What is last year of COB Supraphonics.

[jimmyz]

Hello all,

I know that during the 60s suprahonics had a chrome-over-brass shell. As far as I know, during the 60s this was changed (I believe for cost rather than sonic reasons...) to alluminium? I have a couple of questions with this...

I, from what I know, get the vibe that the COB supraphonic has a more desirable tone (maybe this is not the case, I have yet to hear one). Would anyone be able to have a stab at describing the resultant sound from the two shell tones? Or is anyone knows of where some audio clips of these might be found...?

Basically, I am looking to find out the last year that COB was manufactured and whether it is worth trying to get one of these over a later supraphonic.

Thanks for any help that can be offered - I hope some of the above makes sense...!

Jimmy.

[RickP]

I believe the last of the standard production model Supra 400 COB snares was 1962.Being Ludwig- you can find exceptions to every rule and timeline.

[Jim]

From Rob Cook's The Ludwig Book p.243.

"In response to rising brass prices , Ludwig in 1961 began searching for an alternative material. (Hoops would remain brass until 1964). A very few Super Ludwigs were made of Steel... paraphrased The steel shells were followed by one piece spun aluminum........ "

There are five pages in the book dedicated to and I quote from page 241, "Supraphonic Snare Drum-- One of (if not they) most popular snare drums of all time....."

:2Cents:

[Stixofire]

Hi,

I have both COB and Alloy Supras...I cannot tell the difference between them. I'm sure there is some difference in tone, but not to my ears.

Hope this helps

Stixofire