Top 5 Metal Snare Drums

[@Dad.son_drums]

Wow! The #1 Copperphonic seems to bring the dark tones when you beat it and the very high pitched tones right after that. It brings both tunings at the same time. That’s so unique! Loved it! Let alone the color of this drum is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Right?! It just has a pretty unique sound. I think the CS drum head might control the drum too much - I want to try the ambassador x coated to see how the snare responds. Either way, it’s a drum you definitely want to keep an eye out for

[@DrummerRIP]

Fantastic! I do agree, copper is an awesome & yet slightly mysterious material. TY

[@NickCostaMusic]

Totally, and it’s surprisingly versatile!

[@Spagz]

That #1 is sweet! And unexpected!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Totally! It’s a unique drum with a unique sound.

[@Kathayne636]

I like the Copperphonic best.

[@NickCostaMusic]

A little darker than brass, and more direct IMO. What did you like the most about it?

[@jkozol]

That pewtercopperphonic is tangy!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Such a cool, unique sound!

[@chrisambrose6869]

This is a great comparison ❤

[@NickCostaMusic]

I really appreciate that, thank you @chrisambrose6869 . Did any of the snares stick out to you?

[@chrisambrose6869]

@@NickCostaMusic yes. The chrome over brass and copperphonic. Still my favorite at home is my 5x14 hammered black beauty. I love Ludwig snares!!!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Oh nice - both are great drums for different reasons. I have a friend who has that hammered black beauty, he said he felt it was a tad drier which is why he went for it. Another great drum!

[@JackNiles]

Great content 👍

[@NickCostaMusic]

I appreciate that, thank you! Also, I can’t thank you enough for the lav recommendations

[@wilkinsnl]

Love your legacy mahogany kit, it sounds so good.

[@NickCostaMusic]

The beauty of @ludwigdrumshq. This is the first kit I enjoyed with thinner batter heads on the toms. Such an awesome sound

[@wadedixon9890]

Always enjoy the content. Keep it up.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Much appreciated, thank you as always @wadedixon9890 !

[@ramonkey2939]

My Top FIVE #1 Great Lakes( INDeDrumLab) Oxidized Copper 6.5X14, #2 Ludwig Hammered Copperphonic LC662KTC, #3 Dunnett Antique Brass 2N 6.5X14, #4 Ludwig Black Beauty. #5 Ludwig Hammered Bronze LB552KT 6.5X14, Yes I own all of these drums. My Favorite snare right now is a Maple Pearl 2023 Dennis Chambers Signature Snare Drum 6.5 X 14 I also own the Ludwig Pewter Limited Edition Copper but it didn’t ,make ,my Top Five but as you see the competition is fierce.

[@NickCostaMusic]

That’s a great top 5! The Dennis signature snare is a thicker ply drum, isn’t it? I bet that thing rips!

[@telsonalves8060]

Muito bom e explicativo o seu video. Parabéns !!

[@NickCostaMusic]

É ótimo ouvir! Que bom que você aprendeu algo com isso - obrigado por assistir!

[@GolddenWaffles]

Sir you have to buy a 6.5x14 Black Beauty! I have a feeling (I could be wrong but oh well) that the opinions that you’ve given is because of the size of the Black Beauty that you have been using. The Black Beauty is truly the best snare that Ludwig produces, no matter the cost! Great Video!

[@NickCostaMusic]

I might have one I'm about to restore...we shall see!

[@camerondean6804]

Hi Nick. Would love to see you review a 6.5 Ludwig Raw Bronze... Imperial and/or Tube lugs.

[@NickCostaMusic]

That would be a great one to add to the collection - I appreciate the recommendation! Guess it's time to window shop😉

[@timm1139]

This is an interesting list, & I like them all. I've never even heard of the Pewter Copperphonic before. I am currently keeping my eyes open for a good deal on a raw copper Ludwig snare and a deeper (6"?) Acrolite. thanks!

