Roger's Dynasonic Snare

[Manicoti]

Well, i should have done my homework [img]frown.gif[/img]
Bought a 1970 Dynasonic on e-bay today not realizing the importance of what "snare bed missing" meant. Now after doing some research, i've come to the conclusion that to buy this missing part is next to impossible and would cost too much for me right now if i could find one.
My question for any of you who may have some experience with these snares is, will this Dynasonic make do with no snare bed and regular snare wires? Or will it completely sound like crap and not be playable at all? I'm not all that concerned about getting the true dynasonic sound, but more so concerned about ending up with a snare that is completely unplayable. With regular snare wires, will it sound just like any other chrome/brass snare? At least sound good enough to keep me happy til i can find and afford a snare bed.
I currently have a maple 10" deep snare and usually run the wires fairly loose to achieve a fatter sound. I'm wondering if i tend to play with the wires fairly loose, this may still be okay, even though it may not be the true dynasonic sound. (with the frantic researching i've been doing, i read that someone suggested that regular wires without the snare bed would do just fine)
And maybe i'm dreaming.
I sure hope i didn't waste a couple of hundred bucks.
If i would of known this before, i would of just gone for the Supraphonic.
Anyone have any insight?
Thanks!!
Mani

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ March 05, 2004 03:25 AM: Message edited by: Manicoti ]</font>

[Randy walker]

I'm a little confused when you say "snare bed", because the snare bed is something that is cut it into the drum or say on a metal shell is bent in.
Please explain a bit more, or send pictures.

[Manicoti]

It's an actual "bridge" or "Rail" that the snare wires are fastened to then the whole unit expands across the snare where the wires themselves would. I guess this allows each wire to be individually tuned and kept tight even if you were to loosen the snares. That way, from what i understand, you always get a tight sounding snare without the buzzing.(the wires are fastened to the rail then the unit is screwed on to the snare's butt plates)
I've never seen it on any other snare. The bridge or rail itself has a tightening screw to tighten the wires, then you use the normal tightening knob to further tighten or loosen the wires.
With the snare that i have, the "snare rail" is missing and the wires sit on the skin like any other snare.
I was just wondering if anyone else with this snare is happy with the sound without the snare rail.
Mani

[erskoman]

Mani,

Browsing through the forum this morning, I saw your post, and forwarded the question to my good friend, Mr. Bill Platt, who is the Principal Percussionist in the Cincinatti Symphony Orchestra. He is also a knowledgable collector of Rogers Dyna-Sonic snare drums (and, in fact, restored my Dyna-Sonic snare to an incredible thing of beauty!).

Don't despair! Here is his reply ... (good news):

"Hi Peter,

Good to hear from you! Hope this helps with the Dynasonic question: First, lets
clarify some nomenclature - when the person mentions the "snare bed" I think he
actually means the "snare frame" (aluminum cast part which holds the snares in
a taut position against the bottom head). A "snare bed" is the indentation in a
shell on opposite sides of the bottom bearing edge below the strainer & butt plate,
which permits normal snares to "seat" better across the bottom head. The snare
beds on a wood Dynasonic are almost undetectable & may not exist at all on a
chrome over brass model. At "a couple of hundred bucks" the person has not
wasted his money - a complete chrome over brass Dynasonic can go for between $250. & $1,000. depending on age & condition. The drum can sound fine with
regular snares (not on a "snare frame") & will probably sound similar to other
chrome over brass drums; however, to achieve a true "Dynasonic sound", an
original Rogers Dynasonic "snare frame" can be obtained on Ebay for $75. to
$100. complete & the person still hasn't over-invested in the drum."

Hope that helps.
All the best,

Peter Erskine

[ladanny]

You might try contacting this guy. Not sure if he has any left, but worth an email.

Dynasonic

and JP2 Creations at

www.jp2creations.com

Best of luck!

Danny

[Manicoti]

Boy you guys are awesome!!!!
What a great forum to belong to [img]smile.gif[/img]
I've currently got a few stores here in Canada looking into finding the snare rail for me, keeping my fingers crossed.
Who knows, i may like the snare sound without the rail??
As soon as i get the snare and have a chance to test it out i'll let you know. And once again, thank you very much for taking the time to help me out.
Mani
PS: The serial # of the snare is 54661 and shows to be a 1970 "Satellite" (skinny) snare made in Fullerton, CA
Were all the Dyna's chrome over brass??

[Manicoti]

Ladanny, thnks for the link. I just e-mailed him and standing by his response [img]smile.gif[/img]
Mani