When it comes to snare drums, every drummer knows that the right amount of ring and overtones can make or break your sound. As a drum builder, I’m a big fan of letting a drum share it’s full voice. But, in certain studio or live settings, too much resonance can quickly turn a clear snare hit into a sonic mess. This is where snare drum dampening comes into play—a tool every drummer should have in their arsenal.
Today, we’re going to dive into three popular dampening products: Evans EQ Pods, the Snareweight, and Big Fat Snare Drum (BFSD). Each offers its unique approach to taming your snare drum, and we’ll be comparing their effectiveness, usability, and versatility to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your gig bag.
Evans EQ Pods
The Evans EQ Pods are relatively new in the dampening game but have quickly made a name for themselves. These small, gel-like pads (aka moon-gels) are designed to be placed on your drumhead, offering a customizable approach to dampening. The concept is simple: you stick them where you need them most and remove them when you want to dial the resonance back up.
Effectiveness: Evans EQ Pods excel in providing subtle to moderate dampening. They don’t completely deaden your drum, which is ideal if you’re looking to maintain some natural ring while controlling excessive overtones. The ability to add or remove pods gives you control over how much dampening you want, making them highly versatile. The adhesive is strong enough to keep them in place during a gig but gentle enough not to damage your drumhead when removed.
Usability: One of the standout features of the EQ Pods is their ease of use. They’re small, discreet, and easy to reposition, allowing you to experiment with different placements to find your desired sound. However, their size can be a double-edged sword. While their compactness is a plus for portability, they can be easy to lose, especially in a dark venue or studio.
Versatility: The versatility of the EQ Pods lies in their modularity. You can use a single pod for slight dampening or add more for greater effect. They work well on both batter and resonant heads and can even be used on toms if you’re looking for a uniform sound across your kit. Their subtle dampening is ideal for genres where you need control but still want your snare to sing, such as jazz, fusion, or lighter rock.
Snareweight
Snareweight has become a go-to choice for drummers seeking a vintage, fat snare sound. Unlike gel pads, Snareweight uses a metal clip-on mechanism that attaches to the drum hoop, with leather inserts that rest on the drumhead to provide dampening. The concept harkens back to the days of vintage studio dampening techniques but with a modern twist.
Effectiveness: Snareweight is a heavyweight in the dampening arena. It offers a range of models, from the lighter M1b to the robust M80, allowing you to choose the level of dampening that suits your style. The leather inserts provide a warm, organic dampening effect, ideal for creating a deep, fat sound without completely killing the drum’s natural resonance. The dampening effect is more pronounced than the EQ Pods, making Snareweight particularly effective in styles that demand a thick, controlled snare tone, such as funk, soul, or classic rock.
Usability: While Snareweight products are easy to attach and remove, they require more effort to position correctly compared to gel pads. The metal clip can be a bit tricky to secure on some drum hoops, and the leather inserts can shift if not properly placed. However, once set, Snareweight stays in place better than most other dampening products, even during heavy playing.
Versatility: Snareweight’s versatility is somewhat limited compared to the EQ Pods, as it’s primarily designed for snare drums and not toms or other drums. However, within its niche, it shines. The different models allow for a wide range of dampening, and the option to swap out the leather inserts gives you further control over your sound. The product is also aesthetically pleasing, adding a vintage vibe to your drum setup.
Big Fat Snare Drum (BFSD)
The Big Fat Snare Drum (BFSD) is a simple yet highly effective dampening solution that has become a staple in the kits of many drummers. It’s essentially a weighted ring that sits on top of your snare drumhead, instantly transforming your snare sound into something reminiscent of the deep, thuddy tones of 70s rock records.
Effectiveness: BFSD is the most aggressive dampening product in this comparison. It significantly lowers the pitch of your snare, giving it a fat, punchy sound with almost no overtones. This makes it ideal for styles where you want a deep, tight snare sound, such as hip-hop, lo-fi, or heavy rock. However, it’s not suitable for every genre, as the drastic change in sound can be too much for lighter, more open styles of music.
Usability: BFSD is incredibly easy to use. You simply place it on your snare drum, and you’re good to go. There’s no need for adhesives or clips, making it a hassle-free option for quick sound changes. The only downside is that it’s not as secure as other dampening methods; it can shift if you play with a lot of rimshots or hard-hitting, and it’s not adjustable like the EQ Pods or Snareweight.
Versatility: While BFSD excels in creating a specific sound, its versatility is somewhat limited. It’s not adjustable, so you’re stuck with the sound it creates, which may not suit every situation. However, it’s perfect for drummers who need a quick and drastic change in snare tone without any fuss. The product also comes in different sizes and variations, like the Original and the Donut, offering slight variations in sound but still within that deep, fat snare territory.
Comparative Analysis
When it comes to snare drum dampening, the choice between Evans EQ Pods, Snareweight, and Big Fat Snare Drum comes down to your specific needs and the genres you play.
Evans EQ Pods offer the most subtle dampening, making them ideal for drummers who want to maintain some of the drum’s natural resonance while still controlling overtones. Their modular nature allows for precise sound shaping, but their small size can make them easy to misplace. These are perfect for genres that require nuanced snare tones, such as jazz or light rock.
Snareweight products are the best choice for drummers looking for a warm, vintage sound with more significant dampening. Their ability to stay in place during heavy playing makes them ideal for live performances, and the range of models offers a level of customization that’s hard to beat. They’re best suited for genres like funk, soul, or classic rock, where a thick, controlled snare tone is desired.
Big Fat Snare Drum, on the other hand, is the go-to for drummers needing a quick and easy way to achieve a deep, thuddy snare sound. It’s the most aggressive of the three, offering an almost instant transformation of your snare tone. However, its lack of adjustability and the potential for shifting during play make it less versatile than the other options. BFSD is ideal for hip-hop, lo-fi, or any genre that benefits from a low, punchy snare sound.
Conclusion
In the end, each of these dampening products serves a specific purpose and excels in its niche. The Evans EQ Pods are perfect for the drummer who needs subtle control over their snare sound with the flexibility to adjust on the fly. Snareweight is for those who crave a vintage, controlled snare tone with the ability to fine-tune their dampening level. Big Fat Snare Drum is for the drummer who wants an instant, dramatic change in their snare sound with minimal fuss.
Choosing the right dampening tool depends on your personal style, the genres you play, and how much control you want over your snare drum’s sound. Whether you’re looking for a slight tweak or a complete transformation, there’s a dampening solution out there that’s just right for you. — By making an informed choice, you can ensure your snare drum always sounds its best, whether you’re laying down tracks in the studio or bringing the house down on stage. Happy drumming!
