Best 13" Wooden Snare Drums for Alternative 2025

Perfect 13" wooden snare drums for alternative - easy to play and learn on

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $800 Under $1,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For Blues For Acoustic For Recording For Alternative For Unique Size

BRANDS: Sonor

Sonor SQ1 13"x6" Snare Satin Gold - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sonor SQ1 13"x6" Snare Satin Gold

by Sonor

Unique Size Acoustic Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional wood construction

✓ PROS

• Distinctive sound for creative applications
• Unique 13-inch size with wood character

✗ CONS

• Replacement parts harder to find
• Limited market and resale value

Sonor SQ1 13"x 6" Snare Satin GoldSnare drumSize: 13" x 06"SQ1 SeriesSilk- matte lacquered7-ply7 mm...

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 512230

$747

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Sonor 13"x07" Kompressor Snare Beech - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sonor 13"x07" Kompressor Snare Beech

by Sonor

Recording Jazz Blues

Key Feature:

• Great for recording and specialized use

✓ PROS

• Distinctive sound for creative applications
• Professional wood construction

✗ CONS

• Replacement parts harder to find
• Higher cost for specialty size

Sonor 13"x07" Kompressor Snare BeechSnare DrumSize: 13" x 07"12-Ply 8 mm thick beech shellSnare...

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 573961

$692

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare VP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare VP

by Sonor

Recording Blues Unique Size

Key Feature:

• Unique 13-inch size with wood character

✓ PROS

• Natural wood warmth and resonance
• Unique 13-inch size with wood character

✗ CONS

• Limited market and resale value
• Higher cost for specialty size

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare VPSnare drumSize: 13" x 06"Vintage SeriesShell material: BeechChrome...

⭐ 5.0/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 512278

$878

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pearl 13"x03" Piccolo Snare #114 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Pearl 13"x03" Piccolo Snare #114

by Pearl

Acoustic Jazz Alternative

Key Feature:

• Distinctive sound for creative applications

✓ PROS

• Distinctive sound for creative applications
• Professional wood construction

✗ CONS

• Limited market and resale value
• Non-standard size limits head options

Pearl 13" x 3" Piccolo Snare #114SnarePiccolo SeriesSize: 13" x 3"Drum shells: 6-Ply mapleHoops:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 196548

$505

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sonor SQ1 13"x6" Snare GT Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Sonor SQ1 13"x6" Snare GT Black

by Sonor

Blues Unique Size Alternative

Key Feature:

• Unique 13-inch size with wood character

✓ PROS

• Unique 13-inch size with wood character
• Distinctive sound for creative applications

✗ CONS

• Replacement parts harder to find
• May require custom mounting solutions

Sonor SQ1 13" x 6" Snare GT BlackSnare drumSize: 13" x 06"SQ1 SeriesSilk-matte lacquered7-ply7 mm...

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 512223

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mapex 13"x07" Hydro Snare - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Mapex 13"x07" Hydro Snare

by Mapex

Recording Jazz Acoustic

Key Feature:

• Professional wood construction

✓ PROS

• Unique 13-inch size with wood character
• Professional wood construction

✗ CONS

• May require custom mounting solutions
• Higher cost for specialty size

Mapex 13"x07" Hydro SnareSnare drumSize: 13" x 07"Black Panther SeriesShell material: 6-ply maple...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 497120

$516

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Pearl Modern Utility 13"x5" #224 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Pearl Modern Utility 13"x5" #224

by Pearl

Unique Size Acoustic Blues

Key Feature:

• Professional wood construction

✓ PROS

• Unique 13-inch size with wood character
• Great for recording and specialized use

✗ CONS

• Replacement parts harder to find
• Limited market and resale value

Pearl Modern Utility 13"x5" #224Snare DrumSize: 13" x 5"Modern Utility SeriesModel:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 410364

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sonor SSD 13"x5,75" Benny Greb 2.0 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sonor SSD 13"x5,75" Benny Greb 2.0

by Sonor

Jazz Recording Blues

Key Feature:

• Unique 13-inch size with wood character

✓ PROS

• Unique 13-inch size with wood character
• Great for recording and specialized use

✗ CONS

• Limited market and resale value
• May require custom mounting solutions

Sonor SSD 13"x 5.75" Benny Greb 2.0Snare drumSize: 13" x 5.75"Benny Greb signature model9-ply5 mm...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 482054

