The Best Snare Drum Under $500?

Here’s a short list of our favorite snare drums under $500! Tell us which one YOU think is the best!
Canopus Yaiba Maple Snare Drum 14x6.5 Matte Antique Persimmon
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/JSM-1465-APML
Yamaha Recording Custom Brass Snare Drum 14x5.5
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/RRS-1455
Mapex Black Panther Design Lab 14x6 Cherry Bomb Snare Drum
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/BPCW4600CNW
Tama SLP Classic Dry Aluminum 14x5.5 Snare Drum
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/TAMA-LAL1455
Gretsch USA Chrome Over Brass Snare Drum 14x5
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/G4160
Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum 14x6.5 Classic
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/LM405C
Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Ride Cymbal 21"
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/K1426
Zildjian K Sweet Hi Hat Cymbals 16"
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/K0726
DW Collectors Maple/Spruce 5pc Drum Set Curly Maple Candy Black Burst w/ Nickel Hw
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/DRA6-5PC-CMCBB-NK
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[@thommywithanh]

Astounding sound quality and demos. There is a reason you guys are a first choice major-purchase drum retailer.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for the kind words, Thommy. Glad you enjoy our content!

[@jasepijibs2705]

I am a drummer

[@jasepijibs2705]

If u call sweet water they will give a discount

[@redsoxcentury5087]

Update - my Dad just bought (another) snare from you guys based on your Ludwig video. He bought a Supra-phonic.

[@af7119]

@Ashton Beck please explain why you think this.

[@bepoondrums7093]

2:02 - 2:24 - 2:40 - 3:01 4:17 - 4:44 - 5:07 - 5:29 6:41 - 7:06 - 7:31 - 7:58 9:10 - 9:40 - 10:04 - 10:29 11:40 - 12:04 - 12:27 - 12:53 14:15 - 14:36 - 14:56 - 15:15

[@yuryerr]

thanks

[@carrotsoup7264]

Came for the snares, ended up buying a DW floor tom. This sounds too good

[@GabrielXDrums]

🤣🤣🤣

[@CarloDaniel007]

DWs be like dat haha.

[@vegasmarc21]

These guys from DCP seem like really cool people. They do know their drums. I hope the best for the Owner and staff beating out that big box retailer.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for the kind words. We love what we do, we're glad it shows.

[@TsunamiBeefPies]

Wow! I fell in love with that Gretsch! Beautiful! And for a wood snare sound, you're right--that Canopus is SWEET!

[@49russman]

Love the Gretsch.

[@FanaticDrummer]

Honestly I love the Tama SLP Vintage Hand Hammered snare and the SLP Bubinga with dual tension. All the SLP snares are incredible value, possibly the best value and average $200-300 for top of the line sound. And theres SO many options for styles.

[@RA2Music]

I have always had a sweet spot for the 5 x 14 Pearl Free Floating Maple snare drum and, more recently, its Maple/ Mahogany shell cousin. Beautiful tone and amazing resonance from an iconic lug system. The metal shell free floating drums are also amazing, but the wood shells are just the best for me.

[@bradyoung1052]

My favorite is the tasty playing.

[@Jetty-xd9yc]

I know the videos about snares, but every time he hits a floor tom the left ear in my headphones just vibrates so long after heat strikes that floor tom it's amazing. My pic is the Ludwig acrolite

[@rhythmista7707]

Wow, great demo video. Sounds phenomenal, and the fact that you show the snare drums in different mixing situations, currently makes your videos the best on KZbin ! My favorites are the Canopus, the Tama SLP Aluminium snare, and of course, the 6.5x14 Acrolite. I think its cause i own an original Acrolite from 1971, and just love it .

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@jaduenas]

I've had my Acrolite for over 34 years, ever since I first learned how to bounce a stick, so it holds a special place in my heart. I've recorded with it and played live, indoors/outdoors, rain or shine, tons of times - getting compliments on the sound sometimes too. I have other snare drums now, but the Acrolite is easily my most flexible in terms of tunings, sounds, and styles. It has fewer limitations than other drums, and it's easy to maintain, a total workhorse, and well worth the money my mother spent for it when I was a kid. Thanks, mom!

