The Best Heavy Metal Snare Drums

We compare 7 of today's best heavy metal snare drums against the legendary 1980 Tama Bell Brass!
Link to purchase the snare drums in this video:
A&F Bell Brass A&F'er Snare Drum 14x6.5
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/AF18-BB1465
Gretsch USA Bell Brass Snare Drum 14x6.5
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/G4169BBR
Gretsch USA Solid Steel Snare Drum 14x6.5
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/G4164SS
Noble And Cooley Alloy Classic Snare Drum 14x6
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/FGAC146BK
Canopus 3mm Brass Snare Drum 14x6.5 8-Lug 2nd Line
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/SO3B-1465-2ND
Tama Signature Series Snare Drum John Tempesta 7x14
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/TAMA-JT147
Gretsch USA Phosphor Bronze Snare Drum 14x6.5
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/G4164PB
Link to purchase the drum set used in this video:
Yamaha Absolute Hybrid 4pc Drum Set 22/10/12/16 Silver Sparkle
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/AM2F40JSLS
www.drumcenternh.com
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#bestmetalsnaredrum #tamabellbrass #bellbrasssnare #drumcenternh

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching our Heavy Metal Shootout, and for 25,000 Subscribers! At 12:43, pretend we said, "thickest" instead of "heaviest". It was like 100 degrees in the studio that day.

[@Kjodienda]

I've always wondered why you sometimes sweat so much😝

[@Earthdogbonzo3]

What kind and size hi-hats are you playing? All of these drums sound killer! At that level it's a matter of taste!

[@drumcenternh]

@@Earthdogbonzo3 Those are 14" Sabian Artisan Hi Hats. Absolutely killer.

[@MunchieVB]

Shane, would you like to share the tune bot settings? I like the way these snares sound/were tuned! Thanks!

[@drumcenternh]

@@MunchieVB We tuned this batch by ear so unfortunately no Tunebot settings for these.

[@cbaum64]

A&F - 2:12 Gretsch USA BB - 4:49 Tempesta Sig -6:39 Gretsch USA Steel - 8:15 Canopus Brass - 10:21 N&C Alloy - 12:01 Gretsch Phosphor Bronze - 13:14 Tama 1980 BB - 15:38 These are all seriously amazing - absolutely loving this snare series guys.

[@LilasTools]

thanks!

[@nickavenoso7851]

Thanks for this. Yeah I agree they all sound great, but it’s between, the A&F, Gretsch Phospher Bronze, or the TAMA Bell Brass, for me.

[@nickavenoso7851]

@Javier Cruz You too, stay safe, I know I’m 2 months late, but still 😂 With all the stuff going on, it’s really important to stay healthy and safe.

[@fl00d69]

I was thinking 'These all sound incredible' - then he plays the Tama bell brass... Winner! No contest!

[@woutervanrenterghem570]

Totally agree with Shane, the sound of the Gretsch Solid Steel is addictive! I’ve listened to it over and over again and it is the best sounding drum of this video … the mix of that clarity with a warm body is just beautiful … I’ve ordered it today and can’t wait to play it myself. Thank you so much for making this great video 🔥🥁🔥

[@drumcenternh]

That Gretsch Solid Steel is one of the most bad ass drums out there and I am so glad we are getting the word out on them!

[@Rab35]

The John Tempesta snare comes closest to the 1980 bell brass to my ears in this vid.

[@adityarifqi5286]

nice red badges also

[@ericn471]

Thanks so much for sharing DCoP - always great to hear Shane and Tom play, especially on these fine instruments

[@sloanslakedenver]

I am a repeat happy, very happy customer of yours. Thank you for the great drum stuff you sell, thank you for the great prices, thank you for the tool box stickers you send in every order, and thank you for these videos. Cheers from Colorado USA

[@drmayo10]

I recently acquired a Canopus solid brass as the one in this video. I must say your demo is extremely accurate to the actual sound of the snare. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make such accurate demos. As far as the snare all I can say is wow. Exceeds all my expectations and I now understand all the hype around these snares.

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you for this. We really appreciate it.

