DW True-Tone 12 in Snare Wires, 16 Strands
The 12 in True-Tone is DW's set of snare wires for twelve-inch snare drums: sixteen cut and crimped strands, held at each end by brass end plates, that lie flat against the snare-side head. It is the only density the manufacturer offers in this size.
What sets it apart
- 12 in size
- 16 strands, the only density the manufacturer offers in 12 in
- Ends held in brass end plates
- Open response, without excessive hiss
- Fits 12 in drums with a standard snare bed
Same count, different result
Spreading sixteen strands across twelve inches rather than ten leaves more space between each one. The snare-side head vibrates more freely between the wires, and the drum breathes: the attack stays clear, but the texture of the snares is less compact.
That is what makes this size enjoyable for dynamic playing. Quiet rolls keep their definition instead of disappearing into a wash of constant hiss.
The 12 in snare, a size that is coming back
Long reserved for compact kits and percussionists, the 12 in snare has settled in as a second snare for many stage drummers. It gives a voice distinct from the 14 in without climbing as high as a 10 in.
Well tuned, it handles the fast passages where the main snare would turn mushy, and it holds up very well to close miking.
Getting the set to sit flat
Snare wires are not judged by their strand count alone: they must rest on the head without twisting. If one end plate sits higher than the other, the strands along that edge stop touching and the drum loses its response on one side.
When installing, tighten both cords together, in small alternating steps, until the set is centred in the snare bed. Check the result by playing near each edge: both should respond the same way.
Specifications
| Size | 12 in |
|---|---|
| Strands | 16 |
| Ends | brass end plates |
| Density | 16 strands across 12 in |
| Family | DW True-Tone |
What it is for
- A 12 in snare used as a second snare drum
- Compact kit or small-room drum set
- Dynamic playing where quiet rolls need to stay clear
- Replacing a stretched-out factory set
Compare with other manufacturers
Other manufacturers' 12 in snare wires:
| Manufacturer | Comparable model | What differs |
|---|---|---|
| Puresound | 12 in snare wires, variable density | Wider choice of densities in this size |
| Tama | Stock snare wires for a compact snare | Supplied with the brand's straps rather than a cord |
| Gibraltar | 12 in replacement snare wires | Sold as a universal part, with no range of densities |
| Ludwig | Orchestral snare wires | Designed for concert playing, very high tension |
Frequently asked questions
- Why 16 strands and not 20 on a 12 in snare?
- It is the only density the manufacturer offers in 12 in. The higher counts in the range, 18, 20, 30 and 42, are spread across the other sizes.
- Will it sound the same as a 10 in with 16 strands?
- No. The same strands spread over two more inches give a more open response and a less compact texture.
- How do I know if my snare wires are centred?
- Tap lightly near each edge of the batter head. If one side responds less than the other, the set is off-centre in the snare bed.
- Do new snare wires need retightening after a few days?
- Often, yes. The cords stretch a little at first. A light readjustment after the first week of playing settles everything.
Avis clients
Are your quiet rolls getting lost in the snare hiss?
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