Vintage Snare Wire

CPSL-14NP / CPSL-14DR and other size

From a warm whisper to a deep roar, Elevate your snare drum to its full potential

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From a warm whisper to a deep roar
Elevate your snare drum to its full potential

snare drum is the most important component in the drum set, and the snare-wire is a crucial component of your drum’s sound. This fact has not been widely recognized until very recently; only a few drummers understand this important connection.

1n 1960, Ludwig and Slingerland manufactured what has now become the standard for good vintage wires. Several manufacturers have tried to re-produce the sound. After years of research, we have replicated the Slingerland wire taking several factors into account such as material, spiral diameter and pitch. We finally decided on a core thickness of 0.5 mm, a spiral diameter of 1.35mm and a pitch of 3.4 mm.

In that process, we also found that the end plate is another determinant of a snare-wire’s sensitivity, and we have tried various sizes for these as well. We concluded that 0.5mm is optimal to hold the wires. We also decided to exclude the guiding grooves for snare strings and tapes that most manufacturers use. These guiding grooves impaired the sensitivity of the snare drum. Our end plate is quite thin however; it may have caused breakage of strings and tapes. We resolved the problem by having the lapel at the holes on the end plate.

After years of careful analysis of the material composition, thickness of the end plate, shaping experiments and production consideration, we have the CANOPUS Vintage Snare Wire.
Super Jazz drummer Bill Stewart once visited us. He was so impressed by our proto-type Vintage Snare Wires he asked us if he could use it. Many CANOPUS endorsers appreciate the sound quality of this snare wire.

ビンテージスネアワイヤー
ビンテージスネアワイヤー ラインナップ

New Snare Wire Endorsers

Joe Porcaro
They give me a nice crisp sound.
When you hit the drum there’s not too much of spread.
It’s a snare drum. -I can really hear snares.

Joe Porcaro

Keith Carlock
The Canopus snare wires bring out the clarity and dynamic range of my grace notes and back beats! Check them out!

Keith Carlock

Jason Sutter
Canopus Vintage Snare wires have changed my snare drum sound in ways I never thought possible; More tone, sensitivity and volume! You wont believe what you have been missing!

Jason Sutter

Billy Martin
Canopus has the best snares wires you can find!

Billy Martin
Vintage Snare Wire
No. Size Type Remarks
CPSL-14NP For 14″ Chrome Snare wire cord is fitted as standard equipment
CPSL-14DR Dry
CPSL-13NP For 13″ Chrome
CPSL-13DR Dry
CPSL-12DR For 12″ Dry
CPSL-10DR For 10″ Dry
For Zelkova
CPSL-ZL14NP For 14″ Chrome Snare wire cord is fitted as standard equipment
CPSL-ZL14DR Dry
CPSL-ZL13NP For 13″ Chrome
CPSL-ZL13DR Dry

2 types for your choice,DR and NP (for 10”~14”)
DR : Without plating – Dry and crisp sound
NP : Chrome Plating – Brilliant sound with lots of overtones
(ZL : for Zelkova snare drum)

JEFFREY BROZ
I JUST BOUGHT THE VINTAGE CHROME PLATED SNARE WIRES AND THESE WIRES ARE THE BEST ONES I EVER BOUGHT. THEY MAKE MY SNARE DRUM SOUND GREAT. I’M GLAD I CHECKED THESE OUT. THANKS AGAIN FOR A GODD PRODUCT AND A GREAT SOUND!


Clint Carothers, a drummer of Poetry Thieves
I recently switched out my snare wires on my Ludwig black beauty from Puresounds to the Canopus vintage chrome plated wires. I was pleasantly surprised at the improvement in sound. To my ears, the Puresound wires were more “harsh” sounding….didn’t really notice it until the Canopus wires were put on. They also had a very slight after buzz, like one wire was just vibrating a tad too long. The Canopus wires sounded really sweet. They had a beautiful crisp and full sound, very sensitive, and the drum sounds big and powerful….with no after buzz whatsoever!! I have been playing a long time and these wires sound better than anything else I’ve had on the drum. I liked them so much, I put a set on my “76 supraphonic as well. Thanks Canopus!!