[@beyondthegong]

I’m a guitarist and I find videos like this very interesting. A lot of great drum sounds to he heard throughout the video.. and then you hit that Tama... holy SHIT. My eyes popped out of my head as it caught me so off-guard. Glad I was listening in headphones for this one.. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be in front of one of those things. Thanks for this literal eye opener.

[@Twotontessie]

Alloy Classic. How cool. I had one of those in the shallower depth. It was my go to for several years. Loved it.

[@UltraRareCustom]

damn that A&Fer tho... in your face yet still very open and wide/huge sounding

[@adamfrost8417]

My favorite of the lot. It's a work of art.

[@robinhoodwasasocialist.1401]

UltraRare Custom I thought that one was the ugliest. Both in terms of sound and appearance

[@nickavenoso7851]

@@robinhoodwasasocialist.1401 Don’t agree, but that’s your opinion and I don’t disrespect it.

[@pancrasio08]

sounds different, like a nowdays sound

[@franktatom1837]

Great video. Can't go wrong with any of these drums, the Tama Bell Brass takes the cake. I wanted one when I was in my 20's, I still want one today!

[@sejuyz]

Man, these videos are really good to get to know drums. I spend HOURS watching this stuff. The only snare I really loved was the A&F. Kudos to Tama´s bell brass though - what a beast - just not what I´m into these days...

[@MrSHIMANO1971]

Simply first rate drum love and worship. Thanks again for your fine array of shells on display and first rate service.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching, man. We appreciate the feedback!

[@anthonymedd8718]

The noble and Cooley just sounds awesome... to my ears😍🤘🏻

[@pescalante2]

Loved the John Tempesta one and the first Gretsch, that tama bell brass is a beast

[@leandroarroyo4712]

I love them all..they sownd great. Good review and the sound is awesome. Thanks for posting this nice video.Greettings from NEW LONDON CONNECTICUT USA. 😎🇵🇷

[@scsdrummer]

I can’t believe how much different and better the original bell brass sounds. I never would’ve thought.

[@davidcurtis4478]

Shane, guys, I love this video. It's all drum, and it's all passion! I can't wait to come visit you in the future. I want to bring one of my snares and have you experiment with it, different heads, different wires. About to get on my drums for the day! Rock on! 🤘🥁🤘DC

[@DaveBatemansShed]

One of my personal favourite subjects, thank you.

[@mattl240]

That Gretsch Bell Brass was my favorite 👌🏻 Followed by either the Tempesta or the Gretsch Solid Steel.

[@nickavenoso7851]

Great video guys. The TAMA & Gretsch Bell Brass Snares & the A&F’er, in terms of sound are my favorites. But, it’s hard to choose because they all sound incredible.

[@drumcenternh]

Couldn't agree more!

[@MikeLuke]

The Tama Bell Brass. The snare that influenced my youth, being used on the „Black Album“ from Metallica and of course on „Nevermind“ from Nirvana. Thanks for this video, guys! 🙏

[@JayB-lz6yd]

yeah! the most overproduced albums ever done at this time. sorry but these albums don't give the true image of the bell brass. this is just fact.

[@joecap2919]

@@JayB-lz6yd go back to sleep Jay.

[@JayB-lz6yd]

@@joecap2919 fuck off

[@XiyuYang]

@@JayB-lz6yd Yeah like you know more about production than freaking Bob Rock lmao. GTFO with that bull.

[@BukanIbuMu]

@@JayB-lz6yd overproduced? Go home and be an amateur musician forever.

[@martinlaporte2112]

The Tama Bell Brass is the clear winner. Unbelievable !!! I own a 6x14 DW Cast Bronze that is my all-time favorite snare. I would've loved to hear it alongside these drums. Great video !!!

[@billyyee1618]

Great video, they all sounds great with different characteristics. Frankly, I own the tama with bell brass hoops on top and bottom (14×6.5"). It sounds great too. Tqvm for the great video

[@kkdii]

Unbelievable how good the Tama Bell Brass sounds and imagine how old it is. Great job by Tama

[@remygaron8311]

They all have unique sound that’s the beauty of it lov’em all thank for making these video👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@Twotontessie]

ROTFL!!!! When that full mix bell brass comes in it's like "look out, here comes the PAIN!" Oh my god.

[@MunchieVB]

Wow, pleasantly surprised with the Gretsch solid steel!