[@drumlover1687]

Awesome job as always from Shane and the guys. Great playing and showcasing of all the snares. Loved the Gretsch for the crack, and the Mapex for the overall sound and tone. I could really hear all those ghost and grace notes clearly.

[@trevorhancock_]

Using a 6.5x14 Acrolite as my main right now and I’m happy to report that this video just reaffirmed my faith in it! All these drums sounded great though. Adding that Gretsch on my wish list for sure

[@goosegaskins]

You still using the Acrolite?

[@trevorhancock_]

@@goosegaskins using a Copperphonic as my main now but the Acro still gets pulled out when I feel like it!

[@goosegaskins]

@@trevorhancock_ Hey, you didn't sell it-that says it all! I'm in the market for a ~$500 snare right now, and I've got my eyes set on the Acrolite, but if you have any suggestions, please let me know!

[@underpressureman]

All were great. I liked the Acrolite myself. Also, that Dw Maple/Spruce kit sounded amazing!

[@mattroiddread]

Any time I need to do serious research into new drum gear I always turn to this channel. Thank you for consistently putting out the absolute best demo videos with every possible consideration covered. DCP are the MVP!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Matthew. We really appreciate it!

[@Feranitar2]

I’m so lucky to live 20 mins from these guys! Thanks for these awesome, professional, informative videos!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching, Matt!

[@munton5150]

Awesome video. For my current taste, I thought the Canopus and Yamaha sounded the best in this video. Amazing video demo and audio quality on all of it.

[@ronniek7748]

That acro was deadly!! Great demo as usual. Best out there by far.

[@pacificdrumma]

I picked up an older Yamaha Recording Custom Brass with die cast hoops and love it. Monster snare. Great video.

[@mediumstudio]

that was awesome - love the different mic audio switching! cool playing, too ; )

[@treflip98]

I have the Yamaha brass recording custom. Love it! Killer rim shot and great tuning range!

[@kernalsanders6538]

Great demo and good intro to the Canopus line. My preference though is still the Birch vintage Tama I got from you years ago. Thanks for the demo really informative.

[@aussiefarmer8741]

I would go Gretch ludwig canopus. Man I loved that gretch groove & so did the dude playing it. Thanks.

[@chickenbeforeegg]

I love all your guys' material! Are you planning on doing a similar comparison for kits? That would be lovely.

[@sambrantdrums9622]

I love the Tama SLP drum so much. it sounds amazing, as well as the Yamaha recording custom.

[@BrianWechtenhiser]

Fantastic series concept! I love every drum.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Brian! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@RichieGeno88]

The Gretsch Cob And The Ludwig. Just doesn't get any better then that. perfect snare drum sound.

[@andrewlittleton7837]

My favorite is always aluminum, I have a Yamaha Metal Series drum that's fantastic. But man that Canopus snare 😍

[@pancrasio08]

I Have a Yamaha RC Brass 13, 6.5. And let me say that is absolutly a monster. Modern sound, crack and its looks beatiful.

[@horaciobonansinga9070]

I love the Canopus yaiba!!! & Ludwig. And I sugest the Pork Pie "Patina Brass" 14x7...($350-400) tube lugs ...so versatile- very nice sounding snare. Great video guys!!!!

[@PanicMachine423]

Lovely tasteful playing throughout. I wasn't planning on buying a snare drum at the moment but might have to run out and get me a gretsch now! Gorgeous!!

[@drumcenternh]

Then our job is done! Thanks for watching.

[@rockvox7419]

I like the Pearl premium beaded brass sensitone. All snares highlighted on this video sounded great.

[@joelinvirginia5198]

Tama, Ludwig, and Yamaha my top 3 here based on overall tone and stick sensitivity shown. Check out the ghost notes on the Tama SLP, at the 10:00 mark, incredible cut through with the lightest of touch - really nice!

[@johnbertasius2612]

Hugely enjoyable and informative video enhanced by some great drumming.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, John!

[@christopherberg4837]

Great video as always. Could you guys do a video explaining your recording setup as far as types of mics being used, placement, plug ins, processing, etc? Great quality as always, and love the new location upstairs!

[@Skankfurter]

This is a really good short list. Saved the best for last. Real glad to see the brass Gretsch and the Ludwig Acrolite on this list. Honestly this is such a good list of snare drums, there is really no reason to ever spend more than $500 on a good snare drum. Collect all the snare drums on this list first.

