10 Best Snare Drums for Funk and Hip Hop Drumming
Explore 10 snare drums chosen for the punch, high-end crack, warmth and low-end response that make Funk and Hip Hop drums hit just right.
When you play Hip Hop on an acoustic drum kit, you are essentially trying to reproduce a sound that has been programmed. Even if a producer has sampled a live drummer, there is usually a lot of compression on that sound. The main challenge is getting the high end and low end correct.
With Funk drumming, it is slightly easier. However, trying to recreate the sound of drummers who worked with James Brown, Prince, Earth, Wind and Fire takes a little know-how. Here are 10 snare drums that will help you create a drum sound for Funk and hip-hop drumming.
Tama 10'x5,5' Metalworks Bl. Steel see price
This Tama snare sounds like a gunshot! It has the perfect amount of attack with a steady bottom end for hip-hop. It is important to note that this is a 10-inch snare drum. Keep in mind that a regular snare drum is 14 inches. This drum makes the perfect add-on to your kit or just a gem to take to the studio.
Pearl 10'x05' Fire Cracker Snare see price
This Pearl snare lives up to its name! It is unapologetically loud in the best possible way. Being made of steel means it has a high-pitched tone with a piercing crack. Perfect for Hip Hop or Funk. Again, I'd probably use this in the studio as opposed to a live gig.
Tama MP125ST 12'x05' Mike Portnoy see price
This drum was created by a legendary drummer from the prog metal band 'Dream Theater '. It is definitely on the high end but well worth the price tag. What makes this drum unique is that it has 2 snare strainers! That's basically like having 2 snare drums. Being able to change snare strainers will drastically alter the tone of the drum. It is a 12 inch which is great for old-school funk.
Pearl 13'x03' Snare Drum S1330B see price
Traditionally, 'piccolo' snare drums were used as 'auxiliary' snare drums. That meant a drummer would have it set up to the left of his hi-hat, opposite his regular snare, which was most likely 14 inches. As hip hop became more popular, drummers started using piccolo snares as their main snares. This is a cool-sounding drum, perfect for HipHop.
Ludwig 13"x06" Supralite see price
This drum is deeper than a standard snare drum. It's 6-inch deep as opposed to 5 and a quarter, giving it extra low end. A lot of old-school funk drummers use drums of this depth because you can go from playing a funk jam to a ballad without sacrificing any of the nuances. This drum gives you both a high crack and low end. It is more suited to Funk than Hip Hop.
Millenium 13'x3,5' Black Beast Snare see price
If you are creating music out of your garage and you are on a budget, this snare drum will do just fine for Hip Hop. It doesn't have any of the bells and whistles of the high-end models but will give you a decent sound on a budget. Perfect for recording Hip Hop or Funk.
DW PDP 13''x3,5'' Kraken Snare see price
This PDP snare is priced well and comes with a Remo head, which means it is ready to play straight out of the box! Steel shell snare drums are cool simply because they last a long time and can take a beating. This is great for Funk.
Mapex 13'x07' Hydro Snare see price
The Black Panther Mapex snare drum is an incredibly versatile snare drum. It is 7 inches deep, which gives you a great bottom-end-sounding drum. I always felt Maple wood created an extra warm sound. This drum could be used for Funk, Hip Hop, and even Drum N Bass.
Gretsch Drums 13''x06'' Full Range Hybrid SD see price
Gretch has always been a brand that is synonymous with high quality. This drum is no exception. It is unique because it is a combination of maple and mahogany wood, delivering a sound that is super Funky! This is a great snare drum for ghost notes and backbeats alike.
DrumCraft 14"x5" Concert Snare BB see price
Of all the snare drums mentioned in this article, this is the only 14-inch snare. Typically, they don't have the desired high end for Funk or Hip Hop. The reason this drum is the exception is that it is made from bubinga wood. This snare drum sounds and looks incredible. It has a warm tone that will sound a million bucks in the studio. If you can afford the price tag, check out this snare drum!
All these snare drums will sound great if you are playing Funk music or Hip Hop with your band. Very little muffling is needed on these drums because of their smaller sizes. If I wanted to have a ‘flatter’ sound while recording these drums, I might rest my wallet on the snare to take out some higher overtones. Other than that, these snares will make a difference to the music you are creating.
Keep Practicing!
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
In this section of the Musicngear blog you can find reviews, how-tos, buying guides & comparisons across a wife range of music gear.
Are you interested in writing a story for this section as a guest or joining the Musicngear team as a Contributing Author? Contact us at info@musicngear.com
Would you like to send us sample gear for reviews? Reach out to Chris Roditis at chrisroditis@musicngear.com
