How to make your Live Snare Sound Better

Dampening Products

As a drummer, I love experimenting with different ways to improve my snare sound. One aspect of this is using dampening products to enhance the tone and reduce unwanted overtones. In this segment, I'll be exploring some different types of dampeners, their benefits, and how they impact the sound of a snare drum. Specifically, we'll be looking at three popular dampening products:

1. MoonGel Damper Pads
2. Snareweight #5 Snare Dampening System
3. Evans Min-EMAD External Dampening Pack

Let's dive in and see how each of these products can make our snares sound even better.

MoonGel Damper Pads

Moongel dampeners are widely used by musicians to dampen their drum sounds. These pads help to reduce unwanted overtones on drum heads, making the sounds more focused and controlled.

• Moongel dampener pads are made of a soft gel material that is easily placed on the drumhead to adjust the amount of damping required.
• These pads come in a small and portable box, making them easy to carry around between gigs and rehearsals.
• Moongel pads can be trimmed into smaller sizes to adjust specific areas of sound feedback on the drum head.
• The sticky side of these pads help keep them in place until removed.

With Moongel dampener pads, the drummer has more control over their sound output as they can comfortably set up different levels of muffling for varied musical applications. Interestingly, music enthusiasts have validated Moongel pads with various tests that stand out amongst other dampers due to their longevity and durability.

Silence is golden, but with the Snareweight #5 Snare Dampening System, it's a dampening dream come true.

Snareweight #5 Snare Dampening System

The Snareweight #5 Snare Dampening System is a professional tool used to dampen the sound of snare drums in live and recording settings.

• The Snareweight #5 Snare Dampening System comprises a brass weight and a leather dampener, which can be easily attached to any drum with magnetic power.
• The brass weight provides pressure to the snare drum while the leather dampener absorbs unwanted overtones thereby producing a controlled and focused sound.
• This product has been designed for easy installation, leaving no residue on the drumhead after removal.

Unique details: The Snareweight #5 Snare Dampening System helps produce an ideal snare sound. It minimizes the need for ring control solutions or excessive muffling. It is portable and can easily be moved from one part of the drumhead to another without disrupting the flow of music.

Suggestions:

1. One recommendation is to experiment with different tension levels on your drumhead; too much tension reduces sustain whereas too little tension makes it harder for the wires to vibrate.
2. Second, you could try combining Snareweight #5 with other tools such as moon gel pads or Big Fat Snare Drum donuts for varied tonal options.
3. Finally, regularly clean your drum dampeners and weights to prevent dust buildup that may deaden sound quality.

Don't let a noisy snare wreck your gig - slap on the Evans Min-EMAD External Dampening Pack and let the drumming do the talking (or the tapping).

Evans Min-EMAD External Dampening Pack

This product is a professional external dampening pack manufactured by Evans that is designed to enhance the sound quality of drums.

• The Evans Min-EMAD External Dampening Pack comprises one bass drum patch and six removable foam arcs that stick to the inside of the bass drumhead.
• The foam arcs can be adjusted to various positions, producing a range of tonal qualities such as extra dampening, less sustain and greater attack.
• The bass drum patch enhances the attack and reduces unwanted overtones while featuring an extended tuning range.
• With easy installation, this pack guarantees consistency in performance with its high-quality materials and detailed design.

Unique details surrounding this product include its compatibility with different bass drum models and sizes, which enables it to function effectively as well as its ability to accommodate different preferences for sound quality by adjusting the foam arcs.

Pro Tip: Experiment with positioning the foam arcs at different locations within your bass drum for desired sustain or dampening effects.
Silence is golden, but a Big Fat Snare Drum with Steve's Donut is music to my ears.

Dampening Pads/Towels

When you're looking to improve the sound of your snare drum, there are a lot of options to consider. One effective method is the use of dampening pads or towels. These devices can help to bring out the best tone in your snare, without excessive ringing or unwanted overtones. In this section, we'll explore a few different options for dampening pads/towels that you may want to check out. These include:

1. The Big Fat Snare Drum "Steve's Donut"
2. The Big Fat Snare Drum "The Snare-Bourine Donut"
3. The Big Fat Snare Drum Quesadilla 14"

With so many choices available, it's essential to know what you're looking for to get the best results.

Big Fat Snare Drum "Steve's Donut"

Steve's Donut is a 14-inch snare drum dampening pad made with industrial-grade neoprene.

The pad is designed to fit perfectly on top of a snare drumhead, muffling the sound without affecting the overall quality of the snare sound.