[@NickCostaMusic]

You can’t go wrong with any of them for sure. Definitely keep an eye out for a pewter copperphonic - they even released a shallower version shortly after the 6.5

[@timm1139]

@@NickCostaMusic Out of curiosity, I checked Reverb. They currently have several listed from $664-900, all 6.5''.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Pretty sure original street price was around $700 for the 6.5 - might have been a little more

[@OFLHLGZ28]

My mid nineties Pearl steel snare is a great drum

[@NickCostaMusic]

Steel has a great sound - bright overtones, great amount of crack/pop, too!

[@MaestorRasanen]

Well I think you should venture also to Tama. The Charlie Benante Signature is a fucking beast. Also... when talking about metal snares I'd like to hear what the snare sounds when you hit it like a metal drummer. But now I have a nice understanding about Ludwig snares so kudos for that!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Oooh, just looked up that Charlie Benante drum, that's a big stainless steel monster! Bet with those die-cast hoops it's super loud and direct. I totally understand where you're coming from, though I'm not a "metal" drummer. Unfortunately my imitation of one wouldn't carry well, and I think to think of myself as just a drummer without a specific genre. Glad to hear this helped you get a better understanding about Ludwig snares. Which one did you like the most?

[@MaestorRasanen]

@@NickCostaMusic It's a BEAST. It's loud AF beyond understanding. I almost shat my pants on the first rim shot without ear plugs. Tuned into high (lug hz about 240-260) it scream bloody murder. I'd say if you want to try to play metal it doesn't have to be fast. Train few Pantera songs and play them with 2B Heavy sticks. Just hit the drum like it owes you. :D To me it's Supraphonic all day but Copperphonic from these sounds amazing.

[@StuartJrBarrett]

Nick, you have to try out the Kenny Aronoff snare drum. The NOB 6.5X14 is amazing!!!

[@NickCostaMusic]

I've heard good things. I wonder how it differs from the black beauty?

[@StuartJrBarrett]

@@NickCostaMusic not sure! I just picked one up and it delivered yesterday- we shall see.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Oh nice - enjoy the drum!

[@anthonyn1312]

The most popular snare drum from Ludwig is black beauty!

[@NickCostaMusic]

It sure is, and there's a reason it's often imitated and never duplicated!

[@steverichdrummr]

Very interesting video Nick, thanks. I always thought I would have loved a Copperphonic, or the pewter, but after hearing these one after another, to me ( call me crazy ), the Black Galaxy sounded the best of all. Are you using your go to Ambassador X batter on it? Also, what snare wires were on that one for this test? Thank you for your answer in advance.

[@NickCostaMusic]

That black galaxy is a pretty unique sound for sure! I am using an ambassador x coated on that drum, and a set of Canopus vintage wires

[@topsyturvy5485]

Would have loved to have seen a 402 in this comparison. To me it is much more adaptable, flexible, etc… than the Acrolite.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Love the 402, though I think the chrome over brass is a better drum than the chrome over aluminum LM402.

[@stevesell8179]

Pearl sensitone 6.5x 14 black nickel over brass great drum

[@NickCostaMusic]

I'm sure it is. Sounds like it's Pearl's version of the Black Beauty

[@stevesell8179]

Yes all the major drum companies make great snares comes down to personal preferences keep up the great content and keep drumming

[@NickCostaMusic]

That's exactly right! Appreciate your comments and the kind words

[@wesivester7273]

Why does this list only have Ludwig snares? Have you ever heard a Noble and Cooley drum?

[@NickCostaMusic]

I have and they're great, though they're known for wood - specifically steam bent solids

[@toddcapiton6285]

Make your own show and stfu

[@user-kx4du6kp4c]

No blast-beats, what for this if snares is metal ?

[@NickCostaMusic]

Blast beats and bleed by meshuggah only

[@toddcapiton6285]

What a dumb ass comment. Metal snares are played delicately in many situations, even orchestras. I played grind for 30 years on a 7” deep Yamaha oak custom!? Call the police!