Related Products

Reviews


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Brad Schlueter / writer, reviewer or product tester

Usually, if a drummer wants to alter the sound of a drum, he’ll change the heads. That can make a dramatic difference to the way a drum sounds. However, many drummers have favorite heads and resist swapping them for those with a different sound and feel.

Brad Schlueter / writer, reviewer or product tester
Usually, if a drummer wants to alter the sound of a drum, he’ll change the heads. That can make a dramatic difference to the way a drum sounds. However, many drummers have favorite heads and resist swapping them for those with a different sound and feel.

Upgrading the wires under your drum is another effective, if often overlooked method, to improve the sound of your snare. The more wires in contact with the bottom head the drier the drum will be. If you have a very lively or thick metal snare that has too much ring, one way to help tame it is with a wider set of snare wires. The number of wires beneath a snare can also affect the drum tone a bit.

Enter the Back Beat 30 and 42 Snare Wires (models CPSS-BB14 SNP30 and CPSS-BB14 SNPW). These chromed snare wire sets are similar to each other but differ in the number of coiled wires that contact the bottom head. The 42-strand model is about 4” wide compared to the 30-strand model that is an inch narrower.

As you’d expect, the wider wires had a drier sound than the narrower set. So if you have a drum that sounds too lively with standard 20-strand wires, either of these models can help dampen the decay.

I tried these on a couple of different drums. One of my metal snares has a raucous, lively character and long decay was noticeably improved with these wires. I slightly preferred the 30-strand model on my drum, but if yours is livelier than mine, the 42-strand model might work better. However, I liked how the 42-strand model helped dry up some of my drum’s rim shots. It seemed that the brightness of my drum was slightly attenuated, bringing out more of the midrange, making for a fuller and more balanced tone. Best of all, my drum’s seemed to become more sensitive with these wires.

Also, I noticed that if you like your wires to be a little on the loose side, more wires can give a smoother, denser rattle/decay. This can be effective on a power ballad.

I also received sets of the Vintage Wires (CPSL-14NP, CPSL-14DR) and Back Beat Wires) CPSS-14NP, CPSS-14DR) to try out. Frankly, I liked all of these wires on my snares. I put each set on the same drum and all these wires improved the sound over the stock wires that had been on the drum. My drum seemed brighter and crisper with the Canopus wires. If I had to pick one or two for my drum, I’d choose the chrome vintage or chrome backbeat model, since they were a touch brighter than the natural wires in each series. If your drum doesn’t need brightening, the natural finish wires might be a better choice.

When I loosened these wires some, they had a slightly coarser decay than the wider wires mentioned earlier, but were still quite nice.

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Mike Baird
Special Review from Mike Baird

All the wires are much better than stock or standard wires; it then comes down to the drum the player and the gig. For me I really like the vintage wires especially the Vintage NP because it has everything and would fit any tuning range. But there are certain drums I would use the Vintage Brass for recordings or gigs where I really need that extra body.

Mike Baird
Special Review from Mike Baird
EVALUATION OF CANOPUS SNARE WIRES
SEPT 14 2013 BY MIKE BAIRD

Let me start out by saying that from one drum to the next it was very difficult to find what would be a normal wood or metal drum (ply, steam bent, what type of wood etc.) metal brass, steel etc. But I did pick a few drums to get a general consensus this is what I used.

METAL DRUS USED

DW chrome over steel 61⁄2 X 14 a Tama chrome over steel 3x13 piccolo and a DW copper 61⁄2 X 14.

WOOD DRUMS USED
For wood we used early 80’s DW Craviotto 61⁄2 x 14 maple steam bent and a Tama 5x14 maple ply and a 3x13 piccolo ply drum.

BACK BEAT WIRES ON METAL DRUMS


BACK BEAT CHROME PLATED WIRES (CPSS-BB14NP)
Really crisp top end but not as warm as the DR and more overtones. The NP wires have a lower pitch compared to the Back Beat DR, which seemed like it would be just the opposite because of it being NP. More body then stock wires.