[@Assimilator702]

I found a guy on Reverb that was selling a Tama Starphonic Bell Brass and had a huge write up on why the OG shells are special. The originals were made by a Japanese Craftsman in very low volumes. These shells were sand cast which differ from the newer roto cast shells. Rotocasting gives a consistent density to the metal and sand casting leaves the metal porous which is believed to be the reason the original Tama Bell Brass shells have that certain something no other modern versions posses. Apparently the early runs off the Starphonic cast shell were sand cast but at a certain point the manufacturing was changed to rotocast.

[@zeusthedrumlord547]

Joe Rico I recognize this listing because it’s on its way to my house right now :D

[@Assimilator702]

Zeus The Drum Lord You bought the Starphonic? Nice.

[@gulinotm]

I think Ocheltree still does some sand casting

[@boobo3763]

What about some of the older Imperialstars?? They have the exact same diecast hoops and extended snare bed, as well as 10 lugs. I actually just returned an 80's Tama Swingstar (only 8 lugs, no diecast hoops or extended snare bed) with the exact same logo because it was a little too big and my heads wouldn't fit on it without "dimpling"... Now I'm thinking of buying it back... lol!

[@Assimilator702]

@@boobo3763 Imperialstars from the 80's are top notch drums. I plan on getting one if the right one crosses my path. The Swingstars were begginer/intermediate drums.

[@stromghouls]

my favorites are canopus, A&F and the old tama bell brass.

[@RVered]

As a guitarist who just stumbled here, the Tama BB is unquestionably the best. it has that unmistakable gunshot sound that instantly had me thinking, "oh yeah, so that's what the drummer from ___ used on ___ to get that sound."

[@kafkaebrasileiro8475]

this is, seriously, the best video on youtube

[@davidpomella6786]

The 1980 Tama Superstar Bell Brass Snare Drum is a killer. From the first strike you know there is no other that can compare to it

[@yourdrumsound]

I 100% agree with Shane. The oversized shell is a part of the sound of the Tama Bell Brass for sure, along with the hardware and everything that is in "touch" with the drum. Everytime I've got to change the head on my bell brasses is a fight (but a good one...). The other drums are great (especially the Phosphor Bronze to my hears) but I agree even with that spontaneous "there's no contest!" at the end of the video that comes from the feeling of playing a snare that literally hits you in the "belly" with every stroke. People at home can't feel it of course but it's really predominant. Thank you for this great one and for doing what you do with your touch and distinctive passion. Dave

[@Assimilator702]

Your Drum Sound You don’t feel the pourous nature of the metal in the older Tama shells from sand casting has more to do with the uniqueness of the sound? I have several welded metal snares and they all hit me in the face and chest with every hit. Anyone in the room without hearing protection or in ears will have a splitting headache in a very short amount of time. Rotocasting should bring the focus of the shell up which will make it sound less rich due to the homogenous consistency of the metal grain. Like a good Zildjian K with all the random hammering that gives a unique warm, organic character vs a machine hammered A with its small robotic style hammering and more clinical character. A good test for my theory would be to make an oversized rotocast Bronze Shell and compare it to a Vintage shell. This theory isn’t my own but from someone who collects snares and has many cast Bronze snares new and old.

[@yourdrumsound]

Joe I have other cast snare and I’ve experienced what you’re saying. They’re loud and aggressive. But there’s something different on the character of the old Tama. I was wandering the same thing about the new vs. old oversized shell, should be a nice comparison! Dave

[@Assimilator702]

Your Drum Sound It would great if we could get someone with experience making cast shells to use the same exact metal and make one sand cast with the second rotocast. Make them both oversized. Do any drum makers use both methods or have the capabilities?

[@yourdrumsound]

Joe Cade at Savages Custom have a foundry make his sand cast shell, but the size is the standard used today.

[@aaronrochotte6342]

I have a 60s Ludwig cob that doesn't like regular drum heads - they're always too tight. I recently put a remo classic fit on, and it went on great!

[@I.Milanov]

I absolutely love this channel!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Ivan!

