Are you looking for the best cheap snare drums? Then, you’re in the right place.
A snare drum used for a live performance – one that the drummer likes and compliments the music/room – will most of the time be different than a snare for the studio, which will be tweaked and tuned to sound perfect in the recording.
Yes, the best bang does exist because a quality, cheap snare drum can sound good with the suitable drum heads, proper tuning, and the appropriate situation.
Sort of, as some snare drums are universal – they will work well in the studio and live – and will not break the bank.
Top 6 Best Cheap Snare Drums:
Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Snare Drum (Editor’s Choice)
The Yamaha Stage Custom Birch is a 14” in diameter x 5.5” in depth snare drum and probably the most well-known snare on this list. It is excellent for drummers looking for a “fat,” “warm” sound.
The birch and deeper shell allow for a more focused attack from the wood, with a bigger tone from the depth and a more open response than the Pearl S1330B steel ring.
Its low tuning gives a “fat” thud, while its medium and high tuning allows for a brighter response and nice “crack.” This makes it perfect for rock, funk, pop, and both live and studio recordings.
Pros
- Extended tuning range – most snares only sound good within a specific range, but this one can do it all.
- Price – like the Pearl S1330B, this one also rings in at less than 150 USD. “You get what you pay for” does not apply here.
- Suitable both for studio and live performance
- Color options – because of the wood, there are multiple finish options to choose from.
- You can make all adjustments with a drum key.
Cons
- Side-to-side throw-off – like the Pearl S1330B again, this throw-off style has been known to slip
- Lugs – the choice of lugs make the shell look “buried” in the hardware
- 6 mm thick shell – with the shell being only 6 mm thick, projection of sound will be sacrificed for
- Yamaha has been known to make lesser quality drums, compared to other manufacturers
Mapex MPX Snare Drum
The Mapex MPX is a 14” in diameter x 5.5” in depth all-maple snare drum. The maple shell allows for a more “spread out” tone and, with the same depth as the Yamaha, keeps the open response to complement the wood’s properties.
This drum is perfect for drummers playing in any contemporary music style with similar tuning ranges to the Yamaha Stage Custom. Like the Pearl S1330B and Yamaha Stage Custom, it would also fit well in a studio session or live performance.
Pros
- Finishes – this drum is available in multiple color options
- Price – costs less than both the Pearl and Yamaha snares
- No generic tools – you can make all adjustments with a drum key
- 100% maple – creates rich tonality
- You can use it in the studio and for live performances.
Cons
- Tuning range – sounds “flat” in low tuning.
- Side-to-side throw-off – can slip.
These final 3 I would consider almost a different category of snare drums.
Some companies always manufacture instruments that are not suitable for bands or recording in the music world, but rather for students or entry-level players looking for something to start.
Pearl S1330B Snare Drum
The Pearl S1330B is a 13” in diameter x 3” in depth steel, piccolo snare drum from one of the industry’s most reputable brands. Its tonal features include a quick response and a bright ring.
Thanks to the steel shell and shallow depth, its metallic ring will cut through the mix and give it a sensitive response, making it great for rhythm & blues, funk, jazz, and even pop.
It is also versatile in its tuning range. So whether you need a low “smack,” medium “crack,” or a high “pop,” this drum is sure to get the job done either in the studio or performing live.
Pros
- Reliable manufacturer – Pearl is one of the biggest names in drums.
- Quality build – both the shell and hoops are durable. The lugs don’t “clutter” the shell, one for only being 3” deep, and the throw-off will not slip.
- Priced – at less than $150, this price is more than fair for the product.
- You don’t need generic tools; you can make maintenance adjustments and replace parts with a drum key.
- Appropriate for the studio or live performance
- It can be the right choice as a side snare.
Cons
- Versatility – the steel will ring unless muffled or dampened using an accessory. This could only really be applied to R&B, funk, jazz, or pop.
- Side-to-side throw-off – the style of throw-off that this drum has been known to slip
GP Percussion SK22 Snare Drum
The GP Percussion SK22 is a 14” in diameter x 5.5” in depth steel snare drum. This snare is perfect for the entry-level snare drummer, orchestral band, or an individual who wants something to be able to play at home.
The build quality and material are decent, but anyone looking to play seriously in live bands or studio sessions should look for something of better quality.
Pros
- Price – under $100
- Ten lugs – tuning from lug-to-lug will be more accurate, needed for this type of snare.
- Chrome finish over the steel material
Cons
- Build quality – the material looks strange. All hardware is the same color as the shell. Looks bland
- Side-to-side throw-off – will easily slip on this particular drum
ADM Student Snare Drum
The ADM snare drum is a 14” in diameter x 5” in depth steel snare drum, as the GP Percussion snare, is perfect for the entry-level snare drummer, orchestral band, or something to use at home.
The difference is that this model costs less, and the build quality is slightly improved to that of the GP Percussion snare. It also has a 0.5” depth difference, which will create a tonal difference.
As said with the GP Percussion snare, anyone looking to play seriously live or in the studio should save and go for better quality.
Pros
- Build quality – the shell, hoops, and lugs all complement each other.
- Price – more expensive than the GP Percussion snare, but “you get what you pay for” applies to these types of snares.
- Lever styled throw-off – typically locks in place. Will not slip
Cons
- Six lugs – this drum will be tough to tune, and the tension rods will have to be nearly stripped if a high tuning is desired
- Tuning range – this drum will only easily support a low to mid-tone.
- It looks almost like a toy.
Griffin Snare Drum
The Griffin snare drum is a 14” in diameter x 5” in depth poplar drum perfect for the orchestral snare drummer or student on a tight budget.
The poplar wood gives the drum a bright tone without the price tag of a birch or maple snare drum.
Quality drum heads and good tuning would both cost less than a better drum and at the same time improve the sound.
Pros
- Good build quality for the brand and price
- Decent quality wood that will mimic high-end wood (maple or birch) without sacrificing the price
- Eight lugs – easier tuning than six lugs and a better range of sound.
- Colors – multiple finish options
- Lever style throw off – will not slip
Cons
- Screwdriver needed to change snare wires
- 3 plywood – will not resonate as much
The Best Budget Snare Drum: Our Verdict
All snare drums are different and have many variables to help get a different sound. Decisions arise when needing to pick a drum that will suit my needs, and we should answer these questions:
- Is it within my budget?
- Do I, personally, like it?
- Will it fit my needs?
- Is the quality good, and will it last?
- Will replacement parts be easy to din?
Before making a purchase, all of those questions go through my mind when deciding what to get. It ensures a quality product without my wallet suffering.
If available, a local music store can answer any questions regarding the gear options in mind and the best fit.
Generally, a well-built snare drum, no matter the price, will do the trick for both live performances and studio recording.
You can also use accessories to change the sound of a drum – gel, tape, different drum heads, snare wires, and hoops, to name a few.
At the end of it all, it comes down to what the consumer likes and what they can afford. Knowledge of the consumer wants, available budget, and versatility will help you choose the best snare drum.
In our opinion, Pearl S1330B is the best cheap snare drum available on the market.