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Directions

Snareweight #5

Directions:

    1. Now that you’ve pressed the Ramones button on your cigarette case, take out the Snareweight - tilt it back toward the opening.
    2. Place it on the snare head (logo up) and push it toward the metal rim. You should hear a click.
    3. * for die-cast hoops skip to 6*
    4. While hitting your drum, slide the Snareweight around like a dial to find the best sound. If the head sounds too dampened, take off the Snareweight and switch the insert to the “metal” side. This will make the dampening area smaller and allow more ring around the edge of the drum head.
    5. the #5 includes a leather "extra grip" option for triple flange hoops. Just pull it out of the channel and over the magnet to read "EXTRA GRIP" and slide in into place. This will prevent the #5 from moving in tiny amounts over time with hard hitting drummers.
    6. The second new feature of the #5 is a cutaway to except our mono trigger located on the inside of the solid brass body. 
    7. If you need more dampening try the 70’s inserts, or for the most subtle dampening, use the paper thin pig skin in the variety 2 pack - can be found at snareweight.com
    8. For die-cast hoops you need to pick up the “Pro Lock”. Together, Snareweight #5 and the Pro Lock, are as good as it gets for road-worthy toughness and reliability.
  1. Put the Pro-Lock in your left hand and position the rubber strip under the bottom lip of the hoop. With the Snareweight in your right hand, slide it down from the top into the grooves of the Pro-Lock.
  2. The two magnets come together to form a floating lock as well as hold the insert of your choice. (It takes a bit of practice - but soon you’ll be doing it just because it’s fun ☺)

Tips and Things

CAUTION: - Magnet is extremely strong- keep it away from credit cards, phones, etc. or other devices affected by magnetism.

  • The more you use the leather insert, the softer/flatter it becomes and the better it sounds. The leather takes some breaking in- like a baseball glove.
  • Remember you can always slide the Snareweight further around the rim of the drum to fine-tune and target the sweet spot before adding more surface area with other bigger, or thicker inserts.
  • Also, you can turn two leather inserts sideways so that they both attach under the Snareweight body if u want more dampening area than just one standard insert.
  • Some movement of the Snareweight is by design...it should settle when played. If it is not making contact with the head for some reason, check for a loose lug, or take a look at the arch of the hoop. Not all hoops are created equal especially less expensive ones. You probably already notice with rim shots that some hoops are higher or lower and they force you to adjust - the snarweight is the same way. A higher hoop is more ideal with a Snareweight because it gives more flat space for the magnet to grab and keeps it parallel to the drum head.
  • The sweet spot of the Snareweight changes per day with heat etc., just like the tuning of a head, so move it like a dial to reconnect with your best sound.
  • Here is another trick. Let’s say you have a die cast hoop and your Pro-Lock and Snareweight are locked with the 70’s insert. Without taking off the Snareweight, simply pull a side of the 70’s off while still on the drum. Check with some hits, then switch. Slide back in the 70’s and pull out the other side. If you get good - you can do this really fast and instantly hear which one is more ideal. Speed of change is where Snareweight shines.
  • Thanks for the support everybody, shoot me an email anytime. - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

70’s

40’s

half 70’s

Jr. Insert

2-Pack

 
 

Snareweight Jr.

Directions:

    1. Flatten leather insert by pushing on the fold.(The more contact with the head the better)
    2. Turn the Jr.upside down and slide the insert in the slot. They have been designed for a snug fit.
    3. For Triple Flange hoops: Hold and slide Jr. to the drum rim until you hear a click.
    4. Slide the Jr around rim and listen for the sweet spot while hitting your drum. For best results try moving the Snareweight Jr. in 1/2" increments. This helps to find that spot without over dampening -keeping the drum alive.
    5. For Die-Cast, non-magnetic hoops: Place the Pro Lock under the outside hoop bottom, then drop Jr into the Pro-Locks’ triangular slot. Magnets will come together for a floating lock.
 
