The snare drum is a fixture of modern percussion instrumentation that dates back to Medieval Europe. Around 1300, the tabor, ancestor to the modern snare drum, was born. Used in folk music, this drum had a single snare strand and was often played in conjunction with a primitive three-holed flute.
For the next 200 years, the snare drum underwent very little development. The first real change to come to the humble instrument came in the form of military usage. In the 1500s, armies of the Ottoman Empire were using the drum routinely. In part, due to the Ottoman armies, Swiss infantry soldiers started to use the drum as a means of communication, relaying messages between groups. At the same time, the snare drum started to adopt a new method of tensioning, by using laced cord around the shell to form a W or Y pattern.
In the 1600s, snare drums started to use a new method of tensioning that utilized a screw to tighten the snare. This led to a much harsher snap, as opposed to the earlier loose rattle. For the next couple hundred years, the tensioning on snare drums continued to improve, along with changes in construction. In the 1800s, the drum became smaller, and was built from brass, both of which contributed to a crisper tone.
The snare drum was added to classical music in the 19th century, replacing the tenor drum. The main reasons for this replacement were the distinct tones and colors that the drum could produce, completely unique at the time.
In the 1900s, the drum became even more popular as it was introduced into the drum and bugle corps, and from then on, the snare spread across the world, infusing every musical genre with its unique tone.
At this point, the snare was modified for ease-of-use and maintenance, rather than tone development. Metal counter-hoops were developed, allowing the drum heads to be tightened easier. Instead of frail organic materials for the snares, drum makers switched over to coiled wire. In the 1950s, plastic drum heads were introduced, allowing the drummer a greater degree control over the sound.
Today, all drummers are plagued by the same question: metal snare or wood? Actually, depending on the application, each type can perform exceptionally well.
Metal (steel, etc.) snare drums are usually recognizable by their loud tendencies, able to split ears at a moment's notice. This type of snare is not only lightweight, but also has a bright, distinct sound that can even sound fragile at times. A metal snare is great for times when the piece calls for a good smack or crack. These drums were originally shunned because if not tuned properly, can ring. However, with a little practice, the ring is virtually indistinguishable from that of a wooden drum.
Wood snare drums are commonly viewed as professional instruments, and for good reason. Wooden snare drums are meticulously crafted from varying types of wood to create sounds not found in their metal counterparts. Wooden snare drums usually have a richer, thick tone with plenty of focus behind every hit. Usually, wooden snares are made from maple and bitch, similar to the rest of a standard drum kit. Depending on the drum, the shell may be composed of as much as a dozen layers, but that level of detail comes at a price. Wooden snare drums are usually more expensive than a comparable metal drum, so be sure to research before you buy.
All in all, the snare drum is a modern musical staple with humble origins. Developed over centuries, the snare drum now stands today as a loud reminder that rhythm is king.
