on stage.

[@drumslifedrumslife]

I would love to see you guys do a video on the PDP 14x8 limited edition maple/walnut 20-ply snare. I believe it is highly underrated. There aren’t any good videos on it and I know you guys would do it justice. Love your videos!

[@r.a.8590]

Love the Gretsch and the Dunnett.

[@simonoxley3711]

I love that Gretsch .. I only have Tama money though. Very nicely done .

[@frankjaegervandlarssen9697]

Tied between the Zelkova and the SQ2 for me. The Zelkova has that richness to it, while the Sonor rings beautifully and has the perfect amount of gut-punch.

[@jloiben12]

I love Pearl’s free floating snares. I think the entire line is great

[@andyham6094]

That Tama is such a great price and prolly my favorite. Not the biggest fan of 14x8. Just not as sensitive enough for me but you can’t beat the fatness of the 8 inch depth. I think 14x6.5 is the perfect middle ground for me personally and the Tama slp Black brass 14x6.5 is my go to workhorse snare drum for literally everything along with my Tama slp dynamic bronze and g-bubinga snare. 14x5.5s and 14x6’s are awesome too but the 6.5 just gives the fat tone while remaining sensitive. The Tama slp Black steel is amazing and surprisingly warm while being fat and beefy as anything and still can crack depending on tuning.

[@edubatera72]

Andy Ham nice...best size for me is 13x7, it has something special!!!! I love it!!!

[@anthonyn1312]

I love DW collector series 14x8 black nickel over brass snare drum

[@Dwendele]

I like the Dunnet, Sonar, and the DW raw. But I think as you had them tuned, the Dunnet was most pleasing to me. They can all be fine tuned with different snares, tuning and dampening.

[@ToddTheJoker]

I agree Shane..there is something special about the Ludwig Raw Brass snares..I have to have one..every demo I hear of them I am blown away how awesome they sound

[@scottculver5728]

Loved the Tama big black the most. The Sonor sounded great and I also dug the Ludwig brass. They all sound great but those three stood out the most, in my humble opinion …. You guys are great. !👍🏼😎❤️

[@mattbennett9467]

Another peerless comparison from the best drum review team on the planet. Note to journalists - this is what you should be doing. To be fair, they all sound truly fantastic, so ive been influenced by concept, design and brand loyalty (aren't we all?). A drum carved out of a single log though??? The Canopus is my winner for that alone. The Gretsch is beautiful, the Yamaha 'perfect' and the SQ2 is 'wow', but the Canopus takes it even further and would be treasured for life.

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Matt. Thanks for the kind words!

[@TrackDrums]

Really surprised by the Tama S.L.P. It sounds massive! Bargain too! 😀👍🥁

[@lifeintornadoalley]

I love my VP pearl snare. The drum samples he used for Pantera's albums are of his own snare on itself. You can go from a cannon sound to pretty high with these monsters! I'll never get another sized snare

[@hiramsarmiento2424]

Yamaha recording custom 👏🏻

[@worldrummer]

I didn't pay attention to brands while I was listening (sorry I know you work hard on these videos and I DO love them) but I went by sound, and that Tama SLP totally stood out. To me, the best sound from the room mics. A lot of the others sounded tinny and flat. But that steel Tama slayed.

[@stromghouls]

the tama sounded just as good as the far more expensive models. but i feel they all sound very good. but i have preferences. i d'ont know what it is with those gretsch broadkaster 8x14, but they all sound incredible. also i prefered most drums who had triple flanged hoops. i prefer more open sound. that gretsch drum did it for me. i also liked the Yamaha a lot. but if i had that drum, i would put a bit heavier hoops on it. the 1.6mm hoops are not my thing. 2.3mm or 3mm triple flange or 2.5mm brass triple flange.

[@carloscrosara6931]

I have a 14x8 Pearl Vinnie Paul signature snare drum made of maple. Sounds wonderful.

[@raymondjedlica547]

All drums sounded great but I think the Tama DLL was the best 👍😃 great video

[@cheezruff]

Would like to hear Tama Walnut/Birch snares in both 6.5" and 8" depths

[@mylowround60]

Pearl all the way for me! I have the 14x8 in aluminum and love it the most! The Ludwig and Gretsch are my 2 and 3 in this video...

[@SeanZetterlund]

I was just looking at getting a 14x8 snare yesterday... DCP KNOWS WHAT I'M LOOKING AT ON MY PHONE 😨😉

[@drumcenternh]

We do...and you should be ashamed of yourself. 😵

[@terrywalker2672]

Curious, which one was your favorite?

[@drumcenternh]

​@@terrywalker2672 They all sound really good to our ears, that's why we chose them for the video. However, once you realize the amount of craftsmanship that goes into making the Zelkova, it kind of stands out.

