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It is also the most dominating instrument in a football game. Therefore, if you play the drums and want to join a marching band, you will need to select a quality instrument that looks nice and sounds excellent outside.
I’ve been playing the drums since I was roughly ten years old, in some form or another. This means I understand how essential a snare drum can be when a complete band is performing in the middle of a field. Snare drums for marching differ from snare drums found in drum sets in that they must be able to create greater sound when used outside.
I also know a number of drummers who have tested these drums to determine which ones sounded the best to their ears, and while we debated on the top pick due to the comfortability of carrying the drum, I did agree that the sound of the top choice was incredible.
Because not everyone will agree with my top selection, I’ve also included a list of alternative marching snare drums that compare to mine. Before we look at these snares, let’s take a closer look at the marching snare drum and some of its most important qualities.
What is the Difference Between a Snare Drum and a Marching Snare Drum?
Often when you think of a snare drum, you typically think of the sort that would be found on a drum set, but a marching snare drum looks quite different. This implies that the two types of snare drums cannot be interchanged.
Therefore if you’re searching for a drum to march with, you’ll need to consider the type of snare drums discussed in this article.
What’s the distinction between the two snare drums? Well. The diameter of the drums is around 14 inches, but the depth of the drum differs such that a marching drum may generate a louder sound. In reality, a marching snare drum has a depth that is roughly double that of a standard snare, or around 12 inches deep.
Advantages of Playing the Marching Snare Drum
With learning to play any instrument, you’ll need to educate your mind to be able to read the music in front of you while playing to the rhythm and marching in step. Having this sort of hand-eye coordination will not only help you when playing the snare drums, but it will also help you in other parts of your life.
As a snare drummer in a marching band, you will be needed to travel to various venues for outdoor concerts. Whether you’re marching in a parade, watching a football game, or competing, you’ll be connecting with others, which may help you communicate with others better and create relationships that will assist you later in life.
Playing in front of other people might be intimidating at first, but with practice, you will become a more confident individual, which you can apply to other parts of your life.
When you’re playing, you’ll notice that you pay a lot of attention to what you’re doing, which may be a terrific way to get away from your daily routine and simply relax. In some ways, playing the snare drum in a marching band is a form of meditation that may help reduce tension and provide structure in your life on which you can rely.
Considerations for a Marching Snare Drum
There are a few things to think about when purchasing a marching snare drum. The first is the frame and design of the drum that you want to buy. This outer shell influences the sound produced when you strike the drum with the drumsticks. Therefore you want something that will provide the desired sound.
A metal frame produces a sharp, continuous beat, but a wooden frame produces a warmer sound that some drummers like.
Many drums are constructed of woods such as maple or birch, but you can also find snare drums made of metal or other materials on the market. The primary reason for selecting one material over another is the appearance of the drum, but it will also effect the sort of sound that you can produce.
The amount of strain exerted on the drumhead is another factor that influences the sound of the drum. This tension, together with the snare wires on the exterior of the drum, will provide the crisp sound you are accustomed to.
Furthermore, deeper drums produce a deeper tone, which is why the sound of a piccolo marching snare drum is significantly higher than that of a standard marching snare drum.
- Take into account the materials used in the heads, shell, and snare; search for a good mix of sound and durability.
- Experiment with diverse sounds by using a variety of drum sticks, brushes, rutes, and other beaters.
- Look for a size and weight that is appropriate for the athlete. A smaller drum will be easier to handle for a musician with a smaller frame.
- Don’t give up on a snare that isn’t sounding quite right – a fresh pair of heads could be all you need. Some new heads even incorporate Kevlar fibers to boost flexibility and strength for improved tone, sensitivity, resonance, and dynamic range.
Caring for Your Marching Snare Drum
If you intend to play this drum on a regular basis, you will require the services of a repairman whom you can trust. However, if you understand how to care for and maintain your snare drum, you may reduce the number of repairs required. Here are some pointers to help you keep your drums in good condition:
- Learn how to change the drum head on your own so you can do it fast, even if you’re on the road.
- Learn how to tune your marching snare drum properly, so you don’t have to go to a technician every time you perform.
- Drumsticks may quickly become dirty, so maintain them clean and free of splinters.
- Examine all of the drum’s components to ensure that everything is functioning.
- Carry extra drumsticks with you at all times, so you don’t have to play with damaged or broken ones during a competition.
