I never used a Tension Watch or Drum Dial. Nothing wrong with them, as I see the usefulness in them, even when they were introduced.

Very interesting thread. I find it fascinating some have had a time tuning an Acrolite or a Supra. Finding the sweet spot in a snare drum isn't easy. However, using the same method every time can help get you to the desired outcome/sound you want.

A close friend of mine locally, plays all the time, gave me a Pearl Masters 7 x 14 maple drum about a month ago. He told me he couldn't get it sounding right. New Ambassadors top and bottom, and a 30 strand(I think) set of Puresounds later, he was amazed it was the same drum.

Not saying all drums can sound good, but having a repeatable method helps(just like golf!) eliminate the variables and focus on getting around them.

Over the years I have probably set-up 500+ snare drums. Each one presents challenges; snare wire mis-alignment/throw-off complications, head combination and tensions. It's more complicated than one would think. Not trying to stand on a podium and proclaim myself an expert by any means, but going through the routine and focusing on what might improve the sound of a drum along the way is worth the effort in the end.

This is one of the reasons I am partial to the Dynasonic, Super Sensitive, and any design which pre-tensions the snares and brings them up to the snare head. Most snare throws apply enough pressure(or can) to the head when engaged to detune the drum. Some even require extra tension at the lugs on each side of the snare beds to compensate.

Not sure where I'm going with all this, but I wanted to pass on my philosophy, as the issues with some of the drums mentioned seemed to have a common thread.Coffee Break2

1970's Ludwig Coliseum. I always felt that it over-promised & under-delivered. Not crazy about a 6 1/2 Tama Kingbeat I had either. Loads of noise but not much tone.

Tommyp!

My BR Artist is a 3-ply version. Definitely not a "normal" snare bed! Picture attached showing how deep it is! I have quite a few wood-shell Slingerland snare drums from the same period and each has beds nowhere near as deep as the BR Artist! As you mentioned, I really think it's the person cutting the beds that day!

Mark

Wanna hear a story? Last year (when I got the vintage drum bug) I saw an amazing demo of a dynasonic- by Ken loomer, so I purchased one. Now, on the soundfile the drum I bought sounded great, then when it came across the seas to me- straight away I could hear that it sounded nothing like it. The whole point of this drum is for its wonderful snare response and when I received the drum it actually had just about the worst sloppy snare responce I've ever heard ,even after I changed parts .. So the dealer ( after a longer pause than eBay requires) let me sent it back to be swapped for the 64 supra that I still have..... And gues what?..it's got exactly the same problem with the sloppy snare sound. No matter what I do it won't go right.The point is on the soundfile they were fine but not so when I got them. I've had more luck with my £75 acro. And as by now a lot on hear will know my two radio kings which are a class all to there own. - By the way- Just got back after a nice little 'jazz' gig.Excited

By the way as as in the previous reference to those slingerland snare beds I'd like to see pictures of possible differences between the 3 ply model verses the solid shell model. Someone on here thinks the 60s one I have is a solid but Not sure if i realy know for sure

I had a Luxor as well. Recorded with it a few times but also got rid of it soon after. Ringy as all hell but had a decent crack when it was muffled heavily. 6 lug student model. I never really liked the Rogers wood snares I played, including the Tower model that I couldn't dial in either. Very piercing/cutting/overtone-ish for a wood drum but without the fatness/warmth of a Hollywood Ace, Radio King, etc. That's likely due to Rogers' sharper bearing edge. But I never played a wood Dynasonic.

Judge a drum in your hands. Sound guys can make your drum sound like a whistle. (and take the pillow out).

Acrolite was a huge disappointment for me. The p85 strainer is terrible for backing off slowly during sets, and sound-wise I found it lacked something. I prefer a brass snare with a bit more low-end in it. Another snare of mine that's giving me trouble is a 7 x 14 WFL, early 50's. I think the snare beds were not made with a lot of attention in those days. It buzzes like crazy. Such a shame because the shell itself sounds great with a nice tone to it.

I have never been thrilled with my Gretsch 4105. Suspect it is operator error and will keep trying :-)

Creighton

I have had a few snares I didn't care for, but they were cheapos and I got rid of them quickly.

The one big disappointment was/is a COA Supraphonic. I had heard about the magic Acrolite and so was keeping an eye on Craig's List for one when I spotted a Supraphonic for $80. It was so cheap because it had an advanced case of Supraphonic Acne, but I wasn't concerned about the looks; I was finally going to get to experience the transcendent joy of owning and playing the (supposedly almost alike) big brother of the blessed Acrolite!

Unh-uh. Way too loud, and as for the character, I was unimpressed. None of the "body" I had been expecting, having heard Acrolites described AND played. And the strainer had a tendency to jam when re-engaging it. Relegated it for use at the annual outdoor block party jam. Major "what is the fuss all about here?"

Months later, I noticed most of an actual Acrolite on CL for $60 and figured what the heck. Brought it home, put on the necessary parts, and was pretty much instantly transported to the Land of the Acrolite Acolyte. THIS was what they were talking about!

Figured that the Supra must have suffered from my then-meager tuning skills and tuned its heads just the same as the ones on the Acrolite, and no, it still doesn't have "it."

The heavier and more numerous lugs must be what's making the difference.

Still have the Supra, but it sits on the shelf until block party day.