[@terrywalker2672]

@@drumcenternh I personally liked that one the best as well. Although the review on the `80 Tama bell brass is the best sounding snare I've ever heard !

[@Bcwilderness]

you guys kick butt, what an amazing resource, wish i lived there :), i will decide my dream snare to uk, dunnett 2n brass, or luddy noble and cooley

[@Bcwilderness]

man the soundarden snares haunting me, i need a kep

[@drumcenternh]

All great choices! Thanks for watching.

[@drumdoug8083]

Great comparison as always DrumCenterNH! I have always thought about buying an 8" deep snare but have just never pulled the trigger on one. This video helped me a lot! All of those snares sound great and they have different characteristics but Shane you are right about that Tama. Their S.L.P. line is just terrific for the money and that Big Black Steel snare is no different. I think that would be the one for me. Thanks again guys!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching and your feedback, Doug!

[@yurik2809]

without any doubt - Dunnett is my personal best ! look, snap - awesome ! Thanks for video!

[@windexfighter77]

I was NOT expecting to love that Gretsch snare so much.

[@Bembol01]

I love that Tama SLP snare

[@ryanspeed4671]

They all sound amazing in their own way, but my top three would be the Dunnett, Canopus, & DW. I own a Dunnett & many DW snares, but not a 14x8. Great comparison guys.!! 🖒

[@SEOTeamBerlin]

a DW snare collector ? which ones & why ?

[@ryanspeed4671]

@@SEOTeamBerlin I have the design, performance & collectors series. I like a dry sounding snare and with the right head combination they provide this.

[@aaronlichow278]

With all due respect to the fancy instruments. The Tama SLP and the Ludwig Supra are my favorites here.

[@games68775]

Canopus are great, but seem hard to come by in Canada

[@alexeuro]

Timpano percussion

[@kamilsliw19941]

I love these videos. Plain and simple. I do have one request. I know it may be pretty niche, but as a drummer AND and audio/mix engineer, I'd truly LOVE to hear all the different mics on these recordings. For example, stating with the full mix, to the snare top dynamic only, to snare top condenser only, to the mix of both, to both with the bottom, to solo overheads, to overheads with direct mics, to rooms only, to direct + room mics, so on and so fourth. Maybe even pre and post processing (if any applicable)? I'm only speaking for myself and I'm sure that all requires a lot more work. I don't know your guy's target market demographic, but I have suspicion that studio folk make up a good percentage of it. This may be a lot to ask, but your consideration is all I'm shooting here. Thank you for great video(s) and please, keep them coming!

[@adamfrost3722]

It's a totally fair suggestion. For our kit videos we provide full mix along with overhead only and room mics only. It's a ton of work to provide just those 3 options, but we feel it's worth it for the people who think the full mix might be over-engineered (which it isn't.) With so many videos on our to-do list, we need to try and be as efficient as possible. Hope this makes sense, thanks so much for watching and for your feedback!

[@mariano3516]

Best Drum Gear channel everrrr! love you guys! **abrazo** from Argentina!

[@carlosturciosolivera1899]

Thanks for the video. Yamaha and Dunnet IMO.

[@drumcenternh]

thanks for watching and leaving your feedback, Carlos!

[@mercertj]

Canopus stood out enough that I had to go back and listen again, and then after the 2nd time I just started using it as my benchmark. The die cast hoops clinch it for me. Has great cut and the right level of fatness for my taste. The only one I really didn't like was the DW, and maybe the Tama SLP

[@NEALBABBITT]

Wish you'd done some press rolls on them to show off sensitivity.

[@martinofumagall]

The keplinger makes my heart explode. Also, proud owner of the tama! One of my fav ever

[@Loki_Morningstar666]

wow I love that raw brass supra. Sounds better than a black beauty and looks super cool. I also really dug the Gretsch Broadkaster and the Dunnett.

[@CFChristian]

That Ludwig Supra sounds phenomenal in the room.

[@CamTarn]

Excellent comparison, thank you.

[@ibleebinU]

Here we go again. Just when I thought I was done...A snare size that I DON'T have but now feel the need to get. Deep and fat, yet crisp and responsive. Another great video from DCP! Thanks guys.

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you for watching!

[@dragonheart2403]

So actually the first snare drum I bought over 100 dollars was a 14x8 snare drum it’s so awesome I love the depth and the boom

[@tictocbang7443]

I could happily play any of them, but I own the Dunnett....and LOVE it!

[@dugjay]

I narrowed the group down to 4 ( Yamaha, Dunnett, Ludwig, and Sonor) and would say that the Dunnett and Yamaha are both awesome sounding snares but I'd have either the Sonor or Ludwig in my gear bag. Again, great review!

