Best Snare Stands for Your Drumkit
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Pearl S930 Snare Stand -
DW 9000 Series Snare Stand -
Ludwig Atlas Pro II Snare Stand -
Tama Star Master Snare Stand -
Yamaha SS950 Heavy Double-Braced Snare Drum Stand w/ Multi-Angle Tilte -
Buyer's Guide
The snare drum stand is an important piece of hardware which, as its name implies, holds the snare drum in place. A drummer’s snare drum takes a lot of abuse as it’s usually hit a bit harder than other drums, and therefore these stands needs to be of the best quality. Snare drum stands usually come in two different heights which are drum set and concert height. Drum set height stands are meant to be played from a seated position while playing drum set. Concert height stands are meant to be played while standing, often in an orchestral setting. Obviously, drummers should look for a drum set height snare drum stand if they primarily play drum set. My picks for best snare drum stand are all drum set height stands, as concert height stands have been excluded from this list.
The most important feature of the snare drum stand is the design of the “basket” on top of the stand which holds the drum in place with three arms. The stands on this list have great baskets that are easily adjusted and don’t require excessive turning of the wrist. The “tilter” device is a mechanism allowing the drum angle to be adjusted and our selections all have durably constructed tilters which can be adjusted to any angle you need.
These picks od the best snare stands in 2022 are also height adjustable and don’t take up a lot of room with excess parts. Sometimes you’ll have to adjust your snare drum to a variety of angles in the middle of a gig or recording session, so all of these picks feature systems for making quick and easily adjustable. The way your snare drum sounds says a lot about you as a drummer, and I have chosen stands that allow the drum to ring properly. These picks are all durable stands from the best hardware manufacturers in the industry and are made with parts which won’t fall apart on you.
What are the best snare stands of 2022?
Pearl S930 Snare Stand - Best Snare Stand Overall
Pearl 900 series hardware has won many awards for its reliability and overall value and the S-930 snare stand is a highlight of the series. The 930 has a uni-lock tilter which can be quickly and easily be adjusted to any angle you want. This stand can accommodate 10-14 inch snare drums, has double braced legs for stability, and rubber arm and leg tips to cut down on stand noise. I also like it doesn’t have a lot of excess wing nuts or bulky adjusting devices.
This stand is designed to be extremely durable and well made with a strong frame. I’ve worked in high schools where students are constantly finding new ways to break equipment, and the Pearl S-930 is usually the only piece that lasts. You really only need to turn two knobs to set it up and it folds down nicely. This is the best snare drum stand around which will last you for many years.
DW 9000 Series Snare Stand - Runner Up
DW’s DWCP9300AL is part of the high end 9000 series of high-end hardware which is constructed with a lot of attention to detail and focus on sound production. What separates the stand from its competitors is the patented Randall May-designed “air lift” system which allows the drum to float on air, producing more sound than you would get with other stands. This feature also allows this durable stand to be easily adjusted when needed. The basket itself is adjusted with a knob which makes the process easier than with other stands.
This snare stand also has many of the same features mentioned in our previous reviews of hardware within the 9000 series including hinged memory locks for stability, plastic tube insulators for superior sound production, and the TechLock locking system. This stand is great for professional drummers or anyone that wants to improve the sound produced by their snare drum.
Ludwig Atlas Pro II Snare Stand - Honorable Mention
The Ludwig Atlas Pro II Snare Stand is a bit more expensive than others stands, but it’s worth the price for professionals. In addition to snares, this stand can accommodate some bigger field drums as it can hold 10-16 inch drums. The stands Aerodyne tilter" is gearless and can be adjusted to any angle while the pillar clutch suspends the snare drum with as little contact to the stand as possible. This allows the drum to vibrate more than it would on a traditional stand.
There are memory locks on everything and overall this is a very stable stand. Once you adjust this stand to your specifications, it remains solid while still allowing the drum to ring freely. Ludwig has always made durable hardware that can withstand the trills of gigging and touring, and the Atlas Pro II is one of their best stands. This stand has some of the best features of any stand on the market, and is a must for the touring and studio drummer alike.
Tama Star Master Snare Stand - Consider
Tama’s HS100W is one of the most innovative snare stands on the market. Every detail of this stand has been made for ease of adjustment and superior sound production. The basket design is very unique and can accommodate 12-15 inch diameter snare drums and can be adjusted with a nut on one of the arms, which I find easier than the traditional knob design. The claws are also designed to not have a lot of contact with the drum so it can ring more freely. Speaking of ring, the tubes have been designed with True-Sound Insulation Mutes that prevent the stand from absorbing vibrations which limit sound production. The double braced legs also have oversized rubber feet to cut down on vibrations lost in the floor as well as a retractable spike for stability. This stand uses Tama’s Oni-ball tilter which is a bit more reliable than most ball and socket type joints which offers a quick way to adjust the angle of the drum. While this stand is more expensive than other snare drum stands, you’re getting some superior features in exchange.
Yamaha SS950 Heavy Double-Braced Snare Drum Stand w/ Multi-Angle Tilte - Best Snare Stand
Yamaha’s SS950 is a reliable and compact snare drum stand with double braced legs that are very sturdy, large rubber feet to prevent movement, and spikes on the feet for extra stability. The SS950 has a ball and socket joint at the center that provides endless options for adjusting the angle of the drum. This basket design also allows for the drum to sit lower than most stands. This is a great feature for drummers who have deep snare drums or like their snare drum to sit unusually low.
