What size drum is the PureSound Custom Series 20 Strand 13" designed for?

This specific snare wire is designed for snare drums with a 13-inch diameter. It will not fit properly on 12-inch or 14-inch drums due to the length of the wire assembly.

What gauge of wire is used in the Custom Series?

The Custom Series features medium-gauge wire. This provides a balance between sensitivity and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

How does the strand count affect the sound?

The 20-strand count offers a standard balance between the sound of the drum shell and the snare wires. Fewer strands increase shell resonance, while more strands increase the snare's 'crunch' and sensitivity.

Are the coils on these wires specialised or standard?

The PureSound Custom Series uses evenly spaced standard coils. This design is intended to provide a consistent and predictable response across the entire surface of the snare side head.

What is the typical price for this snare wire?

The typical price for this model is approximately £27.00. This places it in the premium category for snare drum replacement parts and spares.

Can I use these wires on a marching snare?

While these are high-quality wires, they are designed for standard acoustic snares. For marching applications, a specialized head like the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side 14" might be required along with heavier-duty marching-specific wires.

How does this product improve a standard snare drum?

Upgrading to PureSound wires can improve the clarity and sensitivity of a drum. The precise spacing of the coils helps reduce inconsistent buzzing and provides a crisper snap.

Is mounting hardware included with the wires?

PureSound typically provides the wires as a standalone unit. You may need to use your existing snare strings or straps, or purchase them separately to attach the wires to your snare throw-off.

What material are the end plates made from?

PureSound Custom Series wires feature high-quality end plates designed to securely hold the medium-gauge wires in place. This ensures the wires stay parallel and under even tension.

How often should I replace my snare wires?

Snare wires should be replaced if they become bent, stretched, or if individual strands break. Using the PureSound Custom Series ensures a long lifespan due to the medium-gauge construction.

Will these wires fit a 13-inch piccolo snare?

Yes, as long as the drum diameter is 13 inches, these wires will work. The depth of the drum (piccolo vs. standard) does not affect the compatibility of the snare wire length.

How do these compare to the PureSound Blasters series?

While the Custom Series uses standard coils for a balanced sound, the Blasters series is often designed for higher volume and more aggressive playing. The Custom Series is generally considered more versatile for diverse musical styles.

Gear article

PureSound Custom Series Snare Wire 20 Strand 13"

The PureSound Custom Series 20 Strand 13" snare wire is a professional-grade replacement component designed for 13-inch diameter snare drums. Featuring medium-gauge wire with evenly spaced standard coils, it provides a balanced response between the wooden shell tone and snare wire articulation.

See live prices

Overview

The PureSound Custom Series is a central part of the PureSound catalogue, designed to offer drummers a consistent and high-quality alternative to stock wires. This specific 20-strand model is sized for 13-inch snare drums, a size frequently favoured for its higher pitch and focused response. The wire uses a medium-gauge steel construction to ensure durability and a predictable sonic profile across various tuning ranges.

Design and Construction

The Custom Series is defined by its use of medium-gauge wire and evenly spaced standard coils. This design is engineered to provide a uniform tension across the snare head. Unlike specialised wires that may focus on extreme sensitivity or heavy volume, the Custom Series aims for a 'middle-ground' performance that allows the natural character of the drum shell to be heard clearly alongside the snare snap. The 20-strand configuration is the industry standard for general-purpose playing.

Sonic Characteristics

In terms of sound, the 20-strand Custom Series wire offers a balanced ratio between the 'drum' (the resonance of the shell) and the 'snare' (the wire vibration). By using medium-gauge materials, PureSound ensures that the wires are sensitive enough for ghost notes while remaining robust enough for heavy backbeats. The 20 strands provide sufficient coverage to give the drum a full-bodied sizzle without choking the bottom head.

Applications and Compatibility

This component is suitable for any drummer using a 13-inch snare drum who wishes to upgrade their factory-standard wires. Because the Custom line offers four different strand configurations, users can select this 20-strand version as a versatile baseline. It is highly effective in studio environments where clarity and the elimination of unwanted sympathetic buzz are priorities. While designed for standard snare drums, it can be used on various shell materials including maple, brass, and steel.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to other products in the PureSound range or general hardware such as the Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike beater or Gotoh 203B-4 bass bridge, this snare wire is a highly specific tonal tool. Within the Custom Series itself, fewer strands (such as 12 or 16) would allow more of the drum's shell tone to dominate, while higher strand counts would increase the 'wetness' of the snare sound. The 20-strand model represents the most common choice for all-around versatility.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What size drum is the PureSound Custom Series 20 Strand 13" designed for?: This specific snare wire is designed for snare drums with a 13-inch diameter. It will not fit properly on 12-inch or 14-inch drums due to the length of the wire assembly.
What gauge of wire is used in the Custom Series?: The Custom Series features medium-gauge wire. This provides a balance between sensitivity and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres.
How does the strand count affect the sound?: The 20-strand count offers a standard balance between the sound of the drum shell and the snare wires. Fewer strands increase shell resonance, while more strands increase the snare's 'crunch' and sensitivity.
Are the coils on these wires specialised or standard?: The PureSound Custom Series uses evenly spaced standard coils. This design is intended to provide a consistent and predictable response across the entire surface of the snare side head.
What is the typical price for this snare wire?: The typical price for this model is approximately £27.00. This places it in the premium category for snare drum replacement parts and spares.
Can I use these wires on a marching snare?: While these are high-quality wires, they are designed for standard acoustic snares. For marching applications, a specialized head like the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side 14" might be required along with heavier-duty marching-specific wires.
How does this product improve a standard snare drum?: Upgrading to PureSound wires can improve the clarity and sensitivity of a drum. The precise spacing of the coils helps reduce inconsistent buzzing and provides a crisper snap.
Is mounting hardware included with the wires?: PureSound typically provides the wires as a standalone unit. You may need to use your existing snare strings or straps, or purchase them separately to attach the wires to your snare throw-off.
What material are the end plates made from?: PureSound Custom Series wires feature high-quality end plates designed to securely hold the medium-gauge wires in place. This ensures the wires stay parallel and under even tension.
How often should I replace my snare wires?: Snare wires should be replaced if they become bent, stretched, or if individual strands break. Using the PureSound Custom Series ensures a long lifespan due to the medium-gauge construction.
Will these wires fit a 13-inch piccolo snare?: Yes, as long as the drum diameter is 13 inches, these wires will work. The depth of the drum (piccolo vs. standard) does not affect the compatibility of the snare wire length.
How do these compare to the PureSound Blasters series?: While the Custom Series uses standard coils for a balanced sound, the Blasters series is often designed for higher volume and more aggressive playing. The Custom Series is generally considered more versatile for diverse musical styles.