FAQ
Info on snare drums
Drum Art handcrafted snare drums are professional instruments rigorously handmade in Italy. We process selected wood in our factory, which has been naturally seasoned for 4 to 10 years, a characteristic that guarantees its stability and maximizes its tonal qualities. We create and assemble the staves with the utmost care, pairing the most compatible ones to create drums that are balanced in sound and aesthetics.
To achieve maximum solidity, the staves are joined by a dowel (male) of the same wood and perfectly welded by special glues for high-quality stringed instruments, produced specifically for each type of wood. The resulting 20-stave body (16 in the Fat-Boy model) is then meticulously turned (mechanically planed) on the outside, while on the inside we leave the slight facets of the staves to promote the right sound reflections.
The bearing edge has angles designed specifically to maximize the performance of the skin, achieve exceptional sensitivity, and allow us, with full control over the harmonics, to sculpt the tone of each model like sound designers. The wood is then reinforced with an insulating treatment that stabilizes it and makes it inert to atmospheric agents. A light sanding precedes the transparent wood-effect varnish, and finally we obtain a beautiful and solid body with a thickness of 27 mm (24 mm in the Fat-Boy model).
The snare bed is another important aspect of the shell that has a decisive influence on the sound of the snare drum. That’s why we have put all our experience and craftsmanship into ensuring maximum adhesion of the snare to the head, while leaving the latter with excellent resonance. The hardware, secured with anodized screws, consists of solid, brushed anticorodal blocks, stainless steel tension rods with a special optimized pitch for quick and durable tuning, 2.3 mm triple-flange Power Hoops, and a brass snare mechanism with microtune technology that makes it particularly precise and reliable. Finally, the 20/42-strand Pearl tailpiece is mounted, held in place by two efficient orange braided cotton straps, and Remo Ambassador heads are fitted. All elements are expertly chosen and calibrated to achieve optimal sensitivity, wide dynamic range, volume, powerful attack, and harmonic control. Even the smallest choice is made in synergy with the technology enclosed in our prodigious and vibrant stave shell, with the sole objective of creating the specific and surprising sound that distinguishes Drum Art products around the world: a richness of tone capable of thrilling every professional musician.
The snare drum is the central element of the acoustic drum kit, but it is also a musical instrument used in orchestras and bands. The quality of the construction of the shell, the mechanics, and the materials used determine the level of professionalism of the instrument, which is reflected in its sensitivity and consequent dynamic range, tonal quality, tuning efficiency, strength, and durability. Versatility is an appreciable plus.
Guide to snare drums
The best snare drum is the one that allows you to express your musical intent to the fullest, even beyond your expectations, and that does not hinder your creative and executive flow.
The choice is therefore very subjective, linked to the way you play and the genres you tackle. Often you have two or more favorite snare drums, used depending on the situation, or there are those who prefer to focus on the versatility of the instrument. Although it is a subjective choice, there are snare drums that are objectively better than others in terms of dynamic qualities, timbre, and materials.
The choice of material for the snare drum shell is naturally subjective and is mainly linked to the tonal qualities sought in the instrument. In a nutshell, it is customary to say that metal snare drums typically have a brighter sound shifted towards the mid-high frequencies, while wooden snare drums have a fuller, warmer sound. However, experience tells us that construction technology determines the real tonal difference between wood and metal, and our handcrafted aluminum snare drum with a bronze texture is a striking example of this.
The snare drum is tuned by tightening the drumheads. There are several techniques that allow you to achieve the desired sound, but you always proceed step by step. For example, start with a basic tuning, represented by the minimum tension achieved by tightening the tension screws by hand, both on the resonant head and the batter head, then use the key to make adjustments of one to half a turn, either trying to tune the heads to the same note or, for example, creating an imbalance and tuning the resonant head a few semitones higher or lower than the batter head, adjusting with ¼ turn increments, then attach the snare wire. Over-tightening the heads can damage them. Our Fat-Boy snare drum can be tuned using a single tension rod.