[@I.Milanov]

Drum Center of Portsmouth You're very welcome DCP

[@bahrummoghadam586]

Ugh ...Thank you guys once again for making the best drum videos and shootouts... Now I know there's "no contest" haha too bad they are rare and expensive. The Gretch Bell brass was an ok substitute. A and F was actually a WOW and I have felt they were ... "too different" for me sonic wise.. I'm surprised more companies aren't making versions of the bell brass, Cheers! - Bahrum / Blue House Sound Studio, OC California.

[@billyhughes9776]

They all sound great -- the fatness and ring on that Phosphor Bronze,...wow, lovely. The Tempesta was really nice,..but that 1980 BB...holy moly.

[@ToddTheJoker]

The ah A&Fer looks like it is part of the first underwater diving outfits from the 18th century..sounds good though

[@SlingshotMustang]

The Gretsch USA Solid Steel was my favorite, sounds perfect for thrash metal.

[@glennedwardgo]

Bell Brass USA Solid Steel JT

[@hechogamermx4812]

All drums sound amazing. Tama bell brasss and Tempesta’s snare just kick ass

[@rockithoney]

They all sound fantastic.

[@FrogMagus]

Amazing video!! That tama bb!! Body, crack and width in tone. Amazing! thanks for this. Id love to put my sonor hld590 next to the tama.

[@tmaddrummer]

Working in the yard today, taking a coffee break and digging this video beyond belief. I’ve had the DW Heavy Brass for about 4 years now, and as much as I’m always dreaming of new drums, I’m still enjoying it. I’m 👀 for I wonder..... what about the Sonor Benny, maybe?

[@szi5443]

Very cool idea for a video! Would have been also interesting to hear the bell brass hoop version on Tama or a Keplinger in the mix.

[@Duke9027]

First of all congratulations for this amazing vid. That's the kind of vid I wanna see as a drummer, as the one you did about the "all purpose rides" (my fav' is the Paiste 900 and the Zildjian Sweet Ride ;p ). I've been already amazed by the huge work you've done about the Gretsch and Ludwig kits. So clever and well produced. Here, the Gretsch Phosphorus Bronze snare is a pure beast ! OMG ! I love it ! A real discovery for me. So sad that it costs so much ! Anyway, just a little precision about the fabulous Gretsch Solid Steel model, Taylor Hawkins also played this snare c. 2011/2012 (even with golden hardware on tour !), before the Gretsch Bell Brass ;) The Solid Steel inspired the much more accessible Gretsch Taylor Hawkins Signature Snare I got, maybe the Solid Steel one day...

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for the info, Duke! We're really glad you enjoyed the video. It was a lot of work, but also fun to make! We've got more interesting vids on the way, stay tuned!

[@michaeleuefueno3517]

Hi Shane and Tom. Great video. My favorites are the A&f'r, Noble and Cooley, and the OMG of snares, the Tama 1980 Bellbrass Almighty. Wow. Thank You.

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you for watching, Michael! Glad you liked it.

[@tybreedlovedrums9077]

I just ordered the John Tempesta from you guys based off this video! I hope it gets in stock soon 🤞 thanks for the sweet video!

[@drumcenternh]

You are going to love it, and we'll get it to you ASAP! Thank you.

[@JoshuaCastillo6309]

Gretsch USA BB is my favorite. Great sound 🤘

[@ghenabarbu7810]

I’ve played the Terminator. And recorded at Ocean Way. Ross is the king of drums!!!

[@congamonty]

I would love to see something like this for jazz snares.

[@adamfrost3722]

Great idea!

[@mikewhitt1034]

When i need a snare to take your head off.i always go back to my 6.5 × 14 Rogers dynasonic.have many snare drums, but that one is a beast.all these in the video sound great too.

[@eddieavakian]

I recently purchased the A&F Bronze 14 x 6.5 w 8 lugs. I can’t say enough about it. All of these snares sounded amazing tho and I have never had the honor of playing a Tama Bell Brass. One day!

[@mrwillbaker]

Hi Shane, thanks fro the comparison videos, please keep them coming- i love them. I wondered what the Black engraved snare with the bronze coloured hoops is that is behind you at 1:53, third from the top. (Looks like a Ludwig but couldn't find it anywhere) cheers, Rob

[@roybeckerman7843]

My favourite was the GRETSCH PHOSPHOR BRONZE…even over the Tama Bell brass.. Beautiful sound..

