Tama, Pearl, Ludwig myself. You guys are quickly becoming my favorite gear review channel. Great insight, information, and product spotlight with just enough fluff to keep it interesting. Keep it up fellas!
Extra scene needed: All three on stands in same room. One rudiment played on each in succession. Next rudiment played, next, next. Then Rim shots. Brushes. Bamboo. Cross stick. You get the idea.
Ludwig here. One thing drummers should remember, when spending their money.... The audience listening, really can’t tell an expensive drum from a cheaper one, even if the drummer can. They are really more interested in a drummer’s playing. Often, playing in a guitar or big band, only the snare and cymbals can be heard clearly.. The toms and bass drum sound very similar to an audience, irrespective of the price of drums. It’s the drummer that makes the kit....not the other way around.
When I was 17teen I used to play on very cheap drums and cymbals... But people always noticed only the aggressive way I was playing. It was more about the entertainment... They had never seen a "metal player" since it was a small town. But honestly I was feeling uncomfortable playing those dead crashes with no sound, sustain or volume whatsoever.
The Ludwig Supra-lite is my main driver. With the 6.5X14 Supra-phonic listing at about $550, I gave this one a shot and found that it gives me everything I want, and very, very close to that Supra-phonic sound and feel. There's nothing missing for me.
Your right.. I think it's because John bonham played it is why it's $600? Ludwigs just a good brand. The cheeper ones fine. Or even the brass one sounds amazing for $200 or $350 whatever they are?
The Ludwig is amazing. I bought the 6.5 deep shell and I'll tell you it sounds as good as my more expensive brass snares. I was shocked by how well this drum sounds. This guy has it tuned at a lower pitch than what I do, and at the higher scale it really has great articulation. As a matter of fact, I think it sounds best tuned at the higher range.
@@davidpfeifer9489 i have thr same size one! I got it and it was tuned super high and rimshots cut through so much i tuned it a bit lower but still high to get rid of the harshness. Looove it! I like to have a funky high but dry snare i feel like it compliments my other drums well i have a ludwig kit 22 12 16 18 and that 13x6 really compliments the big ludwigs. I want to get a new ludwig kit with a 24 kick. I was worried that it wouldnt keep up with my kit but i think its quite opposite
I have the ludwig superlite great snare drum. But don't forget about yamaha stage custom steel with 10 lugs and inverted center bead. A great price and when on sale goes for $100 dollars. It sounds just as good as the others.
Haven't priced one of these lately but I paid $198 for my Pearl free-floating steel shell some time ago and I'm still using it to this day it sounds great!
Love all of the content you’ve been putting out on TH-cam. I know sometimes comments like “skip to the playing” appear, but please keep the talking parts! I love learning about different products and nuances of the instrument, things I wouldn’t have considered before.
Thanks, that's great to hear! We certainly can relate to having a short attention span, but we figure people can always just fast forward if we're boring them.
Yeah this makes sense and easier to skip thru with the remote on the tv or hovering the mouse, keep the shots consistent and makes the search easier. Only thing I'd do is add a three second clip of each drum, then goto the next so we can hear them back to back instead of skipping around in the video like I did. I've also recorded the sounds on audacity and made it easier lol.
No complaints about the sound of any of them. All sound good to me. I just acquired a new Thai made 14 x 7 CMC steel snare drum for 2,500 Thai baht which I believe is 76 US dollars. This was including delivery (in Thailand.) I bought it out of curiosity more than anything else and put a Remo Ambassador batter head on it. Sounds great in my humble opinion. It holds its own with some more well known brands I own.
The Ludwig was good here. I watched a watched a band play before me once and the drummer had one. The back line kit was fully mic’d up and I couldn’t believe my ears. He told me that he switched out the throw and wires and that was the difference. It was really dialed in and sounded just as good as a LM402.
Great review guys I would place them at Tama number one then Ludwig and last pearl. I would also like to say the Yamaha stage custom steel is just as good for almost half the price.
Definitely can't beat a supralite. Those are just bad ass snares. But then again every snare I've seen on a DCP video was tuned so well. Even the theme music snare is insane.
I own a 6.5 Supralite and man, it is my favorite steel snare drum I’ve ever heard. I put 24 strand brass puresound snare wires on it with an Evans Calftone over a thin 2mil snare side. After I did that to it I feel like it’s a “poor man’s COB”
Tama SLP Black Metal or Tama SLP Hand Hammered Vintage metal snare. The Hand Hammered is the same process used on the Mike Portnoy signatures. Lighter metal, but they sound so close so if you want that sound for half the price, get the SLP HH vintage. It sounds good for any genre. Literally. All around $200 new or used for less.
All three sound great, but without buying anything else to enhance the snare, the Tama is the best buy. With buying heads/wires/strainer to enhance the snare, the Ludwig is the winner. Thanks for the great info and keeps the videos coming!
"Note" It's only fair to mention Tony was playing all the snare's with his left stick hand butt first. That will absolutely change the sound endlessly. Still great 🥁🔫out!
I think it's amazing what kind of drums are available now days at a very affordable price.Thanks Shane for putting this out there for the guys who truly our looking for the best bang for there buck.Any one of these snares can do the job.As far as replacing snare wires or heads,I've had to do that on snares that cost a lot more to get the sound I was looking for.These are great drums for the money . Shane how about doing one for wood snares for say under $350.00 down the road.?
