John Bonham famously used 42-strand snare wires to achieve his distinctive and powerful drum sound. This specific choice was a key component in creating his iconic snare drum tone, known for its fatness, sensitivity, and projection.
Understanding John Bonham's Snare Sound
John Bonham, the legendary drummer for Led Zeppelin, is revered for his thunderous yet nuanced drumming. His snare drum sound, often associated with a Ludwig Supraphonic, was undeniably a signature element of his overall kit sound. A crucial, though often overlooked, factor in this sound was his use of 42-strand snare wires.
The Role of Snare Wires
Snare wires are a crucial component of any snare drum. They are multi-strand wires, typically made of steel or brass, stretched across the resonant (bottom) head of the drum. When the drum is struck, the top head vibrates, causing the bottom head to vibrate against these wires, producing the characteristic "snare" or "buzz" sound.
Why 42 Strands?
The number of strands on a snare wire greatly influences the drum's overall sound:
- Sensitivity: More strands generally lead to increased sensitivity, meaning the snare reacts to even the lightest ghost notes and stick articulation.
- Tone and Sustain: A higher strand count contributes to a fuller, fatter tone with more sustain and a rich, "wet" buzz. This contrasts with fewer strands, which tend to produce a drier, crisper, and more articulate sound.
- Projection: For a powerful drummer like Bonham, 42 strands would have provided immense projection and a wide dynamic range, allowing his snare to cut through the band's heavy sound while still offering intricate responsiveness.
For Bonham, 42-strand wires provided the perfect balance of sensitivity, fatness, and sustain, contributing significantly to his signature sound which was both powerful and incredibly responsive.
Key Characteristics of 42-Strand Snare Wires
Using 42-strand wires offers several distinct advantages for drummers seeking a robust and resonant snare sound:
- Increased Sensitivity: Captures every subtle nuance and ghost note, providing a highly responsive feel.
- Fuller Tone: Adds body and depth to the snare drum's sound, making it sound "fatter" and more resonant.
- Enhanced Buzz/Sizzle: Creates a richer, more complex snare effect with a longer, more sustained buzz.
- Powerful Projection: Helps the snare drum's sound cut through in loud musical environments, ideal for rock and heavy music.
Common Snare Wire Strand Counts
To put Bonham's choice into perspective, here's a comparison of common snare wire strand counts and their typical sound profiles:
| Strand Count | Typical Sound Profile | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 20-strand | Crisp, articulate, shorter sustain | General purpose, rock, pop, jazz |
| 24-strand | Good balance of sensitivity and focus | Versatile, rock, studio work |
| 30-strand | Increased sensitivity, fuller tone | Orchestral, R&B, drummers seeking more body |
| 42-strand | Very sensitive, fat, long sustain, "wet" | Rock, loud settings, unique signature sounds |
Achieving a Bonham-esque Snare Tone
While the 42-strand snare wire was a key element, Bonham's iconic snare sound was also influenced by his specific drum choice (notably the Ludwig Supraphonic 402), his unique tuning approach, drumhead choices, and, most importantly, his incredible playing style and powerful technique. Experimenting with higher strand count snare wires, however, is an excellent step for drummers looking to emulate the fat, responsive, and powerful snare sound Bonham achieved.
