I have been using Pearl snares as replacements for all my snare drums over the years. I have recently been experimenting with these. I also tried the other ones in this series where there is variable tension in the wires- either less tension at the edge or more in the middle.
I found this a great snare, but in the end I don't think it sounded any better than the 022N snare which is about half the price. If I had to say is there anything different I would say this one has a slightly darker tone than the steel 022N, which for me isn't something I want but other people may prefer that tone.
They do look better than the standard snares, and are undoubtedly well made and 'posh' compared to other snares, but I have since gone back to using the standard Pearl snare.
This snare is the standard tension model. Just for your information, I have tried the other ones in this series with variable tension- and this is what I made of them. I was trying to get my old Ludwig 400 snare drum to get a better response- it has a lovely tone but you either have to set the snare tension so it is right for loud hits, or so that you get good quiet response- if you set it so it is right at low volumes, it is then too loose when being hit loudly. I thought a variable tension snare would do the trick, but what I found happens is that when played loudly you get a bit of loose rattle, and when played quietly you also get a bit of 'buzz' from the strands which are too tight- so you get both sounds together, which I didn't think was a good sound. Anyhow- just my opinion- go and experiment!
