It can be said that the snare drum is the heart of the drummer’s kit. If this is true, the snare drum needs a very special piece of hardware to support it as the drummer lays down the beat. All of the components in the stand must be adjustable to fit each individual player’s style and stay set during the duration of any performance. Let’s take a look at what goes into a snare drum stand.
What is a snare drum stand?
Like most drum hardware, support is essential when mounting any piece of gear. A tripod base is inherently the best way to support something that may not be on a level surface. The tripod can also be adjusted for a wide or narrow stance to fit on the floor between the drummer’s bass drum pedal and hi-hat pedals. A snare drum stand tripod features rubber feet for a good grip on the floor and prevents the stand from moving during performance.
Just above the tripod is the height adjustment tube. The tube can be telescoped into the tripod. Nylon bushings eliminate metal-to-metal contact at the tube collar. This allows the drummer to set how high the snare is positioned. Once the height is set, a wing screw on the tube collar locks in the desired height.
An essential feature of the snare stand is a tilter. This allows the angle of the snare drum to be set to accommodate any drummer’s desired grip posture, from matched to traditional. There are two types of tilters, geared and Ultra-Adjust. A geared tilter features interlocking “teeth” that prevent the angle from changing due to vibration. Ultra Adjust tilters offer 360-degree angle adjustment for the ultimate flexibility in angle choice.
Ultra Adjust models:
Sitting directly on top of the tilter post is the snare basket. A snare basket features three arms that reach out to the edge of the drum hoop while supporting and cradling the drum from underneath. Each arm features a rubber sleeve for the drum to rest on. The sleeve also prevents metal-to-metal contact and keeps the drum solidly in place. The basket is adjusted to hug the drum by either a nylon wing nut basket arm adjuster or a round metal tension knob.
Snare Stand Models:
Specialty Snare Stands
In addition to snare drums on a drum set, snare stands are sometimes used to mount tom toms or hold various percussion items.
For percussionists who stand while they play, there are “Extended Height Concert Snare Stands” that feature extra-long height tubes. These are commonly found everywhere, from band rooms to the symphony and even in Americana bands.
Extended Height Models:
Flat-based snare stands a timeless look and a lightweight alternative to modern double-braced tripod stands while still bringing stability and a classic look to your kit.
Flat Braced Models:
“No Leg” snare stands are an excellent alternative for players who use a rack system and wish to save floor space for pedals while gaining a clean look to the kit. “No Leg” snare stands become part of the rack via a clamp or as part of a Gibraltar VMS rack.
No Leg Models:
Choosing a stand
When choosing a snare stand, consider your playing style and choose one that compliments your needs. Consider how often you break down and transport the stand. Make sure the stand can go high enough if you play a shallow-depth snare drum and low enough should you play a deeper-depth snare drum. Try the stand when you are sitting at your regular height for the most realistic fit.
