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How to Identify Vintage Snare Drums

Snare drums are one of the most important part of both the drum set and the orchestra itself. Comprised of a shell, hoops, lugs, tension rods, snare wires, and top and bottom heads, snare drums come in various makes and sizes. Here's how to identify vintage snare drums.

Instructions

- 1
  Identify what the shell is made of. Wood is the most common type of snare drum today, but different metals, such as brass, copper and steel, were used in older snare drums.
- 2
  Examine the shell. If the shell is wood, any slight to major discoloration will indicate an older snare. You will also be able to identify if the paint or wrap around the outside of the snare has any slight cracks or bubbles. These cracks and bubbles develop over time from temperature changes and exposure to humidity.
- 3
  Determine if the snare is made of any sort of metal. Pay attention to any oxidation or tiny flecks of corrosion. Just as wood is affected by time, the metal snares are no different.
- 4
  Examine the drum for any serial numbers or age identifiers. The best way to know for sure if the snare is vintage is through the serial number. You can reference this number online or in reference materials, if available, to determine how old the snare is.

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