6 Best Snare Wires To Enhance Your Snare Sound

Best Snare Wires To Enhance Your Snare Sound

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Snare drum wires play a prominent role in how your snare drum sounds. The wires produce the distinctive, snappy snare drum sound when they resonate against the bottom drumhead.

Quality snare wires produce a desirably vibrant and crisp sound. You can hear the difference on recordings between a fresh, high-quality set of snare wires, and a dull set of cheap wires.

If you want to upgrade your current snare wires, you should check out options from PureSound. They’re a dedicated snare drum wire company that makes some fantastic products.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best snare wires available. I’ve compared sound, performance, durability, and cost to give you my top recommendations.

In a Rush Round-Up

Image Recommended ProductsProduct Features Price
Best crisp tones
puresound super 30 snare wires
  • 30 Strand snare wires
  • Manufactured in the USA
  • Penetrating snare presence
Best budget pick
PureSound Blaster Snare Wires 20 Strand
  • 20 Strand snare wires
  • Manufactured in the USA
  • Excellent value for money
Best dry tones
PureSound Twisted Snare Wires 20 Strand
  • Innovative 20 strand snare wires
  • Manufactured in the USA
  • Darker and dry sound
Best bright tones
puresound custom pro snare wires
  • 24 Strand snare wires
  • Manufactured in the USA
  • Unique speed release strap
Best Snappy Sounds
Tama 42-Strand Regular Steel Snare Wires
  • 42-strand carbon steel wires
  • Hand-soldered end plates
  • Powerful snare sounds
Best vintage sound
Ludwig 18-Strand Vintage Snare Wires
  • Steel snare wires 
  • 18-strands
  • Brass tabs 

How I Tested and Selected the Best Snare Drum Wires

With snare drum wires being relatively inexpensive, I’ve been able to test out many types over the years. I’ve also worked in a few studios where studio engineers have given me advice on what the best wires are. 

To find the best options, I’ve tested and reviewed a range of snare wires based on specific criteria. These criteria include wire material, strand count, and overall sensitivity.

I appreciate that budgets vary, so my snare wires recommendations span a range of price points and deliver outstanding value for both beginners and advanced drummers.

Every set of snare wires that I tested did a great job of improving the overall sound of the snare drum, so these are all fantastic options to go with.

Snare Wires Reviews

Best crisp tones

PureSound Super 30 Snare Wires

A powerful set of wires that greatly improve the articulation of your snare drum. You get a more cutting snare drum sound with these compared to a snare with fewer wires.
Build Quality
4.6
Value
4.5
Durability
4.6
Responsiveness
4.9
Versatility
4.8

    PureSound Super 30 Snare Wires Review

    My favorite snare drum wires available are these PureSound Super 30 Snare Wires and they offer an incredible sound and at a fantastic price. These snare wires are designed and manufactured in the USA.

    The Super 30 series utilizes 30 steel-alloy wires that provide a crisp and detailed snare drum response. When trying these out, I could hear how perfectly consistent the sound was due to how evenly spaced the wires were.

    Utilizing 30 snare wires increases the snare’s articulation and the drum sounds more dynamic and responsive as a result. 

    Compared to other types of snare wires, I found the PureSound Super 30 wires create a distinctive and penetrating sound without sacrificing any feel or playability. They are very well made, and they deliver a highly responsive and warm snare sound.

    The Super 30 snare wires sound great on your snare drum whether they are set tight and snappy or whether they are loosened to rattle more.

    They are truly versatile and also sound great on any type of snare drum regardless of shell depth or shell composition. They are the best snare wires available for all different styles of music.

    Pros

    • Crisp and detailed playing response
    • 30 Snare wires offer increased snare presence
    • Versatile set of snare wires

    Cons

    • Very little negatives
    Best budget pick

    PureSound Blaster Snare Wires 20 Strand

    A group of steel-alloy wires that add plenty of volume to your snare drum. These are a great budget option, but they’re also excellent for loud music.
    Build Quality
    4.2
    Value
    4.5
    Durability
    4.4
    Responsiveness
    3.8
    Versatility
    4.0

      PureSound Blaster Snare Wires 20 Strand Review

      These PureSound Blaster Snare Wires are the best snare wires available to buy on a budget. Featuring medium-gauge wires, they deliver a very strong snare projection.

      These premium-grade steel-alloy wires produce a quick and crisp snare response that is crystal clear and precise. 

      I managed to try them out on a variety of drums, including wood, metal, and shallow piccolos. They sounded great on all of them. 

      Another great feature these snare drum wires have is their exclusive angled end plates that create a greater snare wire contact across the surface of the drumhead. The result of this is a greater snare drum response and tighter, crisper sounding snare drum snares.

      The Puresound Blaster snare drum wires are some of the best snare wires available for the money and they deliver a great response for all different types of snare drums.

