metal snares with good strong ring

[pibroch]

I want to get a metal snare drum specifically to produce a strong ring for a continuous backbeat - I figure a steel snare would likely offer the most potential but am open to any other possibilities.

Any suggestions for particular models and sizes please?

[thismercifulfate]

By 'ring' do you mean overall sustain (body) or ringing overtones?

[mrmike186]

I believe Matt Cameron used a Keplinger steel snare for many Soundgarden recordings. Then there is the famous Bill Bruford pang on Roundabout which was rim shots played toward the edge of a Supraphonic 400. Lots of ways to ring a bell. How about a Tama bell brass?

[chrisso]

Probably the best I've heard for ringing overtones is the Ludwig Hand Hammered Brass (6.5").
I think the irregular shell surface makes for more overtones (but I could be wrong about that). Other than that it's a great sounding snare anyway!
Simple steel drums do tend to ring, but I find often that ring a little thin and pingy, not so nice.

[pibroch]

Originally Posted by thismercifulfate

By 'ring' do you mean overall sustain (body) or ringing overtones?

Ringing overtones with moderate to long sustain, with the ring being the most prominent feature of the sound (after the initial attack).

Thanks for all the useful suggestions so far - I'll try to play them all if I can, or at least listen to recordings.

[dylanr]

I'll second the Ludwig Supraphonic 400 and 402. Actually every metal shell snare I've tried will do it. Avoid "dry" heads though, they'll tend to mute it.

The striking of the drum with the right technique* is the key to producing the note - a dead-center hit will typically sound sharp with a short snap and will minimize the note, whereas striking a rimshot somewhat off-center will really set off the note. The sweetspot will vary depending on the drum/tuning/taste, 1"-3" out is roughly where you'll find it.

You can maximize the note volume by tuning the drum while striking rimshots off-center, you can get most snares to seriously honk if that's your thing.

* or wrong technique - some people really hate the dinner gong sound but I don't mind in the right musical context.

[Mylesh]

Originally Posted by chrisso

Probably the best I've heard for ringing overtones is the Ludwig Hand Hammered Brass (6.5").
I think the irregular shell surface makes for more overtones (but I could be wrong about that). Other than that it's a great sounding snare anyway!
Simple steel drums do tend to ring, but I find often that ring a little thin and pingy, not so nice.

I've found that the opposite is true. The irregular surface makes a dryer sound because when the sound waves travel around the shell they cannot have a clear path and become weaker, so the overtones are not heard as much (if that makes sense).

[chrisso]

You maybe right.
I screwed up, I meant to suggest the bronze not brass.
The HH Bronze is one of the honkiest, ringey snares I've played.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/drums...nze-snare-drum

[corworld]

Don't forget to use compressor release times to bring out the ring.

[skydog]

acrolite.black beauty.supraphonic.

[Jax]

Originally Posted by Mylesh

I've found that the opposite is true. The irregular surface makes a dryer sound because when the sound waves travel around the shell they cannot have a clear path and become weaker, so the overtones are not heard as much (if that makes sense).

The same reason that more thoroughly hammered cymbals produce more complex overtones when struck is true for hammered metal snare shells. That said, I'm no metallurgist and can't explain it scientifically.

[seaneldon]

Ludwig Black Beauty, 14 x 6.5

Look no further.

Keep in mind that how exactly the drum is hit will determine ring just as much as the drum itself. Totally a 50/50 thing.