[@cymbalism1]

Can’t believe I actually liked all the Gretsch snares!!! Lovely surprise to say the least!

[@worldrummer]

That Tama is something else. Sharp high end attack with full body and throat. Wow.

[@MrNickDrummer]

Gretsch drums never ever crossed my mind, but I'm pleasantly surprised by the model at 4:47 (USA BB). The tama at the end in fact put all the others to shame but it's still possible to get great recordings with all other models, it's all about mixing them correctly.

[@dugjay]

Until I can find that mythical beast for sale, I'll take the A&F'er and the Gretsch USA Bell Brass.

[@WhirlwindDrums]

One of my favorite snares that comes close to a tama bell brass is my DW collectors rolled Bell Bronze 14 x 6.5. Sharp attack, moderately bright, and weighs 18 lbs.

[@chasesolovicos254]

Whirlwind Studios is that the 6x14 “josh Freese “ one your referring to? I have one of those. Can’t find to much info on it though

[@michaellowe17]

I own the Gretsch Bell Brass, I love it. I'm currently playing in a cover band that specializes in 80s stadium rock. This snare is perfect for that use. I do admit that the Gretsch Phosphor Bronze has been on my radar for a while. I may have to pull the trigger on one. Having said that, the Gretsch Solid steel is the big surprise to me in this shootout. Wow, just wow!

[@jove1155]

Same here, loving the Phosphor sound. But my BB is incredible too.

[@paulgiacalone4471]

The Gretsch Solid Steel is the Bomb …. And the Phosphorus bronze is a close second. The Original Tama is awesome too .

[@martinvegh317]

Love all of the snares! I got a question regarding your room mics. What type of mics do you use, and how far away/height do you have them at?

[@bestsplash89]

Please talk about the modification on the SM57!!! Did you do it yourselves? Thinking about doind that, does that position make a good difference on the hi hat bleed? Thank you!

[@muriloninja]

Wow, that Gretsch USA BB and Gretsch USA Steel sound great!

[@stephenplaysthedrums9440]

I ordered the John Tempesta snare today from dcp today because of this video; and also own the gretsch steel for the same reason. Thanks for putting these out!

[@TJNoneday]

I did too, but it had small bruises around bearing edges. They send me a replacement Twice and there were similar flaws evey time!! Did you check yours?

[@stephenplaysthedrums9440]

@@TJNonedayI did, and had no issues. I think your batch came after mine.

[@Kjodienda]

The steel Gretsch came reasonably close in terms of a full timber; a complete tone with top AND bottom end if you will 👏👏👏

[@Timbales1979]

Jose Martinez timbre*. timber is wood.

[@Kjodienda]

@@Timbales1979 Yep, I knew that and didn't spell check that sumbitch. Pronounced tam-ber. Sank joo bedy mucho. The 🤗

[@jamesjones7845]

I find the a&f bell brass snare awesome because of the hoops. They have claws on the tension rods, just like a bass drum so you could use these hoops on drums with different numbered lugs. Never seen that before on a non-bass drum so I had to point it out😂

[@Lemon_Drums_USA]

Another thing to observe. A big part of the magic of the Tama 80s bell brass is that the snare wires extend past the bearing edge. All of the mastercraft snares had that feature making them sensitive enough to do quite classical snare pieces on or loud backbeats. I have the steel and birch versions. Amazing drums

[@bahrummoghadam586]

I have the 8x14 birch ... I'll have to check this out but the hardware is quite unique and good.. Whats the diff between the mastercraft and superstar stuff? I thought my snare was a superstar. Awesome drum... another classic. I also have a old tama steel snare but i dont know what it is ... 6.5x14 chrome with long rectangle lugs with 4 or 5 lines down them. hoops are original... pearl mighty hoops triple flanged, if i remember right.

[@Lemon_Drums_USA]

@@bahrummoghadam586 i think the only big difference is that extended snare roller strainer that's on all of them. They made a birch/fiberglass/seamless steel and copper/and a bell brass. All of them are amazing. My steel one craps all over a Supraphonic

[@andrewlau2939]

Can't help but notice that Shane really is into steel snare drums. I too like the high-pitched overtones of steel snare drums.

