Hi,
One of the least talked about metals that is used for drum-making is bronze. My 80's Ludwig 5" x 14" Hammered Bronze snare drum is one of the best sounding and most responsive drums I have ever owned or played.
Bronze produces a dry, almost 'woody' note that sets it apart from other metal drums. However, it shows its true colors as a metal shelled drum when played out on the rims. The drum sings! Listen to this demo:
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mzgas545UXU[/ame]
Here's a shot of my baby: One of my all-time favorite snares. To my ears, this drum 'sounds like' a snare drum 'should sound'.
[IMG]http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n632/PurdieShuffle/HBz1.jpg[/IMG]
My buddy, (MLayton) just scored one and I hope he posts up the photo he showed me in an email. Very cool drum with the 'tight' hammering pattern. Those drums, the ones with the tight hammering pattern, are considered to be the 'driest' sounding and simply the best drums in the series that they ever manufactured. Modern hammered drums have a larger, more open hammering pattern. They are reputed to be a bit more 'toney' as a result.
BunE Carlos used one recently in a televised concert with his new band, Tinted Windows. I wrote to Brad and asked specifically which snare drum he was using because the sound of the drum really grabbed me by the boo-boos when I heard it. If God ever smacked a snare drum with a stick, it would sound like that snare sounded in that concert. Awesome, authoritative 'Crack!' After Bun told me what it was, I ran out and got me one.
Show off your Bronze snare drums! Brand does not matter, as long as the shell is bronze, post it up so we can all check them out.
I'm a Bronze-Age man forever!
John
