Hi fatty!

I believe the original Powertone wires were 20-strand. Are you talking about a wood-shell or COB Powertone? If COB, I'd recommend 16-strand Puresound wires. The slightly darker sound of these wires can really help to tame the "bite" of the brass shell. However, it really comes down to what sound your looking for. All things being equal, just changing out snare wires can really help to give a different sound.

-Mark

Its a COB Powertone. I dont think Im looking to tame the snare in any way, just looking for a nice classic sound.

Check Al Drew in Rhode Island.

ebay listing http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROGERS-SUPER-TEN-OR-POWERTONE-SNARE-WIRES-N-O-S-U-S-A-/292086130748?hash=item4401b0a83c:g:lawAAMXQAx9RQiis

I would go with any decent set of 20 strand wires. I also like the Puresounds, but your drum will sound great with regular wires.

Thanks guys, I will try out those suggestions. I just got the drum a couple days ago. It showed up with a Remo Powerstroke 3 batter head so Im putting on new heads and wires this week.

Try a Remo Vintage Ambassador for the batter and hazy ambassador snare side. The vintage Amb line seems to work very well on Rogers snares.

My number one snare for decades...

I ran taiwan snares and puresound snares. Like a Supraphonic, it is REALLY hard to make these drums sound bad. Shot heads, mangled wires (within reason) poor tuning... They just rip.

I agree with above and unless it is a meuseum restoration, I'd go with 20-strand puresound wires.

Ambassador snare and coated ambassador batter. Great drum.

I also like the Puresound 16 strand on Powertones. I use plastic on the butt end too. It seems to help the wires sit better.

Are you referring to using the plastic strip to attach the butt end of the wires? I have found the same thing, and it does help the wires sit better. Thanks for reminding me.