[@georgejohnson2046]

Being as I will probably never get a Tama BB, I’d go with the Phosphor. That BB though! I need that in my life!

[@vandavis000]

I seen the tama bell brass on a video drum doctors made and it will always be the best . What an amazing coveted snare drum.

[@glennedwardgo]

Those were great snares & i was beginning to like them but when the 1980 tama bell brass came on, it just blows your socks off. Game over!

[@blakecurtis7809]

Great video. Just subscribed. By chance are you guys going to demo the new TAMA Dyna-Sync pedal? I have been waiting since Winter NAMM 2019 for it's release and it keeps getting pushed out ( September release now ). I know a few places have it but I want to see a full demo and tutorial. Where I live music stores are limited and the local G.C does not carry higher value items, except guitars. I want to try it before I buy it, however some more knowledge and incite from professionals might be what I need. Sorry for the long post. Love the channel, thanks for HEAVY METAL! Snares heh heh. Should have done some blast beats on a few.

[@chrislewis1943]

I've wanted a brass snare for a while.I have been a Tama player for 20 years.The Tama Starphonic has been a grail for me. Do you at DCP recommend that one? All of the snares reviewed sound and look amazing. Thanks.

[@drumfanatik316]

Great video! The Gretsch Bell Brass and Tama JT Snare Are by far the closest and best sounding, to me anyway. But that bell brass.... DAMN!!! Would like to see how the 40th Anniversary edition compares to it though?

[@brianw.359]

Even on some cheap earbuds the difference is huge; two cracks in on the 1980 drum and I was like wow.

[@unhtread]

Love this video! It gives a lot more insight into snare drums. What drumheads did you guys use on the snares? Stock heads?

[@drumcenternh]

Yep. All stock for this one.

[@dansmith1485]

The winner and still champion ........ the 1980 Tama Bell Brass. There are some good sounding drums there, but the 1980 Bell Brass is still King.

[@Jarhead1313]

I couldn't agree more.. Such a masterpiece. I wish it could be duplicated, but then again the other part of me would like it to go down in history undefeated.

[@drmayo10]

I also agree. Some came close but the original tama bell brass remains as the one and only.

[@DrummerGrrrl]

I so wanted to debate this but then...THEN I heard the original Tama Bell Brass. Holllllleeey Sh*t! Blew them all out of the water! Some came very close (A&F, Gretsch) but not close enough!

[@kintaro_f]

right? it's just the drum I would want to hit hard, it can take it, I feel like it has got the right weight to take it perfectly. 😜🤘

[@michaellowe17]

I'm driving up from Pittsburgh next week with a buddy from Long Island. The Gretsch Solid Steel is at the top of my list to check out in person. I already have a Gretsch USA Custom Bell Brass, so this might be a great fit.

[@drumcenternh]

Awesome, looking forward to it Michael!

[@tmaddrummer]

Well did you snap it up?

[@michaellowe17]

@@tmaddrummer Actually, no. It was showing as in stock when I left Pittsburgh. I met a buddy on Long Island and drove up to New Hampshire. It was out of stock when I got there. I should have tried the 5" deep version, which was in stock. I didn't think of it, and they didn't suggest it.

[@tmaddrummer]

@@michaellowe17 bummer, but maybe something better is coming your way! I’ve been wanting to go to DCP since Shane first opened the doors at the old shop. Maybe one day?

[@michaellowe17]

@@tmaddrummer No worries. I picked up a vintage Slingerland Super Radio King snare from a friend of mine. Drum Center of Portsmouth is a great store, I highly recommend making the pilgrimage. It is Disneyland for drums. It was just my luck that my favorite ride was closed. LOL.

[@jove1155]

Both the Gretsch Solid steel and JT caught my ear, but the most elegant sound IMO was the Gretsch PB.

[@claudsak1073]

Brass snares are killer. Loud, sharp but warm and versatile. You can't go wrong with them in every style.

[@SheldonKreger]

My heaviest snare is a Tama Stewart Copeland Signature. Sounds best when CRANKED high up. Absolutely love it. Very very loud.

[@adamimberti6948]

I love my Copeland snare.

[@SheldonKreger]

@Cameron Smith It only performs well when tuned very very high. If you need a different sound, it's time to sell and replace it!