      Pros

      • Professional quality snares
      • Dynamic and articulate sounds
      • Excellent value for money

      Cons

      • 20 Wires results in a little less articulation
      Best dry tones

      PureSound Twisted Snare Wires 20 Strand

      A group of coiled wires that cause your snare drum to have a dark and dry tone. Snare drums with these wires on sound very unique.
      Build Quality
      4.6
      Value
      4.4
      Durability
      4.5
      Responsiveness
      4.5
      Versatility
      4.0

        PureSound Twisted Snare Wires 20 Strand Review

        PureSound have developed a highly innovative set of snare wires with their Twisted series snare drum snares. They feature a premium-grade steel alloy that is coiled in pairs for accentuated articulation and response with a darker and dry tone. The resulting sound is distinctive and crisp.

        The unique braided snare wires respond really well under very little tension that makes them superior to conventional snare wires. They are super sensitive, dynamic and durable.

        I found the PureSound Twisted Snare Wires really responsive and easy to play. The wires feel thicker than usual snare wires and they work well with high and low tension. 

        When the tension is low they are not as ‘wet’ as traditional snare drum snares because they are thicker coils.

        Overall these are some of the best snare wires that perform very well. They are more expensive than the other options and they are my top recommended premium snare drum wires. If you are looking for something slightly more unusual I would definitely recommend these snare wires!

        Pros

        • Highly responsive and dry sounds
        • Unique braided snare wires
        • Perform excellently under low tension

        Cons

        • Expensive set of snare wires
        Best bright tones

        PureSound Custom Pro Snare Wires 20 Strand

        A powerful set of snare wires with innovative design features. The anti-choke plates stop sympathetic snare buzz, which is often an issue with many snare drums.
        Build Quality
        4.0
        Value
        4.4
        Durability
        4.5
        Responsiveness
        4.4
        Versatility
        4.2

          PureSound Custom Pro Snare Wires 20 Strand Review

          Here we have another set of PureSound snare wires, these are the Custom Pro series and are equipped with speed release straps that offer a drummer the ultimate ease-of-use. This snare wire set features 24 strands and anti-choke end plates that help to eliminate sympathetic snare buzz.

          The speed release straps are a unique feature that allows the player to disengage the snare wires quickly and efficiently by unclipping them. This saves a lot of time as opposed to having to release the straps from the strainer or butt clamps.

          I know a lot of drummers that struggle to change snare wires due to the hole strainer and butt plate design. I used to struggle in the early days of my drumming journey as well. I’d say that these are the perfect wires to make things a lot easier.

          Much like all PureSound snare wires, these are designed and manufactured in the USA to the highest quality standards. These snares are highly durable and offer a clear, crisp sound.

          The 24 strands of medium-gauge wire deliver a great balance of an accentuated snare drum response as well as allowing an optimal sound to cut through from the snare drum shell. The resulting sound is a versatile and well-balanced snare drum.

          Overall these PureSound Custom Pro Snare Wires are a versatile and bright-sounding set that sound great across all different types of snare drums.

          Pros

          • Anti-choke plates help reduce unwanted buzz
          • Bright and resonant snare playing response
          • Speed release strap allows fast removal

          Cons

          • Some players note faulty release straps
          Best Snappy Sounds

          Tama 42-Strand Regular Steel Snare Wires

          A large set of snare wires that add plenty of snap and resonance to your snare drum sound. They’ve been hand-soldered at each end to add extra durability.
          Build Quality
          4.0
          Value
          4.0
          Durability
          4.5
          Responsiveness
          4.0
          Versatility
          4.5

            Tama 42-Strand Regular Steel Snare Wires Review

            The Tama 42-Strand Regular Steel Snare Wires are a popular option from Tama. While the brand mainly produces drum kits, they’re well-known for offering fantastic hardware too. 

            These snare wires are designed to pair very well with Tama snare drums, but I found that they perform just as well with snares from other brands.  

            I could easily hear how the high number of wires made my snare drum sound snappier and more resonant. With the snare ringing for longer, I got a more open tone.

            However, I was able to tighten and loosen the wires to get various tuning options and sounds. 

            The two ends of the snare wires have been hand-soldered, making them a lot more durable. When picking snare drum wires, durability is a huge factor to consider, and these wires thrive in that department. 

            They’ll last very long on your snare, stopping you from needing new snare wires for several years of heavy playing. 

            Many drummers don’t enjoy snare wires with 40 or more strands, though. You lose a bit of sensitivity to gain more snap and punch. So, do some listening tests to see if you’re going to like this particular set of wires or not. 

            They’re often great to use on a side snare with a deeper shell, as those often don’t need to be as sensitive as your main snare drum.

            Pros

            • These wires add a bit of volume to your snare drum
            • They’re a lot more durable than most other sets of snare drum wires
            • You get more tuning options with a higher number of wires

            Cons

            • 42-strand wires offer a distinct sound that some drummers don’t enjoy
            Best vintage sound

            Ludwig 18-Strand Vintage Snare Wires

            A reliable set of snare wires that are commonly used when refurbishing old snare drums. They provide a great balance of crack and sensitivity, and they’re versatile enough to be used on any snare drum.
            Build Quality
            4.5
            Value
            4.5
            Durability
            4.5
            Responsiveness
            4.5
            Versatility
            5.0

              Ludwig 18-Strand Vintage Snare Wires Review

              The Ludwig 18-Strand Vintage Snare Wires are a modern recreation of the wires used on all the famous Ludwig snares from the 50s and 60s. 

