Best Wood Snare Drums 2023

The snare drum is the heart of any drum kit. It’s the first drum most children learn to play; most drummers consider it their most important instrument. The sound of a snare can make or break a track, and the wood snare drums on this list are some of the best instruments for capturing a variety of tones.

One of the most important factors when considering a drum is the material of the drum shell. Different woods have different tonal properties and different durability. Snare drums are often played harder than other drums and require a durable shell that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Wood snare drums can be more expensive than other materials and require more care, but they often produce more nuanced sounds.

best wood snare drums

Table of Contents

Top 10 Wood Snare Drums (Based on Our Research)

# Preview Product Price
1 Drum Sticks 5A Wood Drumsticks Maple Snare Drumstick 2 Pair Drum Sticks 5A Wood Drumsticks Maple Snare Drumstick 2 Pair $6.50
2 Oak Wood Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | PVC on Poplar Wood Shell 14 Oak Wood Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | PVC on Poplar Wood Shell 14″ x 5.5″ | Percussion Musical Instrument with Drummers Key for Students & Professionals|8 Tuning Lugs & Deluxe Snare Strainer $47.95
3 GRIFFIN Snare Drum | Poplar Wood Shell 14 GRIFFIN Snare Drum | Poplar Wood Shell 14″ x 5.5″ with Black PVC & Coated Head | Acoustic Marching Percussion Musical Instrument Set with Drummers Key, 8 Metal Tuning Lugs & Snare Strainer Throw Off $47.95
4 Popcorn Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | Firecracker Acoustic 10 Popcorn Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | Firecracker Acoustic 10″ x 6″ Poplar Shell with Zebra Wood PVC | Soprano Mini Concert Marching Percussion Musical Instrument with Snare Throw Off, Drummers Key & Head $44.95
5 Meinl Percussion Jam Cajon Box Drum with Snare and Bass Tone for Acoustic Music — Made in Europe — Baltic Birch Wood, Play with Your Hands, 2-Year Warranty (JC50LBNT) Meinl Percussion Jam Cajon Box Drum with Snare and Bass Tone for Acoustic Music — Made in Europe — Baltic Birch Wood, Play with Your Hands, 2-Year Warranty (JC50LBNT) $79.99
6 PDP 20-Ply Maple Snare with Wood Hoops and Chrome Hardware 14 x 5.5 in. PDP 20-Ply Maple Snare with Wood Hoops and Chrome Hardware 14 x 5.5 in. Price not available
7 GRIFFIN Firecracker Snare Drum | Acoustic Popcorn 10 GRIFFIN Firecracker Snare Drum | Acoustic Popcorn 10″ x 6″ Poplar Mini Wood Shell & Black Hickory PVC | Concert Marching Percussion Musical Instrument with Deluxe Snare Throw Off, Drummers Key & Head $44.95
8 The Rim Riser 30 Ply Maple Wood RimRiser Cross Stick Enhancer The Rim Riser 30 Ply Maple Wood RimRiser Cross Stick Enhancer $54.95
9 Piccolo Snare Drum 13 Piccolo Snare Drum 13″ x 3.5″ by GRIFFIN | 100% Poplar Wood Shell with Black PVC & White Coated Drum Head | Drummers Acoustic Marching Kit Percussion Instrument with Snare Strainer Throw Off Set $46.95
10 Vic Firth Corpsmaster Signature Snare -- Ralph Hardimon Vic Firth Corpsmaster Signature Snare — Ralph Hardimon $14.99

Our Editor’s Best Wood Snare Drums Reviews


Drum Sticks 5A Wood Drumsticks Maple Snare Drumstick 2 Pair

 Drum Sticks 5A Wood Drumsticks Maple Snare Drumstick 2 Pair

Key Features:

  • This wood snare drum is for beginner practicing, youth rock bands, and drummer playing. It is made of maple and is a 5A drumstick.
  • Wood snare drums are a type of drum that is typically made out of maple wood. Maple is a popular choice for drumsticks because it is resilient, responsive, and durable.
  • The wood snare drums are designed for a perfect balance and are made of high-quality materials.
  • These wood snare drums have excellent performance, providing a rich, full, and balanced sound. They are suitable for jazz, pop, and rock music.
  • This wood snare drum has a natural finish that is comfortable and slip-resistant.

