drumming secrets

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Another way of asking yourself this question would be:
what is my favorite music and how would I want to sound?
It is quite difficult to give you very specific answers, because personal taste will be an issue on this subject.

But let me try to come up with some good advise about this topic.

Metal or wooden shell?: 

I can be very brief on that subject; metal is a harder shell, so it will sound sharper and in many occasions also louder than wooden shells. However, today there are so many different metal and wood types of shells!

For metal shells: brass, copper, aluminium;

for wooden shells: oak, maple and birch, just to name a few.

If you're looking for that warm, thick sound...go for wood. Like to have a loud and tight sound? Go for a metal shell.
 

How deep should my snare drum be?:

Again, we can use logical thinking here: the deeper the shell, the more 'body' the sound will get. A deeper shell means more air to be moved

and that's something you will experience, once you hit that snare drum! Infact you shouldn't lower you tuning with a deep shell.

Snare drum shell sizes come in many different ways and can create total different sounds, for example:

A 12-ply birch shell with 12" x 5" size gives this snare drum a crisp, bright sound with plenty of attack. Whether using it as the main drum or as a side snare drum, the high pitched rim shots and sensitive response of the stainless steel snares ensure a perfect sound performance. Perfect also for the short breaks in drum 'n bass, hip hop or electronic pop.

A 13" x 5 snare that is made of a 27-layered (and hence 28 mm thick) beechwood shell gives the snare a particularly substantial, 'hefty' sound. It is deep, with lots of stomach, and yet transparent at the same time. Very well suited for funk, fusion, jungle or electronic beats.

When the heart of a 14"x 5 snare drum is made of a chromium-plated shell of stainless steel, it will be a perfect snare drum for studio work, and for rock and funk drummers as well. Excellent rim shot sounds, a rich tone, and a broad spectrum of medium-range and high pitches are the distinguishing features of this instrument.

And to put a last example: 13" x 7" constructed using a Heavy Maple Shell. The sound spectrum ranges from sensitive moments to brute force. It will create a soft, warm tone emphasising lower pitches while providing balanced mediums and highs.

Any tips for fysical treatment of my snare drum?:

Make sure you take extra care of this instrument....like cymbals, they should be approached as very worthfull parts of your drum set!

Get a good quality bag or case to put your snare into and never let anyone else borrow your snare ever...

If you want to get some ideas for cleaning and tuning, have a look at the subject: 'Snare Care'