Tama Imperialstar vs. DW Collector Maple vs. Gretsch Catalina Maple Snare

Three snares compared back-to-back. Which one do you like the most? All constructive feedback welcome.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• snare
• drums
• dw
• maple
• 10
• and
• tama
• imperialstar
• gretsch
• catalina
• sgtthump
• chris
• snider
• remo
• ambassador
• evans
• power
• center
• reverse
• dot

[gmd1417]

The Tama was number one IMO, with the DW a close second, and the Gretsch Catalina Maple third, In fairness to Gretsch, the Catalina series is midline, so really you should have compared an American Gretsch (if possible) to the other snares...

[SgtThump]

@gmd1417 Thanks. I would've loved to compare a USA made Gretsch snare to the other drums, but these were the three snare drums I owned at the time. I actually like the Gretsch alot and maybe even more than the others, but I don't think many would agree! :)

[jmdrummer7]

All sounded good but I'd pick Tama #1, this is a good example of the most expensive not always being the best. In today's economy you could do just as well with a mid level kit w/nice heads rather than spending thousands on hand made custom drums.

[SgtThump]

@jmdrummer7 While I totally agree with you about price not dictating tone, I will say that I didn't have my DW snare dialed in good at all for this video. I also didn't have the Tama dialed in all that well either. The guy I bought the Tama from wanted it back, so I sold it back to him. I wish I didn't, though! I liked that snare.

I now have my DW snare dialed in much better!

[skunizzi]

Actually if you want a great sounding snare drum you should check out the ones made by fidock they sound awesome. You can check out the sound on my buddies videos. Actually he also gives great video lessons. Check him out his your tube name is dimsunk

[SgtThump]

@skunizzi I've never heard of fidock. I'll check out your friends videos! Thanks again.

[jmdrummer7]

@SgtThump Just for the record the DW snare sounded really good. I was a little partial toward the Tama because I used to have the same model in a 6.5 depth. My main point was the bang for your buck, I've played snares and kits that were considered budget gear that sounded really good w/ better heads. DW makes great drums but they carry a high price tag. For someone on a budget, they couldn't go wrong w/ a set of Tama Silverstars and some clear emperors and a powerstroke kick head.

[SgtThump]

@skunizzi @skunizzi Hi and thanks! I sometimes use moongels on the toms, but never on the snare. I'm one of those weird people that like quite a bit of ring in a snare. That Gretsch was by far the cheapest of the bunch and to be honest, I kinda like it the best too.

I still have the DW snare and have spent alot of time getting MORE ring in it. I think I have it tuned pretty nicely now. I sold the other snares and am on the hunt for a metal snare with alot of nice ring.

[skunizzi]

I like the Gretch best but it has too much ring. If you use a moon-gel it will get rid of it and sound better.

[SgtThump]

@techdrummer12345 Thanks man! I just tune them by ear to what sounds good to me. I think most people would consider it medium/high tuning? At this point, I tune the batter and snare sides to the same pitch. I need to experiment more with that, though, to see how tuning them differently changes the feel and tone.