Read More: Best Budget Snare Drum


Oak Wood Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | PVC on Poplar Wood Shell 14″ x 5.5″ | Percussion Musical Instrument with Drummers Key for Students & Professionals|8 Tuning Lugs & Deluxe Snare Strainer

 Oak Wood Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | PVC on Poplar Wood Shell 14

Key Features:

  • The wood snare drum is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful, punchy sound with beautiful overtones. It is constructed of 3-ply, 7.5 mm, 100% poplar wood, making it a versatile option for any music style.
  • The wood snare drums for a shopper are an upgrade to a 14-inch snare drum kit. The oak wrap with a simple, flat finish is beautiful to look at, and the unrivaled craftsmanship makes this deluxe musical instrument a worthy addition to any drummer’s collection. An excellent choice for beginners, students, or professional musicians, this 14-inch x 5.5-inch snare drum can be easily used as a primary or secondary snare. Drum head top: White coating. Drum head bottom: clear.
  • This wood snare drum is equipped with a top-notch, smooth, and quiet snare strainer that promises flawless operation and fluid movement every time. You can easily tighten, loosen or mute the snares according to your preference, all without failing or locking up!
  • The wood snare drums for sale have eight tuning lugs for a more stable and higher quality sound than six-lug drums. They also come with a drum key and are very durable.
  • This wood snare drum has installed snare beds that are carved into the drum shell. This is supposed to produce a tighter snare sound. The snare beds are curved depressions that are cut into the bottom bearing edge of the drum, parallel to the throw-off and butt plate.

GRIFFIN Snare Drum | Poplar Wood Shell 14″ x 5.5″ with Black PVC & Coated Head | Acoustic Marching Percussion Musical Instrument Set with Drummers Key, 8 Metal Tuning Lugs & Snare Strainer Throw Off

 GRIFFIN Snare Drum | Poplar Wood Shell 14

Key Features:

  • The wood snare drums are designed to give you a brilliant, powerful crack with beautiful overtones. The 3-ply, 7.5 mm, 100% poplar wood construction makes it perfect for any music style, including rock, metal, funk, gospel, or even pop.
  • The wood snare drums for a shopper are a great addition to any drummer’s collection. The black wrap with a simple, high-gloss finish is gorgeous to look at, and the unrivaled craftsmanship makes this deluxe musical instrument a worthy addition to any drummer’s collection. An excellent choice for beginners, students, or professional musicians, this 14-inch x 5.5-inch snare drum can be easily used as a primary or secondary snare. Drum head top: White coating. Drum head bottom: clear.
  • This wood snare drum is equipped with a top-notch, smooth, and quiet snare strainer that promises flawless operation and fluid movement every time. You can easily tighten, loosen or mute the snares according to your preference, all without failing or locking up!
  • The wood snare drums for sale have eight tuning lugs for a more stable and higher quality sound compared to six-lug drums. They also include a drum key and are very durable.
  • The wood snare drums have installed snare beds that are carved into the drum shell. This is supposed to create a tighter snare sound. The beds are curved and located opposite each other on the bottom bearing edge of the drum, parallel to the throw-off and butt plate. Many drummers like this feature because it reduces snare buzz and rattle.