  1. For a brighter sound, reverse leather so that the harder white side sits flush with the head. Should hear a bit more openness especially good for recording and more stick attack.

Note: Snareweight Jr. is not recommended for 16” floor toms.

Snareweight M1b

Directions:

Light to Medium Dampening

Attach the clip over the rim of your drum (use the leather tab in the back of the clip to pull it open). * Most important*- Leather needs to sit flush on the head for optimum sound. To do this, attach the clip over the top of the hoop rim, then push down until the leather (not the clip) is sitting flat on the HEAD. Note that if you push the clip too far down on the hoop the leather may not sit flat on head and dampening will be minimal.

Try several different placements on your hoop and listen for the sound change.

Damper settings (see pictures) starting with (A) on the left.

(A) Full dampening, press leather wings flush to drum head-the flatter the better (wings are designed to move with harder playing)

(B) Less dampening.

(C) Minimal dampening.

(D) No dampening but remains clipped to your rim for testing, tuning, and storage. To achieve, pull up the entire wing flap and attach the imbedded magnet to any part of the metal clip.

(E) Close up of the M1 clip.

A

B

C

D

E

 

Compatible Hoop Types:

  • Triple Flange, Die-Cast
  • True Hoops, Angel hoops
  • S-hoops, ¼” wood hoops
  • Triple Flange, Die-Cast

For even more dampening try two M1’s on the same drum!…..Shoot us an email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - for more questions

Snareweight M80

Directions:

Medium to Heavy Dampening

Attach the clip over the rim of your drum (use the leather tab in the back of the clip to pull it open). * Most important*- Leather needs to sit flush on the head for optimum sound. To do this, attach the clip over the top of the hoop rim, then push down until the leather (not the clip) is sitting flat on the HEAD. Note that if you push the clip too far down on the hoop the leather may not sit flat and dampening will be minimal.

Try several different placements on your hoop and listen for the sound change.

Damper settings (see pictures) starting with (A) on the left.

(A) Full dampening, press leather wings flush to drum head-the flatter the better (wings are designed to move with harder playing)

(B) Less dampening.

(C) Minimal dampening.

(D) No dampening but remains clipped to your rim for testing, tuning, and storage. To achieve, pull up the entire wing flap and attach the embedded magnet to any part of the metal clip.

(E) Close up of the M80 clip.

A

B

C

D

E

 

70's Insert

Genuine USA Grade Leather 70's Insert for use with Snareweight 1,2,3, 4 or 5. The 70's insert comes as a pair and is the most effective way of eliminating ALL the top head over ring, think David Bowie Spiders From Mars or any band with a present up close to the speaker snare sound. The 70's insert can be used as a pair for the most dampening or individual left or right for less. Remember too, if the ring is still present in the drum, try moving it around the hoop... you have a 99% chance of knocking it out.

Directions:

  1. Turn over the Snareweight and locate the magnet on the metal body.
  2. Turn one side of the 70’s upside down and feel the 70’s metal strip grip the magnet of the body.
  3. Repeat with the other side of the 70’s so that the leather arc in this way. See below pic
  4. Turn the unit over and place on the desired spot of the drum
  5. Easily take off one side of the 70’s for less dampening or less damping
 

Comes as a pair.

dimensions- each side is 4.5 inches long x 1.30 inches wide

**TIP**

Reverse and turn insert upside down so the black side is facing the head for an even brighter sound.

 

Variety 2-Pack Insert

Genuine Leather Variety Inserts (2 pack) for use with Brass or Chrome Snareweight #5 (Also will work with older brass Snareweight models, #1, 2, 3,  or 4). Choose either the thin or thick leather insert to quickly dial in your favorite snare sound. Also try using two inserts side by side, creating more surface area contact on the head, to target the unmusical ring of your snare. Remember you can turn the insert over as well to the metal side for less dampening.

