Ludwig Black beauty Snare Review www.GearGuruz.com

[Stvst29]

I just bought a 5x14 Black Beauty, and I feel like every drummer that's serious about drumming should get one!!

[Stvst29]

Black Beauty in RHCP album Blood Sugar Sex Magik---<3

[toopiddaniel]

@onthe1drop

It's a brass drum - 6.5in is going to have move of everything... 5in is best for steel and such, not brass

[spursfan112]

It that sabian troll again :D

[ibernalq]

reviews should be done with no moongels.. just in a natural way. taking the best sound out, natural..

[ibernalq]

moongels??? I think it´s not necessary

[Drumlover182]

Damn those 3 deaf people that disliked this

[onthe1drop]

Beautiful drum! A comparison to the 5x14 would also be very useful....

[DaFuckinSchwartz]

This certainly sounds amazing I would love to put it on my kit do a demo for it see how it would harmonize lol I really wanna do a review for YouTube viewers for an experienced drummers view

[toopiddaniel]

@discohunter12

You are so right..... This drum is amazing without moongel, you just need to spend the time to tune it right. Leave moongel for the not legendary!! drums.

[discohunter12]

Moongel belongs on cheap drums, not the best drum in the industry.

[maryted]

How does this drum compare to a Pork Pie BOB or Pearl Sensitone? The P-85 throw-off can be sticky. Overall, Ludwig sanres have "that sound" that people like but there has to be options if you don't want to spend 600.00.

[JCordoba1001]

is that a supra phonic or a super sensitive?

[michael9110]

check out that mean angle of the snare drum!!! OH MY GOD YOU MADE SNAKE!!!

[vertigo2112]

MOON JEL IS A SIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DONT EVER PUT THAT CRAP ON ANY DRUM EVER

[vertigo2112]

@vertigo2112 i CANT EVEN SPELL B/C IM SO MAD AT THE MOONGEL

[beats1969]

these drums suck ! first of all , look at all those pieces of moongel = crap !! go for the ol' supra-phonic ! try a joyful noise or george way . overprised garbage !

[nitedrive]

The BB is put to especially good use by Omar Hakim on Bowie's 'Let's Dance' album. Damn that is one fat, snappy snare.

[beats1969]

@nitedrive no , that was one fat , studio ! best of in it's time .

[Darkwing74]

I love that "It's all about the gear" voice. :P !

[TheMisha1000]

Hi I've got a 14x6.5 black beauty and I want too get a batter head that gives a fat snary sound with a bonham type tone I have heard things about a coated emperor, and ambassador and I have checked out your snare drum head comparison but I was wondering from your opinion what from remo or evans would give me this sound on my black beauty. Thanks. -Misha

[paicefreak]

@TheMisha1000

[paicefreak]

@TheMisha1000 TRY A LUDWIG WEATHERMASTER COATED HEAD. THEY MAY NOT LAST AS LONG AS A REMO. BUT.........YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY GET THAT BONHAM SOUND. OR BETTER YET.......IAN PAICE OF DEEP PURPLE FROM THE EARLY SEVENTIES

[beats1969]

@TheMisha1000 try the new remo sound control x . it's an improvement on the old . cheers .

[trecoolmania]

can someone tel me the actuall tuning for this drum to get that fat famous thud that its known for even at the high end..? do you do tune bottom head higher or wat?

[paulwall1981]

It sounds very cool but I don't think I could afford one as they cost quite a lot of money. But they aren't bad drums.

[golfgardens]

how do u tune this snare,? included strainer tension

[stagecustomfan]

my drumming tutour got a 1970 0r 1980 black beauty for £400 any good?? it was in perfect condition its really nice

[ricardoieci]

which do u recommend this or the hammered one?, personally i dont like moongels on snares.

[neelshiv]

The production on this video is beyond irritating. The initial splash screen is extremely cliched and irritating, the bizarre echo effect on your voice is unnecessary, and you give yourself more screen time than you give the drum.

[rhythmantic]

The construction of the BB is pretty much like my 1975 Ludwig Super Sensitive 14"x6.5" snare.

