Depends on what you find. Keep your eyes open. Lot's of good snares out there for that or less. All of these were under that.......

I think you should try the Acrolite like Purdie suggested, not too big, not too small. versatile, they made a million of em so finding condition is easy. It`s a good looking drum.

Either that you could get like a late 20`s De Luxe model,...those clean up well.

For that budget you might consider a Ludwig Standard. They used to go for between $100-$200 but those days may have passed us by. The Strata wraps are very cool and these are pretty much the exact same drum as a Jazzfest (same shell, hoops, throw, butt, edges...only difference was the badge, lug design, and the wrap selection)...although that realization is why they have been creeping up in price.

You can still occasionally find Ludwig Pioneer snares in that price range too. Again very similar to the Jazzfest except it's a six lug drum. Find one in a cool color and put it up on the shelf.

Either can sound good too should you decide to take it to a gig.

Here's my "collection" of the six strata colors in Ludwig's Standard series....None of which was more than $200 if I remember right.

K.O.!

A great collection of Standard snare drums! Especially the Avocado Strata! And, yes, they have been going up in price as the collector market gets acquainted with them and realize they are the Poor Man's Jazz Festival!

-Mark

You didn't specify whether you were building a collection of players or what, but if you want to play your snares, I'd get what I consider the basic food groups of wood and metal tones: Ludwig Acrolite, Ludwig Jazz Festival (or Standard equivalent), Slingerland Gene Krupa Sound King, Ludwig Supraphonic, Slingerland Hollywood Ace, 6 1/2" version(s) of above.

After you have that covered, then anything old that catches your eye.

+1 on the Acrolite!! Great versatile drum...Everyone needs one in their arsenal!!

Cheers

I agree with our gurus,

If you only have the $175 then go for an Acrolite. Very versatile drum that will hold up to any venue and excuse the pun, any beating you want to give it. Lots of them from many years to select from on the Bay as well as Reverb and Guitar Center portal. I have 6 of them in my collection.

Thanks John,

For the offer on the Radio King. That looks like a great drum to clean up, just a little more than what I want to spend at this time. I will take the advise from you all, and keep my eyes open for the suggestions you have given me.

One last question to you all, does it hurt the value if a collector has replacement parts on it, the reason I ask is there is a Radio King student model on eBay that looks killer, except has replacement parts, for 165. Just curious.

Again, Thanks for the advise, to all.

Bucky

All original is always better, but parts fail, if your replacement parts are from the correct era and model,..... it means you put the broken part back in the bin and picked out another one. They would have done that at the factory if a part was broke, so can you.

Different parts and screws,....ect. effect the value a lot.

+1 here on Acros. They are nice, super versatile and can be found for $175 or less. Also, as previously mentioned, the 5x14 Slingerland Gene Krupa Sound King (chrome over brass) snares are great, attractive drums. Also, the old Slingerland and Ludwig Universal, or Leedy Utility Model, 6-lug nickel over brass drums are nice and can be found for $175 or less from time to time.

Lynn