Acrylic Snare Drums

[C/G]

I am thinking of getting an acrylic snare drum. I am looking at a 14" X 7" Right now I have two 14" X 8" 20 ply maple snares and am looking for a different flavour.

Is the acrylic dry sounding? Do they record well?

I've played a Ludwig acrylic kit and thought it sounded pretty good, no acrylic snare unfortunately.

I am thinking of getting a local drum maker to possibly make me one with die cast hoops and a Trick throw off.

I'm also thinking of a 6 1/2" x 14" aluminum shell.

Convince me or not.

[chrisso]

I would play a few before you go to the length of commissioning one from a local builder.
I'm not a big fan myself. I don't think they record well either.
Having said that, the king of all snares not wood or metal seems to be Paul Mason (Tempus).
I haven't played any of his drums, but they get consistent raves.
If I were you I would research Tempus and speak to Paul.
He's in Canada too I think.
www.drumsmith.com

[cgarges]

I got a 6x14 Pork Pie Pig Lite snare when they first came out and I've used it on tons of sessions. It's a very unique-sounding drum, almost nothing like the Ludwig Vista-lite snares that I've played. Apparently, Pork Pie gets the shells from the same supplier that Zickos used to use, but I believe the magic is in how Bill Detamore cuts the bearing edges. They're very, very responsive drums.

Mine almost sounds like a maple drum in the shower or something. (An accurate description I got from the Pork Pie rep, who's a buddy of mine.) It's a bright drum with LOTS of snare sound. This makes it crazy-good for brush playing. (It's become a favorite snare of a lot of upright bass players in this area.) It's nice and clear-sounding and has a little extra "life" in the top end, almost as if it's got its own little bit of reverb already.

I love it best with a Remo coated Ambassador on top, Ambassador snare side head, and 20-strand snares.

I own many snares--maple, birch, gum, mahogany, brass, aluminum-- and the Pig Lite certainly falls into its own category. It's definitely one of my favorites.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[C/G]

Originally Posted by chrisso

I would play a few before you go to the length of commissioning one from a local builder.
I'm not a big fan myself. I don't think they record well either.

I am definitely going to audition one. It won't be a 14" x 7" but probably a 6" or 5 1/2" deep, but I'm sure I'll get a good idea of the sound of the drum.



I still want an old 14" X 7" Noble & Cooley steam bent snare too. I finally heard one. Wow!

[C/G]

Originally Posted by cgarges

It's nice and clear-sounding

No pun intended I'm sure.


So you would lean to saying it is bright yet dry?

The two 14" X 8" 20 ply cannons I play are a bit on the dark side. kind of tubby but cool none the less for live and rehearsal. I would like something different for recording so maybe that Noble & Cooley SS is a better alternative perhaps.

[cgarges]

Originally Posted by C/G

So you would lean to saying it is bright yet dry?

Sure, I guess that sounds about right.

Originally Posted by C/G

The two 14" X 8" 20 ply cannons I play are a bit on the dark side. kind of tubby but cool none the less for live and rehearsal. I would like something different for recording so maybe that Noble & Cooley SS is a better alternative perhaps.

Well, I've got a 7x14 Noble & Cooley SS, too, and it's also one of my favorites. It's got more of a really great classic wood snare sound. Totally different than the Pig Lite. I would think that if you want something completely different than the two 8x14 wood snares you have, a 7x14 wood snare isn't gonna be much of a stretch in terms of general character. But the Noble & Cooley drums are freaking fantastic. (I've got a whole kit.)

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[C/G]

Originally Posted by cgarges

Sure, I guess that sounds about right.



Well, I've got a 7x14 Noble & Cooley SS, too, and it's also one of my favorites. It's got more of a really great classic wood snare sound. Totally different than the Pig Lite. I would think that if you want something completely different than the two 8x14 wood snares you have, a 7x14 wood snare isn't gonna be much of a stretch in terms of general character. But the Noble & Cooley drums are freaking fantastic. (I've got a whole kit.)

