I lost 11 priceless snare drums in a fire. To replace these I purchased a Ludwig 6.5x14 Supraphonic (gotta have it), a 5.5x14 Mapex Stainless Steel, a DW 6x14 maple, and a Sonor 5x13 Birch. What was missing was a nickle plated brass drum to replace my Ludwig Black Beauty. I previously had a 5x14 Worldmax Black Dawg that was pretty close to the BB. I did some research and decided on the Ahead 6x13. WOW!!! This drum is everything you could want in a nickle plated brass drum. It sounds great live and it records like a dream. It has that high-mid crack with just the right amoint of ring. The attack is defined and the punch is present. The only thing I did was to change out the FatCat snares with Puresound Customs. You can't go wrong with this snare drum.

pilot19

San Diego, CA

I also have a Ludwig Black Beauty which deserves it's stellar reputation. The Ahead Black over Brass snare is often compared to the Ludwig product. I'm happy to have one of each. The Ahead snare in the 6"x 13" size is an amazing alternate snare. I intend on picking up a 6" x 14" as well. It has a sound like nothing else. It's rimshot is amazing thanks to the S-hoop. Try one out. You will be glad you did.

Drummer5359

Maryland