BACK BEAT NON PLATED WIRES (CPSS-BB14DR)
Fewer overtones, more top then the NP wires but dark but better body than regular stock wires.

Synopsis
Back Beat Wires really come alive in higher drum tunings the NP are more suited to club or live situations where drums ARE NOT mic’ed. Back Beat DR not as bright as the NP but still bright just more warmth and fatness but very dark.

VINTAGE WIRES ON METAL DRUMS


VINTAGE CHROME PLATED WIRES (CPSL-14NP, CPSL-13NP)
Good top end, good bite not sharp like Back beat and adds a very nice fat sound. Over all my favorite for studio and concert setting.

VINTAGE NON PLATED WIRES (CPSL-14DR, CPSL-13DR)
Vintage DR wires have a good top end and very good lower midrange, and dark but not as dark as the Back Beats DR. This wire I feel would shine on a vintage WFL or older vintage metal drum like that. Lots of body for Ballads, blues etc.

Synopsis
Both Vintage wires work great on all metal drums.

BACK BEAT WIRES ON WOOD DRUMS


BACK BEAT CHROME PLATED WIRES (CPSS-BB14NP)
A little nasal sounding better suited for higher tunings good for orchestral or jazz type finesse music or where playing definition is needed.

BACK BEAT NON PLATED WIRES (CPSS-BB14DR)
On wood drums the Back Beats DR work better than metal. Nice top end and body.

VINTAGE WIRES ON WOOD DRUMS


VINTAGE CHROME PLATED WIRES (CPSL-14NP, CPSL-13NP)
These have everything, sweet top end very good midrange and body. Not as much body as the Vintage DR but makes up for with everything else.

VINTAGE NON PLATED WIRES (CPSL-14DR, CPSL-13DR)
More meat or body and not as crisp as the Vintage NP, very good.

Synopsis
Turning high or low with both of the vintage wires work great. Sensivity is very good as well.

Summary


All the wires are much better than stock or standard wires; it then comes down to the drum the player and the gig. For me I really like the vintage wires especially the Vintage NP because it has everything and would fit any tuning range. But there are certain drums I would use the Vintage Brass for recordings or gigs where I really need that extra body.

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Drums & Percussion Magazine
Drums & Percussion Magazine (Germany) / May, 2008

Damit stehen dem Drummer mit den Canopus Teppichen vier unterschiedliche Sounds zur Verfugung, wobei die Teppiche einem hohen Standard erfullen und jede Snaredrum dementsprechend aufwerten durften.

Drums & Percussion Magazine
Drums & Percussion Magazine (Germany) / May, 2008
Drums & Percussion Magazine

Comments

Shay Godwin
Shay Godwin

I have been using Canopus snare wires exclusively for over a decade. Their evenness and crispresponse have no equal in the industry. Do not underestimate the importance
of snare wires on the overall sound of your snare drums!

Max Klots
Max Klots

Vintage Snare Wire adds crispness, sensitivity, articulation and depth to your snare sound. Truly, a sophisticated wire for knowledgeable players!

Jimmy Macbride
Jimmy Macbride

Canopus Vintage snare wires will enhance the sound of any snare drum enormously - adding increased depth, sensitivity and dynamic range. I use them on all of my snare drums and cannot recommend them enough.

Vinny Vinciguerra
Vinny Vinciguerra

I have been hearing good things about the vintage snare wires Canopus makes for a few years....finally I put one on my snare drum. I could not believe how awesome it sounded....it was like getting a new drum! It made my favorite Black Beauty scream "play me"! What a killer sound!
I could not be any happier coming to the Canopus family and help spread the word of their amazing products!

Stephen Jude Mills
Stephen Jude Mills

I get the most beautiful tones with Canopus snare wires, hands down. I wouldn't use any other wires.

Doc Sweeney Drums
Steve Stecher (Chief Drumsmith of Doc Sweeney Drums)

I recently tested Canopus wires on my custom snare drums. The sound produced by the Vintage Snare and Back Beat Snare Wire 30 was so amazing I decided to start using them on many of my drums.

