One of the most common questions that I'm asked each day at Vic's is "how do I know when it's time to change my snare wires?"
Your wires may need to be replaced even though they are not broken or missing. To see if replacement is necessary, try this simple test:
Turn your snare drum over and release the snare wires using the throw-off. If your wires no longer lie entirely flat in a straight line that is spaced equidistantly, then it is time to change your wires.
Snare wires should look entirely like a brand new set that are still in packaging when there is zero tension being applied to them. Frequently, snare drum wires get twisted and bent over time and it is difficult to notice this when they are snuggly pressed up against the bottom snare side head and fully engaged. In this position, they may appear to be free of any damage, but in reality, they may need to be replaced. If your snare wires have any of the signs of overuse that I talked about earlier, then you're probably not getting full and even contact with every strand of wire when playing. This may cause your snare response to be lacking or overly sensitive with extra unwanted snare buzz.
Take some time to periodically evaluate the condition of your snare wires and change them when necessary. Snare wires are available from a variety of manufacturers like Puresound, Gibraltar, Drum Workshop, PDP, Tama, and Pearl. Although they are a relatively inexpensive accessory, they are a critical component and have a tremendous impact on the sound of your snare drum.
I hope this simple test helps you to easily recognize when your snare drum wires need to be changed. If you have any questions or need specific advice regarding your snare wires, feel free to get in touch. I'm always here to help!
Your wires may need to be replaced even though they are not broken or missing. To see if replacement is necessary, try this simple test:
Turn your snare drum over and release the snare wires using the throw-off. If your wires no longer lie entirely flat in a straight line that is spaced equidistantly, then it is time to change your wires.
Snare wires should look entirely like a brand new set that are still in packaging when there is zero tension being applied to them. Frequently, snare drum wires get twisted and bent over time and it is difficult to notice this when they are snuggly pressed up against the bottom snare side head and fully engaged. In this position, they may appear to be free of any damage, but in reality, they may need to be replaced. If your snare wires have any of the signs of overuse that I talked about earlier, then you're probably not getting full and even contact with every strand of wire when playing. This may cause your snare response to be lacking or overly sensitive with extra unwanted snare buzz.
Take some time to periodically evaluate the condition of your snare wires and change them when necessary. Snare wires are available from a variety of manufacturers like Puresound, Gibraltar, Drum Workshop, PDP, Tama, and Pearl. Although they are a relatively inexpensive accessory, they are a critical component and have a tremendous impact on the sound of your snare drum.
I hope this simple test helps you to easily recognize when your snare drum wires need to be changed. If you have any questions or need specific advice regarding your snare wires, feel free to get in touch. I'm always here to help!
About the Author:
Victor Salazar is with Vic's Drum Shop, an internationally renowned drum and percussion retailer in Chicago, Illinois. The vast knowledge of drum gear that he's attained over his forty year career has made Vic a valuable resource. Vic's Drum Shop is a popular shopping destination for beginning drummers,drumming hobbyists, professional drummers, and many of the world's premier drum luminaries.
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