Ludwig LB416T 5X14 Brass Shell Black Beauty Snare Drum

Comments about Ludwig LB416T 5X14 Brass Shell Black Beauty Snare Drum:

Love the looks, well executed. But the drum sounds no better than just about any other brass drum--unless you have it fitted with die-cast rims and more articulate (coated Ambassador) heads. Put a Remo on to replace the flabby WeatherMaster without die-casts, and the drum rings like a bell. Not good.

This is marketed as THE classic snare drum, but outside of the black shell, BFD. The P-85/P32 throwoff/butt combo is unjustifiably stingy at this price point. And what's with the eighty sizes, hammered shells and whatnot..? Too many variants on the theme, Ludwig.

IMHO the Black Beauties should be a special line of drums. They are marketed as the flagships of Ludwig's manufactured line, and should be so fitted: brass die-cast brass rims, tube lugs and Super-Sensitive hardware, maybe with a real skin batter and cable snares. Brass single-flanged rims optional, as with engraving. Then sell 'em in three depths: 3.5/5.0/6.5" and maybe the prices would be justified, and the rep upheld. As sold now, they are just another brass drum. Pearl's SensitoneII Brass snare of a couple years back sounded much better out of the box than my BB.

For every other variation on the snare drum theme, Ludwig is brilliant with the many Supraphonics, Super-Sensitives, Classic Maples, Acrolites, etc. they build. Plenty of wonderful options for the proletariat from a classic American brand. Always a great sound, and build quality improving year after year.

But a Black Beauty should be a really SPECIAL snare drum; one you buy, show off proudly, play extraordinarlity, then hand down to the next generation--or have buried with you.

end of rant...