AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Wooden Snare Drums Under $800 2026
The top pick is Mapex BPCW3550CNCY Black Panther Cherry Bomb 13x5.5" Cherry Snare Drum ($512). Pearl 13"x05" Export SD S. White gives you the most for the money at $144. Sonor SSD 13"x5,75" Benny Greb 2.0 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 23 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
Mapex BPCW3550CNCY Black Panther Cherry Bomb 13x5.5" Cherry Snare Drum
13"x5,5" DL Cherry Bomb NSW · Mapex
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 5.5 inch snare with a cherry wood shell that is 5.1 mm thick. It has Sonic Saver hoops, PureSound wires, and a Natural Matte finish. It may suit you if you want a wooden snare from the Black Panther Design Lab Series with chrome hardware.
Pros
- Cherry wood shell, 5.1 mm thick, makes up the drum body.
- Sonic Saver hoops are fitted on this snare.
- PureSound wires are used in the snare set.
81AudioFu
Index↓ 4.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$535 · Aug 17$512 now$512€459 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 6 inch snare drum with a 7-ply maple shell and a white pearl foil finish. It has chrome shell hardware and Power Hoops, so it suits you if you want a wooden snare with a clean, finished look. Check that the size and hoop style fit the rest of your kit before you buy.
Pros
- Shell is 7-ply maple, a laminated wood construction
- Chrome shell hardware gives the drum a finished metal look
- Comes with Power Hoops for the rim of the drum
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$267 now$267€239 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This Kompressor snare is a real gem for players seeking a refined, focused sound. The beech shell offers a beautifully warm and controlled tone, perfect for jazz, studio work, and more subtle styles. It's a well-built, professional-grade snare that delivers a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros
- Beech shell delivers a warm, focused tone with surprising projection.
- 12-ply construction provides excellent durability and resonance.
- 2.3mm steel hoops offer a crisp, articulate rimshot response.
Cons
- 7x13” size limits versatility – not ideal for all genres.
- Matte finish can be prone to fingerprints and requires careful maintenance.
62AudioFu
Index↓ 57.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$783 · Aug 17$336 now$336€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
You get a 13 by 5.75 inch snare with a nine-ply beech shell that is 5 mm thick. It is a Benny Greb signature model with chrome hardware, a Dual-Glide strainer, 2.3 mm power hoops, and 18-spiral steel wires. It suits drummers who want a sturdy snare with a Birch veneer finish and two inner dampers included.
Pros
- Nine-ply construction gives this snare a layered, sturdy build
- The 5 mm thick beech shell is a solid, well-defined foundation
- Power hoops at 2.3 mm add strength to the drum's rims
62AudioFu
Index↓ 17.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$948 · Aug 17$779 now$779€698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 6 inch wooden snare drum with a seven-ply European birch shell, 7 mm thick, finished in a silk-matte GT Black lacquer. It has a 45 degree bearing edge, a Tunesafe screw lock, a Dual Glide snare strainer, and Remo Ambassador heads on top and bottom. It suits you if you want a made-in-Germany wooden snare in a standard size with a solid-feeling build.
Pros
- Seven-ply European birch shell, 7 mm thick, for a sturdy build
- CLTF tension-free glued shell for a stable structure
- OSM reduced shell diameter designed for optimum vibration behaviour
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$725 now$725€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 5 inch wooden snare drum from Pearl's Export series. It has a six-ply poplar shell, a white wrap finish, and chrome-plated hardware. If you want a wooden snare with a simple, clean look, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Six-ply poplar shell gives it a layered wooden build.
- Shell thickness of 7.5 mm adds to its sturdy construction.
- Wrap finish on the shell comes in Slipstream white.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 6 inch wooden snare drum with a 7.2 mm maple and poplar shell in a Transparent Midnight Black finish. It comes with chrome hardware, triple flanged hoops, and Remo UX heads already fitted. If you want a ready-to-play wooden snare from the MPX series in a common size, this one is a straightforward pick.
Pros
- Shell is 7.2 mm thick and made of maple and poplar.
- Chrome hardware gives it a classic metal look.
- Triple flanged hoops add strength to the frame.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$166 now$166€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
You get a 13 by 5 inch snare with a 6-ply poplar shell that is 7.5 mm thick. It has a Jet Black wrap finish and chrome-plated shell hardware. This one suits you if you want a snare from the Export Series in a black finish and a standard size.
Pros
- Six-ply poplar shell gives a layered build
- Shell is 7.5 mm thick, made of poplar
- Jet Black wrap finish covers the shell
55AudioFu
Index↓ 3.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$144 · Aug 17$140 now$140€125 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This piccolo snare gives you a quick, bright sound perfect for fast jazz or rock fills. The maple and lime shell sounds sharp, while the chrome parts hold up well over time. It's a great choice if you want something compact and responsive, but don't expect deep low-end power.