Read More: Best Concert Snare Drum


Popcorn Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | Firecracker Acoustic 10″ x 6″ Poplar Shell with Zebra Wood PVC | Soprano Mini Concert Marching Percussion Musical Instrument with Snare Throw Off, Drummers Key & Head

 Popcorn Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | Firecracker Acoustic 10

Key Features:

  • The wood snare drums are 10″ x 6″ and are made of popcorn. They have a brilliant attack and a nice, punchy, warm crack. They are also great for rock bands, acoustic shows, concerts, church drummers, or school performances as marching snare drums.
  • This soprano snare drum kit comes with 6 extra durable tuning lugs that allow you to achieve a stable, high-quality sound in all tunings. The extended depth and diameter of the drum give it a uniquely rich and warm sound while still maintaining the explosive clarity that you’d expect from a snare.
  • The wood snare drums for sale are high quality and come with a deluxe throw-off for easy tension adjustments. The hardware is finished in chrome, and the drum key is included. The snare wire is 12 strands. The gross weight is 4 pounds.
  • The wood snare drums for a shopper are mini drums that have a 3-ply, 100% poplar wood shell with 7.5 mm thickness. They have a beautiful, glossy zebra wood wrap and offer exceptional volume and richness. They also have a white-coated head and are well-built to last for years to come.
  • The wood snare drums for sale have installed snare beds that are carved into the drum shell for a tighter snare sound. The installed snare beds are very popular with drummers as many drummers like a reduction of snare buzz and rattle.

Meinl Percussion Jam Cajon Box Drum with Snare and Bass Tone for Acoustic Music — Made in Europe — Baltic Birch Wood, Play with Your Hands, 2-Year Warranty (JC50LBNT)

 Meinl Percussion Jam Cajon Box Drum with Snare and Bass Tone for Acoustic Music — Made in Europe — Baltic Birch Wood, Play with Your Hands, 2-Year Warranty (JC50LBNT)

Key Features:

  • This is a wood snare drum that is perfect for someone with no experience playing percussion. It is easy to learn and play, and it produces great sound.
  • The Meinl Jam Cajon is a great way to get into playing drums without having to invest a lot of time and effort into learning how to play a drum set. With this cajon, you can play acoustic shows with bands, jam with friends or family, teach students about rhythm, or liven up your worship music.
  • The wood snare drums are made from 100% Baltic birch wood, a high-quality wood used in many high-end drum sets. These drums have a great sound and are very durable.
  • A wood snare drum is a drum that is made out of wood. The Baltic birch playing surface delivers a punchy bass tone with about as much volume as an acoustic guitar. Inside the cajon are two sets of fixed coiled steel snare wires that give you a crisp sound.
  • The Meinl Jam Cajon is a wood snare drum that is 10 1/4″ W x 15″ H x 10 1/4″ D. It weighs 6 lbs and is easily portable without shortchanging sound quality and comfort. It is made to last with a solid frame that supports adults and children.
  • This wood snare drum has a 4″ port cut into the back of it for air to escape as you play, producing a richer tone. It also lets your beats project more and is a great microphone spot if needed.
  • This wood snare drum is perfect for anyone who wants to play music on the go. The four silicone feet on the bottom keep the drum stable and prevent it from vibrating on any surface.
  • The Meinl wood snare drums are some of the highest-quality drums that you can buy. They are made in Germany by expert designers who have a deep understanding of how to make drums that sound great.

Read More: Best Marching Snare Drum Heads


PDP 20-Ply Maple Snare with Wood Hoops and Chrome Hardware 14 x 5.5 in.

 PDP 20-Ply Maple Snare with Wood Hoops and Chrome Hardware 14 x 5.5 in.

Key Features:

  • This wood snare drum has a maple shell and steel hardware. It is 14″ x 5-1/2″ and has 20-ply construction. It has a 45-bearing edge and no reinforcement ring. The hoop type is wood, and the lugs are proprietary. The throw-off is tap-style, and there is no internal muffler. The snares are steel.
  • x 14″ Wood Snare DrumThe 5 in x 14 wood snare drum is a great addition to any drum set. It has a beautiful natural finish and produces a great sound. It is a great choice for any drummer looking for a high-quality snare drum.
  • This PDP 20-Ply Maple Snare offers a warm, musical tone, custom features, and a traditional appearance. It features 20-ply maple construction for a warm, musical tone and a traditional appearance. It also has custom features like a unique snare bed and a low-mass strainer for a quick, responsive feel.
  • This wood snare drum is made of 20 plies of maple, which gives it a punchy, bold attack and classic maple warmth.
  • The wood snare drums have matching wood counter hoops that provide a round, full rimshot.