 

**TIP**

With the 2 pack there are a total of 6 different sounds- front/ back (2 thicknesses) and side by side (2 combos).

 

40's Insert

The 40's insert is a narrower version of the 70's, designed for the Snareweight JR (amazing with the #5 Snareweight as well if looking for less dampening than the 70's).They respond to harder hits with some intentional movement, making it ideal for drummers that need variety in the studio where details are exposed. They also tend to give the snare the MOST possible high end presence before going darker sounding. The 40's will add to your existing JR setup live as well, giving you more colors in a snap for tweaking the snare on the fly.

 

** can even be used on the Snareweight #5. Comes as a pair.**

ims- each side is 4.5 inches long x 1.30 inches wide

**TIP**

"Use just one instead of two for a brighter sound."

 

 

Advanced FAQ's

What’s the best way to hear a difference with Snareweight?  With Snareweight you can start as small and subtle as you want, then get into heavier dampening later. We feel the Snareweight #5, with the standard insert is ground zero. In other words, the Snareweight #5 will attack the nasty ring, but keep the good, lively ring you want, as well as add punch and clarity to your drum. By adding weight and minimal dampening you can actually perceive the characteristics of your drum better. You hear the effect of the metal or wood shell, depth of the shell or even the kind of hoop you have because of the increased clarity. We recommend spending some time with the #5. Get your tuning as close as you can before adding the Snareweight. Then move the Snareweight in ½ inch increments until you find that the noisy ring is gone but the good ring is still there. We feel the #5 will get your drum sounding the most true to its original design. Later you can quickly change your sound with the 70’s or 40’s inserts - even triggers, jingles, beads or anything else coming down the Snareweight design mountain.

What is the difference between the Brass and the Chrome #5 models?  Except for the fact that the Chrome (which is a solid molded alloy) is 1.5 ounces lighter than the Brass (which is solid brass) – they are essentially the same. However, if you get really into it, the brass does feel different - similar to the feel of an upgraded stick. The Brass also fits more snugly to the Pro Lock because it is cnc'd (uses a computer numeric code ...and cut with a drill bit individually) so that its square dimensions are a bit more accurate. Also, because the Chrome is lighter, it creates a little less compression to the drum head. They both have the same top grade magnet and Sorbothane rubber, but only the Brass pieces are marked with a sequential serial #.

What inserts go with what - so confusing?  We try to make everything interchangeable via the global magnet…but on a general level here is the breakdown:
Snareweight #5 = standard insert (included), Two-Pack, 70’s, 40’s.
Snareweight Jr = Jr insert (included), and the 40’s.
Now if you get creative you can use theleather Jr insert or 2 standard inserts side by side in the #5 to find your sound. Also you can turn the standard insert around to the metal side in the #5 for the least surface area contact to your head giving you more ring and the least dampening. The 70’s dampers can be one on, one off or turned upside down as well to add snap. (See pics in directions section)For the Jr Snareweight you can use a standard #5 insert or turn the Jr insert upside down for a brighter stick attack on your toms.

Should I get the #5 or the Jr for my snare?  It’s like a stick thickness preference. They do feel a little different:
The #5 is our flagship, the weight giving us 2-3 dB of compression, but it is not designed for toms.
The Jr’s footprint is smaller and will tend to be the brightest, most open damper. There is less mass on the head and thus less compression over all. The Jr is designed for snare AND toms.
You can see it is not one size fits all! There are drummers that have had access to both and use nothing but the Jr on their snare all tour long. But, overall, #5 is the most popular. Hmm now you’re even more confused!!…but really, if you are looking for open dampening to your “dialed in snare” and you want the option for toms sometimes, the Jr is the way to go. If you are looking only for snare drum dampening and want all the options, #5 will be the one.