$934

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums 13"x6" USA Custom Snare Drum - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums 13"x6" USA Custom Snare Drum

by Gretsch Drums

Recording Acoustic Blues

Key Feature:

• Professional wood construction

✓ PROS

• Natural wood warmth and resonance
• Unique 13-inch size with wood character

✗ CONS

• Replacement parts harder to find
• May require custom mounting solutions

Gretsch Drums 13"x6" USA Custom Snare DrumSnare DrumSize: 13" x 06"USA Custom SeriesShell material:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595255

$1,088

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums 13"x07" Silver Series Ash -SN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums 13"x07" Silver Series Ash -SN

by Gretsch Drums

Alternative Acoustic Blues

Key Feature:

• Distinctive sound for creative applications

✓ PROS

• Natural wood warmth and resonance
• Professional wood construction

✗ CONS

• Limited market and resale value
• May require custom mounting solutions

Gretsch Drums 13" x 07" Silver Series Ash - SNSnare DrumSilver SeriesSize: 13" x 07"7-Ply shell...

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 336482

$218

Buy at Thomann View Details

DW PDP 13"x07" Black Wax Snare - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

DW PDP 13"x07" Black Wax Snare

by DW

Acoustic Jazz Recording

Key Feature:

• Natural wood warmth and resonance

✓ PROS

• Great for recording and specialized use
• Professional wood construction

✗ CONS

• Replacement parts harder to find
• Limited market and resale value

DW PDP 13"x07" Black Wax SnareSnare DrumSize: 13 "x 07"Drum shell made of 10 layers of maplePainted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 373441

$281

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare Black

by Sonor

Jazz Recording Unique Size

Key Feature:

• Distinctive sound for creative applications

✓ PROS

• Natural wood warmth and resonance
• Great for recording and specialized use

✗ CONS

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

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare BlackSnare drumSize: 13" x 06"Vintage SeriesShell material: BeechChrome...

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 512266

$878

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mapex 13"x5,5" DL Cherry Bomb NSW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Mapex 13"x5,5" DL Cherry Bomb NSW

by Mapex

Blues Unique Size Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional wood construction

✓ PROS

• Natural wood warmth and resonance
• Unique 13-inch size with wood character

✗ CONS

• May require custom mounting solutions
• Limited market and resale value

Mapex 13" x 5.5" DL Cherry Bomb NSWSnare DrumSize: 13" x 5.5"Black Panther Design Lab SeriesDrum...

⭐ 5.0/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 407628

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare Teak - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare Teak

by Sonor

Jazz Blues Alternative

Key Feature:

• Distinctive sound for creative applications

✓ PROS

• Distinctive sound for creative applications
• Great for recording and specialized use

✗ CONS

• May require custom mounting solutions
• Limited market and resale value

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare TeakSnare DrumSize: 13" x 06"Vintage SeriesShell material: BeechChrome...

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 590139

$878

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare Rosew. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare Rosew.

by Sonor

Unique Size Jazz Recording

Key Feature:

• Distinctive sound for creative applications

✓ PROS

• Unique 13-inch size with wood character
• Great for recording and specialized use

✗ CONS

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

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare Rosew.Snare drumSize: 13" x 06"Vintage SeriesShell material: BeechChrome...

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 512276

$878

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 13" Wooden 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" wooden 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" Wooden Snare Drums for Alternative 2025

Sonor SQ1 13"x6" Snare Satin Gold

Sonor 13"x07" Kompressor Snare Beech

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare VP

Pearl 13"x03" Piccolo Snare #114

Sonor SQ1 13"x6" Snare GT Black

Mapex 13"x07" Hydro Snare

Pearl Modern Utility 13"x5" #224

Sonor SSD 13"x5,75" Benny Greb 2.0

Gretsch Drums 13"x6" USA Custom Snare Drum

Gretsch Drums 13"x07" Silver Series Ash -SN

DW PDP 13"x07" Black Wax Snare

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare Black

Mapex 13"x5,5" DL Cherry Bomb NSW

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare Teak

Sonor 13"x6" Vintage Snare Rosew.

How to Choose the Best 13" Wooden Snare Drums

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Are expensive 13" wooden snare drums worth the investment?

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

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

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