Ludwig Black Beauty Snare Drum 6.5x14

Most Liked Positive Review

an amazing snare

I recently bought the 6.5x14 with imperial lugs. As a musician that plays a variety of genres in various venues, I can, without a doubt, say that this is the most versatile, best sounding snare I have ever had the pleasure of playing (I have yet to get my hands on a brady or a craviotto). Some venues I have played have been pubs walled with brick that lend for some nightmarish acoustic circumstances, but even in situations like those, this snare cuts and still manages to sound great while receiving dozens of compliments. It can be sensitive, loud, resonant, or quiet and even muted (if that's the sound you're looking for- but I recommend letting the dynamics of this snare SING). It fits jazz, rock, blues, r&b and absolutely everything in between. It sounds fantastic with brushes, hot rods, nylon tips, or simple old fashioned hickory and will give you the sound you are looking for, whether you're in the studio for a session or playing a gig, mic'd or not- the sound is superb and definitely projects with definitive warmth that I have yet to find in other snares- and the black nickel finish is absolutely STUNNING. The stock heads are actually decent, but I recently picked up a coated ambassador with a hazy ambassador snare side. The stock snares sound great as well. I have puresounds, but have yet to put them on because the sound i'm getting is already really sweet. I have a spare set of die cast hoops and tried them out, they bring even MORE volume to the drum, but the stock triple flanged's feel great and give higher sensitivity and stick rebound. This drum certainly lives up to its hype. I realize the price tag is a little steep, but if you're looking into purchasing a snare like this, you've probably already done your homework on it like me. If you're on the fence about buying it, let me help you out and tell you to just splurge and get it. I receive countless compliments about the sound I get from this snare and even get friends and fellow drummers asking if they can play it in their next show (yeah right!). I am extremely picky about my snare sound and have never actually owned a brass snare before, so this is a first for me coming off of two gretsch maple snares; a 5x14 and a 6.5x14, and a couple other customs. I used to vow to stick with maple, but this snare completely changed me. For a while I was looking into the lm402 (the 6.5x14 supraphonic) after reading several reviews, but decided on the 6.5x14 BB because I can get the supra sound out of this snare, but can't get the BB sound out of a supra. Spend the extra cash get this snare, you will certainly not regret it. The quality is superb and I am proud to finally be a member of the ludwig family with the majestic and highly sought-after black beauty.