It’s a bit of a meme among (some?) music producers that picking the right snare sound takes 12 hours and still ends up sounding like dogshit in a wet paper bag. This is more in the electronic / beatmaking circles as I understand, but I’m sure there might be some overlap with production involving live/acoustic drums as well.

So, I want to know some examples of snare drums that you love. Please try to describe why you are fond of it.

For me the one I think of first is the snare sound on Deftones’ album White Pony. It has such a satisfying crack paired with a big haunting room reverb. Example: Deftones - Digital Bath

I think I gravitate towards snare with some body to them, as in some lower mid-range. If I grab a regular 808 snare, I find I like to boost a bit of the 200-300hz-ish range to achieve that.

Some more examples off the top of my head: Blue Oyster Cult - I Love the Night

Filejacker - The Dark Masters

I also enjoy an oddball snare sound with character (at least I think it’s a (closed?) snare and not a tom) : Joy Division - She’s Lost Control