[IMG]http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/picture.php?albumid=32&pictureid=120[/IMG]I just scored what I thought was a pretty banged up late 70's Ludwig Black Beauty Snare drum. The guy I bought it from swears however that it is not a black beauty, but a supraphonic with black nickel finish over steel/chrome (whatever metal the supraphonic was made of). I only paid $80 so either way I am ok, but does anyone know if they made a black supraphonic? The drum has the imperial lugs with the blue olive badge and is black. The badge is in the high one million range which seems to put it around 1977-1979. Any help?
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Black nickel over Chrome Ludwig Supraphonic snare drum? Last viewed: 4 hours ago
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Posted on 11 years ago
#1
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haven't seen any in original black that were not black beauties. like you mentioned, great drum for the price at any rate.
mike
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
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Thanks MLyaton
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
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A good way to check would be to look just above the tone control on the outside of the shell – there might be a small "B", "b", or "BR" stamped into it, indicating a brass shell. Not sure how far back it goes, but all of the brass shelled Ludwig snares (besides the Super Ludwigs) should have one.
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
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A good way to check would be to look just above the tone control on the outside of the shell – there might be a small "B", "b", or "BR" stamped into it, indicating a brass shell. Not sure how far back it goes, but all of the brass shelled Ludwig snares (besides the Super Ludwigs) should have one.
Thanks. The drum is being shipped now. I will definitely look for that.
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
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Shipped?? Where did you find this for $80??? I would have guessed that a neighbor sold it to you or something.
If it turns out not to be brass, chances are that the previous owner had a supra that was badly pitted and decided to have it nickel plated.
If it does turn out to be brass, you could do a full restore job and multiply your investment by ten (or more). Pointy B+O badged BB's get good money:
[ame]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1976-Ludwig-Black-Beauty-6-5-x-14-Snare-Blue-Olive-Badge-/321365335631?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Drums_Percussions_MJ&hash=item4ad2ddde4f[/ame]
[ame]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ludwig-Black-Beauty-Snare-Drum-6-5-x-14-/251480757712?pt=US_Drums&hash=item3a8d6bd5d0[/ame]
[ame]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1979-Ludwig-Black-Beauty-6-5-x-14-Snare-Blue-Olive-Badge-/321361615218?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Drums_Percussions_MJ&hash=item4ad2a51972[/ame]
Posted on 11 years ago
#6
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I got it from Guitar Center. It actually ended up costing $104 with tax and shipping.
Posted on 11 years ago
#7
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Test it with a magnet when you get it.
Brass has a very weak if non-existent magnetic pull.
Steel obviously would be strong. Storm Trooper
Posted on 11 years ago
#8
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Posted on 11 years ago
#9
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Test it with a magnet when you get it.Brass has a very weak if non-existent magnetic pull.Steel obviously would be strong. Storm Trooper
The drum won't be steel – Ludwig never made steel drums in this size with this badge. A magnet will not tell you if it's brass or aluminum, since neither are very magnetic at all. If it's brass, it'll be heavy (8lbs or so) and should have a "b" stamp.
Guitar Center should know if it's a Black Beauty or not, especially since they sell Black Beautys that look extremely similar. Again, chances are, it was a pitted 6.5 Supra that somebody had nickel plated – which makes the price about right, since it's an altered vintage drum in pretty poor condition.
It should still sound amazing, though! I'd love to find a 70's 6.5 Supra for $100.
Posted on 11 years ago
#10
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