If you can find one (they were discontinued), get a Pearl Session Elite snare. They usually go used for around $100. WORTH. EVERY. PENNY. Trust me! I've had more than one audio engineer compliment me on how amazing it sounds!
My old Yamaha steel power v sounds like a Recording Custom steel. It's easy to have great sound for cheaper price like the 3 you show. Good video like every time. Your channel is the best for drummers, good subjects, very very good sound.
I can clearly vouch for the ludwig! Just bought one, and it sounds amazing for the pricepoint, and Even NOT for the pricepoint. Great drum to take on the road!
Personally i Really dig the Remo powerstroke P4 coated! Gives you just enough control, without losing the overtones completely! However, a simple ambassador coated would probably do the trick as well! Depends on what sound you’re going for my man!
I own it and the power maple. They are both killer. I play in different bands, and both are versatile choices. There's just something extra cool about that deep steel snare with black chrome hardware.
Hey man. Fantasic test again. The final result in my opinion: 1. Ludwig 2.Tama 3. Pearl For me the Yamaha Stage Custom in 6.5 is the one. I took Remo Ambassador Heads on top and bottom + Puresound wires on it. Many professional musicans asked me: Is this a superspecial sounding Ludwig? 😜- the sound is awsome and focused. The price is unbeatable: Snare 139,- € + Drumheads + Wires = under 200,- € !!! Currently my main snare next to my Ayotte and Yamaha Steve Gadd snare. Greetings from Germany
Tama speaks to me best, I think it's the thicker shell that adds the nice body. Great video, maybe just one tip - it'd be nice if the drummer played the same groove with each drum, for a better comparison.
The sad thing about the supralite Is the hardware, lugs and strainer are cheap despite the good tone. So if you look for a 6,5" steel affordable snare this Tama or the Yamaha stage Custom steel are the best ones.
With a better head, the Pearl possibly could move from 3 to 1 with the Tama being 1. The Ludwig could be right there at 1 but nothing worse than dealing with a bad throw-off at a gig. I think the Room Mic demo reveals the most.
I've come to appreciate the feel of a snare as much as the sound over the years. I have an orange county snare and tama slp both of similar price points but the tama slp makes me sound a better player because it feels way more responsive and so much more enjoyable to play. I like the sound of the Ludwig though so might have to check out how they feel!
Hands down the Supralite, I got a 13x6 used for $99 and I can’t tell the difference between that and my supraphonic side by side! Tip: use the Evans genera dry with the pin holes
Beginning drummer's are spoiled now. Christmas 1989 for $179 a SP100 "sound percussion" or CB700 14x5.5 was IT. From there the price bump was around $459. IMO Tama is the way to go. The P35 throw off is notoriously sticky, noisy and pearls lower-end hoops tend to flex under higher tensions. As always, well done gentlemen! Is there any chance you would consider a Portsmouth West shop? The very few boutique shops we have are terrible. Their staffing is too cool for school, too busy twirling sticks and talking about their last gig rather than helping a potential customer. All of you guys are extremely knowledgeable and it seems like you have a lot of fun at your jobs. Most importantly your accessible. "Portsmouth West" It's got a nice ring to it!
I actually own this supralite and loved the sound of the cheap head it came with strangely. Ludwig said they have no more so I put a better head on it and still loved the sound of the stock head but the snare still sounds killer period!
I got the 14*6.5, I like it a lot. Also got the 14*8, and that is a beast! If you play a small setup, that snare drum will bring in some low end, low mids and make you sound bigger! That tone comes from the weight though, and the 14*8 is heavy to carry around!
I have the supraphonic lm402 and it blew me away how much better it sounds compared to a snare that comes with complete drum sets...export, decade maple etc.
Sound-wise, most to least favored, it would be Pearl, Ludwig, and then Tama. That's not saying Tama sounded bad. They all sounded great in fact. Just my personal liking went in that order as far as sound. Thanks for the comparison. I'd like to see another set of snares from other manufacturers you sell like this for under $200. Maybe get some wood snares in there. :)
The Tama and the Ludwig are my faves of the day... Both have plenty of attack and crack.. But also have mid and low end body... just love that for such affordable snare drums.. You guys rock..
Wow, what snare was that in the intro, sounding superb!? I can't believe I'm saying this but do I actually prefer the sound of a Pearl product to Tama!? I think that Pearl even sounds better than the Ludwig! nuts, I am looking for a 2nd snare and Im leaning towards a metal snare to play more blast beats and punky stuff with, and that Pearl has such a pleasing crack to it, it's outstanding. A lot has to be said about the incredible sounding room this channel has, my god, that whole kit sounds amazing no matter what snare you put on it, not to mention the mics themselves, the expert placement and mixing. I have never been a fan of Pearl, but I need to rethink this prejudice and check out that Modern Utility snare some more.
okay, so it doesn't exist anymore. Pearl realized it was too good of a product to sell for 200 and there are like 0 used ones online, because its so good! any suggestions for another cheap metal snare that sounds so crunchy and full like that pearl?
