A Deep Dive into the SoundArt Snare Drum Series
- Nathan Coles
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Have you ever wondered what truly separates a good snare drum sound from an exceptional one? It’s often in the nuanced details – the subtle textures, the precise articulation, and the ability to adapt to any musical demand. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on a system designed specifically for that: the Black Swamp Percussion SoundArt snare drum. This system is about crafting your unique musical voice and making thoughtful decisions that elevate your performance. Let’s explore how this ingenious system empowers you to do just that.
Table of Contents
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The Genesis of SoundArt
The SoundArt snare system is a cornerstone of Black Swamp Percussion's legacy, debuting in 1999 as our original multi-timbral snare design. Conceived by BSP Founder and President, Eric Sooy, it was a pioneering effort to give players unprecedented tension control over individual snare units. Over 25 years and three generations later, the core vision remains: to provide a clear, authentic orchestral sound with unmatched flexibility. It's a testament to innovation born from a deep understanding of percussionists' needs.
Anatomy of Sound: The Three Cable Types
At the heart of the SoundArt snare system are three distinct cable snare units, each contributing a unique tonal color to your drum. Understanding these units is key to unlocking the full expressive potential of your instrument:
Nylon Coated Stainless Steel: Think of this as your dry, articulate workhorse. The nylon coating provides a tone reminiscent of traditional gut snares, offering clarity and projection. It responds best at louder dynamics and can be tensioned the highest, making it ideal for robust, cutting snare sounds.
Model: 8BSA
Uncoated Stainless Steel: This unit is your versatile middle ground. Brighter than its coated counterpart, it offers a balanced response that shines at medium tension, perfect for dynamics ranging from mezzopiano to forte. It's the "just right" cable for many musical situations.
Model: 8SSA
Guitar Wire Cable: For those delicate passages and whispered dynamics, the guitar wire cable is your go-to. It's designed for soft, sensitive playing and should be tensioned the loosest of the three. This allows it to activate and respond even with the lightest touch, adding a shimmering, nuanced texture to your sound.
Model: 5WSA
While we're just scratching the surface here, appreciating the distinct character of each cable type allows you to anticipate and shape your sound before you even strike the drum.
Operating Your SoundArt Snare System
Despite evolving through three generations, the fundamental operation of the SoundArt snare system has remained consistent. Our current generation, built on the Arch Throw, integrates this trio cable system seamlessly.
Here’s how it works:
On/Off Throw-Off: A single, intuitive throw-off mechanism engages or disengages all three snare wires simultaneously. It's a straightforward "all or nothing" approach that ensures a consistent, blended sound every time.
Master Tension Knob: Adorned with the Black Swamp logo, this knob is your command center for overall snare tension. Turning it allows you to adjust the tension of all three cables concurrently, quickly dialing in your drum’s general responsiveness.
Individual Fine-Tuning Knobs: For meticulous sound sculpting, you'll find three knurled knobs at the bottom of the system. Each corresponds to a specific cable type, allowing you to fine-tune the tension of the Nylon Coated, Uncoated, and Guitar Wire units independently. This is where you truly personalize your sound.
A common misconception is that the "all or nothing" activation of the SoundArt system makes it less versatile than systems like the Multisonic. However, this simplicity is precisely what many professionals prefer! The SoundArt snare excels in providing a "set it and forget it" confidence. Once you've tensioned the units to your exact preference, you know precisely how the drum will respond every time you sit down to play, allowing you to focus entirely on your musical interpretation rather than technical adjustments mid-performance. This reliability is also why many educators favor SoundArt drums for their band rooms – exceptional sound with minimal fuss for curious students.
Maintenance Matters: Keeping Your SoundArt Snare Pristine
Understanding how to maintain your SoundArt snare cables ensures your instrument continues to perform beautifully for years. The mounting process varies slightly depending on your drum's generation.
Current Arch Throw Generation (2020 onwards):
This updated system boasts improved durability and aesthetics. To adjust or replace cables:
Flip the drum over. You'll notice all cables use a cord to mount on the strainer side.
Using a 2.5mm Allen wrench, loosen the two screws holding the cord and remove them.
On the butt side of the drum, use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the tab or cord from the butt plate.
Slide the cable through the snare gate, and it's free!
1st Generation SoundArt
(Original design, button head screws on both sides):
Cables attach with button head screws on both the strainer and butt sides.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to release the tabs, feed the cable through the snare gates, and you're done.
Note: some units may use button head screws that require a 2.5mm Allen wrench.
2nd Generation SoundArt & Mini Trio System
(Mounting cube on strainer side, button head screws on butt side):
Special Note: Be mindful of small springs on the strainer side – you don't want to lose them!
On the strainer side, loosen the tension adjustment knob above the cable you wish to remove until the cube is fully released.
Move to the butt side and use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the button head screw, releasing the tab.
Feed the cable through the snare gates, and it's out.
Why the SoundArt Snare is a Performer's Ally
The SoundArt snare isn't just a piece of hardware; it's a tool that facilitates thoughtful musical decisions. By understanding the unique character of each cable and how to fine-tune them, you move beyond simply hitting a drum. You begin to orchestrate your sound, choosing the perfect blend of dry articulation, bright resonance, or delicate sensitivity for every phrase. This level of control empowers you to:
Adapt to Repertoire: Seamlessly transition from a crisp march to a shimmering roll in a ballad, knowing your drum will deliver the exact texture required.
Respond to Acoustics: Adjust your snare sound to complement the hall, ensuring clarity in a dry room or focus in a resonant space.
Express Your Musicality: Use the diverse sound palette to add depth, color, and intention to your playing, making your performance truly yours.
Ultimately, the SoundArt snare system encourages a deeper relationship with your instrument, transforming technical adjustments into musical choices. It allows you to approach every piece with confidence, knowing you have a reliable, beautifully voiced instrument ready to respond to your every artistic command.
So, what musical textures will you create with your SoundArt snare? Dive in, experiment with those individual tensions, and discover the incredible range of sounds waiting within your drum. Let the nuanced capabilities of the SoundArt system inspire you to make every beat count.
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