Best Snare Drums for Power Metal 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the best power metal drummers and what snares do they use?

Scott Travis of Judas Priest plays a Tama Starphonic Brass 14x6" snare, Aquiles Priester of Angra plays a Trick Drums Custom 14x6.5" snare, Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden plays a Sonor Signature 14x6.5" snare, and Mikkey Dee of Motörhead/Scorpions plays a Pearl Free-Floating 14x6.5" snare alternating steel and maple shells.

What snare drum does Scott Travis use?

Scott Travis of Judas Priest has played a Tama Starphonic Brass 14"x6" snare since returning to Tama for "Firepower" (2018) after roughly 15 years on Pearl Reference Series, carrying the same setup through "Invincible Shield" (2024).

What snare depth is best for power metal?

14x6.5" is the power metal standard — Nicko McBrain and Mikkey Dee both use that depth for anthemic body with bright projection, while Scott Travis's Tama Starphonic Brass sits slightly shallower at 14x6" for extra cut.

Why does power metal need a brighter snare than doom or sludge metal?

Power metal's dense, often orchestral or keyboard-heavy arrangements need a snare that cuts through without getting buried, unlike doom and sludge's slower, riff-driven approach that favors deep, resonant tone. Scott Travis's brass-shell Tama Starphonic and Mikkey Dee's steel-shell Pearl Free-Floating both prioritize brightness and projection over low-end weight.

Do I need a pro-level snare to play power metal?

No — a Tama Imperialstar or Pearl Export steel snare, tuned bright and tight, will teach real power metal technique at a fraction of the price of the genre's professional Starphonic, Sonor Signature, and Free-Floating models. Upgrade once your technique and budget allow.