All of them sound good to my ear, but if I have to choose one, that would be Tama. And as others said in their comments, you should definitively include Yamaha Steel in this video, great snare for the price. Best regards from distant Belgrade, Serbia, ex-Yugoslavia :)
A vintage acrolite can be picked up for under $200 any day of the week, I picked up my 80's black sparkle acrolite for $35 at a pawn shop (practically brand new, with case stand and practice pad). You can sometimes find Supraphonics for under $200 used. I just bought my 70's b/o pointy badge Super Sensitive for $160 locally. I'm not sure why new Ludwig's are selling for more than highly desirable vintage ones, but a great snare can be had for a lot less if you're willing to take the time to look. BUT that Superlite sounds pretty damn good too.
Great review again DCP !! I own 5.5", 6.5" and 8" Supralites.. I had 4x14 but didn't use it so much so I sold it.. I do agree they sound absolutely amazing for the price. We record every day in studio (Chagneau) with these and we can not believe our ears. We usually just change the snare side head to a Ludwig clear weather master and that's all Very impressive to say the least. Not a single problem with the strainer since around 2,5 years now... I find also, on this video, the Pearl kind of surprising. But maybe has to be tamed a little for recording as it can sounds blurr. Thanks for the great vid !
Great video, real helpful. Guess Ludwigs experience goes way back to the Radio King snare perfection and Black Beauty that still kill it today, so no surprise that company can produce great snares with ease.
Ludwig, Tama, Pearl for me. Though not I think Ludwig and Tama are just as good. I prefer the snappier sound of the Ludwig, but the Tama has more impact/depth. For these affordable steel snares, I think my favourite might be the 5" Gretsch nickel over steel. I like it's sound the most, and here, it's the cheapest. Looks great too, though Ludwig too. Though I reckon with the right damping and a couple of little upgrades, the Ludwig would be killer.
I have one too. Great inexpensive snare. 10 lugs, stays in tune. Still well under $200. I play it more than any of my other snares, kind of my "daily driver".
The first place is only for one of these great Snares, the best is Ludwig Supralight; more body sound, straight clear sound and that Classic crunch beat you can found in a Starphonic or a black beauty… Súper Snare
I bought a Ludwig Acrolite Black Galaxy 14"×6,5". Everytime I played a gig the PA guy came to ask what snare I used because it sounded great AND was easy to mix. I am really am a Tama guy but I miss some mid-tones in this one so I go the Pearl snare in this one.
Well of course it's pretty personal which snare drum is better, but my overall impression is Ludwig sounds more solid and focused. Thanks for this great quick view, you guys making amazing vids of drum stuff.
Love your videos Shane. Keep up the good work. The Ludwig and the Pearl had overtones I didn’t care for. The Tama was best for my tastes.. but.. it’s also the most expensive out of the three. Tama hands down for me!
Keep in mind the Supralites throw off has been upgraded (to a really good throw off imo, i really like it). So the Supralites are even more of a no brainer now. I dont understand people who take the stock heads into consideration on a new drum. Its like if a guitar player (which i am primarily) were to say "id rather get the squier bullet strat over the Fender custom shop strat cause the Squier bullet has new strings". Its a non issue what heads the drum comes with, youll eventually have to change the head anyways and in most cases head choice is highly personal so even if Ludwig put fantastic heads on the Supralites many drummers would still change it immediately. Lol smh. With all that said the stock heads on my 14"x6.5" were perfectly fine. Not ideal but sounded plenty good and would have lasted for a good while if i needed them to. Anyways the new strainer/throw off on the Supralites are really fantastic. It stays in place, has a good feel, is easy to operate, doesnt feel cheap and you dont have to disengage it to adjust the tension. And Ludwig listening to customer feedback and updating the throw off/strainer shows they actually care about making good quality instruments even in their more affordable range.
I didn't realize that tama was a 10 lug. I'm not a fan of 8 lug snares (other than the acrolite), the pearl snare doesn't appear to have the usual shortcomings, in person may be a different story. The supralite I already knew was a great snare, you could have mentioned it comes in different sizes, for the same price usually. Great sounding cymbals, especially the ride! Great playing from Tony!
Every time I watch one of your videos I can't help but think I wish you had a store in the Chicago area.Shane you would kill it in this location.We are starving for a high quality drum shop in the south suburbs of chicago.!!! Maybe some day.!!!
What I like about each of these is that there's a different characteristic within each of them that really make them sound great. One of the snare I'd really love to hear are some of the Sonor AQ2 Steel Snares, but hardly anyone's doing reviews of the AQ2 series kits other than the Safari, Martini, or Bop kits, I still have yet to see a review of the Stage or Studio setup.
They all have great potential, especially for being under $200. What do you think about 42 strand wires with premium heads? My guess is that a blind test would fool a lot of experienced Drummers! Another great DCP Experience!
tmaddrummer I took off my 42 strand from my SLP Bubinga for Sabians hybrids. 42 is way overkill for anything that isnt soft and delicate music. Really hard to control the snare buzz in louder volume music. I had it paired with a Fiberskyn head which sounded cool for a classic sound, but the 42 snare is overkill outside of soft music.
Glad you're liking the videos, man. Remo USA heads with some Canopus Backbeat wires would make any one of these snares hit way above their price point!
