John Blackwell or Stewart Copeland Snare?

[dean13]

I'm seriously thinking about getting either the John Blackwell (JB145N) snare- 14x5 OR the Stewart Copeland (SC145) also 14x5 snare drum. Both are made by Tama. Has anyone played either of these? Thoughts?

[Kiwi]

Well so far it looks like no one has played them or are willing to share about it. Based on the specs I like the Copeland being 1.5mm brass. And I have a steel snare already.

[robbie mcnaughton]

Hiya.....i have not played the john blackwell but have owned the stewart copeland......now here's the rub, i play in a Police tribute band and could never achieve the sound i was looking for from that drum rather disappointingly. It had a lot of that typical brassy ring but was a tad too brittle for my liking and side sticks were just too **** quiet....go figure. Dunno if this helps.

[dean13]

Hiya.....i have not played the john blackwell but have owned the stewart copeland......now here's the rub, i play in a Police tribute band and could never achieve the sound i was looking for from that drum rather disappointingly. It had a lot of that typical brassy ring but was a tad too brittle for my liking and side sticks were just too **** quiet....go figure. Dunno if this helps.

This does help! I was playing them both side by side last night and thought the same thing about the Copeland- too brittle.

The Blackwell snare has a bit more versatility to it and more of an open sound/tone which I like. It's also $50 less which isn't THAT much but still something. I'm leaning towards this one.

[Kiwi]

Thanks guys nothing like experience.

[KG]

Depends what you wanna use it for, I guess. I played a SC sig. snare at a couple gigs and as soon as I hit it..our sound guy said.."Stewart Copeland!", and he hadn't even come close to the kit to see. My band at the time was playing 'classic rock' and and a little country, and it was fine. I really remember the side-sticks but it gave a beautiful crack(rimshot-or-not). It honestly made me think of the Zenyatta Mondatta album, and 'Driven to Tears,' more specifically. If you're after that sound..go for it!! If not, try the JB, and see what you think. I do plan to own the SC sig. snare. I liked it that much!!
Good luck and happy drumming!! Take care,
KG

[dean13]

Thanks, guys! Ultimately, I chose the John Blackwell.

The SC's sound is a bit more dry than the JB and I found the John Blackwell to have a slightly wider tuning range.

[marquisjohnson22]

I've heard them both, and while I liked them both a lot, IMHO the JB gets the nod. It was less dry and more versatile. You really can't go wrong either way, but I personally would get the JB.

[dudewuttheheck]

Good choice, I would go with the JB as well. I love that size for steel drums.

[dean13]

Good choice, I would go with the JB as well. I love that size for steel drums.

Thanks. Now the hardest part of all- the waiting.

[Kiwi]

^^ How long is the wait on the JB?

[dean13]

^^ How long is the wait on the JB?

Not sure. Maybe I'll bug Guitar Center about it today...

[Rhythm Devil]

I would inquire about an MCX snare to go with that kit. They are very good snares and should not be overlooked.

[dean13]

I would inquire about an MCX snare to go with that kit. They are very good snares and should not be overlooked.

How much do they go for? I'll check it out down the line. I've already ordered a John Blackwell sig snare from Tama

[Blisco]

I very muched like the SC snare I tapped on at a local mom and pop. I wouldn't trade my BB for it, but I liked it. It was dry and crisp, just the way I like it. You just never really know about a snare until you give it the beans on stage. My guess is it is too shallow and therefore is limiting.