What is the primary material used in the Yamaha SN1320H?

The SN1320H is crafted from high-carbon steel. This material is selected for its ability to produce a crisp, responsive tone and for its overall durability under regular use.

What size snare drum is this wire compatible with?

This specific model is designed for 13-inch snare drums. It will not fit standard 14-inch drums or smaller 10-inch or 12-inch auxiliary snares correctly.

How many strands does the SN1320H have?

It features a 20-strand configuration. This is considered the industry standard count for a balanced mix of drum shell tone and snare wire snap.

What is unique about the plate design on this snare wire?

The plates feature a slight bend. This design choice is intended to enhance the wires' adherence to the snare head, which facilitates cleaner and more accurate responses during sensitive playing.

Does the Yamaha SN1320H include mounting cords?

Yes, it comes with snare cords included. These are made from smooth, high-strength polyester to ensure durability and easy installation.

How do the included polyester cords benefit the drummer?

The cords are designed to be smooth and high-strength, which minimises friction during tensioning. This prevents kinks and helps the wires maintain optimal performance over time.

Is this snare wire suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the SN1320H is designed to adapt to a wide range of sounds. Its crisp and accurate response makes it highly suitable for the precision required in studio environments.

Can these wires be used for high-volume live performances?

Yes, the high-carbon steel construction is durable enough for heavy hitting. It provides a crisp tone that can cut through a live mix effectively.

How does the SN1320H handle ghost notes and sensitive playing?

Due to the bent plate design and high-carbon steel material, the wires are highly responsive. This ensures that even light strokes are captured with clarity.

What is the typical price range for the Yamaha SN1320H?

The typical price for this snare wire assembly is approximately GBP 15. This makes it an affordable maintenance part for most drummers.

Does this product require special tools for installation?

No special tools are required beyond a standard drum key to loosen the snare strainer and butt plate. The included polyester cords are threaded through the plates for attachment.

Is the SN1320H compatible with non-Yamaha drums?

Yes, as long as the snare drum is 13 inches in diameter and uses a standard cord-pull or strap-pull strainer system, this wire set will be compatible.

Gear article

Yamaha SN1320H 13-inch 20-Strand Snare Wire

The Yamaha SN1320H is a 13-inch, 20-strand snare wire assembly designed for high responsiveness and durability. Manufactured from high-carbon steel, it features a unique plate design with a slight bend to improve contact with the snare side drum head.

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Overview

The Yamaha SN1320H is a professional-grade replacement snare wire component tailored for 13-inch snare drums. As a part of Yamaha's spares and accessories catalogue, it is positioned as a reliable upgrade or maintenance part for drummers seeking a balance between durability and sensitivity. The assembly is defined by its 20-strand configuration and its use of high-carbon steel, a material favoured for its consistent vibration and longevity.

Design and Construction

The engineering of the SN1320H focuses on the physical interaction between the wire and the resonant head. A key feature is the unique end-plate design, which incorporates a slight bend. This geometry is intended to enhance the adherence of the wires to the snare head, ensuring that the wires sit flush and respond immediately to vibration. To facilitate installation, the package includes snare cords made from smooth, high-strength polyester. These cords are specifically designed to minimise friction against the snare bed and prevent kinking, which helps maintain tuning stability over time.

Sonic Characteristics

Thanks to the high-carbon steel construction, the SN1320H produces a crisp and responsive tone. The 20-strand density provides a standard level of 'snare buzz' that is neither too thin nor overly saturated, making it versatile across different genres. The bent plate design is particularly effective for sensitive play, such as ghost notes or low-volume articulated passages, where clean and accurate wire responses are critical. It is equally capable of handling high-impact playing in live or studio environments.

Compatibility and Application

While designed by Yamaha, this 13-inch wire assembly is compatible with most standard 13-inch snare drums from various manufacturers. It is suitable for drummers who require a dependable wire that can adapt to different musical styles, from jazz to rock. While it performs well with standard heads, it can be paired with specialised resonant heads like the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side Drum Head for specific tension requirements, though the SN1320H is primarily geared toward kit drumming rather than heavy marching applications.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Yamaha SN1320H?: The SN1320H is crafted from high-carbon steel. This material is selected for its ability to produce a crisp, responsive tone and for its overall durability under regular use.
What size snare drum is this wire compatible with?: This specific model is designed for 13-inch snare drums. It will not fit standard 14-inch drums or smaller 10-inch or 12-inch auxiliary snares correctly.
How many strands does the SN1320H have?: It features a 20-strand configuration. This is considered the industry standard count for a balanced mix of drum shell tone and snare wire snap.
What is unique about the plate design on this snare wire?: The plates feature a slight bend. This design choice is intended to enhance the wires' adherence to the snare head, which facilitates cleaner and more accurate responses during sensitive playing.
Does the Yamaha SN1320H include mounting cords?: Yes, it comes with snare cords included. These are made from smooth, high-strength polyester to ensure durability and easy installation.
How do the included polyester cords benefit the drummer?: The cords are designed to be smooth and high-strength, which minimises friction during tensioning. This prevents kinks and helps the wires maintain optimal performance over time.
Is this snare wire suitable for studio recording?: Yes, the SN1320H is designed to adapt to a wide range of sounds. Its crisp and accurate response makes it highly suitable for the precision required in studio environments.
Can these wires be used for high-volume live performances?: Yes, the high-carbon steel construction is durable enough for heavy hitting. It provides a crisp tone that can cut through a live mix effectively.
How does the SN1320H handle ghost notes and sensitive playing?: Due to the bent plate design and high-carbon steel material, the wires are highly responsive. This ensures that even light strokes are captured with clarity.
What is the typical price range for the Yamaha SN1320H?: The typical price for this snare wire assembly is approximately GBP 15. This makes it an affordable maintenance part for most drummers.
Does this product require special tools for installation?: No special tools are required beyond a standard drum key to loosen the snare strainer and butt plate. The included polyester cords are threaded through the plates for attachment.
Is the SN1320H compatible with non-Yamaha drums?: Yes, as long as the snare drum is 13 inches in diameter and uses a standard cord-pull or strap-pull strainer system, this wire set will be compatible.