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

I heard a 14" X 7" a couple of weeks ago. I saw a live band and the drummer was using an SS and it sounded fantastic. I've always been curious about them but never actually heard one. It sounded great and had a very nice attack and it really cut through.

I'm still thinking acrylic or aluminum for something different.

[chrisso]

Classic aluminium can only mean Ludwig Supraphonic IMO.
It would be a great alternate to an N&C SS.

[chetatkinsdiet]

With acrylics...as Chris mentioned, it's all in the edges. I've got one I made a few years ago and had vintage Gretsch edges put on it. The reverse ones that is. It sounds really nice and warm...like a maple drum. I didn't put vent holes in it at all which sort of give it more of a vintage sound. It's a very loud drum, so you don't need to whack it too hard, which is nice. I'd think a 14x7 drum would be too much for studio work...fun for a poison cover band though....

Why have someone make it? Get the parts and make one yourself...that's the fun of it.

www.goldntimesdrums.com for the shells and drummaker.com or any other site for the hardware. Just get the correct unibit to do the drilling and you're good to go.

later,

m

[C/G]

Originally Posted by chrisso

Classic aluminium can only mean Ludwig Supraphonic IMO.
It would be a great alternate to an N&C SS.

I want 14" X 7" though and I think those old Luddys were just in 5" depth. A local builder sells a 14" X 6.5" for $650 CDN that sounded pretty good when I gave it a couple of whacks. trick throw-off and cast hoops. The Aluminum shelled snare he sells is Asian made but he rips the crappy lugs and strainer off. I should borrow it for a rehearsal and try it out.

[C/G]

Originally Posted by chetatkinsdiet

With acrylics...as Chris mentioned, it's all in the edges. I've got one I made a few years ago and had vintage Gretsch edges put on it. The reverse ones that is. It sounds really nice and warm...like a maple drum. I didn't put vent holes in it at all which sort of give it more of a vintage sound. It's a very loud drum, so you don't need to whack it too hard, which is nice. I'd think a 14x7 drum would be too much for studio work...fun for a poison cover band though....

Why have someone make it? Get the parts and make one yourself...that's the fun of it.



m

I don't own many tools (just hand tools, no drill press, router ect) or have a workspace to really build something.

As far as depth, I normally use 14" x 8" snares and while I like a nice fat sound, I tend to steer away from that "snare tom" late 80's metal sound your thinking of.

Hmmmmmm. More evaluation to be done.

[digibird]

I love the 6 1/2 x14" Amber Vistalite snare that came with my Ludwig Amber Vistalite Bonham reissue kit. It's loud as hell and really cracks. Sounds great wide open for rock or tuned down a bit with a moongel for a fat sound.

I already had a Supraphonic 400 & 402, an Acrolite, a Black Beauty (6 1/2x14"), a Ludwig Maple 4x14" (1963 Sky Blue Pearl) and a Ludwig 8x14" Maple Classic snare, so the Vistalite is another tone to have available. The Vistalites are not wildly different in sound from other drums. They do ring more, which I like - drums should do that. If you can tune a Supra, and you can tune maple drums, you can tune Vistalites in no time to sound excellent.

I love the Vistalites for rock, but I can see them working real well for jazz with a lighter touch. (All jazz kick drums used to be 26" years ago).

[chetatkinsdiet]

Originally Posted by C/G

I don't own many tools (just hand tools, no drill press, router ect) or have a workspace to really build something.

As far as depth, I normally use 14" x 8" snares and while I like a nice fat sound, I tend to steer away from that "snare tom" late 80's metal sound your thinking of.

Hmmmmmm. More evaluation to be done.

Goldntimes ships them with edges precut. All you need is an electric drill gun and the unibit. Check out their site...pretty good stuff there.

I was just kidding about the metal thing....I like your snare stuff I've heard on your site. I dig big snares as well.

later,

m

[C/G]

Originally Posted by digibird

I love the 6 1/2 x14" Amber Vistalite snare that came with my Ludwig Amber Vistalite Bonham reissue kit. It's loud as hell and really cracks. Sounds great wide open for rock or tuned down a bit with a moongel for a fat sound.

