Snare wires - any difference or is it just more marketing?

[drumsagogo]

I notice that there is more choice these days in snare wires.  I spoke to an orchestral snare drum maker who only puts standard/made in Tawain wires on the drums (unless they are having special snare wires which he makes himself); he reckons the 'better' ones don't make any difference, to the point that the orchestra that he supplies, started buying expensive snare wires from US, but then went back to the 'ordinary' snare wires as there was no difference. 

I recently bought a DW snare which has DW snare on it, haven't had a chance to compare it with anything different, or put the DW snares on my bronze snare. 

I have experimented with Brady bronze snare wires on a Sleishman Jarrah stave snare.  It sounded a lot brighter, a lot 'snarerier' - excessive I thought, I removed them. 

I'd be interested to hear what others think before I decide to shell out more dough. 

[KenSanders]

Drumsagogo makes some really good points regarding the comparisons of prices for snare wire sets  and marketing efforts for snare wire products.  As he eluded, I certainly agree that the desired "sound" is the most significant factor for a drummer.

Now, I also contend the metal used for the snare wires (steel, bronze, copper, etc.) affects the "sound", as well as, the number of strands of wire.  For example, I've found that what sounds "BEST" on one of my deeper wooden snare drums may not work well at all for one of my more shallow metal snare drums.

Yes, we have a lot of choices for snare sets, and certainly there are various price points from the various manufacturers.  However, we as drummers should rely on our ears much more than even the slickest advertising campaign.  What kind of replacement snares are "BEST"?  Only YOU can answer that question for yourself.
 

[Tomm]

I have noticed, through the trial and error process, it matters most if you know how to install and adjust whatever snares that you use.  Also, the tension on the bottom head can totally change the sound...something worth experimenting with if your looking for "the" sound.  The number of wires really changes things too.

I haven't looked into any alternative metals myself, spring steel has been my only experience.  I'm sure that will change soon.  I just wanted to point out that, especially copper, softer metals bend and bent snare wires suck.  Be careful.

Brand wise?  Just remember, in most things...you pay for what you get.