Best 13" Steel Snare Drums for Rock 2025

Perfect 13" steel snare drums for rock - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Jazz For Pop For Studio

Ludwig 13"x06" Supralite - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Ludwig 13"x06" Supralite

by Ludwig

Pop Alternative Studio

Key Feature:

• Steel brightness with substantial body

✓ PROS

• Good balance between attack and tone
• Steel brightness with substantial body

✗ CONS

• May require custom mounting solutions
• Not suitable for traditionalists

Ludwig 13"x06" SupraliteSnare DrumSize: 13" x 06"Supralite SeriesShell material: SteelChrome over...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 587814

$274

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Pearl 13"x03" Snare Drum S1330B - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Pearl 13"x03" Snare Drum S1330B

by Pearl

Rock Unique Sound Alternative

Key Feature:

• Good balance between attack and tone

✓ PROS

• Steel brightness with substantial body
• Professional quality in uncommon size

✗ CONS

• Limited market for resale
• Not suitable for traditionalists

Pearl 13"x03" Snare Drum S1330B, SnarePiccolo and Effects Snare Drums have become some of the most widely...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 157324

$362

Buy at Thomann View Details

LP 13"x5,5" Salsa Snare Steel - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

LP 13"x5,5" Salsa Snare Steel

by LP

Unique Sound Studio Alternative

Key Feature:

• Professional quality in uncommon size

✓ PROS

• Great for players wanting something different
• Steel brightness with substantial body

✗ CONS

• Non-standard size limits head options
• Not suitable for traditionalists

LP 13" x 5.5" Salsa Snare SteelSalsa snare drumSize: 13" x 5.5"Same steel shells as the LP...

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 504700

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Millenium SD-17 Snare Drum Starter Kit - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Millenium SD-17 Snare Drum Starter Kit

by Millenium

Alternative Unique Sound Studio

Key Feature:

• Unique 13-inch size for distinctive sound

✓ PROS

• Unique 13-inch size for distinctive sound
• Great for players wanting something different

✗ CONS

• May be difficult to find replacement parts
• Limited market for resale

Millenium SD-17 Snare Drum Starter KitSnare Drum Starter Kit, Complete Snare Drum Kit, Ideal for beginners, Min. Height...

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 262484

$153

Buy at Thomann View Details

Millenium 13"x3,5" Black Beast Snare - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Millenium 13"x3,5" Black Beast Snare

by Millenium

Rock Pop Unique Sound

Key Feature:

• Great for players wanting something different

✓ PROS

• Good balance between attack and tone
• Steel brightness with substantial body

✗ CONS

• May require custom mounting solutions
• Not suitable for traditionalists

Millenium 13" x 3.5" Black Beast SnareSnare DrumSize: 13" x 3.5""Black Beast" Snare...

⭐ 5.0/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 242348

$98

Buy at Thomann View Details

DW PDP 13"x3,5" Kraken Snare - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

DW PDP 13"x3,5" Kraken Snare

by DW

Unique Sound Rock Studio

Key Feature:

• Great for players wanting something different

✓ PROS

• Professional quality in uncommon size
• Great for players wanting something different

✗ CONS

• May require custom mounting solutions
• Non-standard size limits head options

DW PDP 13"x3.5" Kraken SnarePiccolo Snare DrumSize: 13" x 3.5"1.0 mm steel shellSleek & Compact...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 605287

$123

Buy at Thomann View Details

Tama 13"x4" Metalworks Flat Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Tama 13"x4" Metalworks Flat Black

by Tama

Rock Pop Studio

Key Feature:

• Unique 13-inch size for distinctive sound

✓ PROS

• Professional quality in uncommon size
• Good balance between attack and tone

✗ CONS

• May be difficult to find replacement parts
• Not suitable for traditionalists

Tama 13"x4" Metalworks Flat BlackSnare drumSize: 13" x 04"Metalworks SeriesBST134MBK1.2 mm thick...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 483209

$154

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 13" Steel Snare Drums

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 13" steel snare drums typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best 13" Steel Snare Drums for Rock 2025

Ludwig 13"x06" Supralite

Pearl 13"x03" Snare Drum S1330B

LP 13"x5,5" Salsa Snare Steel

Millenium SD-17 Snare Drum Starter Kit

Millenium 13"x3,5" Black Beast Snare

DW PDP 13"x3,5" Kraken Snare

Tama 13"x4" Metalworks Flat Black

How to Choose the Best 13" Steel Snare Drums

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 13" steel snare drums?

How much should I spend on 13" steel snare drums?

Are expensive 13" steel snare drums worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 13" steel snare drums?

Should I buy 13" steel snare drums online or in-store?

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