GRIFFIN Firecracker Snare Drum | Acoustic Popcorn 10″ x 6″ Poplar Mini Wood Shell & Black Hickory PVC | Concert Marching Percussion Musical Instrument with Deluxe Snare Throw Off, Drummers Key & Head

 GRIFFIN Firecracker Snare Drum | Acoustic Popcorn 10

Key Features:

  • The wood snare drums are 10″ x 6″ and have a bright attack with a warm crack and singing resonance. They are great for rock bands, acoustic shows, concerts, church drummers, or school performances as a marching snare drums.
  • This is a wood snare drum kit that includes a soprano snare drum with 6 tuning lugs. The drum is made for a rich and warm sound while still maintaining clarity. The lugs are extra durable for stable sound quality.
  • The wood snare drums for a shopper are a great product for people who want to be able to customize the sound of their snare drums. With the deluxe throw-off, you can easily tighten or loosen the snares without worrying about the strainer going loose. The drum also comes with a drum key, so you can easily change the tension of the snares.
  • This wood snare drum has a 3-ply, 100% poplar wood shell with a 7.5 mm thickness and a glossy black hickory wrap. It has a white-coated head and is well-built to last for years to come.
  • These wood snare drums have been designed for a tighter snare sound, with curved depressions cut into the drum’s bottom bearing edge. This is popular among drummers as it reduces snare buzz and rattle.

Read More: Best Drum Heads For Piccolo Snare


The Rim Riser 30 Ply Maple Wood RimRiser Cross Stick Enhancer

 The Rim Riser 30 Ply Maple Wood RimRiser Cross Stick Enhancer

Key Features:


Piccolo Snare Drum 13″ x 3.5″ by GRIFFIN | 100% Poplar Wood Shell with Black PVC & White Coated Drum Head | Drummers Acoustic Marching Kit Percussion Instrument with Snare Strainer Throw Off Set

 Piccolo Snare Drum 13

Key Features:

  • This wood snare drum is a great way to change up the sound of your acoustic drum set. This premium piccolo snare drum is a great instrument to keep in your percussion arsenal. The small, condensed size and thinner body depth give it a high-pitched tone, while the 6 tuning lugs allow you to achieve a tighter sound with brilliant attacks. The wood snare drum is perfect for rock bands, acoustic shows, concerts, church drummers, or school performances as a marching snare drum.
  • This wood snare drum is a great choice for someone who wants a high-quality instrument that looks great. The drum is made of 7.5 mm, 3-ply poplar wood and has a white powder-coated snare head. It also comes with a drum key.
  • The wood snare drums are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. They have a great sound and are perfect for any music. They are also perfect for use in recording studios, DJing, stage performances, and more.
  • These wood snare drums have carved snare beds designed to produce a tighter sound. The beds are cut into the bottom bearing edge of the drum, parallel to the snare throw-off/snare strainer and butt plate. This design is intended to reduce snare buzz and rattle.
  • The wood snare drums have installed snare beds that are carved into the drum shell for a tighter snare sound. The curved depressions are cut opposite each other into the bottom bearing edge of the drum, parallel to the throw-off and butt plate. This makes all the snares rest flush alongside the bottom of the drum head, reducing snare buzz and rattle.

Read More: Best Snare Drum For Beginners


Vic Firth Corpsmaster Signature Snare — Ralph Hardimon

 Vic Firth Corpsmaster Signature Snare -- Ralph Hardimon

Key Features:

  • This wood snare drum is designed by Ralph Hardimon, a legend in the marching world, and used by some of the top marching groups in the world!
  • The wood snare drums have a modified barrel tip and a longer taper. This adds control and balanced rebound.
  • These wood snare drums are made from high-quality hickory wood from the USA. This gives them a durable construction that will withstand regular use.

Best Wood Snare Drums Buying Guide

Before choosing the best wood snare drum you should consider the following options:

Wood Type

There are many different types of wood you can choose from when building your drum. The type of wood you choose will greatly impact the sound of your drum.