FanaticalDrummer I’ve got 42 strands with Yamaha wood hoops and a Remo Fiberskyn batter on a modern Ludwig Acrolite that is outta this world! If only all strainers could do what Sonor Duo-Glide does, but that’s a whole different Drum and expense account. Merry Christmas Y’all!!!
Hi, great great reviews! For my taste the Pearl is the best all around! Second, the Ludwig (I have the 5,5 x14 version and it's awesome)! Last one Tama! It's sound good too but not my taste!
Thank you guys from DCP! Another very helpful review. Thanks for all the enthusiasm, time and effort you are always putting in! Shane, could you tell me which better quality Ludwig throw-off can replace the Supralite's without any drilling? Thanks!
It'd be nice to add in the descriptions of these videos the mics, pres, and processing used. It is a big percentage of the overall sound. Cause an affordable snare with high-end gear will sound far different and top quality vs using a regular 57 straight into a focusrite scarlett. Do it for us, gear nerds please lol
I love the ludwig sound the best. Honestly the batter head is definitely personal preference, so i don't care if it has a factory head. As long as it's great build and great sound, then I'm all in.
All three of these are great and you can't go wrong on any, but given the hardware and the finish and the skins and sound I would choose the Tama ! I love the trash can color too, cus its different....
Tama, Pearl, Ludwig myself. You guys are quickly becoming my favorite gear review channel. Great insight, information, and product spotlight with just enough fluff to keep it interesting. Keep it up fellas!
Thanks, man. We do our best to keep it light and informative.
The Ludwig is my favorite, these lugs and the sound like a pro snare, the best.
It's sounds like John Bonham snare!
Just bought one.
Extra scene needed: All three on stands in same room. One rudiment played on each in succession. Next rudiment played, next, next. Then Rim shots. Brushes. Bamboo. Cross stick. You get the idea.
Value = Tama
Sound = Ludwig
Ludwig here.
One thing drummers should remember, when spending their money....
The audience listening, really can’t tell an expensive drum from a cheaper one, even if the drummer can.
They are really more interested in a drummer’s playing.
Often, playing in a guitar or big band, only the snare and cymbals can be heard clearly..
The toms and bass drum sound very similar to an audience, irrespective of the price of drums.
It’s the drummer that makes the kit....not the other way around.
Thomas Nappo
Also, the risk of damage factor should be considered when gigging.
Who cares whether the audience can't differentiate cheap from expensive. A good sounding drum has a good sounding feel to the drummer.
Milkman
Not everyone can afford expensive drums, remember.
When I was 17teen I used to play on very cheap drums and cymbals... But people always noticed only the aggressive way I was playing. It was more about the entertainment... They had never seen a "metal player" since it was a small town. But honestly I was feeling uncomfortable playing those dead crashes with no sound, sustain or volume whatsoever.
Yeah man, I gig a cheap ass kit, and a set of PST7's. The heads are worth more than the drums...
The Ludwig Supra-lite is my main driver. With the 6.5X14 Supra-phonic listing at about $550, I gave this one a shot and found that it gives me everything I want, and very, very close to that Supra-phonic sound and feel. There's nothing missing for me.
Your right.. I think it's because John bonham played it is why it's $600? Ludwigs just a good brand. The cheeper ones fine. Or even the brass one sounds amazing for $200 or $350 whatever they are?
@@MM-ig1iv The Universal Brass I think? Yes, around $300. I like those even better than the Supralite, and the Supralite is very good.
2:44 Tama
5:30 Pearl
8:12 Ludwig
thänks a lot! i hate that sh*t load of talking -.-
@@DaKaisaVonChina Italians and Americans tend to do that :P
@@benjaminkip9143 and Italian-Americans! (American-Italians as well)
The Ludwig is amazing. I bought the 6.5 deep shell and I'll tell you it sounds as good as my more expensive brass snares. I was shocked by how well this drum sounds. This guy has it tuned at a lower pitch than what I do, and at the higher scale it really has great articulation. As a matter of fact, I think it sounds best tuned at the higher range.
Bruce Villa yessir , high tuning and you can't go wrong with the supralite.
Chris Hooliganhubrich Yeah I have the 13x6 and love it! I play jazz mostly but it’s great for that I was shocked. Only $99 at guitar center
🤥
@@davidpfeifer9489 i have thr same size one! I got it and it was tuned super high and rimshots cut through so much i tuned it a bit lower but still high to get rid of the harshness. Looove it! I like to have a funky high but dry snare i feel like it compliments my other drums well i have a ludwig kit 22 12 16 18 and that 13x6 really compliments the big ludwigs. I want to get a new ludwig kit with a 24 kick. I was worried that it wouldnt keep up with my kit but i think its quite opposite
I think it sounds best tuned low, thats how I use it in recordings. It loses some of it thump high and thats where this drum shines imo
I have the ludwig superlite great snare drum. But don't forget about yamaha stage custom steel with 10 lugs and inverted center bead.
A great price and when on sale goes for $100 dollars. It sounds just as good as the others.
Ronald Zeoli I'm gonna get that Yamaha soon.
Wizzle I got the 13x6 supralite for 100
Yeah! Best steel snare for the buck!