[ricardoieci]

can u make a video about snare drum tunning?

[IDontUsePicks]

I love black beauties but for a smaller budget and practicallity purposes, id get an lm402 or a vintage acrolite

[TheBeatleDrummer]

what is the thing going around the drum and what does it do

[Kudan26]

can you gear guru do a test about some new black panther snares? :S speciale velvetone, cant find a nice sound D: even on the mapex website, they want to sell it... i want to hear a real test

[djembear82]

Is this above snare in the video a Super sensitive or is it the supra-phonic?

[BeakerArk]

Re: the stave snare issue... I've just received an Heirloom mahogany stave snare. . and it's killer. . .quickly became a "go to" snare in my arsenal.

[spikeman23]

I own this only with the blue/olive badge. It sounds sick. I've seen guys asking if it really sound that much different than the black magic and pork pie black brass, And the answer is yes it does. I own the pork pie also and haven't touched it since i got my black beauty.

[vertigo2112]

I have the hammered 6.5x14 BB...It has an even better sound than the non-hammered. A little dryer with less ring and warmer.

[EILIVdrummer]

Cool voice-effect xD

[mitchwheelz]

I heard that Megadeth's original drummer Gar Samuelson used a Ludwig Black Beauty. Can anyone verify that?

[johnpie2]

If only it was a little less expensive...

[spikeman23]

Just bought mine

[AvengedSevenfoldDrum]

What high hats?

[pfaeatskids]

Hello! What kind of hi hats were you using in this video? They sound beautiful! (Obviously, so does the snare.)

[Timzurita020196]

Thanks for the video, GearGuruz…

I am just going out now to buy a new ludwig snare drum.

[jimbox666]

what kind of rig did you use to record this drum? it sounds pretty natural to me so i wouldnt imagine much.  great drum too. i have the 100 year anniversary one myself.

[mtalkpr]

This is Supra-Phonic snare drum?

if is not, what is the difference??

[5drum5]

I ordered one! This is such a great sounding drum!

[spikeman23]

Saving up for the 6.5x14 supraphonic.

[cpu554]

I've played a lot of snares in my lifetime and this is a good sounding snare.

However it is way overpriced for what it is and how it sounds.

These things are listing for nearly a grand these days and I just shake my head in amazement that people are willing to pay that type of money for the name.

[grajdrums]

Could you possibly make a vid with Steve Gadd's 14" metal snare and 14" wooden snare?

[GearGuruz]

@grajdrums Thanks for the input. We will add it to our list and see if we can include it in something.

[willdrummer88]

its such a nice snare sound, although ive just listened to the new tama starphonic brass snare, and i personally prefer the tama, BUT, it depends on what heads the used and how they tuned it, if both were tuned the same and same heads, i may prefer the ludwig......anyone listened to the tama? what do you think?

[fluffyninjas]

It's like an orgasm in my ears. this drum is often imitated but never duplicated

[uhhhcjxlewc]

Im proud to say I bought the hammered 100 anniversary Black Beauty!

Its amazing...

[DeadpoolisCanadian]

@uhhhcjxlewc I. Am. So. Jealous.

[jstew0525]

question. how does the tone differ if the shell is hammered?

[Jaythedrummerman]

there are different tonal shapes that come from when something is hand hammered apposed to machine pressed. think of cymbals and the quality you get with a hand hammered cymbol against a machine pressed and lathed one. its not really the same when it comes to drums but the idea is the same. there is more craftsmanship in the hammered beauties and they tend to be individually unique sound wise.

[ROOTSROCK1000]

most recorded snare in history i know guys who have dw kits but there snare is this black beauty.. best snare out there buy one price is high but its worth every penny..

[bmbell71]

If you're just looking for the sound, but don't want to shell out the price, two great options are buying a black beauty with the 70's Ludwig logo. The keystone classic logo will literally cost you 300-500 more than getting the 70's olive and blue logo. Other than that, they are made the same. The other option is to go for the value "black magic" snare which has the classic sound, but is a rolled seam shell rather than a solid spun shell.

[drumzac]

There are reasons why this snare is dubbed "The Hit Maker"

Absolutely AMAZING!

