What is the main purpose of the Big Fat Snare Drum Snare-Bourine?

It is designed to instantly transform a standard snare drum sound into a deep, vintage 1970s-style tone without the need for retuning. It lowers the fundamental pitch and adds tambourine jingles to the hit.

How do you install the Snare-Bourine on a drum?

The pad is simply placed directly on top of the snare drum's batter head. There are no adhesives, gels, or mounting tools required for installation.

What material is the Snare-Bourine 12" made from?

It is constructed from a custom, patented blend of rubber and plastic. This combination is specifically engineered to provide a warm and authentic deep tone.

How many jingles are included on this specific model?

The 12-inch Snare-Bourine features four integrated tambourines. These provide a definitive jingle tone that adds a percussive layer to the snare sound.

Does the pad move around while playing?

The design includes a rubberised gasket for added weight balance and stability. This helps keep the pad securely in place on the drum skin during use.

Can the Snare-Bourine be removed quickly during a set?

Yes, it features a built-in thumb cut-out. This allows the drummer to quickly grip and remove the pad for an easy transition back to the natural drum sound.

What size drum does this specific model fit?

This model is designed for 12-inch drums. It is important to match the diameter of the pad to the diameter of the drum for the best fit and sound profile.

What kind of sound does the Snare-Bourine produce?

It produces a 'beefy', deep, and warm tone by dampening the drum and lowering its pitch. The integrated jingles add a bright percussive accent to every strike.

Is this product considered an electronic drum component?

No, despite being categorised under electronic drum kits in some retail contexts, it is a physical acoustic accessory for traditional drum heads. It requires no power or sensors.

How does the Snare-Bourine affect the pitch of the drum?

It lowers the fundamental pitch of the drum instantly. This allows drummers to achieve a low-tuned sound even if the drum itself is tuned to a higher tension.

What is the typical price for the Snare-Bourine 12"?

The typical price for this accessory is approximately £44. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to purchasing specialised vintage snare drums.

Does this pad work on drums other than snares?

While designed for snare drums, it can be placed on any 12-inch drum head, such as a rack tom. This would result in a similar pitch-lowering effect with added jingle.

Gear article

Big Fat Snare Drum Snare-Bourine 12"

The Big Fat Snare Drum Snare-Bourine 12" is a specialized drum dampening accessory designed to instantly lower the fundamental pitch of a snare drum to achieve a vintage 1970s aesthetic. Constructed from a patented blend of rubber and plastic, it incorporates four integrated tambourine jingles to add a percussive layer to the backbeat.

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Design and Functionality

The Snare-Bourine 12" is designed for ease of use, requiring no adhesives or complex mounting hardware. It is placed directly onto the existing batter head of a snare drum. The weight of the custom rubberised gasket provides stability, ensuring the pad remains in place during performance.

A distinctive feature of this model is the inclusion of four tambourine jingles positioned around the perimeter. This configuration allows the drummer to trigger a metallic jingle effect simultaneously with the snare hit, eliminating the need for separate percussion mounting. The unit also includes a thumb cut-out, facilitating quick transitions during live performances when a standard snare sound is required.

Sonic Characteristics

The primary acoustic function of the Snare-Bourine is to lower the fundamental pitch of the drum while significantly dampening overtones. This results in a 'beefy' and 'warm' tone reminiscent of 1970s studio recordings.

Unlike standard dampening methods such as tape or gels, the Snare-Bourine covers the majority of the drum surface, providing a more uniform transformation of the timbre. The added jingles provide a bright, definitive top-end sizzle that contrasts with the deep, dry thud of the dampened head.

Compatibility and Applications

While designed primarily for snare drums, the 12-inch diameter makes it suitable for smaller snare models or even larger rack toms where a deadened, jingle-enhanced sound is desired. It is frequently used in genres that prioritise a dry, vintage backbeat, such as funk, soul, and retro-rock.

Because it does not require semi-permanent fixing, it is an ideal tool for session drummers who need to change their sound rapidly between tracks without retuning the drum or applying messy adhesives.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard Big Fat Snare Drum pads, the Snare-Bourine offers an additional rhythmic layer through its integrated jingles. While products like the British Drum Co. Maverick or Natal Originals Walnut snare drums provide specific inherent acoustic properties, the Snare-Bourine acts as a modular modification to any existing 12-inch drum surface.

Unlike electronic drum kits or triggered samples, the Snare-Bourine maintains the organic feel and dynamic response of a real acoustic drum. It offers a more portable and affordable solution for tone shaping than purchasing high-end specific-purpose snare drums, such as those from the DW Drums Collectors Series or Tama Starclassic ranges.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of the Big Fat Snare Drum Snare-Bourine?: It is designed to instantly transform a standard snare drum sound into a deep, vintage 1970s-style tone without the need for retuning. It lowers the fundamental pitch and adds tambourine jingles to the hit.
How do you install the Snare-Bourine on a drum?: The pad is simply placed directly on top of the snare drum's batter head. There are no adhesives, gels, or mounting tools required for installation.
What material is the Snare-Bourine 12" made from?: It is constructed from a custom, patented blend of rubber and plastic. This combination is specifically engineered to provide a warm and authentic deep tone.
How many jingles are included on this specific model?: The 12-inch Snare-Bourine features four integrated tambourines. These provide a definitive jingle tone that adds a percussive layer to the snare sound.
Does the pad move around while playing?: The design includes a rubberised gasket for added weight balance and stability. This helps keep the pad securely in place on the drum skin during use.
Can the Snare-Bourine be removed quickly during a set?: Yes, it features a built-in thumb cut-out. This allows the drummer to quickly grip and remove the pad for an easy transition back to the natural drum sound.
What size drum does this specific model fit?: This model is designed for 12-inch drums. It is important to match the diameter of the pad to the diameter of the drum for the best fit and sound profile.
What kind of sound does the Snare-Bourine produce?: It produces a 'beefy', deep, and warm tone by dampening the drum and lowering its pitch. The integrated jingles add a bright percussive accent to every strike.
Is this product considered an electronic drum component?: No, despite being categorised under electronic drum kits in some retail contexts, it is a physical acoustic accessory for traditional drum heads. It requires no power or sensors.
How does the Snare-Bourine affect the pitch of the drum?: It lowers the fundamental pitch of the drum instantly. This allows drummers to achieve a low-tuned sound even if the drum itself is tuned to a higher tension.
What is the typical price for the Snare-Bourine 12"?: The typical price for this accessory is approximately £44. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to purchasing specialised vintage snare drums.
Does this pad work on drums other than snares?: While designed for snare drums, it can be placed on any 12-inch drum head, such as a rack tom. This would result in a similar pitch-lowering effect with added jingle.