Field Drum Vs Snare Drum Comparison: Which One Should You Choose?

field drum vs snare drum

Which one is better to choose between the field drum vs snare drum? We compare these instruments in the article’s most detailed and complete way.

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#1. Field Drum Vs Snare Drum: Comparison Table

Field Drum

Snare Drum

Features
  • Small diameter 13”, depth 10-12”
  • 14” diameter, 12” depth
Designed for
  • Orchestra
  • Orchestra and procession
Pros
  • Bass and dark sound
  • Crisp staccato sound
Cons
  • The applicability is not too high
  • A bit difficult to control

#2. What Is The Difference Between Field Vs Snare Drum?

Both are percussion instruments; therefore, field and snare drums have similarities, such as playing technique and design.

However, the two instruments above have quite a few differences.

Design

Field drums have an average depth of 10 – 12″, maximum diameter is 13″.

This instrument has traps made from a reasonably low tuning cable. This design feature has helped the boom quite similar to the sound in military situations.

Some manufacturers have tried to improve the design of this device by using Kevlar cables and heads, which ensures that the boom is always high and clear.

Trap drums have an average diameter of 14″, a depth of 12″. This tool has a relatively thin resonator head, which allows for good response.

Combined with that are Kevlar-based tips, which deliver a pretty high tonality.

An impressive feature of this instrument’s design is the symmetrical vent technique. Unlike standard vented percussion instruments, this type allows air to pass through the device easily, producing a smooth, powerful boom.

Feature Highlights

The field version impresses with its explosive boom and toughness, even a bit dark and gloomy. The sound of this type is often reminiscent of military drums.

This tool will give brighter and less dull things if played with traps. Yet, you can’t expect the pitfalls to have much of an effect on the sound because the design of the resonance chamber does not allow the instrument to vibrate too strongly.

In contrast to the field one, the snare product has a sharp staccato. The sound of this instrument is neat and clear.

Reverb and bounce are distinguishing features between a snare version’s sound and that of other bass percussion devices.

With impressive sensitivity, this instrument can respond to even the slightest impact. You can also hear the instrument’s boom in complex rhythmic patterns or mid-volume solos.

Technique

You can do many techniques with field drums. But the most crucial process of this instrument is the roll.

Meanwhile, the rimshot sound is the typical thing of the snare one. You will have to hit both the rim and the drums quickly to create this sound. The faster the rotation speed, the more impressive, sustainable rimshot you can make.

You can use your foot pedal on the bottom traps if you want a crisp boom.

#3. Field Vs Snare Drum: Which One Is Best For You?

The above characteristics have partly helped you distinguish two different types of drums. But to find the type that best suits the style of music you’re playing, you’ll need some additional information below:

Field drums

In the past, the military often made them available to signal and mark marching rhythms. If used for artistic purposes, it will play an important role in evoking the sound of the atmosphere of war.

This instrument has a booming and low bass that is very suitable for playing fortissimo passages.

This instrument appears in marching bands. The high and clear sound remains the same, but the diameters will be slightly to increase portability.

In addition, these drums can also appear in opera orchestras.

Snare drum

It can appear in both concerts and marching bands.

During concerts, this device will play the role of creating the rhythm. The style of shows using this type is often quite nostalgic.

In marching bands, this one retains the ability to create rhythm. In addition, this instrument is often available for the front beat.

Finally, you shouldn’t miss this instrument if you want to create a crisp staccato.

Whether a live performance or composing music, it offers the flexibility of tuning and the crisp sound you’ve always wanted.

#4. FAQs

What is a field snare?

The field snare is an instrument that is mid-range in size and pitch compared to traditional drums and bass drums. This device sounds quite similar to the drums used in military situations of the last century.

The classic design of this instrument will have a diameter of 15″, and the depth ranges from 10 – 12″. It was about 13″ in diameter due to mobility requirements.

Is a field drum a snare one?

Both these instruments belong to the family of diaphragm earphones.

The primary playing technique of this instrument is to strike the head with a mallet or hand.

Why is a snare drum called a “snare drum”?

The “pitfalls” in the instrument itself create the name above.

Inside this instrument are small objects made of nylon and metal.

These traps appear densely all over the drum. And each impact on the surface will create vibrations on the trap, thereby creating an impressive response.

What size snare drum should I get?

A standard model will be 14″ in diameter.

However, if you want a natural low-pitched sound, there are models more significant than 14″ in diameter to choose from.

The samples with a diameter of less than 14″ will deliver a naturally higher sound.

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