Pork Pie Big Black Brass Snare Drum With Tube Lugs and Chrome Hardware Black 14 x 6.5 in.

I bought this because I was tired dealing with wooden snare durability issues. After researching some of my favorite drum sounds (Rage against the machine, Deftones, Nirvana) I found out that all these huge rock records were made with Brass snares- not having the money or skill to warrant purchasing a Black Beauty, I played this in a guitar center and was blown away at how much better it was than previous snares I owned (Ludwig and Gretsch Maple). This thing has a super PUNCHY raw tone with a LOUD crack. It cuts through the mix with ease. If I had to compare it to a record, it sounds a lot like the single stroke snare intro on Gorilla Radio- sensitive when played quietly which turns into a thunderous crack when digged into. Durability wise, it's built like a tank and can take some very aggressive tunings from very high to very low, and it sounds "pretty good" at all of them. Cons: It's not quite as versatile in sound to me as other snares. The tone can be described as "loud as heck". And because it's loud- playing it in a room is almost unbearable without hearing protection- even compared to other snares. I find my hearing starting to sustain damage even when hitting it a few times just to tune it. So if you're looking for something for a quieter genre, or something that's really versatile, or has a less aggressive tone. This ain't it. I'll probably get another snare to round out my collection so I can have other tone options, but I'll keep this one around in case I need to record something that can peel the paint off the walls. All in all, good value.

I play in a classic rock and metal band and this drum really cuts through. Has a great rimshot crack and good crossstitck. I haven't even changed the top head that came with it. It is that good. You don't think about it if you are wanting a brass snare and can't afford a black beauty or whatever this drum is phenomenal. I actually think it is ever bit as good as a black beauty by Ludwig.

This drum does the job. I changed the top head and tried some different tunings and was pleasantly surprised and happy with sound and potential of this drum. It became my main snare now.

I went to get a snare drum. It was between this and the mapex sledgehammer. I didn't know brass drums were even a good option until I tried these out. Would have got the mapex but for the price and how closely this compared the price was right. I've tried it out at a couple different tunings now and it's a solid drum, very little overtime and a clear pop. It has some serious volume too. I suggest this drum.

For the price, this snare really packs a punch. Swapped out the batter head with a a Remo powerstroke, and new snares. Very loud, my only complaint is the throw off feels flimsy. So far it hasn't been an issue, been playing it for three months. For the price it's hard to beat.

This was the first aftermarket snare drum I bought to accompany my drum kit. This has been the best investment in musical instruments I've ever made. This has proven itself as a sturdy touring drum. Metal is always better than wood when traveling all over. The range is impressive. Crank it up for some easy pop/hip hop crack; drop it low and throw some tape on it for a fat slappy tonal smack. It thrives in the mid-high range. I'd suggest Remo Emperor coated. The only thing it needs is some PureSound aftermarket snares on the bottom. Boom! I've had multiple engineers compliment the snare when recording as well.