Big Snare Drum...Question / Opinion

[n***@zoomnet.net]

Has anybody used this particular drum or a drum this big?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pearl-Deep-Snare-Drum-9-X-14-E-45-/300388330827?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f08a2d4b
Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated. I have seen a few of
these for low $$$ and I have a hankerin for a big drum.

Also , What would die cast hoops do for a drum like this?

MN

[oldschool]

holy cow, that is a deep snare. pretty, too.

I haven't played this drum but I do play a 7x14 single ply maple snare
a lot of the time. Deep drums sound fat, and there's a little more
"spread" or tail to the sound, as opposed to the sharp attack of a
shallow drum.

This drum in particular is all mahogany, which is going to sound very
warm and dark, lots of low end. Less snap, more boom.

Die casts will dry up the sound a little bit, and will generally give
you a broader tuning range.

Has anybody used this particular drum or a drum this big?http://cgi.ebay.com/Pearl-Deep-Snare-Drum-9-X-14-E-45-/300388330827?c...
Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated. I have seen a few of
these for low $$$ and I have a hankerin for a big drum.
Also , What would die cast hoops do for a drum like this?
MN

[-MIKE-]

Post by oldschool
Die casts will dry up the sound a little bit, and will generally give
you a broader tuning range.

I definitely agree with the first part, and I'll add that die casts tend
to take some character out of the drum. You hear more of the hoop and
less of the shell. Put a thick, die cast hoop on 3 drums made of
different materials, all the same size, same heads tensioned the same,
and you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between them.

Not sure I agree with the second part of your statement.

[Sean Conolly]

Post by n***@zoomnet.net
Has anybody used this particular drum or a drum this big?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pearl-Deep-Snare-Drum-9-X-14-E-45-/300388330827?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f08a2d4b
Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated. I have seen a few of
these for low $$$ and I have a hankerin for a big drum.

That looks sweet - I could really dig one like that, but not at that price.

I've been playing 8" deep snares for many years now because, um, I guess I
just like them. Contrary to popular belief, it's *not* like a tom with
snares - I can tune mine up to get all the crack, pop and ring I want,
enough to hurt my ears. I can also tune it low and fat when I want. Yes it's
easier to tune it low than high, but it's not exclusive that deep drums
sound this way and shallow drums sound that way.

To me the big disadvantge of a deep snare is trying to find a snare stand
that lets me get it at the right height. I like my stool low and my snare
kind of low on top of that, so this may not be an issue for you.

Post by n***@zoomnet.net
Also , What would die cast hoops do for a drum like this?

With 10 lugs on this drum I'd be inclined to stick with regular flanged
rims. I do use a die-cast top rim frequently, but that's mostly because I'm
cracking rim-shots all night long and I like the way they cut through the
mix with a die-cast. My snare is the only drum that I *don't* mic at a gig,
if that tells you anything.

Sean

[n***@zoomnet.net]

Sincere thanks for the informative remarks friends.

I have been watching the Gretsch 8x14 Rosewood for about the last year
or so
and I just can't swing the $599 they want for it. Then I saw one of
these Pearl 9x14 and really liked it's looks. I can pick one up for
$350 with free shipping . Even at this very moment I am fighting the
urge to get out a credit card and call them....Hmmm
If I order today I could probably be playing it on the weekend.

[Pete Pemberton]

Post by n***@zoomnet.net
Sincere thanks for the informative remarks friends.
I have been watching the Gretsch 8x14 Rosewood for about the last year
or so
and I just can't swing the $599 they want for it. Then I saw one of
these Pearl 9x14 and really liked it's looks. I can pick one up for
$350 with free shipping . Even at this very moment I am fighting the
urge to get out a credit card and call them....Hmmm
If I order today I could probably be playing it on the weekend.

DO IT!

I had a mahogany Ludwig marching snare that was 8x15. It was warm,
pretty loud, made a great ballad snare. I could tune it tight and
cracky or low and thuddy. I sit pretty high, with a DW 5000 (9000
whatever) series stand it should go low enough for me so the 10" height
clearance shouldn't be a problem, YMMV if you sit thighs parallel or
lower.

PP

[oldschool]

"Not sure I agree with the second part of your statement."

What I find with die casts vs stamped hoops is that the rigidity of
the die casts make it easier to tune drums down in pitch without
having the head get flabby wrinkly dead spots.

As always with stuff like this, YMMV.