What is the main benefit of the offset design?

The offset design creates a gap in the middle of the wires, which allows the natural tone of the drum shell to come through more clearly. It also reduces unwanted vibrations and sympathetic buzz from other instruments.

How many strands does this model have?

This specific model in the Puresound Equalizer Series features 12 strands. This lower strand count contributes to a drier and crisper overall snare sound.

What material are the coils made from?

The coils are made from high-quality steel. This material choice ensures a quick, sharp response and long-term durability under regular playing conditions.

Where is the Puresound Equalizer series manufactured?

These snare wires are precision-manufactured in the USA. This ensures high manufacturing standards and consistent tension across all 12 strands.

What size drum is this snare wire intended for?

It is designed specifically for 14-inch snare drums. Using it on other sizes may result in improper fitment or poor tensioning.

Does this wire help with sympathetic buzz from bass guitars?

Yes, the 12-strand offset configuration is specifically designed to reduce vibrations triggered by other drums and loud instruments. It helps keep the snare quiet when you are not playing it.

Will this make my snare drum sound wetter or drier?

This wire is designed to produce a drier tone. By reducing the number of strands and creating a centre gap, it shortens the decay of the snare buzz.

Is this product suitable for orchestral drumming?

While it can be used for any style, its crisp and dry nature makes it excellent for situations requiring high articulation. However, it is primarily marketed for kit drumming where shell tone is a priority.

How does the tensioning work on these wires?

The precision manufacturing ensures even tension across the set. You install them via standard snare cords or straps, similar to other aftermarket snare wires.

Can I use this with an Evans MS3 Marching head?

While both are 14-inch components, the Equalizer series is generally intended for standard drum kit snares. The Evans MS3 is a marching head, which may require heavier-duty snare systems depending on the specific drum.

What is the typical price for this snare wire?

The typical price range for the Puresound Equalizer Series 12 Strand wire is approximately GBP 35. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

How does this compare to a standard 20-strand wire?

A standard 20-strand wire provides more 'crunch' and a longer sustain. The 12-strand Equalizer version is more controlled, offers more shell resonance, and has a faster, sharper decay.

Gear article

Puresound Equalizer Series Snare Wire 12 Strand 14

The Puresound Equalizer Series Snare Wire 12 Strand 14 is a specialised drum component designed to enhance a snare drum's natural shell tone while providing a drier, crisper response. It features a distinct offset 12-strand design that creates a gap in the centre of the wire bed to reduce unwanted sympathetic vibrations.

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Overview

The Puresound Equalizer Series is a precision-manufactured snare wire set specifically engineered for 14-inch snare drums. Unlike traditional snare wires that feature a continuous row of coils, the Equalizer series utilizes an offset design. This configuration removes the central strands, creating a physical gap that allows the bottom drum head and the shell's natural resonance to be more audible. It is manufactured in the USA to ensure high quality and even tension across all strands.

Design and Functionality

The primary functional innovation of the Equalizer wire is its 12-strand offset layout. By removing the wires from the centre of the snare bed, the product effectively 'equalises' the sound by reducing the influence of the wires on the drum's fundamental tone. The steel coils are designed for a quick, sharp response, ensuring that the snare remains articulate even during ghost notes or fast passages. This design also serves to minimise sympathetic vibration—the 'buzz' caused by other instruments, such as bass guitars or loud toms, hitting the resonant frequency of the snare.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the Puresound Equalizer 12-strand wire is described as dry and crisp. Because there are fewer strands in contact with the resonant head compared to standard 20-strand models, the sustain of the snare buzz is shortened. This results in a cleaner sound that emphasises the wood or metal character of the drum shell. The 'resonant buzz' it does produce is controlled, making it a preferred choice for drummers seeking to eliminate muddy or overly sustaining snare noise.

Target Audience

This snare wire is particularly suited for drummers who record in studio environments where bleed and sympathetic vibrations must be kept to a minimum. It is also an excellent choice for players who find that standard snare wires overwhelm the natural tone of their high-end drum shells. It is ideal for those who prefer a 'tight' snare sound without having to over-tighten their snare strainer, which can often choke the drum's performance.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard 20 or 24-strand wires, the Equalizer 12-strand provides significantly less 'wash' and a faster decay. While products like the Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike beater or Evans MS3 Marching heads focus on the batter-side impact and projection, the Puresound Equalizer focuses on the refinement of the underside response. Compared to other steel-coil wires, the offset design provides a unique middle ground between a sensitive snare response and a pure shell sound.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main benefit of the offset design?: The offset design creates a gap in the middle of the wires, which allows the natural tone of the drum shell to come through more clearly. It also reduces unwanted vibrations and sympathetic buzz from other instruments.
How many strands does this model have?: This specific model in the Puresound Equalizer Series features 12 strands. This lower strand count contributes to a drier and crisper overall snare sound.
What material are the coils made from?: The coils are made from high-quality steel. This material choice ensures a quick, sharp response and long-term durability under regular playing conditions.
Where is the Puresound Equalizer series manufactured?: These snare wires are precision-manufactured in the USA. This ensures high manufacturing standards and consistent tension across all 12 strands.
What size drum is this snare wire intended for?: It is designed specifically for 14-inch snare drums. Using it on other sizes may result in improper fitment or poor tensioning.
Does this wire help with sympathetic buzz from bass guitars?: Yes, the 12-strand offset configuration is specifically designed to reduce vibrations triggered by other drums and loud instruments. It helps keep the snare quiet when you are not playing it.
Will this make my snare drum sound wetter or drier?: This wire is designed to produce a drier tone. By reducing the number of strands and creating a centre gap, it shortens the decay of the snare buzz.
Is this product suitable for orchestral drumming?: While it can be used for any style, its crisp and dry nature makes it excellent for situations requiring high articulation. However, it is primarily marketed for kit drumming where shell tone is a priority.
How does the tensioning work on these wires?: The precision manufacturing ensures even tension across the set. You install them via standard snare cords or straps, similar to other aftermarket snare wires.
Can I use this with an Evans MS3 Marching head?: While both are 14-inch components, the Equalizer series is generally intended for standard drum kit snares. The Evans MS3 is a marching head, which may require heavier-duty snare systems depending on the specific drum.
What is the typical price for this snare wire?: The typical price range for the Puresound Equalizer Series 12 Strand wire is approximately GBP 35. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
How does this compare to a standard 20-strand wire?: A standard 20-strand wire provides more 'crunch' and a longer sustain. The 12-strand Equalizer version is more controlled, offers more shell resonance, and has a faster, sharper decay.