Hey everyone, I'm a beginning drummer and I assumed that I should just keep the chain on the snare drum. Last night my dad went to a concert and said that he didn't think any of the drummers had the chain on. Is the chain just for your preference or is it better to have it on/off?

i'm assuming your talking about the springs that cross the bottom skin... but either way it's totally a matter of preference... having them on gives you a tight military sounding snare tone... good for most rock and metal... while having them off gives you a deeper hollow tone... good for raggae and wacky jungle beats (at least that's what my old drummer used to call them hehehe)

Well, the chain on the bottom IS the snare......You should always have the snare pulled tight against the drum, or in the "on" position. Like Pambient said, if you have it off, you should be doin' some "Moby Dick"-drum solo type shit, or some Reggae fills.....

I use the Active Snare System......it makes the snare louder, cripsier, and more sensitive. I hit really hard, but this makes it even louder. People that play with me are like "God-Damn!, that shit is loud!!" ...yeah....

Yes, again, as pambient and Homeless Copper said, the chain is what give the snare that unique sound. Its best to leave it on, IMHO. If you want a hollow sound, just use your toms. :tongue:

thanks guys

I agree

yeah, a snare isnt a snare without the snares on. tuning your snare drum is a lenghy process, but once you've got it right, the snare should have a crisp, distinct sound (it all depends on preference, but you'll know if its on or not) and when its off, the snares shouldnt be heard.

true, the snares should be kept on for almost all drumming, but sometimes you can get better tone out of your toms and bass drum with the snares off...i like to turn it on and off during solos, just to get different sounds.

also, to maintain a good tension on your snares, keep them off when you're not using the drum