Yamaha my favourite
I have had the supralite and sold It while the stage custom steel Is still with me.
Haven't priced one of these lately but I paid $198 for my Pearl free-floating steel shell some time ago and I'm still using it to this day it sounds great!
Love all of the content you’ve been putting out on TH-cam. I know sometimes comments like “skip to the playing” appear, but please keep the talking parts! I love learning about different products and nuances of the instrument, things I wouldn’t have considered before.
Thanks, that's great to hear! We certainly can relate to having a short attention span, but we figure people can always just fast forward if we're boring them.
@@drumcenternh Shane always has one of the best no-BS introductions out there. Always a pleasure to hear his insight into things!
I like how the camera view switches to overhead for the overhead mics. Nice work guys!
Thanks, Thomas!
Yeah this makes sense and easier to skip thru with the remote on the tv or hovering the mouse, keep the shots consistent and makes the search easier. Only thing I'd do is add a three second clip of each drum, then goto the next so we can hear them back to back instead of skipping around in the video like I did. I've also recorded the sounds on audacity and made it easier lol.
No complaints about the sound of any of them. All sound good to me.
I just acquired a new Thai made 14 x 7 CMC steel snare drum for 2,500 Thai baht which I believe is 76 US dollars. This was including delivery (in Thailand.) I bought it out of curiosity more than anything else and put a Remo Ambassador batter head on it. Sounds great in my humble opinion. It holds its own with some more well known brands I own.
Where did u get that?
@@manuelmendoza6096 I got it on Lazada which is an online shopping platform in Thailand. Great service.
Dude! I'm just about to make a comment on that snare drum.
Agree with u. That product is cool for low budget.
With the full mix, and even the overheads, they all sound good. The Ludwig stood out compared to the rest w/room mics
The Ludwig was good here. I watched a watched a band play before me once and the drummer had one. The back line kit was fully mic’d up and I couldn’t believe my ears. He told me that he switched out the throw and wires and that was the difference. It was really dialed in and sounded just as good as a LM402.
I really appreciate that you did this review with the stock heads. Thank you!
For me it was Ludwig, Tama and Pearl and I am a Tama guy.
You're welcome! Many of us share your rankings, btw.
Wow!!!! All 3 snares sound good. But that Ludwig is awesome! And for being under 200 dollars you can't go wrong. Thanks
Thanks for watching, Frank!
Great review guys I would place them at Tama number one then Ludwig and last pearl. I would also like to say the Yamaha stage custom steel is just as good for almost half the price.
Definitely can't beat a supralite. Those are just bad ass snares. But then again every snare I've seen on a DCP video was tuned so well. Even the theme music snare is insane.
Thanks! The snare drum in the intro is a Dunnett Stainless Steel 14x6.5. Great drum.
HIGHLY recommend Yamaha stage custom steel snare to anyone looking for the cheapest option. $130 on guitar center right now
Good room, good player, good drum- just goes to show how far those things go for a fair price.
Thanks Chris. The room is a little wonky, thank goodness Tony knows how to mic it properly.
Tama for sure. I had its predecessor, the Tama Metal Works, and loved it. I wish I still had it! This demo is making me re-think steel snare drums!
I own a 6.5 Supralite and man, it is my favorite steel snare drum I’ve ever heard. I put 24 strand brass puresound snare wires on it with an Evans Calftone over a thin 2mil snare side. After I did that to it I feel like it’s a “poor man’s COB”
Tama SLP Black Metal or Tama SLP Hand Hammered Vintage metal snare. The Hand Hammered is the same process used on the Mike Portnoy signatures. Lighter metal, but they sound so close so if you want that sound for half the price, get the SLP HH vintage. It sounds good for any genre. Literally. All around $200 new or used for less.
All three sound great, but without buying anything else to enhance the snare, the Tama is the best buy. With buying heads/wires/strainer to enhance the snare, the Ludwig is the winner. Thanks for the great info and keeps the videos coming!
"Note" It's only fair to mention Tony was playing all the snare's with his left stick hand butt first. That will absolutely change the sound endlessly. Still great 🥁🔫out!
I think it's amazing what kind of drums are available now days at a very affordable price.Thanks Shane for putting this out there for the guys who truly our looking for the best bang for there buck.Any one of these snares can do the job.As far as replacing snare wires or heads,I've had to do that on snares that cost a lot more to get the sound I was looking for.These are great drums for the money . Shane how about doing one for wood snares for say under $350.00 down the road.?
I purchased a Ludwig Supralite steel 14"x 8" $199.
Killer snare drum, Great price!
Great review! It's Tama - Ludwig - Pearl for me. That Tama throw off is really nice.
Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!
If you can find one (they were discontinued), get a Pearl Session Elite snare. They usually go used for around $100. WORTH. EVERY. PENNY. Trust me!
I've had more than one audio engineer compliment me on how amazing it sounds!
My old Yamaha steel power v sounds like a Recording Custom steel. It's easy to have great sound for cheaper price like the 3 you show. Good video like every time. Your channel is the best for drummers, good subjects, very very good sound.
I bought the Pearl Utility snare on Shane’s advice. Everything thing he said about it was spot on.