The drawback of this stand is the device for adjusting the basket diameter is large plastic knob that’s awkward to adjust and can be taxing on the wrist. This design is not uncommon, but many of the other snare drum stands on my list have basket adjustment systems that are more convenient. However, the basket is easily detachable so you could just leave it attached to your snare drum when disassembling your kit. What this stand lacks in convenience, it makes up for in stability as the basket is rock solid once it’s been set. This is one of the best snare drum stands available because of that stability and the reliable reputation of the Yamaha name.
Buyer's Guide
Best Snare Stands Buying Guide
Here's a road map to guide you through the journey of buying the best snare stands in 2021.
What Should You Keep in Mind While Buying the Best Snare Stands?
Durable Construction
The first thing that you should look for is the construction. The stand should be durable and sturdy to ensure your snare drum does not fall while playing or transporting. You would also require a good weight distribution on the base of the stands, so they are balanced no matter how much gear you have attached to them.
Height is a Plus
The second thing that you need to make sure of is the height of your snare drum stand, as this plays a massive role in how comfortable it will be for you to play. Ideally, you would want the snare to stand high enough so that your arms are inclined slightly when playing and at least parallel with the floor, if not higher. If they are lower than the floor, you will be bending your arms too much.
Composition
Also, look if your snare stand is made of aluminum or steel, as this can affect how long they last and under different conditions. Steel has a higher weight limit than aluminum, but it also rusts more easily if you play outdoors. Aluminum stands are lighter, but they have a lower weight limit.
Boom Arm Height
Boom Arm Height
The boom arm height plays an important role in how comfortable your snare drum stand will be when playing it. You want it to be high enough so that you can move the snare without having too much tension on your arms, but you also want it to be low enough to play the snare properly.
Adjustability
The last thing is how adjustable they are and whether or not there are separate parts that adjust independently of each other. That way, if one part wears down faster than the other, you won’t have to replace both parts, and instead, just replace the worn-down part.
Why Should You Use Snare Stands?
Here are some of the most solid reasons why every drummer should have snare stands for their drums.
Convenient
The first reason is that snare stands allow you to play your drums in a position where they sound the best. If you have a particular spot on stage or at home where you like playing and hearing your kit, having good quality drum hardware allows for a fast setup so you can play your kit there as often as possible.
Easy Adjustments
The best snare stands enable you to easily change the distance of your snares from the batter head, which allows them to produce different tones and feel when struck. For example, the closer will sound tight and punchy while further away sounds full-bodied with a lot of resonance.
Pocket Friendly
Snare stands help you switch the bottom head and change the sound and feel of your drum without having to buy a new one. Even with just two different heads on all four snares, you can create many tone variations; it won’t be hard not to find something perfect for what you are playing.
Time Savior
Snare stands allow for fast on-the-fly adjustments to your kit during a performance without having to stop and re-tune everything after moving it around. This can save you time between songs, especially if the head tension needs readjusting or there was damage done from hitting the kit hard.
Stability
Lastly, this equipment allows your drums to be more stable, especially if they are heavily mic’d up for live performances or recordings. Even the loudest drummer in the world will not get feedback from their drums when using high-quality hardware because so much of the sound is absorbed before it gets to the mic.
What are the Types of Snare Stands?
There are 3 types of stands available, and each one is designed to solve specific needs.
Boom Stands
Boom stands are the most common type and attach directly to the base of your drum. They also allow you more flexibility in positioning your drums as they can easily extend outwards and downwards. These stands come in handy if you have a small setup but might not be the best choice for an outdoor setup because they can easily break in strong winds.
Basket Stands
Basket stands are similar to boom stands except that there is no long arm extending from them. Instead, they attach directly onto your snare stand itself and sit underneath it. This type of stand is excellent if you need to save space and want your drums closer together. They’re also a good choice for outdoor gigs as they can be covered with a piece of fabric or plastic to protect from the wind.
Floor Stands
Floor stands are just like basket stands, except that there is no stand for your snare drum to sit on. They attach to the floor and provide a sturdy base from which you can play. This type of stand is suitable for larger setups and outdoor gigs.
How to Maintain Your Snare Stands?
- Snare stands can be damaged by water and moisture, so they should be stored in a dry place.
- When using snare stands for gigs, it is important to keep them off the ground and out of harm's way.
- Snare stands with rubber feet are more stable. This is because the rubber provides extra grip on slippery surfaces like tile or hardwood floors.
- To clean your snare stand, use a damp cloth with mild soap and wipe down the entire surface. Then air-dry before storing it.
- It is best to store your drum kit vertically rather than horizontally, as this will help preserve its structural integrity over time.
Snare Stands FAQs
Q: What size of snare stand do I need?
A: There are many sizes of snares stands available on the market and come in different heights and widths depending on how big your drums are. The standard height is 27 inches.
Q: What kind of snare stand should I avoid?
A: If a stand is poorly constructed and unstable, it will not be suitable for your drum at all. Avoid stands with thin steel tubing and bases.
Q: Do snare stands come pre-assembled?
A: In most cases, the snare stands do not require any assembly. Just take them out of the box, and you are ready to go. If your stand comes with some assembly required, all instructions will be included in the product packaging.
