Who Am I?
My name is Jeff Jones and I am not a drummer. I’ve been involved and passionate about music since junior high school. Vocal music is my upbringing. I initially attended Ohio State University for one year with a Music Education emphasis. I eventually ended up completing a BS of Recording Industry Management (RIM) at Middle Tennessee State University outside Nashville.
One of my best friends is Darin Brannon. Darin has been drumming, writing and playing piano since well before I met him in junior high. He is the drummer, co-writer and head graphics dude for his band Circuline.
Because of my friendship with Darin and other musicians, I’ve learned the challenges that drummers are up against trying to play out or record. I know from my studio experience how tricky drums can be to get a good sound out of. If I learned anything at all from the RIM program, I learned it’s much easier to record a drum that already sounds great. Whatever the genre is, there IS a snare drum for that.
Back in 2009, my quest to help drummers find the right snare drum began when Snare Drum Reviews was launched.
How I Can Help You
I’ve always found it hard to get the straight dope on new products and equipment. The manufacturers act like their stuff can do no wrong. The malicious internet trolls trash stuff like it has no redeeming value. This is why I decided early that my reviews were going to be balanced. I have a writer and researcher who checks all the reputable sites and looks for trends.
He starts with the manufacturers to make sure they get the correct product specs, materials and technical info.
Once he has that, he likes to go out to reliable retail outlets like Sam Ash, Sweetwater, Musician’s Friend and, to a lesser extent, Amazon. These all have a very good base of customer reviews to look at. They are very helpful for forming an overall impression of a snare. After all, who is more likely going to give it to you straight than a person who just plunked down their hard earned cash to get that perfect snare?
Finally, he checks the drummers forums to see what drummers are saying about a snare drum we’re reviewing. You’re more likely to get some valuable insights from drummers who have been playing a drum for a while than one who just purchased it.
I believe this approach gives you a much more well-rounded review than just hearing ONE person’s opinion of it. No matter how famous they are.
I Want You To Have The Best Snare
I know the snare drum is the driving force behind everything that happens on the rest of your set. It allows you to communicate the emotion of the music you’re playing. Whether it’s head-banging metal or soft jazz, you want your snare to be able to put it across with conviction.
As I said earlier, Snare Drum Reviews was created to help drummers sort through the hype and find the best snare at the best price anywhere. Whether you need a snare with a particular sound or one that has a greater range than your current snare, I want you to find what you’re looking for here.
Snare Drum Reviews Is Getting Better
This means I am retooling all of our offerings. I’m updating the reviews and guides, whenever possible, to include the latest information. Even on the classics. I’m also trying to give you more buying options. Let me explain.
When SDR started, it was an eBay exclusive affiliate. Mainly because they were the only source of used classic drums. This is no longer the case. For this reason, I will be adding more retail site options for you going forward. Hopefully, that will give you the choice to buy from somebody you’re already doing business with like Guitar Center.
I am also seeking out a drummer/partner with some writing experience. I think it helps give the site even more perspective and voice. You may have read some of Steve Feldman’s previous blog posts here. His posts about getting back into drumming were very helpful to those that have been away from drumming too long.
Steve has moved on and left a hole in our reporting that can only be filled by a drummer. Please contact me if you are interested in learning more.
I Need To Hear From You
The best way for all of us to serve you is if you tell me what you need. It’s really that simple. Please contact me directly to let me know what you’d like to see added to the site. I’ll do my very best to work with you and make it happen.
Here’s to your drumming success,
Jeff and SDR Team