I can clearly vouch for the ludwig! Just bought one, and it sounds amazing for the pricepoint, and Even NOT for the pricepoint. Great drum to take on the road!
Just ordered one, what's your favorite batter head
Personally i Really dig the Remo powerstroke P4 coated! Gives you just enough control, without losing the overtones completely! However, a simple ambassador coated would probably do the trick as well! Depends on what sound you’re going for my man!
I put diecast hoops on my Supralite and that took it to the next level
I wasted a lot of money doing that once...The die cast look great....No way sound better..I tried t0 lie to myself to justify it..
For just a little bit more you have the Tama Big Black Steel which is AMAZING
Sergio Diez Viñuela seriously. I bought one in April and it’s worth every penny and then some.
SLP HH vintage metal to. Fits all music!
I own it and the power maple. They are both killer. I play in different bands, and both are versatile choices. There's just something extra cool about that deep steel snare with black chrome hardware.
Got the 14x8 Supralite and it sounds KONG with a Remo Emperor X coated! Tryin' this snare batter for the first time...
Sound/Throw off-Tama
Beauty-Pearl
FAME-Ludwig
Hey man.
Fantasic test again.
The final result in my opinion:
1. Ludwig
2.Tama
3. Pearl
For me the Yamaha Stage Custom in 6.5 is the one.
I took Remo Ambassador Heads on top and bottom + Puresound wires on it.
Many professional musicans asked me: Is this a superspecial sounding Ludwig? 😜- the sound is awsome and focused. The price is unbeatable: Snare 139,- € + Drumheads + Wires = under 200,- € !!!
Currently my main snare next to my Ayotte and Yamaha Steve Gadd snare.
Greetings from Germany
I used the supralite for nearly 5 years as a gigging and recording snare until I had enough money to buy a supraphonic. Great snare for the price.
Tama speaks to me best, I think it's the thicker shell that adds the nice body.
Great video, maybe just one tip - it'd be nice if the drummer played the same groove with each drum, for a better comparison.
The sad thing about the supralite Is the hardware, lugs and strainer are cheap despite the good tone. So if you look for a 6,5" steel affordable snare this Tama or the Yamaha stage Custom steel are the best ones.
That Tama sounds hella good! It’s not always about price ya know.
1- Tama
2- Ludwig
3- Pearl
For quality yes, for sound its Ludwig all day.
With a better head, the Pearl possibly could move from 3 to 1 with the Tama being 1. The Ludwig could be right there at 1 but nothing worse than dealing with a bad throw-off at a gig. I think the Room Mic demo reveals the most.
Christian Canalita I have a supralite and have never had one issue with the throw-off.
I've come to appreciate the feel of a snare as much as the sound over the years. I have an orange county snare and tama slp both of similar price points but the tama slp makes me sound a better player because it feels way more responsive and so much more enjoyable to play. I like the sound of the Ludwig though so might have to check out how they feel!
Hands down the Supralite, I got a 13x6 used for $99 and I can’t tell the difference between that and my supraphonic side by side! Tip: use the Evans genera dry with the pin holes
That Ludwig and Pearl sound really nice! I'm looking for a birthday gift for myself and it might be one of these two 😀
All good but would still opt for the Yamaha stage custom steelie, its a steal!
Tama by far! It's got a good spread and balance, and it's not very expensive, either. Imagine how little a used one of those would cost!
This Tama snare is awesome. Ludwig is too, but I prefer the tama snare
Beginning drummer's are spoiled now. Christmas 1989 for $179 a SP100 "sound percussion" or CB700 14x5.5 was IT. From there the price bump was around $459. IMO Tama is the way to go. The P35 throw off is notoriously sticky, noisy and pearls lower-end hoops tend to flex under higher tensions. As always, well done gentlemen! Is there any chance you would consider a Portsmouth West shop? The very few boutique shops we have are terrible. Their staffing is too cool for school, too busy twirling sticks and talking about their last gig rather than helping a potential customer. All of you guys are extremely knowledgeable and it seems like you have a lot of fun at your jobs. Most importantly your accessible.
"Portsmouth West"
It's got a nice ring to it!
Thanks, man. I, for one, wouldn't mind some warmer weather.
You should do Tama-SLP snare drums comparassion, great snare drums, and all your videos are great, i really enjoy watching them
bubnjar serbianac I said the same thing on another post. That would be great if they did!
@@XcluZiveBeats i would like to hear all line off those snare drums
I actually own this supralite and loved the sound of the cheap head it came with strangely. Ludwig said they have no more so I put a better head on it and still loved the sound of the stock head but the snare still sounds killer period!
Monsterdrumma I put the stock batter head on the bottom and an emperor X on top and man that snare fuckin rocks.
Wizzle You put a batter head on the snare side and it doesn’t sound like a cardboard box?
@@Assimilator702 Fajizzle didn't do either of those. He's fake news.
Omg all three have a great sound ! Just pick one for me and I’ll be a happy camper !
I love the Supralites. I've got the 5x15 & the 6x13, and even though I own a bunch of higher end snare drums, these drums get used a lot.
David Epstein Word man, I got the 13x6 and god damn is all I gotta say!!!
@@davidpfeifer9489 Same I got the 6x13 from guitar center for $179 and it's amazing!
