Maybe you can get the price down a bit. The value in the states usually is a bit lower than over here in europe, cause those drums are even rarer over here in europe. Those drums have gone up in value though recently, so i guess the price youll have to pay will be "painful" :-)
Worth every cent though. I was lucky and got mine for only 200 euros (350 dollars) a year ago... Good luck!!!
I own a BB purchased '81, and have quickly demo'ed a new one in store but didn't find any remarkable difference between the two.. granted I didn't live with it for any length of time though.
Several stores have a "Complete Satisfaction" policy so you might want to consider picking up a new BB and live with it for a little bit before you make the final commitment. Is the seller of the older one local? It would be ideal to bring them together so that you could do a comparison with your own ears.
Quite honestly I always preferred my Ludwig Coliseum to the BB and a hammered BZ with die cast hoops for that matter. The BB was my primary for about three years and a 402 for a couple of years before that. As soon as I got the Coliseum it became my primary and the BB was a secondary (living to the left of the HH) and was replaced immediately when I got the HH BZ finding a permanent home in the closet ever since.
CHECK IT OUT, I have 3 BBs a 78 LB419 SS, a 100yr An. LB417, and a 100yr An LB419 SS. On the 417 I put die cast hoops, P-86 strainer, and Pure Sound 16 strand EQ Sn.Wires with an Evans Genera Dry, Tuned as high as possible without choking it. The 100yr An. LB419 I didnt hot rod, I left it stock except for replacing the 100 yr. An. heads, this ones tuned medium high with a Remo CS batter head and a clear Amb.reso. I paid 439.00 for the LB417, and 629.00 for the LB419 An. models at Musicians Friend on price matches which is exactly 45% off retail... Brook Mays also sells the LM411 SS for 474.00, yep, you guessed it, bought that one too. Bottom line is, the Hot Rodded LB417 sounds the best to me, my 78 has snare beds, sounds deeper and like its made from a Bronze shell and not brass...also has minimal sympathetic snare buzz naturally, and is much more blending, if that makes any sense. The new Black Beauty's dont have the molded snare beds, are Louder, Sharper, and have not just a little bit, but alot more crack to them, they will flat out, take your mother inlaws head clean off. Guess its all a matter of taste, but to me the least expensive one, by far, sounds the best.
Thanks for your input. Your 1978 has snare beds? Mine does not ...... interesting.
So I have an opportunity to pick up a 6.5"X 14" 1978 Black Beauty in very good condition. The owner is asking $1000 for it. I have been looking for some time now but rarely do I see these 70's drums up for sale. Is this a decent price ? Of course it depends on condition and how much I am willing to pay.... Does anyone have experience with both the new BB and the re-issue 70's ones? Is there a big difference in sound ? In your subjective opinion, do you favor one over the other? I know the 70's drums will appreciate in value which is always a good thing. Thoughts? Thanks.
I also saw one on a local craigslist going for $1,000 as well. That is insane unless it is a limited addition, engraved model. For a standard BB, I would say $450-$500. For less than $1,000, you can buy one new with tube lugs and a p86, with warranty.
I also saw one on a local craigslist going for $1,000 as well. That is insane unless it is a limited addition, engraved model. For a standard BB, I would say $450-$500. For less than $1,000, you can buy one new with tube lugs and a p86, with warranty.
Well if it's a 1977-79 model I believe that is the going price. At least that is what I have seen since I started investigating a month ago. They are not only very collectible but I have heard many drummers say the 70's BB sound different and much prefer them to the new ones. At the end of the day it's a matter of personal taste.
If you're not interested in the one your referring to in your local Craigslist, would you mind sending me the link via a PM message? Thanks
Well if it's a 1977-79 model I believe that is the going price. At least that is what I have seen since I started investigating a month ago. They are not only very collectible but I have heard many drummers say the 70's BB sound different and much prefer them to the new ones. At the end of the day it's a matter of personal taste. If you're not interested in the one your referring to in your local Craigslist, would you mind sending me the link via a PM message? Thanks
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Thanks for your input. Your 1978 has snare beds? Mine does not ...... interesting.
