Tommy_D
Platinum Member
2 words people: Grosgrain Ribbon
I have accumulated a few snare drums as of late, and have shells I am going to be working on soon, so I have been working on ideas to make my snares (all of them) be the best they can be. One thing I have noticed about pretty much every snare I own (all but 3) is that they come with those crappy plastic snare straps to connect the snares to the strainer/butt. I haven't had one snare that worked well with those plastic things. I generally have to overtighten the strainer to the point that it sticks when engaging/disengaging. And even then, the snares still don't stay tight because the plastic stretches.
Well, enough was enough. I went out to the fabric store and picked up a roll of 5/8" wide grosgrain ribbon and started replacing all those cheap plastic things. Now all my snare strainers operate completely smoothly (even the cheap ones) because I don't have to put such high tension on the snares. My snares stay nice and tight because the ribbon does not stretch. I don't have to overtighten the screws on the strainer and butt plate to crimp the super thin plastic. The ribbon is thick enough to properly crimp in even the cheapest of butt plates. Its great! And its super cheap!
A 3 yard roll cost me $2 after tax. Yes, 2 dollars. That roll is enough to do 8 snares! At 25 cents per drum, how is this not standard equipment on every snare ever made?
So, I recommend everyone with a snare that has those crappy plastic straps go out to the fabric store, pick up some 5/8" wide grosgrain ribbon in whatever color you want (there are tons of different colors and patterns), and replace those crappy straps with some ribbon. Enjoy your nicely taught snares, your super smooth operating strainers and your cool new look.
I have accumulated a few snare drums as of late, and have shells I am going to be working on soon, so I have been working on ideas to make my snares (all of them) be the best they can be. One thing I have noticed about pretty much every snare I own (all but 3) is that they come with those crappy plastic snare straps to connect the snares to the strainer/butt. I haven't had one snare that worked well with those plastic things. I generally have to overtighten the strainer to the point that it sticks when engaging/disengaging. And even then, the snares still don't stay tight because the plastic stretches.
Well, enough was enough. I went out to the fabric store and picked up a roll of 5/8" wide grosgrain ribbon and started replacing all those cheap plastic things. Now all my snare strainers operate completely smoothly (even the cheap ones) because I don't have to put such high tension on the snares. My snares stay nice and tight because the ribbon does not stretch. I don't have to overtighten the screws on the strainer and butt plate to crimp the super thin plastic. The ribbon is thick enough to properly crimp in even the cheapest of butt plates. Its great! And its super cheap!
A 3 yard roll cost me $2 after tax. Yes, 2 dollars. That roll is enough to do 8 snares! At 25 cents per drum, how is this not standard equipment on every snare ever made?
So, I recommend everyone with a snare that has those crappy plastic straps go out to the fabric store, pick up some 5/8" wide grosgrain ribbon in whatever color you want (there are tons of different colors and patterns), and replace those crappy straps with some ribbon. Enjoy your nicely taught snares, your super smooth operating strainers and your cool new look.