Pros
- Maple and lime wood shell offers a bright, crisp tone
- 8-hole steel hoops provide precise tuning control
- Adjustable inner damper allows fine-tuned volume management
Cons
- Small 13-inch size may feel light for some players
- Single-layer construction lacks deep bass response
55AudioFu
Index↓ 35.2%since Oct 10 · lowest so far$222 · Oct 10$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This little Export snare is a real sleeper. The 5" depth gives it a crisp, tight sound that cuts through a mix – great for rock, pop, and even some funk. It’s an incredibly affordable way to get a well-built, good-sounding snare, perfect for beginners or anyone needing a reliable back-up.
Pros
- Poplar shell delivers a warm, focused tone with surprising projection.
- Satin Scarlet wrap provides a distinctive look and protects the shell.
- Chrome hardware is robust and provides reliable tuning stability.
Cons
- The 7.5mm shell is relatively thin, potentially limiting extreme tuning versatility.
- Basic hoops – while functional – aren’t the highest-end option available.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 23 13" wooden snare drums
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Pearl 13"x05" Export SD Mid. BluePearl53Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 12
Pearl 13"x05" Export SD M. AmethystPearl53Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 13
Pearl Modern Utility 13"x5" #224Pearl53Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 14
Pearl M1330 #102Pearl53Stable$490€439$490€439Check ↗
- 15
Pearl 13"x03" Piccolo Snare #114Pearl53Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 16
Gretsch Drums 13"x06" Full Range Birch SDGretsch Drums51Stable$179€160$179€160Check ↗
- 17
Gretsch Drums 13"x07" Silver Series Ash -SNGretsch Drums51Stable$201€180$201€180Check ↗
- 18
Gretsch Drums 13"x06" Full Range Hybrid SDGretsch Drums51Stable$229€205$229€205Check ↗
- 19
Mapex 13"x07" Hydro SnareMapex51Stable$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 20
DW PDP 13"x07" Black Wax SnareDW49Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 21
Millenium 13"x07" Mahogany Snare #11Millenium47Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
- 22
DW PDP 13"x07" Walnut SnareDW47↑ 4.0%$440€394$440€394Check ↗
- 23
Tama LGM137-STA Sound Lab SnareTama47Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
13" Wooden Snare Drums by the numbers
Measured across all 28 models we track, not a sample.
Median $278 — half of all 13" wooden snare drums here cost less.
median of 28 models · 13"–13"
How to choose the best 13" wooden snare drums
Shell Thickness
Thinner shells (around 6-8 plies) tend to be more sensitive and offer more 'pop', but can be a little flimsier. Thicker shells (9+ plies) are tougher and offer more body and sustain, but can feel less responsive.
Bearing Edge Profile
This is huge. A rounded edge will generally give you more sustain and warmth, while a sharper edge will focus the attack and give you more crack. It's a key differentiator in tone.
Hardware Quality
Don't expect buttery-smooth die-cast hoops on this budget. Lug placement, strainer functionality, and overall build quality are what we're looking at here - can it survive a tour?
Wood Type
Maple is the workhorse - balanced and versatile. Birch can be brighter and more focused. Cherry often brings a warmer, more vintage vibe. Each wood has its own character; consider what you're after.
Finish
While aesthetics matter, a thicker, more durable finish can protect the shell from moisture and impacts - crucial for gigging. A thin, glossy finish looks great, but might not hold up as well.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're hunting a 13" wooden snare, but you're not looking to drop a grand. Smart move. They're surprisingly versatile - tight enough to cut through a rock band, sensitive enough for jazz brushwork. This list is about getting the most 'thwack' for your dollar, finding that sweet spot between usable tone and actual affordability. Let's dive in.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect boutique-level craftsmanship. Hardware will likely be the first area to show its age.
Focus on the shell material and bearing edge - those are the core of the snare's tone. A little extra spent on a well-built shell is always worth it; you can always upgrade the hardware later.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 28 13" wooden snare drums from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Is a 13" snare really loud enough for a rock band?
Surprisingly, yes. A well-chosen 13" can cut through a mix just fine, especially if you're tuning it higher. It's about maximizing attack and resonance, not just sheer volume.
What's the difference between a 'poplar' and a 'birch/maple' snare?
Poplar tends to be darker and more muffled, often used for a vintage sound. Birch and Maple offer more projection and versatility, making them generally more popular choices.
Can I re-tune a snare to get different sounds?
Absolutely! Tuning is everything. Experiment with different tensions - higher for a brighter, more cutting sound, lower for a warmer, more resonant tone. It's the easiest way to customize your snare.
What about snare wires? Are they important?
Definitely. Stiffer wires will give you more 'snap' and a more defined rimshot. More flexible wires offer a warmer, more sensitive response. They're a relatively cheap upgrade if you want to fine-tune your snare's sound.
I'm a beginner - what snare should I get?
Start with a maple snare - it's the most versatile and forgiving. Focus on getting a feel for tuning and different playing techniques before worrying about fancy features.





