In short, yes...but I don't find it as a good all rounder.

in fact, i recently got a 6 lug style drum that i had been looking for, for quite a while. i ended up getting a 30's(?) nob leedy 6.5 utility model 6 lugger. sounds just like i wanted it to!

mike

I has Ludwig Pioneer from 69. Never like sound specialy.

I has George Way from late 50:s. Killer sound!!!!!

I'm not a fan of 6-lug snares, usually. I have had several come and go through my collection that I liked when trying them out in the sellers' garages/basements, but as soon as I got them home and tried them with my kits, I found I didn't like them. I did come across ONE 60s Ludwig 6-lugger that I like, so I kept it. It DOES sound "open" when compared to 8-luggers of the same era.

Presumably, a 6 lug snare as compared to an 8 or 10 lug drum from the same maker would be less expensive, given equivalent condition. Comparing across brands , though, is less of a surety. I've got lots of 6 lug drums and almost always, I prefer similar 8 lug drums but then ,again some of them are better than another makers 8 lug drum. Drawbacks; tuning drift,uneven tune,snare buzz,component failure, hoop and shell warpage, ringy tone.

Benefits; cheaper,quick tuning,

lighter,open toned,open rim shots,funky downdressed style, tears only come out of one eye if it gets broken or stolen,lower insurance premiums.

This combination is a fantastic drum. Open, woody sound. Great snare response. Just fantastic. Have one myself. I also have 4 Gretsch Dixieland snares all with 6 lugs and two 1920's Ludwig NOB drums in 4 x 15 and 5 x 15 sizes. All sound fantastic. I would have no issues with using any for gigging or recording. In fact, I have my Slingy listed for sale..... Just too many drums in general and I have always been a Gretsch guy, but that will still leave me with six 6 ply drums in the stable. I have one 10 lug drum in rotation and no 8's so that should tell you how pleased I am with a 6 lugger's ability.

Thanks everyone for the GREAT info. It really helped.

I have more questions, but want to search the forums first before asking a question for the 400th time. :)

if anyone has some input and haven't said it somewhere on the site, I'm wondering about sound benefit of 3 point strainer vs clam shell strainer, and sound benefit of COB sticksaver hoops over stickchopper?

Thanks again,

Val

I bought this on eBay a few years ago. It came to me with 1/2 the red sparkle wrap missing and no hoops. Six lug Gretsch hoops are not plentiful if you ever try to buy some.

My drum is a 6ply. I was going to wrap it....I bought the wrap and everything. I got looking at the nicely figured wood and there is no way I was going to cover it. I put a few coats of Tung Oil and a coat of Clear Gloss lacquer on it and that's it. I have a half dozen or so Gretsch snare drums and this little 6 lugger from the mid 60's holds its own among them. I love the tone and I count it one of the nicest snare drums I own.

Maybe I'm not as fussy as most.

To answer the question here:

Yes - a 6 lug snare is worth considering.........