The Evolution of the SoundArt Snare Drum: A Look at the Updated Strainer System
- Nathan Coles
- Jul 27, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 1
Meet the New SoundArt Snare Drum: Same Concept, Elevated Performance
The SoundArt Snare System from Black Swamp Percussion has always been about one thing: empowering players to shape their own sound. Since 1999, it’s offered a smart blend of intuitive control and orchestral sensitivity—and now, with the addition of the new Arch Throw, it’s better than ever. Whether you’re exploring new timbres or dialing in subtle nuance at pianissimo, this updated SoundArt snare drum system makes every adjustment feel purposeful.
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A Brief History of the SoundArt Snare System
Back in 1999, Black Swamp Percussion introduced the SoundArt Snare System, the first integrated trio and duo cable snare concept to offer separate tension control in a cohesive design. The idea wasn’t new, but it had never been done this well.
Before that, individual snare units were sold as retrofits. Then came the innovation: combining multiple types of snare wires—each with distinct sonic qualities—into a single unified system. The result? A snare drum that sounded more orchestral, responded better at all dynamics, and let players adjust on the fly.
What Makes the SoundArt Snare Drum Unique
The SoundArt system simplifies complexity.
It features three distinct snare units, all engaged or disengaged by a single throw-off, but individually tensioned using separate knobs. That means more control and less fuss. With a few turns, you can transform your drum’s response without ever reaching for a drum key or swapping out heads.
Each of the three cable types plays a specific musical role:
Blue Coated Cable (8BSA): Best for louder dynamics. Dry, throaty, and tight.
Uncoated Stainless Cable (8SSA): Ideal at mezzo-forte and medium tensions. Bright and articulate.
Guitar Wire Wound (5WSA): Loosest tension for softest playing. Adds subtle texture and clarity at pianissimo.
These three elements are carefully balanced to work together, producing a full-bodied orchestral sound with unmatched dynamic range.
Understanding the Trio Snare Concept
The genius of the SoundArt snare drum isn’t just its components—it’s how they interact.
Each snare responds best at a particular dynamic level. When you play loud, the Blue Coated Cable takes the lead. As you soften your touch, the other cables take over, ensuring consistent clarity and tone at every volume.
This “dynamic layering” means your instrument works with you, not against you. There’s no dead zone where snares disappear—or worse, choke your sound. That’s what makes the SoundArt system so reliable in high-stakes performances.
The New Arch Throw: What’s Changed
In 2020, Black Swamp debuted the third generation of the SoundArt Snare System, now equipped with the Arch Throw.
This new component keeps the same musical philosophy but adds modern functionality and design cohesion. Key features include:
A master tension knob, allowing you to raise or lower all three snare tensions at once.
3 fine-tuning knobs for micro-adjustments to each cable.
A quieter, smoother throw-off mechanism.
A sturdy butt plate for long-term durability.
A new look that visually matches the Arch Tube Lugs on SoundArt drums.
The result? One of the most refined, adaptable, and gig-ready concert snare systems available today.
Whether you’re using a 5” symphonic snare or a deeper field drum, this upgrade gives you more control, faster adjustments, and rock-solid reliability under pressure.
SoundArt Snare Drum in the Modern Percussionist’s Toolkit
Every professional percussionist knows that clarity, consistency, and color are non-negotiable. The SoundArt snare drum is built to support all three.
With the new Arch Throw, players can make precise changes faster, match the instrument’s look to its performance quality, and count on the drum to respond beautifully. The SoundArt snare system allows you to grow musically without outgrowing your instrument.
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