              The old-school Supraphonics and Black Beauties were the most famous snares in the world, and these wires aim to give your snare similar qualities. 

              Most people like to use these wires when working with vintage snare drums that have been damaged, but the design allows them to work on any modern snare drum, no matter the brand. 

              So, these wires are excellent for drummers that love the idea of having vintage snare drum tones. 

              These Ludwig vintage snare wires offer a good balance of sensitivity and projection, but they mainly dry the snare out by cutting down on quite a few overtones. 

              The wires have Ludwig’s Supra Tabs to improve the tone and give the wires boosted stability. It’s a small feature that adds quite a bit to how these wires perform. 

              The wires also come with straps to allow you to attach them to any snare drum. Some wires don’t work on certain snares, but these work brilliantly on anything you may have. 

              They may not be the best wires for modern sounds, but I think they’re excellent for making a modern snare drum sound dry and punchy like snares sounded decades ago. 

              Pros

              • One of the most popular snare wires options for old Ludwig snare drums
              • Versatile enough for any snare, thanks to the design
              • Excellent projection and sensitivity from your snare tone
              • Reliable performance quality

              Cons

              • No negatives to note

              Snare Wires Buyer’s Guide

              Snare drum wires are an essential component of a snare drum and play an important part in how the snare drum sounds. 

              The snare drum is the most frequently played drum, and the sound of a snare drum typically defines a drummer’s musical voice behind a kit. 

              The qualities of a set of snare drum wires help project a snare drum’s unique musical tone.

              The snare wires provide a snare drum’s desirable and distinctive ‘crack’ that makes it so instrumental in popular music. 

              Features to Look for in Snare Drum Wires

              Wire Material

              The type of wire material used affects how your snare drum sounds. While it’s not the most significant contributor, it has a positive influence that is most definitely noticeable.

              Most snare drum wires are made from steel or a steel alloy. You get a classic, desirable sound from steel wires that you can expect from most snare drums.

              Brass is an interesting material that is sometimes used for snare wires. Brass wires cause your snare drum to produce a louder and more distinct sound.

              Snare Straps

              Straps are what are used to connect snare drum wires to the bottom of a snare drum. They attach the wires to the snare drum, and the straps are pulled to tighten the wires.

              Something important to note is that not all snare drum wires come with straps. All snare drums come with these plastic straps, so you can easily use old straps with your new wires. However, you’ll need to source some new ones if you don’t have any to use.

              Snare Wire Tensions

              The tension of the snare wires against the resonant drumhead has a significant effect on the overall snare drum sound.

              Snare strands are either tightened or loosened with the use of a snare strainer, and they press up either closer or looser to the bottom snare head.

              A loose snare wire tension will result in a buzzier sound from the increased rattle of the wires. This will create a more vintage and wet sound that is often desired in jazz, rock, and blues.

              Alternatively, a high snare wire tension will offer a faster and sharper playing response. Tight snare wire tension is popular for funk, metal, and pop.

              Both snare wire tension settings are great for varying purposes. It is down to a drummer’s personal preference for a desired snare wire tension, but most drummers will opt for a balanced intermediate tension.

              For me personally, the best snare wires feature 20-30 strands and are set to medium tension for a bright and snappy snare drum playing response.

              Snare Drum Wires FAQs

              How Often Should You Replace Snare Wires?

              Snare wires can last decades if the individual strands are not broken or bent out of shape. However, they will begin to sound dull after many years of use. This is because they lose their springiness as they are played, resulting in a choked sound.

              When this happens, I’d recommend Installing a brand new set of snare wires to reveal a much brighter and more articulate sound from the drum.

              Are Puresound Snare Wires Good?

              Without a doubt, PureSound snare wires are the best snare drum wires available. They offer incredible sound and at a very reasonable price. They are all designed and manufactured in the USA and they are highly durable and resilient.

              PureSound makes high-quality products that are played by many of the most prominent professional drummers in the world, including Dennis Chambers, Dave Lombardo, Joey Jordison, JoJo Mayer, and Gavin Harrison, just to name a few.

              Their snare wires are versatile, highly articulate, and well built. They offer a great-sounding snare drum sound that lasts for years.

              What’s the Ideal Number of Snare Wires?

              The distinctive snap sound produced by a snare drum is the effect of the snare wires vibrating against the snare resonant head after the batter head is struck. The number of snare wires against the resonant head has a direct impact on how ‘snappy’ a snare drum sounds.

              Snare wires can have anything between 8 to 42 wires, but most popular snare drums will have between 20-30 wires. Having more snare wires adds articulation and sensitivity to the snare drum, and provides an increasingly accentuated snare drum response.

              Snare drums that feature fewer snare wires produce less snare buzz and the sound from the drum shell is more prominent in the drums overall sound.

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