@@davidpfeifer9489 I have the same drum. It’s really good but that throw off sucks on it. I need to find another one
I got the 14*6.5, I like it a lot. Also got the 14*8, and that is a beast! If you play a small setup, that snare drum will bring in some low end, low mids and make you sound bigger! That tone comes from the weight though, and the 14*8 is heavy to carry around!
@@dariojr14 Inde throw off is great...or Ludwig P86
I have the supraphonic lm402 and it blew me away how much better it sounds compared to a snare that comes with complete drum sets...export, decade maple etc.
...the LM402 price approaches as much as two or three of these here
Sound-wise, most to least favored, it would be Pearl, Ludwig, and then Tama. That's not saying Tama sounded bad. They all sounded great in fact. Just my personal liking went in that order as far as sound. Thanks for the comparison. I'd like to see another set of snares from other manufacturers you sell like this for under $200. Maybe get some wood snares in there. :)
The Tama and the Ludwig are my faves of the day... Both have plenty of attack and crack.. But also have mid and low end body... just love that for such affordable snare drums.. You guys rock..
Wow, what snare was that in the intro, sounding superb!?
I can't believe I'm saying this but do I actually prefer the sound of a Pearl product to Tama!? I think that Pearl even sounds better than the Ludwig! nuts, I am looking for a 2nd snare and Im leaning towards a metal snare to play more blast beats and punky stuff with, and that Pearl has such a pleasing crack to it, it's outstanding. A lot has to be said about the incredible sounding room this channel has, my god, that whole kit sounds amazing no matter what snare you put on it, not to mention the mics themselves, the expert placement and mixing.
I have never been a fan of Pearl, but I need to rethink this prejudice and check out that Modern Utility snare some more.
okay, so it doesn't exist anymore. Pearl realized it was too good of a product to sell for 200 and there are like 0 used ones online, because its so good!
any suggestions for another cheap metal snare that sounds so crunchy and full like that pearl?
All of them sound good to my ear, but if I have to choose one, that would be Tama. And as others said in their comments, you should definitively include Yamaha Steel in this video, great snare for the price. Best regards from distant Belgrade, Serbia, ex-Yugoslavia :)
Thanks, Marko!
A vintage acrolite can be picked up for under $200 any day of the week, I picked up my 80's black sparkle acrolite for $35 at a pawn shop (practically brand new, with case stand and practice pad).
You can sometimes find Supraphonics for under $200 used. I just bought my 70's b/o pointy badge Super Sensitive for $160 locally.
I'm not sure why new Ludwig's are selling for more than highly desirable vintage ones, but a great snare can be had for a lot less if you're willing to take the time to look.
BUT that Superlite sounds pretty damn good too.
Love the sound of the TAMA
Great review again DCP !! I own 5.5", 6.5" and 8" Supralites.. I had 4x14 but didn't use it so much so I sold it.. I do agree they sound absolutely amazing for the price. We record every day in studio (Chagneau) with these and we can not believe our ears. We usually just change the snare side head to a Ludwig clear weather master and that's all Very impressive to say the least. Not a single problem with the strainer since around 2,5 years now... I find also, on this video, the Pearl kind of surprising. But maybe has to be tamed a little for recording as it can sounds blurr. Thanks for the great vid !
I’ve watched so many of your videos over the past couple years and I noticed I wasn’t subscribed…… my bad guys. Fixed the issue!
Great video, real helpful. Guess Ludwigs experience goes way back to the Radio King snare perfection and Black Beauty that still kill it today, so no surprise that company can produce great snares with ease.
Ludwig, tama, then pearl.
Ludwig, Tama, Pearl for me. Though not I think Ludwig and Tama are just as good. I prefer the snappier sound of the Ludwig, but the Tama has more impact/depth. For these affordable steel snares, I think my favourite might be the 5" Gretsch nickel over steel. I like it's sound the most, and here, it's the cheapest. Looks great too, though Ludwig too. Though I reckon with the right damping and a couple of little upgrades, the Ludwig would be killer.
God bless these guys, they give out such good info, lead them on you're path for them Father. Amen
Growing up wth a Ludwig kit arguing with the Tama guys ....Now I argue with myself..All are great!
The Yamaha Stage Custom is right up there. I play it and love it.
I have one too. Great inexpensive snare. 10 lugs, stays in tune. Still well under $200. I play it more than any of my other snares, kind of my "daily driver".
@@mattpobursky850 what size???
The first place is only for one of these great Snares, the best is Ludwig Supralight; more body sound, straight clear sound and that Classic crunch beat you can found in a Starphonic or a black beauty…
Súper Snare
Wow the Ludwig is Killer !
Ludwig all day!
Love the ring from that Pearl. Damn she’s pretty too for a buck-eighty!
The ring is certainly more pronounced out of the Pearl, that's for sure.
I bought a Ludwig Acrolite Black Galaxy 14"×6,5". Everytime I played a gig the PA guy came to ask what snare I used because it sounded great AND was easy to mix.
I am really am a Tama guy but I miss some mid-tones in this one so I go the Pearl snare in this one.
Well of course it's pretty personal which snare drum is better, but my overall impression is Ludwig sounds more solid and focused. Thanks for this great quick view, you guys making amazing vids of drum stuff.
