Ultrasound snare wires question

[Tom-Phil]

Anybody got any experience with the Pearl Ultrasound graduated tension snare wires? I read about them in the new products section, and they sound like an interesting solution to a little problem I've been having.

I've got a Tama 6.5"x14" Bronze, outfitted with Gibraltar 42-strand wires. In most applications, the sound is really great - kind of wet, but quick - if that makes any sense. My only complaint is that the response seems to die at lower volumes; a soft stroke just doesn't seem to activate the snares. Wish I could have my sound all across the dynamic spectrum.

The Ultrasounds come in three shapes - I (all snares evenly distanced - pretty much what I've got now with my Gibraltars), C (snares are longer and looser in the center, and get shorter and tighter, toward the outside), and D (the opposite of C). Which way should I go?

Also, anybody got an idea what these things might retail for?

[VanHanegem1995]

A few months ago (maybe a year), Modern Drummer reviewed the Ultrasound Snare Wires. I'm not 100% sure, but I seem to recall that they said C was the one which seemed to be suitable for most situations. If you can track it down, please let me know (to see if my memory has finally abandoned me!).

[jchertudi]

The Ultrasounds come in three shapes - I (all snares evenly distanced - pretty much what I've got now with my Gibraltars), C (snares are longer and looser in the center, and get shorter and tighter, toward the outside), and D (the opposite of C). Which way should I go?

I use the "C" type for my 14"x6.5" Brass Sensitone. I believe Pearl recommends the "C" type for metal snare drums. It reduces the noise caused by the snares from sympathetic vibrations a bit. But I noticed the sensitivity greatly increased from the standard Pearl snare wires I had on there before. Ghost notes sound so much better now. The wires seem to respond to dynamic playing a lot better.

I would recommend these snares if you are looking into new snare wires for your drum... they really bring out a nice sound from mine.

[Tom-Phil]

Thanks for the replies! I think the C shape is the smart way to go, then. Now, if I can just locate a set, I'll give them a shot, and post a review.

[Aries07]

If you like your 42 strand, Pearl offers 42 strand Ultrasound C shaped wires

[jchertudi]

If you're looking to buy online I got mine at http://www.lidrum.com/ . Their search feature doesn't turn up any results... you have to go through and browse through their Pearl parts I believe. It's a pain but they're one of the few places that doesn't require you to make a special order via phone or something that I can find.

[Tom-Phil]

If you like your 42 strand, Pearl offers 42 strand Ultrasound C shaped wires

Cool, Aries - thanks!

[Tom-Phil]

If you're looking to buy online I got mine at http://www.lidrum.com/ . Their search feature doesn't turn up any results... you have to go through and browse through their Pearl parts I believe. It's a pain but they're one of the few places that doesn't require you to make a special order via phone or something that I can find.

We have a winner - thanks, jchertudi. Got the page bookmarked. Reasonably priced, too - I'm happy to say.