Joe Porcaro
Joe Porcaro

They give me a nice crisp sound.
When you hit the drum there's not too much of spread.
It's a snare drum. -I can really hear snares.

Mat Hector (Iggy Pop)
Mat Hector (Iggy Pop)

I always used Canopus snares, there's really no other choice if you're serious about making your snare sound as good as it can. With any new snare drum its the first thing I change! My snare drum sound is hugely important when I'm rockin' out with Iggy, and the power, articulation and sharpness I get from Canopus snares is at the heart of my sound.

Chad Elrod
Chad Elrod / Seattle Drum School of Music / Recording Artist

I've used other high end custom style snares on a variety of drums and applications but I've found the Vintage Series by Canopus to be considerably more capable and effective. They are nuanced, full, and purposeful in tone. I find them to be instinctive, expressive, and dynamic, which is what the art is all about for me. Masterfully conceived and executed. For the purist.

Keith Carlock
Keith Carlock

The Canopus snare wires bring out the clarity and dynamic range of my grace notes and back beats! Check them out!

Billy Martin
Billy Martin

Canopus has the best snares wires you can find!

Jordi Geuens
Jordi Geuens

The Canopus snare wires make a very important difference in sound. My snares have more body & tone and the snare wires themselves give me a sweet & crisp sound! Love them!

Brent Lee
Brent Lee

Canopus Snare Wires give me the crisp and sensitive sound I'm looking for. Invest in the best, choose Canopus Snare Wires!

Dave Johnstone
Dave Johnstone

Canopus wires make my snare drums sound their best. They respond at a full range of dynamics and give an amazing tone. I use these wires on ALL of my snare drums, live and in the studio!

Cooper Acoutin / Acoutin Custom Drums

Canopus Vintage snare wires are very sensitive and articulate allowing our snares to maintain a solid back beat and still provide a nice buzz roll.

Lee Ruff
Lee Ruff

Your line of snare wires is absolutely great. It's quite obvious that you have done extensive experimenting in the development of your line of snare wires. I can remember when I was touring back in the 60s, how snare wires were designed. Many drummers today still put the "old" wires on a "new" snare drum from any of the drum companies. Those old wires, if you can find them in usable condition, can sweeten up just about any snare drum. For years I have been looking for fresh, new wires that have those same qualities. Your company has answered that calling. Your "Vintage" wires are even better than those old 60s wires. The thin end pieces and wire with just the right number of coils per inch and tension, are simply the best I've ever heard. I love your unplated, "Vintage" snares for acoustic jazz. Your "Backbeat" wires are equally impressive to me, when playing funky rock, soul, jazz fusion or big band. Congratulations to your company for a job well done!

Fred Dinkins
Fred Dinkins

Canopus snare wires are the best! They allow you to execute dynamics with ease. You can hear the smallest ghost notes and eliminate unwanted snare chatter because of the extreme sensitivity that you get from the snare wires

Jason Sutter
Jason Sutter

Canopus Vintage Snare wires have changed my snare drum sound in ways I never thought possible; More tone, sensitivity and volume! You wont believe what you have been missing!

Mike Baird
Mike Baird

Let me start out by saying that from one drum to the next it was very difficult to find what would be a normal wood or metal drum (ply, steam bent, what type of wood etc.) metal brass, steel etc. But I did pick a few drums to get a general consensus this is what I used.

Martin Kleibl
Martin Kleibl

The Canopus Vintage Snare Wire will change the sound of your snare drum immediately. If you are looking for the warm and full sound from your snare, try it!

Leon Ndugu Chancler
Leon Ndugu Chancler

Canopus snare wires are like customizing your snare drum to get you exactly what you need.
I use Canopus snare wire to get to the sound I hear in my head.
Canopus products make it easier to do what I do.

Terry Gargulio
Terry Gargulio

These snare wires are great the snap and pop are like no other you have to try them there the best !

Ralph Petrossino (SIR, New York)

I have been involved with drums for 25 years and have been a drum tech for some of the best drummers in the world. So, I have a good ear for this kind of thing.
Canopus Snare Wire sounds great and the snare beds are very responsive. They are holding up very well in our rehearsal room and gets lots of compliments on the sound quality.