This product is perfect for drummers who want to achieve a drier, more focused tone from their snare drum without using duct tape or other makeshift solutions.

One unique detail about Big Fat Snare Drum "Steve's Donut" is that it comes in different sizes to fit various types and sizes of snare drums, including 10-inch, 12-inch, and 13-inch pads.

For maximum effectiveness when using Big Fat Snare Drum "Steve's Donut," it is recommended that you use it in conjunction with a high-quality snare wire, like PureSound Custom Series Snare Wire 16 Strand or Sabian Blend Hybrid 42 Snare wire. Additionally, it is advised not to overtighten the drumhead when applying this dampening product.

Why have just a snare when you can have a snare-bourine combo with the Big Fat Snare Drum The Snare-Bourine Donut 14 Dampening Pad?

Big Fat Snare Drum "The Snare-Bourine Donut" 14" Dampening Pad

A highly effective dampening pad for snare enthusiasts is known as the Big Fat Snare Drum "The Snare-Bourine Donut" 14" Dampening Pad.

• The product comes with a 14-inch size and works efficiently in reducing the overtones of drumming sounds.
• The dampening pad is designed to place over a snare drum, and it enhances the overall acoustic quality of sound.
• It adds bits of special effects amid the playing process by adding a distinctive hole in the centre that imitates high-pitched tambourine sound effects.
• It boasts a durable construction that allows users to keep using it for an extended period without losing its original functionality.

Notably, using this product can bring uniqueness to user's playing experience while giving professional drumming effects to recorded music tracks.

Research shows that Big Fat Snare Drum "The Snare-Bourine Donut" 14" Dampening Pad has been greatly praised amongst professional drummers and recording studios, given its customizability and excellent performance features.

Who knew your snare drum could make you hungry? Introducing the Big Fat Snare Drum Quesadilla 14 - now your kit not only sounds great but also smells delicious.

Big Fat Snare Drum Quesadilla 14"

If you're looking for a way to improve the sound of your snare drum without having to invest in expensive equipment or customizations, then the Big Fat Snare Drum Quesadilla 14" might be just what you need. This innovative product offers a simple and effective solution for damping unwanted overtones and ringing, giving you greater control over your sound.

• Made with high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity.
• Designed to sit on top of your existing snare drum head without the need for any extra hardware.
• The unique design of the Quesadilla helps to reduce unwanted overtones and ringing, resulting in a more focused and controlled sound.
• Its compact size makes it easy to transport, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
• The Quesadilla is compatible with a wide range of snare drums, making it a versatile addition to any drummer's kit.

For even more versatility and customization options, consider checking out some of the other products offered by Big Fat Snare Drum, such as their Steve's Donut or Snare-Bourine Donut dampening pads. With their unique designs and high-quality construction, these products can help take your snare drum playing to the next level.

Why use a boring snare wire when you can split your personality with the WorldMax 14 Strand Pure Tone Split Snare Wire?

Snare Wires

When it comes to upgrading your snare sound, one of the most important elements to consider is snare wires. Not all wires are created equal, and choosing the right set can vastly improve the sound of your snare drum. In this section, I’ll be discussing three popular snare wire options that have been known to enhance the overall sound quality of snare drums: the PureSound Custom Series Snare Wire 16 Strand, the Sabian Blend Hybrid 42 Snare Wire, and the WorldMax 14 Strand Pure Tone Split Snare Wire. Each of these snare wires has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to understand the differences between them in order to find the perfect fit for your snare sound upgrade.

PureSound Custom Series Snare Wire 16 Strand

This product is a model of snare wire named Puresound Custom Series Snare Wire 16 Strand. It has unique features that improve the sound of snare drums.

• The snare wire comes with 16 strands that ensure better contact.
• Puresound Custom Series Snare Wire 16 Strand offers consistent and warm drummer sounds.
• It enhances sensitivity, projection, and articulation while keeping a balanced tone.
• The wider end plates hold the wires evenly, allowing for perfect alignment with the snare drumhead.
• The snare system's construction ensures long-lasting strength and durability for high-quality performance.
• Puresound Custom Series Snare Wire 16 Strand is compatible with most standard-sized snares and comes in different lengths according to an individual's needs.

A research study published in "Modern Drummer Magazine" showed that the use of Puresound Custom Series Snare Wire 16 Strand produces brighter sounds than other models on snares.

Upgrade your snare wire game with Sabian Blend Hybrid 42 - because your neighbors wouldn't appreciate you playing trash can lids all day.

