What is the primary purpose of the Snare-Bourine?

The primary purpose is to instantly transform a standard snare drum sound into a deep, 'beefy' thud while adding a tambourine jingle effect to every strike.

What size drum is this specific model compatible with?

This specific model is 13 inches in diameter, making it compatible with 13-inch snare drums. It will not fit properly on standard 14-inch snare drums.

How many tambourine jingles are attached to the pad?

There are four tambourine jingles strategically attached to the surface of the dampening pad to provide a definitive and consistent jingle sound.

Does the Snare-Bourine require adhesive to stay on the drum?

No, it does not require adhesive. It is designed with a weighted gasket and material that allows it to sit naturally on the drumhead through gravity and friction.

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

It lowers the pitch of the drum by adding significant mass to the batter head. This allows drummers to achieve a low, fat sound without having to loosen the tuning lugs.

Is the Snare-Bourine suitable for electronic drum kits?

While typically used on acoustic drums, it is categorized within electronic drum kit accessories in some retail environments for those seeking to trigger or muffle pad surfaces, though its primary use is acoustic.

Can the jingles be removed from the pad?

The jingles are designed as a permanent feature of the Snare-Bourine model to ensure they remain secure during high-intensity playing.

How does it compare to using Moongel or tape?

Unlike Moongel or tape, which only muffle specific overtones, the Snare-Bourine covers the entire head to completely change the drum's profile and adds a rhythmic jingle element.

What is the typical price for this accessory?

The Snare-Bourine 13-inch model typically retails for approximately £38 in the United Kingdom.

Can I use this on a 13-inch tom-tom?

Yes, while designed for snares, it can be placed on any 13-inch drum head to provide a deadened, percussive sound with a jingle effect.

Does it come with a thumb cutout?

The design typically includes a thumb cutout or finger hole to allow for quick removal and application between songs during a live set.

How does the sound differ from a standard Big Fat Snare Drum pad?

A standard BFSD pad provides only the 'thud' dampening, whereas the Snare-Bourine adds the metallic 'chink' of tambourine zils to the attack.

Gear article

Big Fat Snare Drum The Snare-Bourine 13-inch Dampening Pad

The Big Fat Snare Drum Snare-Bourine is a 13-inch dampening accessory designed to instantly modify the tonal profile of a snare drum. It functions by lowering the pitch and adding a percussive jingle effect through integrated tambourine zils.

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Overview and Construction

The Snare-Bourine is a specialized dampening pad from Big Fat Snare Drum (BFSD) designed specifically for 13-inch snare drums. It is constructed from a custom blend of patent-pending rubber and plastic that is weighted to sit securely on top of an existing drumhead. Unlike traditional muffling techniques such as tape or gels, this pad covers the entire surface area of the head to fundamentally alter the drum's physics.

The Snare-Bourine Effect

This specific model is distinguished by the inclusion of four tambourine jingles (zils) attached directly to the surface of the pad. This hybrid design serves a dual purpose:

Dampening: It eliminates overtones and shortens sustain to create a 'beefy' thud.
Percussion: It adds a definitive jingle sound to every backbeat, emulating the sound of a tambourine layered over a snare hit.

Sound Character

The primary sonic characteristic of the Snare-Bourine is described as a 'medium beefy thud.' By adding mass to the drumhead, the pad lowers the fundamental pitch of the snare without the need for retuning the tension rods. The result is a vintage, dry, 1970s-style studio tone with the added rhythmic texture of the integrated metal zils.

Suitability and Performance

The Snare-Bourine is suited for drummers looking to achieve a 'wet' and 'fat' snare sound quickly during a performance or recording session. It is particularly effective for genres such as funk, hip-hop, and indie rock where a deadened snare with percussive accents is desired. The 13-inch diameter makes it a specific fit for smaller snare shells, such as those found on compact kits or auxiliary snare setups.

Comparison to Alternatives

While standard BFSD pads focus solely on dampening, the Snare-Bourine competes with standalone tambourine attachments. However, unlike a rim-mounted tambourine, the Snare-Bourine provides consistent jingle response across the entire head surface while simultaneously providing the 'fat' dampening effect. It offers a more integrated solution than using external percussion instruments like a Remo Lollipop Frame Drum or a Sela Tongue Drum alongside a traditional kit.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Snare-Bourine?: The primary purpose is to instantly transform a standard snare drum sound into a deep, 'beefy' thud while adding a tambourine jingle effect to every strike.
What size drum is this specific model compatible with?: This specific model is 13 inches in diameter, making it compatible with 13-inch snare drums. It will not fit properly on standard 14-inch snare drums.
How many tambourine jingles are attached to the pad?: There are four tambourine jingles strategically attached to the surface of the dampening pad to provide a definitive and consistent jingle sound.
Does the Snare-Bourine require adhesive to stay on the drum?: No, it does not require adhesive. It is designed with a weighted gasket and material that allows it to sit naturally on the drumhead through gravity and friction.
How does the Snare-Bourine affect the pitch of the snare?: It lowers the pitch of the drum by adding significant mass to the batter head. This allows drummers to achieve a low, fat sound without having to loosen the tuning lugs.
Is the Snare-Bourine suitable for electronic drum kits?: While typically used on acoustic drums, it is categorized within electronic drum kit accessories in some retail environments for those seeking to trigger or muffle pad surfaces, though its primary use is acoustic.
Can the jingles be removed from the pad?: The jingles are designed as a permanent feature of the Snare-Bourine model to ensure they remain secure during high-intensity playing.
How does it compare to using Moongel or tape?: Unlike Moongel or tape, which only muffle specific overtones, the Snare-Bourine covers the entire head to completely change the drum's profile and adds a rhythmic jingle element.
What is the typical price for this accessory?: The Snare-Bourine 13-inch model typically retails for approximately £38 in the United Kingdom.
Can I use this on a 13-inch tom-tom?: Yes, while designed for snares, it can be placed on any 13-inch drum head to provide a deadened, percussive sound with a jingle effect.
Does it come with a thumb cutout?: The design typically includes a thumb cutout or finger hole to allow for quick removal and application between songs during a live set.
How does the sound differ from a standard Big Fat Snare Drum pad?: A standard BFSD pad provides only the 'thud' dampening, whereas the Snare-Bourine adds the metallic 'chink' of tambourine zils to the attack.