With these 2 snares, should I have a die cast batter hoop around?

[filthyrich]

I have 2 snares that are 10 lug. I have a Pork Pie Big Black (the Black Beauty copy(ish)), and a 6.5" Ludwig Classic Maple. Do you think it is worth 45-55 bucks to "see if I like the sound" of a die cast hoop?

Many of the higher end, super snazzy black beauties seem to have a die cast hoop, so I guess it makes sense..right?

Do you often find yourself using die cast on wooden snares as well?

Thanks.

[SRS]

Originally Posted by filthyrich

I have 2 snares that are 10 lug. I have a Pork Pie Big Black (the Black Beauty copy(ish)), and a 6.5" Ludwig Classic Maple. Do you think it is worth 45-55 bucks to "see if I like the sound" of a die cast hoop?

Many of the higher end, super snazzy black beauties seem to have a die cast hoop, so I guess it makes sense..right?

Do you often find yourself using die cast on wooden snares as well?

Thanks.

My Black Beauty has a stamped hoop, and I prefer it that way. Creates more ring and pleasing overtones. Die cast hoops, in general, will produce a dryer sound, controlling those overtones somewhat... usually.

That being said, I would foot out the money for a 10-lug die cast hoop anyday to see the effects. Just get a good hoop. DW branded or on the lower end, Pearl Super-Hoop.

Just keep in mind, there are about 10 other factors, or more, that will affect the snare's sound. Head, head tension, tuning, snare wires, snare wire tension, bearing edges, etc...

[Steffmo]

SRS comment on the die cast hoop being drier is pretty right on.

I was first itroduced to die cast heads when I got my first Gretch kit, and the difference in sound was immediately apparent. It was much easier to get the fundemental tone of the drum.

Still....its hard to mess with a Black Beauty.

[Jeff Braun]

I wouldn't try it for 55 bucks unless you have the extra cash.

Die cast hoops are cool but not as important as the basics.

Starting with the Ludwig, make sure the bearing edges are smooth. If not have them
re-cut.

Finding the perfect head/tuning for each drum is another challenge.

Then comes the snares, often times the stock wires are garbage. Especially on the Pork Pie. Upgrade to Puresounds.

Also mess with dampening. Moon gels are a cheap product that can really enhance the tone of the drum, (if that's the type of sound your are going for).

If all of those aren't giving you what you want and the funds are there, by all means pick it up.

-Jeff Braun

[biggator6]

For $50.. it's another tone in the tool box. Pick up a hoop used - if it's a different enough tone, keep it and use it when the time is right.. if you hate it, sell it to someone else for probably what you paid for it.

Always good to have another option.

[chrisrnps]

Originally Posted by Steffmo

I was first itroduced to die cast heads when I got my first Gretch kit, and the difference in sound was immediately apparent.

I tried die-cast heads on my snare, but all I seem to be able to get is a metallic "clank" type of sound, not what I'd call "dry", and the snare wires barely seem to move at all anymore. What am I doing wrong?

[Steffmo]

I'm not sure..what kind of drum and head.

I've always found that light heads...plain ruff are my preference. If you are using a head that is designed to kill the ring....some double ply variant, it might be overkill.

Let me say, BTW tht the difference if obvious, which might not be better for that particular song.

Still, in general I like the cast hoops.

[SRS]

Originally Posted by chrisrnps

I tried die-cast heads on my snare, but all I seem to be able to get is a metallic "clank" type of sound, not what I'd call "dry", and the snare wires barely seem to move at all anymore. What am I doing wrong?

Yes... let's not get confused over heads and hoops/rims. A Die-Cast Head will surely put a damper on your snare sound...

Just buy one and try it. If it is a standard 10-lug pattern, then you can always use it on other snares, or sell it off, so long as it is flat/round and true, which are VERY important, especially for die cast hoops.

[chrisrnps]

Originally Posted by SRS

Yes... let's not get confused over heads and hoops/rims. A Die-Cast Head will surely put a damper on your snare sound...

The batter hoop is really helping me keep things under control, though.