Hanging out with my trusty big kit today, and I wanted to delve into a topic that always sparks a lot of questions: snare drums!

A Longstanding Love Affair (12"x7" Maple):

Since embarking on my big kit journey way back in 1996, I've been a loyal user of a 12"x7" maple snare. This classic red glass beauty (the one you see here on the kit) has been a constant companion. Back in the day, drummers like Dennis Chambers were rocking this size, and that distinctive cracky sound totally captured my young, impressionable drummer ears. Of course, I didn't sound exactly like Dennis (yet!), but hey, at least I had the sound down!

Space Constraints and a Shift in Sound (13"x5" Maple):

Fast forward to today's larger kit setup. With my 20" bass drums, pedal placement becomes a bit of a squeeze with a 14" snare. The 12"x7" fits perfectly, allowing more comfortable positioning for all those extra pedals.

Recently, my YouTube content has featured a lot of tracks with backbeats. For these sections, I craved a thicker, more pronounced snare sound. While my 12"x7" shines as a high tom in my solo work, the backbeat sections needed more "snare" character.

Enter this handsome 13"x5" maple snare! It's been quietly hanging out in my collection for a while, and about six months ago, I decided to give it a shot. The transition from the 12"x7" has been eye-opening (and leg-opening – in a good way!). The 13" still gives me enough space for comfortable pedal placement, while delivering that rich, full snare sound I was seeking for backbeats.

Change is Good!

Sometimes, a switch-up can be just as refreshing as a vacation! I'm loving the tonal possibilities of the 13"x5" snare,not just for backbeats, but for my overall sound. It's a great reminder that experimentation can lead to exciting drumming discoveries.

So, What's in Your Snare Arsenal?

This video just scratches the surface of the snare drum universe! What snares are your go-to choices? Share your experiences and preferences in the comments below!

Here at Grant Drums Academy, we encourage exploring different sounds and finding the perfect gear to fuel your drumming creativity. Happy drumming, everyone!