[@theicnot]

With all due respect, no contest in this category can be serious without Sonor's HLD-590 Signature 14x8" Cast Bronze Snare Drum. That drum is the king in this category.

[@johnlaukaitis580]

agree and a ocheltree as well

[@declanwhite]

As others have said, the tama is special due to the sand casting, but also a large part of it's sound is from it's razor sharp bearing edges. I used to own a 1980 one, and regret selling it. :(

[@vanomaden]

ever played the Sonor Signature brass? I don't know if they still make this drum, but I remember it being amazing.

[@lordmagnussen1573]

one question though...the original tama bell brass on it´s first edition wasn´t a 5mm thick shell and after that one edition tama made them 3mm?

[@michaelkirchhofer3266]

Great, quality, entertaining, informative content as always from DCP. Can I ask what is the mic on top of the snares?! Looks like a bent SM57

[@drumcenternh]

That is a DIY modded 57. Makes placing it a lot easier!

[@michaelkirchhofer3266]

@@drumcenternh Cool! Thanks for the quick reply

[@hickoryhop6728]

Curious if anyone knows what the Tampa Bell Brass cost in 1980. Anyone?

[@patrickwoods2583]

Yeah, that last Tama Bell Brass was definitely the best. The Gretch BB was my 2nd fav. Then the Tempesta. Then the A&F. The rest weren't bad but these were my top 4.

[@gulinotm]

damn that Gretsch man. the noble and cooley is what mastodon drummer was using on remission and leviathan which is one of my all time favorite snare sounds

[@matthewpaluch777]

My alltime favs; - Tama "Terminator" - Solid bronze 4x14 (J.Craviotto) - Keplinger (NOT FRAGILE!) - a & f'er - Ocheltree (dangerous/drumtree) - Paiste (2002/Custom Cast) - Sonor (Signature HLD) - VK (Custom Kast) - Potyondi (Canada) - Gretsch bell brass

[@thomaskennydrums]

You could really tell how much Shane loves the Gretsch Solid Steel in his playing ahaha

[@mercertj]

It's a killer sounding snare. I really dig the Canopus too. They all sound so good.

[@af7119]

1980 takes a solid 1st place. Thanks for borrowing this to add to the already great video! My favorite after this would be... phosphor bronze.

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you enjoyed it and good choice!

[@claudebessette551]

Damn, that Tama! 80’s rock! I go with the JT as a second choice.

[@fejneerg]

The Gretsch USA Custom Steel is fairly close to the Superstar Bell Brass. Similar attack, anyway. Great demo.

[@andresmarin5328]

Great video! and all amazing snares, but if it comes to heavy metal, I like the sound of Gretsch USA BB and the NC Alloy.

[@oootinanai]

You did an amazing job with these comparison videos and it's a great setup that we get some more info and a touch of a personal opinion on what we're about to hear, because that's kinda missing in the youtube/everything-online era. I'm very happy to watch these videos as a drummer. As a sound engineer though I have one small complaint. It all sounds wonderful, don't get me wrong, but there is no info at all about the recording setup (apart from seeing the mics) and more importantly, no info about any processing that's done afterwards. Are we listening to the raw mic sound? A good drum will still sound good in general even unprocessed, but you can alter quite a lot in the studio and a not-so-great drum can sound much much better with processing than it would sound raw. In short, I would love to see some info about the recording setup and how much processing goes on behind the scenes.

[@drumcenternh]

We get this a lot. We pride ourselves on keeping the audio as true-to-life as possible. The "room mics" audio is essentially the raw room mics. The "full mix" is an (optimal) blend of the close mics, overheads and room mics with VERY minimal processing. Any "enhancements" are only done to accurately represent the sound we here while in the room with the drums/cymbals, along with some minimal gating if we are getting too much bleed from sustain. Because we sell these drums, it's *extremely* important to us that we don't represent the instruments as something they aren't. That only makes for unhappy customers who return the item. Thanks for watching our channel, and for your feedback. We appreciate your time.

[@dave_sanderson]

I'd kill to know your thoughts (anyone's thoughts who have an informed opinion!) how any of these stack up the 90's era Sonor Signature 14x8" Bronze snare drum??