New Snare: Chad Smith vs. Stewart Copeland

[Kmac]

I am considering a new snare drum. Have played the Chad Smith Signature model and it comes close to what I am looking for. Has anyone played the Stewart Copeland model from Tama (I have not) and have an opinion versus the Chad Smith model?

[oldmanjohnson]

We're talking apples and oranges here. The Chad Smith drum is steel vs. the Stewart Copeland which is Brass with a chrome finish. The Chad Smith drum will most likely have more ring and volume but will be a little tougher to control, however it will be less expensive. The Stewart Copeland snare will have more sensitivity and a little darker sound because of the brass, but will cost more because of the brass, too.

[DearlPrummer]

Good point Johnson! I also think both of which are too expensive.

[xxxDISENGAGExxx]

I own both.

Have to disagree with oldmanjohnson. The Copeland is a little higher in pitch and has more volume (although I agree that it does have less ring). Both are about equal in sensitivity. The die cast hoop on top gives it a killer crack and the regular hoop on the bottom keeps too much resonance from being lost. The Copeland snare cuts thru the mix a little better.

The biggest difference that I noticed after switching from the CS to the Copeland is the clarity. Its hard to describe but the Copeland snare seems a little drier and a little "cleaner." The definition of ghost notes is superior on the Copeland snare. I tend to pick Pearl over Tama in general, but this is one big exception. The Copeland snare is one of the best snares I have ever played. If you won't have the oportunity to try both side by side, I would go with the Copeland snare. I only paid $280 at a music store although the best online price I found was $325. I think the Copeland model is worth the extra bucks, no question about it.