What is the primary benefit of the Anti-Choke end plates?

The Anti-Choke end plates are designed to provide a wider range of snare tension without choking the drum's sound. They also significantly reduce annoying snare buzz by lifting the wire ends slightly away from the edge of the head.

How do the Speed Release straps work?

Speed Release straps allow the drummer to disengage the wires without loosening the strainer or butt clamps. This makes changing the snare side drum head significantly faster and easier than traditional screw-in methods.

What kind of sound profile does the steel version provide?

The 20-strand steel model is designed to produce a dark and crisp response. This differs from brass models, which typically lean toward a brighter, more resonant tone.

Is this product compatible with all snare drums?

This specific model is designed for 14-inch snare drums, which is the industry standard size. It can be fitted to most snares provided they have a standard strainer and butt plate system.

How many strands are on this specific model?

This model features 20 strands. This is considered a medium strand count that balances wire sensitivity with the natural tone of the drum shell.

Does this product help with snare buzz from other instruments?

Yes, the Anti-Choke design is specifically engineered to reduce sympathetic buzz. This occurs when other instruments, like bass guitars or toms, cause the snare wires to vibrate unintentionally.

What is the typical price for these snare wires?

In the United Kingdom, the typical price range for the PureSound Custom Pro Series Steel Snare Wires is approximately £40.

Can I use these wires for marching snare drums?

While these are designed for standard snares, they can be used with marching heads like the Evans MS3. However, they are generally intended for drum set snare drums rather than high-tension pipe band drums.

Do I need tools to release the wires once the straps are installed?

No, the Speed Release system is designed for quick disengagement without tools. Once the straps are initially clamped into the strainer, the wires themselves can be unhooked easily.

How does the steel material compare to brass?

Steel wires typically provide a crisper and darker sound compared to brass. Brass wires are often preferred for a brighter, more 'shimmering' snare response.

Are the end plates made of plastic or metal?

The end plates are high-quality components designed for durability and resonance control. They are built to withstand high tension without warping.

Is this a good upgrade for a budget snare drum?

Yes, upgrading to PureSound Custom Pro wires is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the sound of a budget drum. It improves sensitivity and reduces unwanted noise immediately.

Gear article

PureSound Custom Pro Series Steel Snare Wires

The PureSound Custom Pro Series 14" 20-strand steel snare wires are high-performance drum components designed to improve response and facilitate rapid hardware changes. Featuring proprietary Anti-Choke end plates and Speed Release straps, they are engineered to reduce sympathetic buzz while maintaining a dark, crisp sonic character.

PureSound Custom Pro Series Steel Snare Wire 20 Strand 14

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Background and Design

PureSound has established a reputation within the percussion industry for producing specialised snare wires that address common mechanical issues in drum kits. The Custom Pro Series represents an evolution in snare hardware, moving beyond basic wire assemblies to incorporate advanced engineering solutions for tensioning and maintenance.

This specific 14-inch, 20-strand steel model is part of a broader range of spares intended for drummers who require consistent performance and ease of use in professional environments. It is positioned as a premium upgrade over standard factory-installed wires.

Mechanical Features

The primary innovation of the Custom Pro Series is the inclusion of Anti-Choke end plates. These plates are specially contoured to allow for a wider range of snare tension settings. Unlike traditional flat plates that can stifle the resonance of the bottom drum head when tightened, these end plates minimise sympathetic vibration (snare buzz) without choking the drum's natural sustain.

Furthermore, the system utilises Speed Release straps. These allow the drummer to disengage the snare wires quickly without having to release the straps from the strainer or butt clamps. This is particularly useful for rapid head changes or adjustments during sessions.

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Sonic Character

The 20-strand steel construction is chosen for its specific acoustic properties. While brass variants often provide a brighter, more resonant tone, the steel model is noted for producing a dark and crisp response.

The 20-strand configuration offers a balanced amount of 'wire' sound—enough to provide a sensitive, articulate snap at low volumes, while remaining robust enough to punch through at higher dynamics without becoming overwhelming.

Suitability and Maintenance

This product is suitable for drummers who find their current snare wires produce excessive buzz or for those who frequently change heads and require a more efficient mounting system. Its crisp profile makes it a versatile choice for various genres, though its 'dark' description suggests it works well in contexts where a warm, controlled snare sound is preferred.

As with all drum spares, periodic inspection of the Speed Release straps is recommended to ensure they remain secure. The unit is designed to work with most standard 14-inch snare drums, complementing high-quality heads such as the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side or Evans Black Chrome series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the Anti-Choke end plates?: The Anti-Choke end plates are designed to provide a wider range of snare tension without choking the drum's sound. They also significantly reduce annoying snare buzz by lifting the wire ends slightly away from the edge of the head.
How do the Speed Release straps work?: Speed Release straps allow the drummer to disengage the wires without loosening the strainer or butt clamps. This makes changing the snare side drum head significantly faster and easier than traditional screw-in methods.
What kind of sound profile does the steel version provide?: The 20-strand steel model is designed to produce a dark and crisp response. This differs from brass models, which typically lean toward a brighter, more resonant tone.
Is this product compatible with all snare drums?: This specific model is designed for 14-inch snare drums, which is the industry standard size. It can be fitted to most snares provided they have a standard strainer and butt plate system.
How many strands are on this specific model?: This model features 20 strands. This is considered a medium strand count that balances wire sensitivity with the natural tone of the drum shell.
Does this product help with snare buzz from other instruments?: Yes, the Anti-Choke design is specifically engineered to reduce sympathetic buzz. This occurs when other instruments, like bass guitars or toms, cause the snare wires to vibrate unintentionally.
What is the typical price for these snare wires?: In the United Kingdom, the typical price range for the PureSound Custom Pro Series Steel Snare Wires is approximately £40.
Can I use these wires for marching snare drums?: While these are designed for standard snares, they can be used with marching heads like the Evans MS3. However, they are generally intended for drum set snare drums rather than high-tension pipe band drums.
Do I need tools to release the wires once the straps are installed?: No, the Speed Release system is designed for quick disengagement without tools. Once the straps are initially clamped into the strainer, the wires themselves can be unhooked easily.
How does the steel material compare to brass?: Steel wires typically provide a crisper and darker sound compared to brass. Brass wires are often preferred for a brighter, more 'shimmering' snare response.
Are the end plates made of plastic or metal?: The end plates are high-quality components designed for durability and resonance control. They are built to withstand high tension without warping.
Is this a good upgrade for a budget snare drum?: Yes, upgrading to PureSound Custom Pro wires is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the sound of a budget drum. It improves sensitivity and reduces unwanted noise immediately.