Snare Drum Evolution
The snare drum underwent many changes between 1925-1935 before settling down into the kind we still recognise today. The changes can be seen in the offerings from one brand below. Outdated styles continued but were offered as budget models so for example a Veteran style snare with 6 lugs instead of 8 is probably 1950's rather than 1920's, especially if it has chrome plating.
Antique Single Tension - 1900's
Brass or wood shells single-ply
Single tension hooks
Un-flanged hoops & clips
Primitive snare, hoop fitted, with adjustable tension but no throw-off
Wire over silk snare wires
Tuning nuts were on the batter side as per military drums but jazz drummers fitted them upside down - with the nuts on the bottom, so their sticks didn't catch.
Single tension hooks
Un-flanged hoops & clips
Primitive snare, hoop fitted, with adjustable tension but no throw-off
Wire over silk snare wires
Tuning nuts were on the batter side as per military drums but jazz drummers fitted them upside down - with the nuts on the bottom, so their sticks didn't catch.
Veteran Tube Lugs - 1925-1930
Brass or wood shells single-ply
Tube lugs
Single or double flanged hoops & clips
Basic snare throw-off
Wire over silk snare wires
Beaded metal shell for strength
Just like today's custom offerings, small businesses bought in generic components to assemble into branded drums.
Tube lugs
Single or double flanged hoops & clips
Basic snare throw-off
Wire over silk snare wires
Beaded metal shell for strength
Just like today's custom offerings, small businesses bought in generic components to assemble into branded drums.
Pre-War Nickel - 1930-35
Brass or wood shells, 1x3-ply wood
Generic self-aligning lugs
Double flanged hoops, no clips
Parallel snare
Wire over silk snare wires
These transitional snares were only around for about five years as the industry evolved.
Generic self-aligning lugs
Double flanged hoops, no clips
Parallel snare
Wire over silk snare wires
These transitional snares were only around for about five years as the industry evolved.
Pre-War Chrome - 1936-40
Brass or wood shells, 1x3-ply wood
Branded self-aligning lugs
Die cast hoops
Parallel snare
Coiled wire snare wires
Chrome plating
Makers wanted to distinguish their brand in the market place so developed their own Deco style lugs offered in the shiny new chrome plate.
Branded self-aligning lugs
Die cast hoops
Parallel snare
Coiled wire snare wires
Chrome plating
Makers wanted to distinguish their brand in the market place so developed their own Deco style lugs offered in the shiny new chrome plate.
Post War - 1940's to Today
Metal or wood shells, individuall 1,2 or 3-ply laminated for seamless internals
E.g. 6 ply = 3x2-ply laminated
Branded self-aligning lugs
Triple flanged steel hoops
External snare
In the pursuit of American style, traditional (higher quality) style was sacrificed. Solid ply shells, die-cast hoops and reinforcing rings were relegated to lower ranks. Amazing since these things are again considered top-dollar attributes today.
E.g. 6 ply = 3x2-ply laminated
Branded self-aligning lugs
Triple flanged steel hoops
External snare
In the pursuit of American style, traditional (higher quality) style was sacrificed. Solid ply shells, die-cast hoops and reinforcing rings were relegated to lower ranks. Amazing since these things are again considered top-dollar attributes today.