identifying the shell material on a black beauty

[bigdog74]

I have a 14"x6.5" Ludwig Black Beauty.I am trying to see if it is a brass shell or not, i believe that it is.Any definative way of telling for sure? its serial number is 1706351 (pointed corner Blue and Olive badge) it has a 'B' stamped behind the screw attachment for the damper/muffler, it weighs around 10lbs.It is a deep nickel colour not quite black but close.I hope this helps, i tried to upload pictures but the files are too large.Help

Thanks,Andrew

[70sPinkStrataPearl]

Try putting a magnet up against it...if you feel a very very strong attraction, it prolly isnt brass, but if its a very weak pull, it may be brass

[backbeatkeeper]

I have a new Black Beauty 6 1/2 x 14 and was told that all are brass. I don't always believe what people tell me, but what you can do is remove a lug and GENTLY scratch an area where the lug will hide it and see if it is brass or not. Preferably close the the hole where the lug mounts, or maybe you can see on the inside of the hole (that very thin 1/18 of an inch if that) and tell.

[bigdog74]

Thanks, but what would happen if its bronze,would that be attractive to a magnet or not?Hmmmm

[Rich K.]

The late '70s black beauties were brass...don't think they were using bronze then. The regular supras and supers were usually Ludalloy (aluminum).