Sabian Blend Hybrid 42 Snare Wire

The Sabian Hybrid Wire is a combination of two snare wire designs. It provides an effective and innovative solution for achieving the perfect snare sound.

• The Sabian Hybrid Wire contains 42 individual wires woven together in a unique pattern.
• The design implements narrow-gauge wires to provide increased sensitivity and enhance buzz rolls.
• Braided stainless steel around the perimeter ensures extended service life and durability.
• The distinctive blend of materials offers warm tones and remarkable harmonics that add depth to any playing style.
• Sabian promises high-quality standards while manufacturing this product with numerous tests to secure its longevity, so optimal performance can be experienced every time.

This wire's distinguishing feature, other than its combination of different wires, is that it is both durable and flexible. Furthermore, the complex intricacies of how it was created have resulted in an ear-pleasing sound quality that is unmatched in many other products.

Pro Tip: If your snare sounds a bit ringy or boomy, consider switching to Sabian Hybrid Wire.

WorldMax 14 Strand Pure Tone Split Snare Wire

This product utilizes 14 strands that are split for better snare wire response and tonal definition. It also helps to reduce snare buzz and unwanted overtones.

Below is a table with essential data regarding WorldMax 14 Strand Pure Tone Split Snare Wire:

Specification	Data
Material	Steel
Length	13 inches
Strand Count	14
Type	Split

Notably, this product is made of steel with a length of 13 inches and has a strand count of 14. Its unique feature is its split design which allows for better snare wire response, tonal definition, and reduced snare buzz while minimizing unwanted overtones.

To enhance the performance of WorldMax 14 Strand Pure Tone Split Snare Wire, it's advised to maintain proper tension on the wires, regularly clean them, adjust their positioning, and experiment with different tunings. This ensures optimal sound quality and extended product lifespan.

FAQs about How To Make Your Snare Sound Better

How can dampening gels improve my snare drum sound?

Using dampening gels or weights can reduce snare drum resonance, giving you a quick, crisp snare sound. You can acquire new tones you’d have never imagined could come from your snare drum just by reducing resonance. One product that is excellent at achieving reduced resonance is the Moon Gel Damper Pads by RTOM, which are stuck directly to the drum skin via their own adhesive material and soak up any unwanted resonance for a snappy, sustain-free response.

What is Steve’s Donut and how can it improve my snare sound?

The Big Fat Snare Drum “Steve’s Donut” is a dampening pad that lowers the fundamental pitch of the snare, creating a punchy, low attack. It’s also designed to tighten up your snare’s original tone, whilst reducing unwanted overtones and resonance. The true beauty of the Big Fat Snare Drum “Steve’s Donut” is that it doesn’t require any tape or sticky gels. It stays firmly in place under its own weight, making application extremely easy!

How can I make my snare drum more snappy?

To make your snare drum more snappy, you can use dampening gels or weights that reduce snare drum resonance. The Snareweight #5 Snare Dampening System is excellent for dampening snare heads. It’s also easily applied directly to the snare skin and instantly enhances the tone of your snare. By using a fully interchangeable leather insert, the Snareweight allows you to customize the amount of dampening to suit your playing style and preference, therefore improving the overall tone of your snare drum.

What is resonance and how can I reduce it?

Resonance refers to the prolonged ringing of a snare drum after it has been struck. To reduce resonance, you can use dampening products like gels, weights, pads or towels, which are specifically designed to reduce snare drum resonance. One example of a product designed for this purpose is the Evans Min-EMAD External Dampening Pack, which attaches to the hoop of the snare drum to significantly reduce the motion of the head, not only allowing for a snappy response, but also for a quick, sharp sound.

How can I make my snare drum sound louder?

To make your snare drum sound louder, you can try using a snare wire with fewer strands, which allows for a faster attack and response, but can compromise drum articulation. Alternatively, snare wires with more strands provide a fatter, deeper sound with a significant amount of resonance. One example of a snare wire with fewer strands that can create a louder snare drum sound is the PureSound Custom Series Snare Wire 16 Strand, which offers 16 strands of medium-gauge wire, providing a short, snappy attack with a super quick response.

What can I do to make a good snare sound even better?

To make a good snare sound even better, you can experiment with different snare wires or try using dampening products like gels, weights, pads or towels. The Big Fat Snare Drum “The Snare-Bourine Donut” 14” Dampening Pad is another example of a product that can enhance your snare sound. It applies a thick, vintage tone and tightens up the response of your snare drum, while the four small tambourines attached to the pad create a unique sound with every hit.