Is it an LB 419? Maybe you can explain why some of the Super Sensitives had beds and others didnt? I have a 91 LM419 with snare beds as well, but havent seen any of the new past 2000 S.S.s with sanre beds. I know some of the vintage COB snare drums had the crimped beds, but other than those, there seems to be no ryme or reason why some had them, and some dont. Maybe you could shed some light on this question, as this is a question I have asked far too many times, with the same "I dunno" answer......
Here's a few shots of the snare bed on my BB for reference (from L to R).
The first shot is of the batter side - no light leaks through 360° rotation
Next is the snare side looking at the throwoff - light visible through the snare bed "crimp"
Rotated 90° (between throw-off and butt)- no light leaks
Rotated 90° looking at the butt- light visible through the snare bed "crimp"
Rotated 90° (between butt and throw-off)- no light leaks
Well if it's a 1977-79 model I believe that is the going price. At least that is what I have seen since I started investigating a month ago. They are not only very collectible but I have heard many drummers say the 70's BB sound different and much prefer them to the new ones. At the end of the day it's a matter of personal taste.
They can be collectable and you will pay the price for the "mystic," but it is just that in my opinion. At the $1,000 price point you can get some really good snare drums... and in my mind if I'm going to shell out $1,000 I might as well see what else is available in the price range. Truthfully your audience could care less about the choice made in snares let alone whether or not the BB is vintage or contemporary... heck only a certain slice of drummers care about that!
Maybe because I already have one that I really don't care about the hype for such a readily available drum and just see it more as a tool? I have to admit though that I did buy a 100th Anniversary engraved BB solely for aesthetic reasons. I was in the market for a vintage engraved BB from the 70's-80's era but at the price they were asking for them the substitutes became way too attractive. For me I would pass on a vintage model in favor of an unmolested drum for a lower price any day of the week.
Here's a few shots of the snare bed on my BB for reference (from L to R).The first shot is of the batter side - no light leaks through 360° rotationNext is the snare side looking at the throwoff - light visible through the snare bed "crimp"Rotated 90° (between throw-off and butt)- no light leaksRotated 90° looking at the butt- light visible through the snare bed "crimp"Rotated 90° (between butt and throw-off)- no light leaksThey can be collectable and you will pay the price for the "mystic," but it is just that in my opinion. At the $1,000 price point you can get some really good snare drums... and in my mind if I'm going to shell out $1,000 I might as well see what else is available in the price range. Truthfully your audience could care less about the choice made in snares let alone whether or not the BB is vintage or contemporary... heck only a certain slice of drummers care about that! Maybe because I already have one that I really don't care about the hype for such a readily available drum and just see it more as a tool? I have to admit though that I did buy a 100th Anniversary engraved BB solely for aesthetic reasons. I was in the market for a vintage engraved BB from the 70's-80's era but at the price they were asking for them the substitutes became way too attractive. For me I would pass on a vintage model in favor of an unmolested drum for a lower price any day of the week.
Thanks for your post!
As a professional recording/touring drummer , I believe all drummers in my line of work should have several specific snare drums in their arsenal to cover all possibilities sonically. A BB, Radio King, Supra, Powertone, Jazz Fest ect..... Now I have to admit I've not played the modern BB. The 70's BB's that I have played have what I am looking for sonically. Specifically for the recording side of things. Also when I buy a drum I want to be able to get my money back in full and even make a little down the road should I decide for any reason to sell it. I will have to go check out the new BB and listen to what they have to offer. I'm sure it's a quality instrument.
I hear ya! It's nice to have a quiver full of arrows for whatever the situation. I'll still be interested in a late 70's early 80's No. 451 if I came across one though (6.5 engraved BB that I couldn't afford at the time).
Best of luck to you in your search the that BB... and post up when ya get it.
Are you in So Cal?