[@CinkSVideo]

A couple of years ago I got my hands on a Gretsch 8.5 x 14 limited edition silver series. Seems like you guys are the only shop who sold it. True?

[@JanPatrickLucas]

DUNNETT FOR THE WIN! While they all sound good, the one thing they all don't have that the Dunnett does is unmatched sensitivity and all round playability. Unfortunately this isn't something that will transcend through video. I know just as Shane does and anyone that owns Dunnett drums that the sensitivity of Ronn's snares are off the charts! They almost make you sound and play better than you are, if that makes snese lol! Anyway Shane I must compliment you on these outstanding videos you're compiling. They are very informative and fun. A tremendous amount of work for you and the staff but hopefully it'll pay off in return.

[@marcogman8905]

The Dunnett has done it for me! The Ludwig, Tama, and Sonor (in this order) are my next favorite sounding snares. Great video!!!

[@thepluggy1]

that Canopus snare is sweet as hell....Aaron Edgar where are you??

[@brucekremer6069]

Since when is hell sweet.. Watch 23 minutes in hell by Bill Wiese on you tube.. The one that is 1 hour and about 3 minutes is the most comprehensive... You do not want to go there - unfortunately most are out of ignorance. You've been warned.

[@thepluggy1]

@@brucekremer6069 Its a saying ffs, relax!

[@rigorhead01]

Really love these types of videos!

[@markmullen9919]

1. Sonor 2. Dunnett 3. Gretsch But honestly, I'd buy the Tama and be super happy that it sounds incredible and I saved a ton of money.

[@philipnestor5034]

Love your videos on different equipment but at the 46 second mark is that a vintage 8x14 Slingerland Radio King snare stacked up behind you? How does that sound??

[@McCormickfarrier]

Thanx 4 this video! I think i like them all but i love the Ludwig! Second one the Keplinger, third Pearl and Gretsch. I own the Yamaha "Custom Maple" from the 90´s, pretty similar to the Recording Custom. But I think I´m gotta have that Ludwig for my Classic kit. Just love it!

[@zendean5207]

Did anybody else keep liking each one a bit more than the last?

[@fabiocacchioli9074]

I owned the Tama slp it's a great snare. Really like the canopus

[@SEOTeamBerlin]

why ownED ? what happened to it & why ?

[@fabiocacchioli9074]

Traded it in for another snare I wanted. Got my use out of it.

[@roberttaylor1275]

I bought a keplinger 14x7... Once ya go keplinger....ya don't go back 💥💜 thanks guy's

[@jakemaybrier9184]

I played one of those Ludwig raw brass snares at my local Guitar Center and god damn that thing was perfect. Super dirty and throaty and mean-sounding.

[@garyglynn6124]

I liked them all! But if i had to pick one for me I'd go with the Gretch Broadcaster.

[@michaelkrautschneider1096]

Hallo! I‘m usually not a big fan of brass snares, but the Ludwig sounds great! The Yamaha Recording Custom could become a real classic drum and the Tama is incredible for that money! I‘ve got a Ludwig Supralite in 8x14“ and I love it. It‘s a pitty that Gretsch Broadkasters are so hard to find in middle europe 🙁 Thank you for that fantastic comparison!😊 Greetings from austria!

[@carlupthegrove4201]

I just got an 8x14. Yamaha RC.... so far I am surprised and impressed.

[@pbldrum]

Shane, for a moment there I thought you were frying eggs on the floor tom! All of these deep snares sound great mic'd up, especially the Keplinger steel and the Yammy RC. My $.02

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Thomas Haake also has a custom snare that's a hollowed out tree trunk.

[@dancino5601]

I absolutely NEED the Keplinger

[@TempoDrift1480]

Don't forget the supralite. I got mine cause of one of your videos.

[@bubinga_basher]

Have you guys done a video on your recording gear? Interface, DAW, etc...

[@drumcenternh]

We have not, maybe sometime in the future though!

[@alfred-mi2wt]

Shane, I now have a ten lug snare. It doesn’t fit my stand. Can you show the various snare stands? I thought they were all the same. Mine is pinching the snare. It won’t lay flat. I’d love to find a snare stand that actually goes way low and way high, with a wider spread. Is that kind of stand available?

[@eddie0420]

Got the tama black slp and love it

[@chassy]

I just got one too. What skin did y put on it? Did you put a die cast hoop? Finally, did you change the strainer? Thanks.

[@The_Other_Ghost]

In the mood for Nirvana.

[@hansoloist9756]

I have Ludwig 14x8 Black Beauty. It’s pure gold.

[@domagojoinky8262]

I like Yamaha recording custom, Tama slp and Sonor SQ2.

[@jeffballou2940]

Dam they all sound great! Depends which brand you prefer, and price point you can afford.