I already had a Supraphonic 400 & 402, an Acrolite, a Black Beauty (6 1/2x14"), a Ludwig Maple 4x14" (1963 Sky Blue Pearl) and a Ludwig 8x14" Maple Classic snare, so the Vistalite is another tone to have available. The Vistalites are not wildly different in sound from other drums. They do ring more, which I like - drums should do that.

How would you compare your Vista to your maple 8" X 14". I'm a habitual 8" X 14" user and I'm trying to break the habit.

[C/G]

Originally Posted by chetatkinsdiet

Goldntimes ships them with edges precut. All you need is an electric drill gun and the unibit. Check out their site...pretty good stuff there.

I was just kidding about the metal thing....I like your snare stuff I've heard on your site. I dig big snares as well.

later,

m

Thanks. Maybe I'm just paranoid to try building my own. I guess if I have a freak out and cower in the corner in tears, I can get the local drum builder to save my ass.

My only concern would be trying not to screw up the drilling for the tube lugs and strainer. Keeping everything linear and straight.

I checked out that link to the site you listed. They have some nice colours available, too many actually.

I can see where you would have complete and utter satisfaction making your own snare drum. I've always thought that once I buy a house with a garage or a big basement I would try to build my own kit someday.

[pan60]

after going through my bass drum
http://gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php?t=107229
i want to try my hand at building a snare i think.
i have been looking at the acrylic shell's also.

[digibird]

Originally Posted by C/G

How would you compare your Vista to your maple 8" X 14". I'm a habitual 8" X 14" user and I'm trying to break the habit.

The Vistalite has a brighter more open tone, more ring. The maple has a warmer, rounder tone. They both can be loud as hell and have a nice attack and punch - it's still a lot to do with 125 Hz and 250 Hz regardless of what the drum is made of. I can get as much range of pitch out of the 6 1/2" depth as I can out of the 8", unless you want that "floor tom with snares" sound, which I'm never going for anyway.

If you dampen the batter head with a moongel the drums start to sound more alike in a mix. It's more the ring that defines them to my ears. Unlike some other negative reports I've read on drum/recording forums, my Vistalites record very well - acrylic drums are not more difficult to record than maple or birch.

If you are using quality equipment, have a decent sounding room, and know how to tune drums, Acrylics are excellent in the studio. Really nice analog EQ helps, too. But then, it helps everything...

[sergek]

Originally Posted by C/G

I am thinking of getting an acrylic snare drum. I am looking at a 14" X 7" Right now I have two 14" X 8" 20 ply maple snares and am looking for a different flavour.

Is the acrylic dry sounding? Do they record well?

I've played a Ludwig acrylic kit and thought it sounded pretty good, no acrylic snare unfortunately.

I am thinking of getting a local drum maker to possibly make me one with die cast hoops and a Trick throw off.

I'm also thinking of a 6 1/2" x 14" aluminum shell.

Convince me or not.

have a look at www.wahan.de I play a 10"x4" side snare and the sound is great!
Y can hear the sound at www.funkp.lu check the multimedia link and listen to the live gigs from 2005!!!

thanks
serge

www.sergekieffer.com or myspace/sergekieffer

[C/G]

Originally Posted by sergek

have a look at www.wahan.de I play a 10"x4" side snare and the sound is great!
Y can hear the sound at www.funkp.lu check the multimedia link and listen to the live gigs from 2005!!!

thanks
serge

www.sergekieffer.com or myspace/sergekieffer

Thanks Serge, but something about snare drums smaller than 6" x 14" freak me out. I'm like that with cymbals too. I won't touch anything smaller than an 18" for crashes or 22" for rides.

I will still check out the link.

[sergek]

Hi
excellent ...
BUT WAHAN do 16" snare drums as well and in ACRYL, so this might be something for you!

groovy grreetings
Serge

[smithy269]

I'd go for the aluminum myself as well.

IMO, Acrylics are bright, biting, and very live sounding, which is okay for one kind of sound (not to my taste though). People have used them in the studio, but it would be far from my first choice. Maybe in live situation I could more easily see it, e.g. Budgie with Leonard Ito of Kodo, but that's a pretty unique gig since you need that cutting sound to balance out the massive Kodo drums.