Even an inexpensive snare drum should produce a fairly satisfactory sound without any particular effort, but if you want to change the tone of your instrument because you are dissatisfied with it, it may help to fit higher quality skins or vary the tuning. With Drum Art snare drums, you can’t go wrong: the skins are top quality, the construction is excellent, and the performance is first class.
The condition of the batter head and resonant head deteriorates with wear and tear, so it is very important to replace them when signs of wear appear. Generally, if the snare drum is played daily, the heads should be replaced after a year.
There are various types of snare wires, with different widths, materials, number of strands, and number of coils per strand. Each one has a different sound based on its characteristics, more or less bright, more or less articulate, more or less powerful. In general, the more strands the snare wire has, the more it influences the sound of the snare drum. Drum Art snare drums come standard with 20-strand Pearl Ultrasound snare wires (42 strands on 7“ and 8”) because they have the right characteristics to help create the rich, balanced sound that sets them apart.
We recommend checking the snare wire tension regularly and assessing its condition after a year of use.
Snare drum care
Given that every instrument must be handled with care, routine maintenance of the snare drum involves cleaning it after each use with a microfiber cloth: a small precaution that prevents oxidation of the mechanics. We also recommend not exposing it to sunlight for too long and not leaving the instrument in humid environments.
Contact us immediately to assess the extent of the damage and arrange for repairs.
For the barrel, we recommend a multi-purpose cleaning spray for wood. For the hardware, periodically brush with a metal polish (e.g., Sidol).
To keep your string winder working at peak efficiency, we recommend removing it from the snare drum once a year and thoroughly degreasing the gears with acetone using a small brush. For routine maintenance, we recommend keeping the adjustment wheel clean at all times.
Guide to chopsticks
There is a huge variety of drumsticks on the market, and choosing the right one is no easy task. For us, the drumstick is a complementary tool to the drum, and we see it as an extension of the musician’s hand. For this reason, it must fit perfectly, and in order to choose the right one, you need to touch it with your hand and try it on the instrument. In general, the alphanumeric classification categorizes the type of drumstick, then you need to evaluate
the weight, length, material, neck line, and tip. In a nutshell, a long drumstick has a greater striking range and therefore unleashes more power and can be held at different heights, while a short drumstick is more agile and maneuverable and has a faster rebound; a pronounced tip will have a more decisive ping on the cymbals and a more controlled rebound, while a smaller tip will be softer and have a faster rebound; finally, the neck also affects the balance, rebound, and volume of the rimshot.
Generally, 7A and 5A drumsticks are also suitable for children aged 8 and up because they are light and have a thin diameter. Among the Drum Art models, the 7AS Future Drummer sticks are particularly suitable for younger children because they are slightly shorter than the 7A sticks.
The classification of drumsticks using alphanumeric codes dates back to the 20th century and originated in the USA. According to this convention, the different types of drumsticks are identified by codes such as 2B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 7A, and 7B. The number refers to the diameter, while the letter defines the musical context. The higher the number, the thinner the stick. As for the context, the letter “A” refers to softer contexts, while the letter “B” refers to situations where more volume is required. 5A sticks are in the middle of this scale and are in fact the most widely used and versatile. However, these dimensions are not universally established, and the actual diameter of each type varies from brand to brand.
Purchases
Our products are shipped in custom cardboard packaging.
Professional snare drums come with a professional semi-rigid case included in the price.
We usually ship to our stores within 24 hours of receiving an order.
For products that are not available in stock, the waiting time is 30 working days.
Credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer.
Yes. Drum Art gift cards will soon be available for purchase online.
Warranty
All snare drums come with a 4-year warranty: 2 years in accordance with European regulations and an additional 2 years offered by Drum Art. The warranty does not cover damage caused by drops, impacts, or neglect of the instrument.
If you do not have your warranty, download it at this link.
Yes, they all come with a certificate of origin.