Top Brands for Marching Snare Drums
The snare drum in any band is in charge of keeping time for the entire band. Thus you must invest in a high-quality instrument. That being stated, you may look at well-known brands to discover one that meets your requirements, but the brand name is not everything.
In reality, you could find a superb instrument from a lesser-known manufacturer, so maintain an open mind and look into your possibilities. You should think about the following brands:
- Yamaha: The quality and style of Yamaha drums have made it a favorite among marching bands and performance bands.
- Dynasty: Dynasty is well-known for the consistency and quality of its drums, making them a good choice for a marching snare drum.
- Pearl: For years, this firm has been recognized for producing high-quality marching percussion, but its drums have a bit more flair, which might result in a higher price tag.
Marching Snare Drums I Recommend
Yamaha 9300 Series SFZ Marching Snare Drum 14×12
- 6-Ply maple shell
- Aluminum hardware
- Powerful tone and lightweight construction
This magnificent Yamaha 9300 Series Marching Snare Drum in 1412 has raised the bar for the greatest marching snare drum for competitions. The 6-ply maple shell of the snare provides a wide dynamic range and a very expressive acoustic projection.
Yamaha Drums has spent years designing this snare drum, which was honed in field tests with some of the world’s best drum marching bands. These high-quality Yamaha marching snare drums are used by the Cadets, Cavaliers, and Madison Scouts corps.
The marching snare drum has a strong tone and can produce massive rim shots. The snare has a very crisp articulation and each nuance is presented with a high level of precision. The maple shell has a bright attack and a wide dynamic range, resulting in a very expressive tone.
The aluminum gear on this drum is lightweight and strong, and the SFZ aluminum ring on the inner surface can withstand extremely high stresses without warping the drum. This ring is made of a solid, die-cast construction that delivers outstanding strength while being lightweight.
The sophisticated snare strainer has precise settings and is constructed of die-cast aluminum for a very robust design without adding weight. When in use, the strainer is quite smooth and has a lot of adjustability.
This Yamaha 9300 marching snare drum is the greatest marching snare drum on the market, with an exceptional track record on some of the world’s most prestigious grounds.
Pros
- The world’s leading drum corps use it
- Extensive dynamic range and precise articulation
- The SFZ aluminum ring can withstand high stresses
Cons
- Expensive top-tier marching snare
Pearl Championship Maple FFX Marching Snare Drum 14×12
The Pearl Championship Maple FFX Marching Snare Drum has completely transformed the corps competition. This drum is utilized by many of today’s top DCI corps, and these snare drums have received several High Percussion Awards.
Pearl makes use of six plies of excellent maple to create a free-floating shell known for its tremendous dynamic range and projection. This drum reacts flawlessly to every single stroke. The free-floating shell allows the drum to vibrate with maximum freedom, resulting in the best tonal resonance.
This marching snare drum is made of 6 plies of fine wood, with reinforcing rings and bearing edges cut to 45 degrees for optimum sensitivity and loudness.
Pearl uses Superior Shell Technology to create a precisely uniform and hardened shell for the premium maple shell. The shell is extremely robust and has excellent acoustic qualities.
The lightweight aviation-grade aluminum frame is rock-solid and supports an aluminum-alloy edge ring capable of withstanding all of the pressure required for high tension drumheads.
This is the greatest marching snare drum, with a unique OneTouch snare strainer that is lightweight and easy to use. The OneTouch strainer has almost no moving components, making it extremely sturdy and lightweight.
If you want the greatest marching snare drum that is lightweight, nimble and produces killer sounds, you should think consider the Pearl Championship Maple.
The fine maple shell with reinforcing rings provides an ideal tone and a very high level of performance, and Pearl backs this marching snare drum with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- The free-floating maple shell produces an amazing tone
- One of the lightest marching snare drums available
- Top drum corps all around the globe use it
Cons
- Expensive top-tier marching snare
Yamaha MS-6300 Power-Lite Marching Snare Drum 14×12
- 9-Ply birch shell
- Steel and zinc hardware
- Lightweight and affordable
The Power-Lite Marching Snare Drum, weighing 1412 pounds, is the latest high-quality Yamaha marching snare drum to be reviewed. The 9-ply birch shell on this marching snare is brilliant, full-bodied, and expressive. It’s also lightweight and has a strong build.
This Yamaha marching snare drum is based on the Field-Corp series and features several high-end specifications and materials that allow it to have exceptional sound characteristics.
This is the ideal marching snare drum for non-competitive marching programs and drummers who want to improve their marching snare drum skills.