What is an M1, or M80?   M1 is our smallest “starter” damper. The M80 is our largest “starter” damper. The M1 was originally designed as an entry level modelbut moved quickly into becoming a go-to for some industry professionals. By placing the magnet in the center of the leather and using our patented clip to secure it to any metal hoop (1/4 wood hoops too!), we found we could easily flip the damper on and off the head for tuning and even shrink the surface area of the damper with the same magnet! (See pics in the directions section) This turned out to be a great addition to our expressive damper line in late 2014. We’re now adding a larger model, the M80 that is coming out Juneof 2016!

I want to try it out in the store?  Take a look at our updated Store/Distributor list here on our website to see if your local store carries our products. If not, call your store and ask them about Snareweight! Seriously, it’s a 1 minute call to your favorite drum store (also let us know- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), and we can give them a shout too. It has happened before that drummers call a store and they end up calling us and getting all our models within a week!! It’s easier than you think.

Beginner FAQ's

Why should I consider Snareweight?  As you know, you can use just about anything to dampen a drum: old heads, rings, tape, phones, clips, towels - they all work to some degree to change the sound.Snareweight is designed to maximize the instrument you have, and if well matched with your head will take your drum’s apparent value up a few notches from the original price tag.By adding the right mass and experimenting with a wide range of efficiently deployed leather dampening options, you can instantly modulate the tone of your drum – even in the middle of a song!Snareweight's mission is to create durable, long lasting products produced under U.S. Patent 8541675, to help the working drummer stay on top of the ever-changing music industry.

Why do you use real leather rather than plastic in your products?  It's incredibly durable.Our leather is dense and absorptive, flexible but firm.Its qualities are really amazing compared to any other material out there.It just sounds the most musical and with the right treatment of the leather surface, you can retain the 4-10k frequencies (brightness) of your drum lost every time you dampen with other materials.

Expressive Dampening, what is it?  Drummers are live, breathing bodies, drumsare live, breathing instruments, but traditionally dampers are dead, lifeless resisters.We wanted to change that.We created an“air loop” in the leather of the Snareweight #1in 2009 and engineered the weight and magnet to have “give” but also consistent pressure to the head.We designed our 70’s leather inserts in 2012 to lift off the head with harder playing, a bit like a “gated snare effect” exposing more of the shell of the drum with color in the rim shots when played hard, keeping it real and open.Try this test… put your favorite damper on your drum and try a quiet drum roll from the edge of the rim to the center.You will hear dead spots, dullness, or frequency bumps along the way.Put on a Snareweight brass or chrome #4 and that same roll will sound smooth and articulate from the edge to center.Also with Snareweight, tuning your snare low is no problem.The mass on the head will control the low hum while the chosen insert will control the ring.

Will the magnet work on my drum?  Take a household magnet and hold it near the rim on your drum.If you get a pull - then yes.If not, you most likely have a die-cast hoop.For this hoop you will need the pro-lock which will give you the best of the best as far as road worthy durability and consistency.(See pics)

Triple Flange

Die-Cast

 

Snareweight weighted models do not work with S-hoops, but the M1 and M80 do (see M1,M80 FAQ’s). Send us over a quick pic of your hoop and we’ll get right back about its compatibility. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Right/Wrong Insert Placements

Right/Wrong Insert Placements...

Endorser Openings

Endorsements? Snareweight will be accepting new endorser applications starting August 1st 2021. Check back for the new application ideas we will have in place at that time. Thanks, we look forward to it!!

-Mat, Andre, Ruben, Tim,

Key Features

 

#5 Brass: 

Permanent snare drum damper solution

 

 M1 and M80's: 

4 different levels of dampening in one

Detachable mass compresses the ring and adds punch but keeps the high end

 

Take it off your drum via the central magnet

Slide it like a dial to quickly hone in to your sound

 

Will never rip, crimp, or stick to your drum head

Weighted and perfectly balanced to make the right contact to your drum head

 

Gated effect, expressive dampening giving the drummer natural dynamics, tone and decay