[@_kontroll]

Great to see a fellow Vater player 😁 Great drumming, good variation on a simple, limited kit. Your videos are definitely getting better and more professional over time! Good idea too, switching between different mike settings. Keep up the good work!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Mike! We appreciate the kind words.

[@miles-178]

the best demonstration of the drums on youtube ... thank you for the job !!!!

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you for watching, Milos!

[@karlmilton6688]

Gretsch by a length , this one sounds just like my sixties round badge C O B , really great sound , I like the Ludwig also , very good snare .

[@ronaldzeoli7528]

Freaking great idea keep doing these types of videos I love them. I recently picked up a used 6.5x14 Alumium senistone snare drum Sounds similar to the acrolite

[@r4chicken]

Can't go wrong with any Pearl Sensitone. I've got the original Aluminum Alloy and Nickel over Brass snares 5.5 x 14" - and both have amazing characteristics. Their 10-lug Aluminum Alloy snare blows the doors off any aluminum Ludwig snare IMHO - in both construction quality and sound.

[@roybeckerman9253]

rc ranger Agreed with the Pearl Aluminium Sensitone. Great sound in any room or open area.

[@gordgibson6654]

Just bought the Tama SLP spotted gum, have a Pearl brass F/F pic, Tama Artwood superstar maple from '82, a Ludwig super sensitive 6 1/2 from '76 and last but not least a supraphoic from '67 but wow that Gretsch snare.... Wow!

[@Martin-kn6vc]

Literally bought a Yamaha Recording Custom brass this week for my studio! Mine is a 14x6.5, can't wait to record it!

[@cscamby0410]

Martin I just bought the 13x6.5. It’s amazing!

[@ToddTheJoker]

I agree with Tony..I have a 5x14 late 70s acro and adore it but now I really want a 6.5x14..they have so much extra body and crack..my favorite drum next to the Supra.

[@davidsuprenant893]

I like your picks,all very nice drums.I wish pearl still made the 14x6 1/2 brass free floater.all time favorite. I like the Tama star phonics line,great drums for the money and pearl sensitone same thing.

[@janceulema]

Awesome playing and recording of these snaredrums. The combination of the taped Shure SM57 with the Earthworks (model SR25 or DK3?) mic is killer!

[@TheTommyboy63]

I am a real Fan of the Mapex Blaster from a few years ago. The Velvetone is also top notch! Stay safe, Fella's!

[@davidhamilton7780]

I'm considering a few different snare drums at the moment and I love the quality of your content. Would it perhaps be possible at some time to do shootouts of snares made from the same material? For example, an Acrolite vs Tama SLP Alu vs Yamaha RC Alu. Thanks for all of your efforts!

[@robertreedy414]

Fibes acrylic snares from the 70s were my aspirational instrument. But still have 5x14 Chromed steel snare from my very first Sonor Drumset that I still have that is an incredibly versatile little vintage dude (crappy throwoff tho). Superb vids,Sirs!

[@lloyddegler1898]

Super nice video, thanks! 16.5 inch Canopus snares are hard to come by in the UK it seems, but I really liked the Mapex and bought it based on this video. Not disappointed! A massive upgrade from a stock snare. Lovely warmth and good punch, and well-built. Also liked that it's an "inbetweener" at 16" depth. Comes with a really nice protective pouch and a Mapex drum key.

[@thechangingtimes]

That’s some damn good drumming there! 😎

[@jamieanderson7757]

Just from the room mics, the Mapex cherry has easily the clearest most defined ghost notes. If you want to play with a little complexity this is my choice on this comparison.

[@tictocbang7443]

Another fantastic video. I'd own any of these. That Canopus and Mapex were superb. The Gretsch....me want.

[@fab5720]

Nice video. Below the 500 bucks mark, there are quite a few really good snares available that were not mentioned in the video (no surprise as those are your top picks). Basically, you don't need to spend more than 500 to get a great workhorse-snare. The Recording Custom Aluminium is e.g. also a killer snare, just like quite a few snares or Tamas SLP lineup. The Canopus is btw. a nice surprise. Sounds really good. Hard to pick a "best one", really. They all sound good. I do have the SLP Dry Aluminium, but like the SLP Super Aluminium even more. Sadly, the Super Aluminium isn't made anymore. It smokes the legendary Supraphonic. Looking forward for your next videos. :-)

[@Mikebumpful]

Agree with you on the Super Aluminum. Since I got it two years ago, I have had no GAS for a "real" Supra!