Love your videos Shane. Keep up the good work. The Ludwig and the Pearl had overtones I didn’t care for. The Tama was best for my tastes.. but.. it’s also the most expensive out of the three. Tama hands down for me!
We appreciate you watching, Mark! Thanks!
Keep in mind the Supralites throw off has been upgraded (to a really good throw off imo, i really like it). So the Supralites are even more of a no brainer now. I dont understand people who take the stock heads into consideration on a new drum. Its like if a guitar player (which i am primarily) were to say "id rather get the squier bullet strat over the Fender custom shop strat cause the Squier bullet has new strings". Its a non issue what heads the drum comes with, youll eventually have to change the head anyways and in most cases head choice is highly personal so even if Ludwig put fantastic heads on the Supralites many drummers would still change it immediately. Lol smh. With all that said the stock heads on my 14"x6.5" were perfectly fine. Not ideal but sounded plenty good and would have lasted for a good while if i needed them to. Anyways the new strainer/throw off on the Supralites are really fantastic. It stays in place, has a good feel, is easy to operate, doesnt feel cheap and you dont have to disengage it to adjust the tension. And Ludwig listening to customer feedback and updating the throw off/strainer shows they actually care about making good quality instruments even in their more affordable range.
I didn't realize that tama was a 10 lug. I'm not a fan of 8 lug snares (other than the acrolite), the pearl snare doesn't appear to have the usual shortcomings, in person may be a different story. The supralite I already knew was a great snare, you could have mentioned it comes in different sizes, for the same price usually. Great sounding cymbals, especially the ride! Great playing from Tony!
Every time I watch one of your videos I can't help but think I wish you had a store in the Chicago area.Shane you would kill it in this location.We are starving for a high quality drum shop in the south suburbs of chicago.!!! Maybe some day.!!!
Tama for sure, top quality all around. But let's examine this video for the real "Best Deal" in drumming today … the Sabian SR2 line of cymbals.
Right? You can't beat SR2's for the price.
Ludwig, Tama then Pearl for me
What I like about each of these is that there's a different characteristic within each of them that really make them sound great. One of the snare I'd really love to hear are some of the Sonor AQ2 Steel Snares, but hardly anyone's doing reviews of the AQ2 series kits other than the Safari, Martini, or Bop kits, I still have yet to see a review of the Stage or Studio setup.
The Tama soundworks is super clean. If more metal drummers would blast on these with tension a bit looser they would sound so much cleaner.
They all have great potential, especially for being under $200. What do you think about 42 strand wires with premium heads? My guess is that a blind test would fool a lot of experienced Drummers! Another great DCP Experience!
tmaddrummer I took off my 42 strand from my SLP Bubinga for Sabians hybrids. 42 is way overkill for anything that isnt soft and delicate music. Really hard to control the snare buzz in louder volume music. I had it paired with a Fiberskyn head which sounded cool for a classic sound, but the 42 snare is overkill outside of soft music.
Glad you're liking the videos, man. Remo USA heads with some Canopus Backbeat wires would make any one of these snares hit way above their price point!
FanaticalDrummer I’ve got 42 strands with Yamaha wood hoops and a Remo Fiberskyn batter on a modern Ludwig Acrolite that is outta this world! If only all strainers could do what Sonor Duo-Glide does, but that’s a whole different Drum and expense account. Merry Christmas Y’all!!!
Hi, great great reviews! For my taste the Pearl is the best all around! Second, the Ludwig (I have the 5,5 x14 version and it's awesome)! Last one Tama! It's sound good too but not my taste!
I had It too, very nice sounding but the hardware was so cheap that I had to sell It.
Super helpful vid, thanks guys! Got my eyes set on that Ludwig!!
Thanks, guys. Always appreciate your vids. Best drum shop from Timbuktu to Seabrook Beach!! 😁😁😁 Best one ever...
Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it.
This video is exactly what I'm looking for, thank you so much
Glad it was helpful!
WOW......That TAMA sounded really nice and throaty .....Had everything.
Thank you guys from DCP! Another very helpful review. Thanks for all the enthusiasm, time and effort you are always putting in!
Shane, could you tell me which better quality Ludwig throw-off can replace the Supralite's without any drilling?
Thanks!
All great but I like the Ludwig.
Yamaha stage custom steel 10 lug.
$99 bucks when on sale.
Thank's a lot,i've now get the Ludwig 14x5.5.....grazie mille 4 yuor video ;)
I have the pearl one in 14×5'5 and it sounds incredible
Ludwig.
You remind me of Lou Merloni! But anyway, I just ordered a used Supralite for under $200. I hope it’s good!
It'd be nice to add in the descriptions of these videos the mics, pres, and processing used. It is a big percentage of the overall sound. Cause an affordable snare with high-end gear will sound far different and top quality vs using a regular 57 straight into a focusrite scarlett. Do it for us, gear nerds please lol
I love the ludwig sound the best. Honestly the batter head is definitely personal preference, so i don't care if it has a factory head. As long as it's great build and great sound, then I'm all in.
All three of these are great and you can't go wrong on any, but given the hardware and the finish and the skins and sound I would choose the Tama ! I love the trash can color too, cus its different....