Pearl Chad Smith Signature Snare Drum
A Signature Snare for Upper Range Playing
Chad Smith handles the drum work for super group the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and he loved his snare drum so much, they named one after him. The Pearl Chad Smith Signature snare drum is the most popular model in the highly rated Signature line. The CS1450 is 5X14, with a steel shell with black nickel plating. Ten rods, classic lugs, and SuperHoop II round out the mix.
Likes
Those putting the sticks to the Pearl Chad Smith Signature snare drum love the classic crack of this higher-pitched snare, which makes itself heard with excellent volume and rich tone. A very sensitive head provides excellent range and good control. Drummers of all genres like it, but as expected, it rates highest among rockers and metal players. The snare shell holds up well in both looks and sound durability.
Dislikes
Some playing this snare think it lacks projection, despite the steel shell. Others mention a fairly narrow tuning range, while others opt to mute the ring on some songs and styles.
Overall Rating – 4 Stars
The standard heads are very good, but with time you will want to replace them with your stylistic favorites. The Pearl Chad Smith Signature Snare Drum comes with a mid-range price that makes it a very good value. Quality and cost add up to a 4 Star rating.
I would agree that the tuning range may be somewhat limited, however; once you find the sweet spot, I’m sure most drummers would find this drum very satisfying.
I have an array of snares from DW, Yamaha, Fibes, Ludwig and Rogers.
My 2 favorites right now are a 6.5×14 Pearl limited edition birch and the Chad Smith.
I would highly recommend adding the Smith model to your collection, overall it is a great drum
Thanks for your input. I’ve heard nothing but good from other drummers using the Chad Smith. It seems to hold a place in their hearts.
After looking for a nice maple snare and tuning and trying almost every snare at Sam Ash; the sales person, other customers and myself all agreed the Chad Smith snare sounded the best. I had always played a steel snare with my Ludwig Supraphonic being my main snare for seventeen years and recently bought a vintage kit to refinish sans snare and thought I wanted Maple; turns out if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
The Wizard,
I’ve heard stories where guys have worked on snares to try to “improve” them and they almost never turn out well. For the most part, the craftsmen that designed and built the snares had a particular end in mind. Most of the time they achieve what they set out to get. The main problem I hear is with the mass production process. I think that’s when a lot of great designs get messed up which affects durability and how close to design specs and sound the snare ends up being. Thanks for stopping by and reinforcing the belief in the Chad Smith snare!
Looks better than it sounds
Weird overtone ring and suspect sensitivity make me go meh.
Chad doesn’t use it ,so that speaks volumes as to it’s worth.
About 2,5 stars and 2 of it’s for fit and finish.
Thanks for weighing in these! It wasn’t until you mentioned it that I saw on Chad’s wiki he rarely uses it and is working with Pearl on a new one.
Do you own any of the original Fibes line?
I bought this pretty much bought this a year ago just to add a Steel shell to my pretty large selection of really excellent snare drums.
The intension was to use it mostly for students or if I needed a screaming steel shell for extra protection at some point. I did work alot on getting this drum dialed in. I agree the tuning range/sweet spot is much smaller than I’d like. But I’ve grown very fond of hearing this drum played right next to me on my students kit. it really has a beefy cut with some awesome hi-Quality tone when you finally get it dialed in. This week I’m even upgrading this drum to a pop-rock gig with an original band i use to play with. I’m super happy I spent the time on this drum. It’s No Garage band cheapy steel as some have alleged to–Quality Tone is something I highly values in all my much more touted other snares yet this was significantly less exspensive since Ifound it used, A great steel drum…Thanks Chad!!!!!
Hey Steve,
Thanks for stopping by and weighing in on Chad’s drum! So glad you were able to get the sweet spot just right. Not a lot of people (or drummers-LOL!) have the patience to see that through. And yes, being able to find classics cheap is sweet when you know what you’re looking for like you do.
Jeff
This Snare is the snap-crackle and pop of steel snares, beautiful finish as well. Mostly my go to when rock and funk are on the menu. The stick response is great with any head choice, Very Very happy Pearl!
Hey Thomas,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your insights!
You don’t seem to be alone in your feelings about this snare either. Over the years many others have talked about this snare.
Best,
Jeff
This snare cracks like a slapshot! Super stick response . I think it is best at mid-high to high tuning. Very addictive sound. Very Very happy!
Hey Thomas,
Thanks for sharing your love with this snare!
Jeff
In Japan the Chad smith steel 5×14 snare is remarketed as the universal steel snare. Maybe when it was discontinued they had a pile of shells unused and taking up space? Depending on your playing style and musical taste, for the money is an awesome, well built snare drum, reminds me of the Morgan Rose snare drum. ( which is so fawking loud!), anyone ever throw die cast hoops on one of these drums ? I wonder.