[@tlkshowhst]

Spot on about the Canopus stuff. Really high quality and it's sounds great.

[@uhstud68]

Tama dynamic bronze is the best sounding snare under 500. I love that thing. I am about to get one.

[@andyham6094]

Ross Forsythe yes. Or any Tama slp snare. I have the dynamic bronze, g-bubinga, and Black brass and all of them are just anazinggggggg and all under 500.

[@satanjd666]

Which one of those is your favorite?

[@Assimilator702]

Smash Mouth If I had to choose one I would go for the SLP Black Brass. I have diecast hoops on mine and it KILLS. The Dynamic Bronze is also a beast.

[@roybeckerman9253]

Ross Forsythe I didn’t see it here ? I agree..I have one.

[@NEALBABBITT]

Really love this comparison series! 💖

[@robertomorales6488]

Nice video! Please compare the “bell brass” snare drums from different companies. Thanks

[@vincenzoa2929]

They all sound amazing.

[@claudeabraham2347]

Very good video, thanks. Good playing. As expected, metal shells sounded good, esp Acrolite. But the woods were superb!

[@nocellajoseph]

I own the Gretsch and the Ludwig. I might have to add the Yammie and the Canopus. Great video guys!!!!

[@MadEagleUSA]

Great video! Look forward to more vid's like this.

[@groovesmith2112]

Love the Ludwig,Mapex and Gretsch!The Ludwig for the deep sound,the Mapex for versatility and lastly the Gretsch for its bright and crackling sound!

[@StevesRykerAdventures]

That Gretsch really sounded great to me. Don't know why I was surprised, but I was.

[@ibleebinU]

I bought the Canopus 5.5" x 14" Yaiba II Maple Snare Drum in Matte Amber , and it is one of my favorite snare drums out of my 40+ collection. Just a nitpik, I believe it is pronounced kah-NO- pus. Either way, you can't go wrong with any of their snares or drum kits.

[@kennethwalker8123]

Would love to see something like this with 13 inch snare drums. Same price range

[@wadeaiello3261]

That floor tom puts me in a trance

[@mikeevangelista1177]

Definitely love those Yamaha snares played brass and aluminum find them very sensitive and crisp responsive. Wish I could hear a Canopus in person. Sometimes the cheapest snare sounds better than the most expensive. I own the mapex cherry love it also. The retrosonic is a great snare also

[@Upbeat_JMF_Drums]

Amazing comparison vid. Thanks for using dif mic comparison. And can we talk about the chops on that guy? Nice!

[@gustavocevallos8309]

Jen Marinas-Fong, I love Shane but he definitely needed a better drummer to do these demos, like Ben White from Memphis

[@Upbeat_JMF_Drums]

Gustavo Cevallos is there a compelling reason you had to dismiss giving credit to this guy?

[@stevesloan5935]

Very nice comparison, swinging playing, and fabulous DW kick & floor!

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you kindly!

[@seelanne]

Only from the room mics: the slp alu takes the cake, no doubt about that. Astounding, what tama produces in this price-areas with the slp line.

[@johncollins5552]

Awesome video guys, its a matter of taste and style but to me its obvious when a snare has great sensitivity as it let's you get snappier, cleaner sounding rolls. Gretsch wins for me.Thanks and keep up the good work. The original Steve Ferrone Pearl snare of the nineties is one of my all time faces and I prefer it slightly over the newer gretsch one, what do you guys think?

[@CoreyColmey]

Any possibilty you can explain how you tuned your low tom? I love the punchy-ness. Much appreciated.

[@picturmik]

AWESOME review, THANKS for your work! Gotta question. Okay "spun" shells or "seamless" or shells that are not welded, are any of those shells in this review like that? Just curious, THANKS!

[@SpittinSquirell]

I want them all!

[@bg357wg]

Would love to hear how the Yamaha Stage Custom Steel (both the 6.5x14 and 5.5x14) would sound in your videos...It’s a relatively new snare but it’s already made it’s way onto many’s lists for one of the best bang for your buck snare drums. It costs right under 200, which is crazy!

