Ludwig Black Beauty 14"x6.5 or 14"x5?

[Meistersounds CH]

Hello,

i'm thinking about getting a Black Beauty for my studio but i'm not sure which one to buy.

I will not be able to try them before buying because no shop carries them around here.

And: I'm no drummer, so i need advice...

[Bob Olhsson]

I got lots better results from the 5".

[Meistersounds CH]

Thank you Bob!

[Jax]

Both. But for the first one, get the 14x6.5. It can be a little more flexible than the 5 because the 5 can't do a deep tone convincingly. The 6.5 covers the tuning ranges pretty well. The only thing you'd miss would some of the cracking power that the 5 will get you, but with the right setup the 6.5 can sound similar.

Actually, I'd get the 6.5 BB and later a 14x5 Acrolite for cracking power. Another direction to go is getting a non-BB Supra 5 which is a bit louder, harder and faster sounding than the Acrolite. Bases covered.

[Meistersounds CH]

Great answer, thanks.

It's strange, Ludwig drums are not very popular here in Switzerland...

[chrisso]

6.5" model is a do it all drum.
The 5" is less flexible.
Ludwig metal snare drums are all pretty fantastic. Several are studio staples. You simply can't go wrong.

[narcoman]

Originally Posted by Bob Olhsson

I got lots better results from the 5".

I'm gonna take that as a perseverance and insider tip! Been using a 6.5 here for years and never took any interest in a 5.... might have to get one now!!

[DaveUK]

Mmmmm Ludwig !got a1970's 5" 400 a few years ago. Barely use any of the 6 other snares lying around anymore ... May have to get a BB.

[Bob Olhsson]

Beware that my opinion is based on recording a 6.5" to tape.

Since digital I've only recorded 5" snares and haven't been doing that nearly as much as in the past. The 5" just always seemed lots better focused in a mix.

[narcoman]

Originally Posted by Bob Olhsson

Beware that my opinion is based on recording a 6.5" to tape.

Since digital I've only recorded 5" snares and haven't been doing that nearly as much as in the past. The 5" just always seemed lots better focused in a mix.

Of course.

But i'm working with some 60s style vocal jazz at the moment, going straight to 1 inch 8 track. You've enthused me!!!

[adamcal]

I have both here (and a piccolo) and the 5" does get the most use.

[Meistersounds CH]

Thanks guys! I think i'll buy a 14"x5"...

[adamcal]

I put diecast hoops on mine, more crack than plumbers convention in thailand.

[MandyC]

Originally Posted by Bob Olhsson

I got lots better results from the 5".

I've just become aquainted with a 5 and it is absolutely incredible

[Jax]

Yeah, I have no good excuse for not having a 5" deep Supraphonic. I had one for awhile and it was a great snare. It was one of two drums I wish I hadn't sold. The other was a 3 ply Ludwig 22x14 Club Date kick which was astounding. The BB is great, too; but the Supra has THAT sound. Luckily they're not that hard to come by.

[Meistersounds CH]

I'm leaning towards a 14x5 supraphonic but maybe it would sound too aggressive for an all around snare? compared to a 14x5 black beauty?

[Meistersounds CH]

anyone? i'm sure there are some guys out there that own both.

[narcoman]

Originally Posted by Meistersounds CH

anyone? i'm sure there are some guys out there that own both.

ha. Well that'll be me in a couple of days......

[Meistersounds CH]

so you own a supraphonic 14x5 now?

[narcoman]

Got a Black Beauty 6.5 and a 5 supraphonic 400 series. Ordered a 5 Black Beauty yesterday.

[Meistersounds CH]

so, do you think the supraphonic is a good all around snare (pop, rock)?

i guess the answer is yes

[biggator6]

Originally Posted by Meistersounds CH

I'm leaning towards a 14x5 supraphonic but maybe it would sound too aggressive for an all around snare? compared to a 14x5 black beauty?

Aggressive? I think a supraphonic can be used for just about anything. It's that sound you hear in your head when you think 'snare drum'.

[Meistersounds CH]

i just ordered a beautiful chrome over aluminium 14x5 supraphonic

[Bob Olhsson]

Smaller drums actually tend to sound bigger recorded. Lots of us learned this the hard way after getting all excited about the huge drums that were starting to be sold in the late '60s.

And yes, go for the diecast hoops.

[narcoman]

Originally Posted by Meistersounds CH

so, do you think the supraphonic is a good all around snare (pop, rock)?

i guess the answer is yes

I've used it for jazz, rock, pop AND even the odd bit of orchestral!!

Its a far more versatile drum than 70s heavy rock!!

[Meistersounds CH]

cool! can't wait until mine arrives...

[chrisso]

I still say 6.5" (Supra, BB, whatever) is the best all rounder.

[AKCSTUDIO]

6.5

[Jax]

Originally Posted by chrisso

I still say 6.5" (Supra, BB, whatever) is the best all rounder.

Don't hurt him, chrisso! I agree, but he didn't make a bad choice by any means.

[chrisso]

I wasn't picking on him. I was picking on everyone else who rushed out and bought a 5" based on this thread.

Kidding.