Ludwig Black Beauty Supraphonic Snare Drum with Tube Lugs - 14x5

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What can I say really? This thing is THE snare drum, all others just pretend. No, just kidding, there are plenty of valid substitutes. Critically, the tone is well documented and easy to learn up on, what you don't get from those reviews is the magnificent sensitivity of this shell, from truly pianissimo to uber thrashing ear splitting crack and ring, you can get a huge range of tonality that suits any kind of music. The big drawback is that it's so dang pretty you can hardly bear to take it anywhere...and fingerprints. Do not commit a crime wielding this drum or you will be caught. Also huge props to Steve Weiss' support folks. I was in the market for a chrome over brass supra phonic which was out of stock and the cut a generous deal to make it good. No regrets, I'm beyond pleased.

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Great snare, beautiful classic look and sound. Pros 1. Looks and sounds terrific; a Cadillac buy! Almost no one will fail to be impressed. 2. Ludwig heads are professional and unique. No need to change them. 3. Wide tuning range, high & cracky to low & phat. Projects well. 4. I have played a 1928 sample with calfskin heads and gut snares (came with brass single-flange hoops) and the modern version is nearly identical, just brighter, solely due to today's heads and snares. 5. Fine build quality. Cons 1. The Black Beauty doesn't sound or play any better than other good brass snare drums, Ludwig, Pearl, Dunnett--you name it (good news if you're on a budget!). 2. Even though it's a flagship model for Ludwig, they fit it with the POS P85 throwoff and P33 butt. 2. a. If you get it direct from Ludwig, it ships in a plastic bag in a cardboard box (or at least mine did in 2005...). Got off a loud, "WTF?!" when it arrived. 3. Like many brass snares, it's ringy. The Ludwig heads to a fine job by themselves; a coated Ambassador makes it worse. Be cautious about changing heads! 4. The snare wires as fitted are hi-hum. I had better articulation using Puresound Concerts (12-strand for more shell). Heard on with Twisteds, also nice IMHO. Value: if you want a Black Beauty, buy one! It's a great drum and you won't be disappointed by its sound and looks. It'll impress your friends! It's also a Cadillac piece of kit. If you only need to up your snare drum sound, an Acrolite is the best bet; great, versatile drum. Many good brass choices too, Pearl & Ludwig in particular.

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