[spikeman23]

@drumzac Indeed. Little known fact. Lars ulrich used the black beauty on master of puppets.

[fluffyninjas]

@spikeman23 really?

[spikeman23]

Yes.

[jimbox666]

got the 100 year anniversary for my birthday and i absolutely love it. easyily the best drums i own.

[utahdrumtech]

THE BEST...

[kedcs1]

Such a broad tuning range - low to high, this snare is the bomb. You'll love it - just forget the price and buy one.

[randomdudedude]

i got such a hard-on from that snare JAUZA!!

[patricebrisebois19]

Sick snare, we should probably all have one...

But would it kill Ludwig to beef up the throw-off on this snare? I know it's supposed to look vintage but come on, upgrade that strainer.

[Geeljasjes]

I was trying all these snares yesterday. I got fed up with every single one of them lacking something. Then I said to the guy in the store: bring me the best snare that money can buy? He brought me this hand hammered Black Beauty and I was terrified because I knew it wsn't going to be cheap. Tried it and guess what, I walked out the store with it, almost 800-euros lighter. When it comes to snares, or anything drums, never compromise, life is too short.

[GiovanniAv]

Beautiful sound... so bright and punchy... Some day...

[darceonfire]

how long has ludwig been makin this? i didnt catch it the first 3 times he said it!!

[athlonian11]

I own that exact model, the 14 x 6.5 with the classic imperial lugs. All I can say is that with the exception of a couple of Brady block snare drums (which cost 2-3 times as much), this is the best snare drum ive ever played and worth every penny of it's £650 price tag! Indeed it is possibly the ONLY snare you will need as it is proficient in all musical applications. If you're thinking about buying one then my advice is do it, you wont be disappointed!

[kokainkonni]

got the exact model, too. :)

[tarolegs12]

@athlonian11 awesome thanks, gonna get one tomorrow, haha!

[drummerkid904]

god i want this. wish i had the money. get rid of that moongel.

[BlindReaper22]

first let me start off by saying: MOONGEL?!!!

next let me say this: TWO MOONGELS?!!!!

LET THAT DRUM BREATHE!!!!!!!

[drummerkid904]

seriously!

[joeyhoeyca]

looks like maybe a moon gell ripped in half.... BUT YES I AGREE ! DAMN GIRL..... tsk tsk

[MyFatherLoves]

@BlindReaper22 it's one moongel that's been cut in half, just sayin. haha

[TheGogo9er]

Pearl reference snare drums are incredible. They are quality drums with great sound.

About $550 each they aren't the cheapest drums, but if you have the money, they are some of the best.

[supergro]

What do you guys think about the new pearl reference series snare??

[joeyhoeyca]

i have the Reference 14x6.5 wood snare. it is DOPE. loud! never have to worry about not hearing it while laying into loud cymbals or getting lost in guitar nd bass amps...

it has a great tuning range, and it sound amazing at every one! warm and cutting. great for metal. hardcore. rock. even some jazz and funk, wen tuned right. and its actually very sensitive.

comes fully loaded stock. Remo Amb over Amb with 20 strand snare wires. AWESOME. snare throw off is sweet to!

buy it.

[mattcisking]

i wish so bad i could afford this snare

[ducat0955]

DW 5x14 MAPLE WOOD SHELL SNARE DRUM. to me is the best snare out there. the bb is exelent but the dw is ..........well play it and u will see what im talking about

[taddy666333]

So in theory could that drum play metal , and blues,jazz, rock? so its pretty versatile

[ClarkKasheta]

Get rid of that Moongel! This drum needs to sing.

[joeyhoeyca]

this and my Pearl Reference wood snare 14"x6.5" take care of all my snare needs :)

[spikeman23]

Wish i could have heard it without the moongel

[spikeman23]

I would like to se a few tama snares reviewed. Possibly some of the bubinga snars

[Brian7490]

what hi hat is that?

[Jaythedrummerman]

K hybrid

[tjack2themax527]

you can clearly see "avedis" on the hi hat...