Hardwoods will produce a brighter tone while using softwoods will give you a more mellow sound. Some of the most popular woods include oak, maple, birch, ash, mahogany, and many more.

Diameter and Depth

Snare drums come in a variety of different sizes. If you are planning to use your drum for live shows, you should consider investing in a larger drum.

A larger drum will produce a fuller sound and will be easier to hear in a live setting. If you are planning to use your drum for recording, a smaller drum will give you a cleaner sound.

You should also consider the depth of your drum. A drum with a deep tone will be great for playing soft beats. A shallow drum will have a brighter tone.

Rim Type

There are many options when it comes to choosing a rim for your drum. The way your drum is played will have a big impact on this decision.

If you are going to be playing your drum with a stick, you should choose a drum with a heavy-duty drum head. If you plan on playing your drum with mallets, you can go with either a heavy-duty drum head or a wooden rim.

Drum Head

Drum heads are available in a variety of different materials. If you are planning to play your drum with sticks, you should choose a drum head with a high dynamic range.

This will allow you to achieve a wide range of tones from your drum. If you plan on playing your drum with mallets, you can choose either a drum head or a wooden rim.

A drum head will produce a more consistent tone, while a wooden rim will give you a unique sound. Drum heads are available with a variety of different finishes.

You can choose from clear drum heads, coated drum heads, and many others. Drum heads are available in a variety of different thicknesses.

If you are planning to play your drum with sticks, you should choose a drum head with a medium or medium-thin thickness. If you plan on playing your drum with mallets, a thin drum head is a great option.

Drum Batter Heads

Drum batter heads are what will produce the actual sound you hear when you play your drum. There are many different types of drum batter heads available. They are available in many different materials and come with a variety of different finishes.

You can choose from coated batter heads, clear batter heads, and many more. The type of batter head you choose will have a big impact on the sound of your drum.

Drum Hardware

There are several different drum hardware options available. You can choose from a wide variety of different stands and mounts.

You can also choose from many different types of pedals and drumsticks. If you are planning to play your drum with sticks, you should choose a set of hardware that will give you a wide range of tones.

If you plan on playing your drum with mallets, a simple stand and a couple of drumsticks will be perfect.

Drum Cases

Drum cases are another essential piece of equipment to invest in. Drum cases will protect your drum from accidental bumps and drops.


Wood Snare Drums FAQs

1. What type of wood is best for a wood snare drum?

There is no definitive answer, as each type of wood produces a unique sound.

2. How do I tune a wood snare drum?

To tune a wood snare drum, use a drum key to tighten or loosen the tension rods around the drumhead. Start by tightening or loosening the rods in the middle of the drumhead first, then move to the outer rods.

3. How do I care for a wood snare drum?

Wood snare drums require regular cleaning and polishing to maintain their appearance. It would be best if you cleaned the drum with a damp cloth and then dried it with a soft cloth. You can then polish the drum with furniture polish or beeswax.

4. How do I get the best sound out of my wood snare drum?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as each wood snare drum will produce a slightly different sound depending on the wood it is made from, its size and shape, and the drumhead used. However, some general tips can help you get the best sound out of your wood snare drum:

1. Make sure the drum is in good condition. If the drumhead is old or damaged, it will not produce a good sound.

2. Use a drumhead that is made from good quality material. A thicker drumhead will produce a better sound than a thinner one.

3. Tune the drumhead to the correct tension. A too-tight drumhead will produce a harsh sound, while a too-loose drumhead will produce a dull sound.

4. Experiment with different stick sizes and types. Different sticks will produce different sounds on a wood snare drum.

5. Play around with the placement of the drum in the room. The sound of the drum will be affected by its position in the room.

5. What are the different types of wood snare drums?

There are many different types of wood snare drums, each with its own unique sound. Some common types of wood used for snare drums include maple, birch, walnut, cherry, and mahogany.


Conclusion

There are many great wood snare drums on the market. Our list of the best wood snare drums will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.