A 6.5 x 14 Supra can do a lot of sounds right for a lot of different music and will work in almost all situations with the right tuning, room, and heads.

[pan60]

i want one because i already have two aluminum drums myself .


and i think think the acrylics look cool to!!!!!!

[C/G]

I've still yet to demo an acrylic snare so I'm still up in the air on this one.

I will do nothing until I can try one for myself and compare it to an aluminum snare as well. I can then put them up against my pair of 20 ply, 14" x 8" monsters and evaluate.

The more I think the more I am gravitating towards aluminum.

Thanks for the suggestions thus far guys.

[earldrum]

I have a Vistalite snare that goes with my Green Vistalite Big Beat kit (which I would love to sell BTW) and I never use this snare when I play the kit out because it just sound plastic to me ... no warmth what so ever.

Here are a few suggestions from drum I've owned or played over the years.

1) 6.5 x 14 Ludwig Hammered-Bronze Superphonic - this drum has an amazing warmth like a maple with the bit bite like a metal drum. This is definitely different than just an old Ludalloy Superphonic.

2) 6.5x13 Yamaha Steve Jordan maple snare - this has great crack and warmth that is very different from other Yamaha snares

3) Noble & Cooley SS Classic - 5x14. Warmth, crack, can be tuned so many different ways. This was my favorite snare - I only wish I still had it .... that was a bad trade on my part.

4) Noble & Cooley Aluminum Alloy 4.5 x14 - this drum rocks and has many different sounds based on how you tune the drum. It sounds way better than an Ludwig Acrolite snare ... it is cast aluminum. I'd bet the 6.5" version rocks as well.

5) Fibes FST - Fiberglass 5x14 snare - this drum is very much like the Tempus drum - black fiberglass, punchy, loud, & aggressive. Not plastic like a Vistalite.

I hope this help you in your search.

[C/G]

Originally Posted by earldrum

3) Noble & Cooley SS Classic - 5x14. Warmth, crack, can be tuned so many different ways. This was my favorite snare - I only wish I still had it .... that was a bad trade on my part.

4) Noble & Cooley Aluminum Alloy 4.5 x14 - this drum rocks and has many different sounds based on how you tune the drum. It sounds way better than an Ludwig Acrolite snare ... it is cast aluminum. I'd bet the 6.5" version rocks as well.

5) Fibes FST - Fiberglass 5x14 snare - this drum is very much like the Tempus drum - black fiberglass, punchy, loud, & aggressive. Not plastic like a Vistalite.

I hope this help you in your search.

Thanks earldrum.

I've pretty much nixed the acrylic idea.

The Noble & Cooley SS has been on my list for a long time. I will own one someday.

I will look into their 14" x 6.5 aluminum snare. Do you know any good on-line reatilers for N&C?

[cgarges]

Originally Posted by C/G

I will look into their 14" x 6.5 aluminum snare. Do you know any good on-line reatilers for N&C?

Indoor Storm in Raleigh, NC. Excellent store with a good stock and very helpful staff.

www.indoorstorm.com

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[C/G]

Originally Posted by cgarges

Indoor Storm in Raleigh, NC. Excellent store with a good stock and very helpful staff.

www.indoorstorm.com

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

Thank you very much.

[cgarges]

No problem!

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[pan60]

i still think i think i think, the acrylics drums look cool to!!!!!!

[ToneBender67]

I think they are ok live, but not the best for recording (maybe if you plan to trigger, but still not my cup 'o tea). If you are thinking of going aluminum and deep, get yourself a 6.5x14 Supra. Probably the most versatile snare in the world, and most recorded (the 5x14 at least...) If you're on a budget and want essentially the same drum/sound as the Supra, find yourself a 6.5x14 Ludwig "blackrolite" Acrolite snare (it's 10 lugs, the 5x14 has 8).

http://www.wwbw.com/Ludwig-Acrolite-...e-i23774.music