The birch shell provides an instantaneous snare response as well as increased projection and a rich tone. The hardware is strong and long-lasting, with steel triple flange rims that keep the drum in tune and improve the low-end tone. The zinc alloy lugs are robust and capable of withstanding high-tension tunings.
Overall, this is an excellent marching snare drum for novices as well as those searching for the greatest marching snare drum on a budget. It is ideal for non-competitive marching bands and provides an excellent sound at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Excellent acoustic properties
- Lightweight
- Excellent marching snare for the money
Cons
- Not the level of competitiveness
- There is no aluminum hardware
Pearl Competitor Marching Snare Drum 14×12
- 8-Ply mahogany shell
- Steel and zinc hardware
- High Tension FFX Aluminum alloy edge ring
At 1412, the Pearl Competitor CMS Marching Snare Drum is a fantastic bargain marching snare drum for beginners and drummers searching for a quality alternative on a budget.
The shell is constructed entirely of mahogany and produces a forceful projection with a wide dynamic range. The shell is made using Pearl’s Superior Shell Technology, which involves molding plies together in high-pressure molds under 1000 PSI of hydraulic pressure. As a result, the drum has optimum resonance and amazing robustness.
The drum has ten high-tension die-cast zinc lugs that aid in maintaining uniform tuning over the skin of the drum. The hardware is sturdy and long-lasting, and the snare strainer is responsive and smooth.
This marching snare drum, like its flagship big brother, the ‘Championship,’ features an aluminum-alloy edge ring that can withstand the high pressure required for high-tension drumheads.
Overall, this marching snare drum is an excellent value. It is quite responsive, and both the shell and the hardware are of great quality.
It’s a real marching snare drum that looks and sounds the part, plus it’s backed by Pearl’s limited lifetime warranty, so you can be sure you’re getting a quality product.
Pros
- Premium mahogany shell
- Marching snare drums that are both affordable and of great quality
- Pearl’s lifetime warranty applies
Cons
- Not the level of competitiveness
- There is no aluminum hardware
FAQ
Answer: Marching snare drums are larger and deeper than snare drums used in orchestras or drum kits. The current “high tension” snare was created in reaction to the increased head tensions made feasible by the use of Kevlar and other high strength fibers into the drum head.
Answer: The marching snare drum is usually slanted when being played. As a result, you should use a typical grip on the sticks in question. As a consequence, it will be more practical and efficient.
Answer: A Kevlar or plastic batter (top) head with a dotted batter (bottom) head is preferred, as is a plastic bottom head. Check for loose tension rods on a regular basis, especially on the bottom side; gravity guards can be utilized to protect ignored tension rods from falling out. Using a “plucked string” approach, tune each individual snare strand to a consistent pitch:
Using a screwdriver, adjust the individual strands at the buttocks.
Individual strands can be tightened by turning clockwise and loosening by turning counterclockwise.
To bring the snares flush with the bottom head at the bearing edge, use the vertical control knobs.
Then, while playing the batter head, progressively tighten the entire snare unit to a crisp articulation using the horizontal control knob.
Conclusion
Because they retain the beat, snare drums are one of the most crucial instruments in any band. They are often the first instrument heard in a marching band when the band marches down the street in a parade. It is also the most dominating instrument in a football game.
Therefore, if you play the drums and want to join a marching band, you will need to select a quality instrument that looks nice and sounds excellent outside. After much thought, I concluded that the Yamaha 9300 Series SFZ Marching Snare Drum is the finest option for a drummer seeking for a new marching snare drum for the next marching band season.
The Yamaha 9300 Series SFZ marching snare drum features a traditional style that is accentuated with a vintage drumhead that not only looks beautiful against the rest of the instrument, but also creates a robust sound that is readily heard as you march. This drum series also features a new emblem, which I think looks wonderful in the sunshine.
This is a 14-inch variant, but it is also available in a 13-inch size if you want a little greater percussion sound. This drum’s suspension ring is intended to generate a lot of tension without distorting the drum.
This ring is made of aluminum alloy, which adds strength without adding weight to the drum. The strong tension it generates will provide a bright, clear percussive sound.
When shopping for a new marching snare drum, one of the factors I check for is how simple it is to build and tune. I don’t want to spend hours preparing to play when I might be training for my performance.
Fortunately, this Yamaha model is quick and simple to put together. The height of the snare can be readily changed, even while marching, and there is also a horizontal tension lever that you may utilize.
Further readings:
Best Portable Drum Set Options