[Jaythedrummerman]

yes the hat being played has avedis on it but if you saw any of the K's that came out when this vid was posted they had avedis printed on them above the zildjian emblem like they used to back in the day. the hats by the guy talking are K hybrids. The ones the dude playing has could possibly be Vintage A's or K's.

[drumdoc]

umm brady is one brand that stands out on my mind..

i have a bubinga segment shell that i hade made and i use it on my pearl free floating snare....

but asside from brands you can also compare woods... i think the standard woods no are jarrah and bubinga along with many more but those seem to pe the popular choices

[vertigo2112]

@drumdoc

I sold my Brady block drum and replaced with the black beauty hammered. I actually like the ludwig better cause its warmer and stands out more. The brady's were almost too thick toned for me.

[drumsanddrumming]

I have a BB and a COB and they sound great sometimes but sometimes I can`t get the sound- they are just choked, even when I crank the reso up.. What am I doing wrong?

Also purchased the Alex van H sig snare- that one sound great 90% of the time..

[GearGuruz]

They are many reasons why this could be. I have noticed that room, and the other drums on the kit can have an impact on the sound of the snare. I like to use a snare strand that has am outer band that is looser, and the center band of snares are tighter, this might help in the "Choke" department.

[drumsanddrumming]

On the COB I`ve got a Puresound 40.. sounds better, can`t afford another one for the BB right now.. but I think that 50% is in my fingers and ears... and the "studio" (a bombshelter with stonewalls are not the best either.

[drumdoc]

how about a review on stave and segment snares v/s ply shells?

[GearGuruz]

that is a great idea - we will work on getting a few in. Any brands that you would like to see?

[TheMisha1000]

@GearGuruz GET A BRADY! But for the ply snares check out a pearl mcx snare (14x6.5) or a pearl maple free floater (14x6.5)

[bigbadmamiejama]

Great job guys!

Can you do a review of the Gretsch Hand Hammered Brass Snare?? 6.5 x 14 (I think). It also has die cast hoops. Thanks!

[GearGuruz]

Thanks for your feedback. We will mark that Gretsch snare drum and we will include it in something if we can get our hands on one.

[cwlsteel]

i love that snare! sounds awesome!

[spikeman23]

Hmm i do own the 6.5x14 pork pie black beauty and i have to say at first i didn't hear a major difference in sound. Only that  ludwigs seems to be slightly warmer with a rounder tone, The pork pie is alot brighter and is slightly more in your face.

[generatrix999]

Good:

BB is on countless recordings, its a classic sound. The standard metal drum sound others thry to copy.

Bad:

Read above.

If you want to cop the correct snare sound of an old hit, good chance BB can do it. If you're looking to create your own signature snare sound, this isn't it.

BB and all Ludwig metal (400, 402) has been played-out. Ludwig design has been around thee block too many times to sound fresh/new. Sonically its an overexposed one trick pony.

[drumsanddrumming]

I have got the Alex van H sig- like it more than my COB and BB. Would also love to try Simon Phillips Tama sig snare- Bubinga-Maple I believe.

[generatrix999]

The AVH Sig is one of the few sig snares that actually has its own sound, it stands out from the Ludwig 400 series cans.

[drumsanddrumming]

yeah, it`s actually very good, it came with a Remo emperor-x- generally I go for an Ambassador, but this suited that snare pretty well.

[drumsanddrumming]

I`m a Ludwig guy but- you`re right in a sense- I think only a few drummers manage to get a real good sound out of their Supraphonics or BB.s = their names are John B and Ian P..

[imnotawhale]

Radiojack was on the right track--- this review is useless with moongels on the drum! A steel drum with nickel finish???!!! RELEASE THAT MONSTER!!!

[noDok]

Thanks for the vid. Sounds great. Nice playing too. I have been wanting a BB for a while now, but they are so expensive. I just can't seem to justify that price. Guess I'll just have to keep wishing.

[CheezeyWeezey]

holy snare angles, batman!

[musicman387]

The deep drawing should be done for every metal snare.

[RadioJack]

opinion: Don't make the videos with windows movie maker. and don't use moongels on the drum. let is speak.