[@andyman2462]

A canopus and Ludwig black beauty. Are my dream snares.

[@jaycarr590]

I’m have a lot of higher end snares but it’s pretty funny that I keep going back to a 14x6.5 aluminum sensitone w tube lugs ..I’ve noticed that the sensitized are inconsistent but there have been a few diamonds in the rough along to my travels. I used to have a 6 1/2 x 14 brass with two plugs, and that one was phenomenal as well but I traded that for what I can’t even remember.

[@qlqnen]

Canopus and Gretsch for me. It would be nice to get a quick back-to-back comparison of all the snares at the end of the video to really hear the differences in quick succession.

[@gentrybellus3469]

You and me both. Complete opposites of the spectrum (the Canopus vs Gretsch) but unbelievably unique and special in comparison to their counterparts.

[@JohnRuggero]

Recently picked up an SLP Fat Spruce. That thing is awesome regardless of price.

[@nanashipersonne4151]

Got the Yamaha Custom Recording still absolutely happy with my choice. Considering a Noble & Cooley Cherry Wood, but just when I have more than enough money.

[@paulboutin7191]

The Ludwig, SLP, and the Mapex were my favs. 🤘

[@umuppet47]

i would absolutely check out the pearl sensitone phosphor bronze 6 1/2. It became my go to on 90% of professional working gigs and recording and is under 500. I have top shelf boutique snare drums that are great too for some things but I cant recommend the phosphor bronze enough as far as tunability, genre crossing etc. just a great great workhorse snare that always got great comments in sound. Another great used option under 500 is a used sonor ferromanganese. But as we all know, we can never own enough gear lol

[@jacobwalker7507]

Man I don't see a lot of comments on the 3rd drum-Mapex cherry. That thing sounded pretty nice.

[@lloyddegler1898]

Hear, hear! This was my choice.

[@thatdudekyle5690]

Absolutely. I love the overtones. I feel like that one and the Yamaha are underrated

[@traviswoodall6547]

My personal fave under $400 would be the Tama SLP maple with wood hoops. I love mine.

[@turbodrawspeed]

In that price range I like the Mapex Armory Sabre. It has maple AND walnut plies, and has an awesome crack when tuned high.

[@alanlamore7397]

Hi Shane, great videos ! I just picked up a 2018 Brushed Brass Ludwig Heirloom snare in 5.5 x 14. Can you do a comparison video of this drum vs the new Brushed Black Heirloom Brass with Brass hardware in 5.5 x 14 size ? Thanks very much !

[@ronaldgenendlis6423]

Oh my that gretsch amazing.

[@TXMusicDrummer]

They all sound great. Favorite wood snare definitely the Canopous. As for metal, that's tough. They all sounded great, but I think the Tama, Gretsch and Ludwig were slightly better than the Yamaha, but not by much. Almost wished you would have compared the Tama Starphonic Aluminum vs the SLP version in this demo.

[@Kubakaiser]

Yamaha seems to have the best response at all dynamic levels. Gonna get it one day.

[@sylvester3068]

Black panther snares are damn euphoric sounding always....Mapex kicking ass!!

[@aseomg]

I narrowed it down to Canopus, Yamaha, and Ludwig with a preference for the Ludwig’s tone In this challenge.

[@ashevilledurden4461]

That DW floor tom is dope!

[@matiasricciuti4476]

Amazing snare drums, but the drummer knows how to make them sound!!! Nice tuning and miking

[@Eltargrimm]

I am not Japanese but I appreciated that Shane actually knew how to pronounce Yaiba properly.

[@BuckAugust]

Great idea on this video!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobweber4140]

Great job guys thankyou those k hats are sweet as well

[@serdiezv]

Lots of the Tama SLP are INCREDIBLY good for the price. Put a Puresound Custom Pro on there and be amazed.

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

You're not kidding about the Canopus - so much body and punch!

[@timcloutier3729]

Great video. If I may add one to the list, it would be the LUDWIG Supralite 14X8 deep snare. Under $200.00, with a massive "bang for the buck sound!!!" 🤘🥁

[@drumcenternh]

An excellent addition! Thanks for the feedback, Timmy.