James Ivers (SIR, Miami)

The difference in sound and tone is noticeable. The snares seem to bring out the mid range and low frequencies otherwise dormant in the snares we have modified with your snare wires.

Jeff Chonis
Jeff Chonis (Drum Paradise, LA)

thas a fat warm sound.

Herry McCarthy
Herry McCarthy (Drum Paradise, Nashville)

They lay on the snare bed just right and it enables versatility with sensitivity.

Eric Bilger (Allied Music)

Canopus Snare Wire have quality and performance which is un matches by any production Snare Wire Product. Their design features materials quality and perfection in manufacturing is obvious.
The crispness, dynamic range and clarity they offer would be welcome by any drummer hoping to derive a new special sound from this favorite snare drum.
The selection of snare wires available also ensures that Canopus has a snare wire appropriate for any drummer regardless of the type of music he plays.

Donn Bennett (Dann Bennett Drum Studio)

The Canopus snare wires sound great!! They dramatically increase sensitivity and decrease snare buzz. That's a winning combination!!

Paul Jonason
Paul Jonason

Great warm and sensitive sounding wires.
The fullest sound with least amount of unwanted overtones. By far the best wires for any drum.

Uli Frost

A great Snare sound with a Canopus snare wire belt!

Denny Seiwell
Denny Seiwell

They sound great -quite an improvement!

Gary Gauger (Inventer of Rims)

Refind sensitivity very sensitive.

Bob Hersen (Paul Batterfield, John Patitucci)

They are great sounding snares with a warmer, deeper, richer tone.

Michael Lauren

The snare wire seems quite durable and obviously has much to do with the way the snare responds.

Ron Powell
Ron Powell

I'm always looking for extremes, in sounds. The Canopus Snare wires, give the most and purist snare sound. They are great.

Neal Sausen

own several sets of Canopus Snappy Snare Wires and have found them to be the MOST SENSITIVE, BRIGHT, CLEAN, (and most important!) musical snare wires I have ever owned!
Great on Ludwig Supraphonic snare drum. THE BEST Canopus Snare Wires.

Steve Murphy
Steve Murphy

The Canopus Vintage Snare Wire is always pure and crisp with the perfect amount of warmth and amazing response.
It makes recording snare drums pleasure. Also incredible live clarity.

Albe Bonacci
Albe Bonacci

Fat, sensitive, smooth, there on all my snare drums this is a great all around company.

Henry Newmark

These are the closest to the old Slingerland Snare Wires which were the very best sounding.

Franky dee
Franky dee (Legend of Country Drummer, George Benson)

They are very responsive, crisp even tensioned. These are very sturdy wires and good in all musical situations.

Ian Froman
Ian Froman (Metalwood)

Vintage Snare Wires ; gold series gives a nice warm sound while the silver is brighter.

Adam Nussbaum
Adam Nussbaum

The new Canopus Snare Wire will make any snare drum more responsive and user-friendly.

Tutty Moreno
Tutty Moreno (JOYCE)

It gets difficult to get back to use the other ones.

Alphonse Mouzon
Alphonse Mouzon

Canopus Snare Wires are amazing and very unique! They make my snare drum sound more clean and crisp than before -just the way I like it!

Clarence Penn
Clarence Penn

It's the most sensitive wire on the
market so if you need sensitivity,
this is the one to have. I use them
on every recording I do.

Bill Stewart
Bill Stewart

Canopus Vinatge snare wire improved sound to my any snare drums.Warm and Crisp !!

Steve Murphy
Steve Murphy (Alan Persons)

The Canopus Vintage Snare Wire is always pure and crisp with the perfect amount of warmth and amazing response. It makes recording snare drums pleasure. Also incredible live clarity.

Tris Imboden (Chicago)

My Snare drum arsenal rocks with Canopus Vintage Snare Wires.

Zoro
Zoro

Truly diggin' my Vintage Snare Wires.

Carmine Appice

Canopus Snare Wires Pro's Tools.