10 Reviews: Best Snare Drums under 500 (Dec 2023)

The Mendini Student Snare Drum Kit is an entry-level set. This snare drum set has a conventional measurement of roughly 14″ x 5.5″, which is a normal size for snare drums. It also has a 30-inch stand with around 10 lugs, which is a super helpful feature. It also includes a cushioned backpack, a rubber practice mat, and an adjustable neck strap. This seems to be an all-in-one offer that should not be passed up!

I bought this drum for a gift For a child that is pre marching band age who wants to follow the bigger kids. It appears to be well made much better than I expected for this price. It has a good sound. The case is nice with backpack straps for easy transport.

by bergen

Welcome to another Vangoa snare drum set. If you are a novice who is hesitant to invest in an expensive snare drum kit, we recommend that you try this one out as it is a sensible decision. This Vangoa snare drum set has a steady tuning system, which means there are 10 lugs that are suitable for the overall performance of this snare drum set, a heavy-duty bag with fabric zipper, a smooth liner with 10mm padding, and so on.

My daughter really loves this set! Great for a beginner.

by S Smith

Gretsch is a heavyweight in the world of instrument making. They have created an inexpensive snare drum for drummers of all levels with their Renown Series snare drum. This is a 145.5-inch maple shell drum. The Gretsch Renown sounds fantastic at all tunings. With lower tuning, there is a wonderful degree of the body that you lose significantly with higher tensions, which is expected given the 5.5-inch depth. Overall, this is a fantastic small maple snare drum that is suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from rock to jazz.

Really impressed with the ROI on this drum. Opened it, tuned it up and was blown away by the sounds I was getting. It's quickly becoming a go-to for gigs and recording!

by Caleb Coleman

The drum on the Design Series snares is tuned to medium, which means that a light stick-hit will bring it to life with a subtle attack that fades with a harmonic ring from the brass shell. When the strainer is removed, the drum comes into its own, producing a rich, deep backbeat. The drum is lively and warm, yet it can be utilized in any style. It will also record as if it were a dream. The Black Nickel Over Brass snare is a real knockout, both acoustically and aesthetically.

Well-made, great looking drum. Straight out of the box it sounded great. Used it the first time for a live performance that was being recorded for a podcast. Sound man requested no changes in the drum. Live performance and the podcast sounded great!

by Steve

Tama has created a gorgeous maple drum. This is a 13-inch drum, rather than the standard 14-inch diameter that we associate with snares. This snare has a bright and poppy tone. It’s wonderful for rimshots and quick backbeats, thus it’d work well with punk or metal. If you want to play loud and appreciate your snare strikes on 2 and 4, this is the snare for you. This drum is best suited to music that needs a distinct backbeat.

The more I play tis Tama 13" snare, the more I like it! Great sound, and it has the punch you want when you want it.

by Paul

This snare is built to be reliable and long-lasting, ready to withstand a beating while playing rock and metal. It features a boxy sound that keeps the rimshots from ringing too much, indicating that this snare doesn’t need much dampening. The sound is tight and controlled, but open enough to create a statement on stage. Because of its considerable depth, this snare works well with low tunings, producing a beefy sound. This makes this snare an excellent choice for anybody who wants to play rock and metal but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a snare drum.

Can't go wrong, one of the best bang snares for the money. One will not be disappointed. Highly recommended. Again one can not beat the price and fantastic sound. A must have in tour arsenal. Pearl Modern Utility Rocks!!!

by Duke

This snare has a large 8″ x 14″ steel shell that delivers a bright, long-lasting sound with a lot of overtones. The sound is highly forceful, but it also has a high level of sensitivity and response. The distinctive feature of this snare is that it sounds fantastic when tuned high. This is not typical of deep snare drums. So, if you want your snare tuned high but still want a big punch, the S.L.P. Big Black Steel Snare is a wonderful choice.

This snare drum is well worth the deal you're getting here! It pays like a snare drum twice its price. Big volume from the shell and a beautiful full crack when tuned high. I recommend the Remo Colortone 77 batter head with a hazy resonate head. Rim shots are simply amazing on this drum too! Enjoy

by Matt Norman

The TAMA Club-Jam offers old-school style and nostalgic feel to your stage or event. The shallow and compact 6-ply poplar/mersawa shells are quick to speak, focused, lively, and simple to gig. A kick-mounted cymbal boom, vintage circular badges, and bent bass drum spurs are among the retro elements. Whether you play swing, hip-hop, rock, or funk, the Sweetwater Club-Jam is likely to satisfy an itch that other kits don’t.

Very happy with quality and sound. I am switching from playing loud rock gigs to the dinner set and wanted a small kit. I just downsized from a DW Collectors set and amazingly I kind of like this one just as much! I don't get the big bass sound but hey, I can pick this up with one hand. Go for it.

by Pat Livingston

This is the one for you if you want an unbreakable beast with a monstrous crack. It combines the high-pitched bite and attack of a piccolo with the booming, thick tone of a deep snare. It’s the ideal mix for individuals who want a snare that stands out and commands attention. The 13″ x 6-1/2″ 1mm steel shell is wonderful since it will not deform and can easily handle high tunings.

The Pork Pie Little Squealer Black Brass Snare is a less costly alternative to the Ludwig Black Beauty. It has a 1mm thick brass shell with interior flanges that give the drum a great warm pop. Triple-flanged hoops are standard. They’re a little heavier than most, which means the drum will remain in tune for a longer period of time and you’ll receive a beautiful crack while hitting rim shots. Since the lugs are thin and light, they don’t contribute much more mass and weight to the drum.

I play in a classic rock and metal band and this drum really cuts through. Has a great rimshot crack and good crossstitck. I haven't even changed the top head that came with it. It is that good. You don't think about it if you are wanting a brass snare and can't afford a black beauty or whatever this drum is phenomenal. I actually think it is ever bit as good as a black beauty by Ludwig.

by Keven C.