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Can someone clear up this lingering Ludwig black beauty question? Last viewed: 1 minute ago

Posts: 12 Threads: 5

I tried searching this topic, but found nothing specific enough. I just bought a nice, used Ludwig Black beauty, Monroe badge, serial number 3369353. I was told it was made in the late 2000's. It does NOT have rubber gaskets under the imperial lugs. There is a "BR" stamp behind the throw. The Ludwig site and others say that the shell is seamless, spun brass. I have heard and read that Ludwig black beauty shells are no longer spun, but are indeed seamless. I've heard that the "BR" stamp represents brass and not bronze. Bronze was supposedly a "BZ". I have also heard that the shells have gotten a touch smaller in the last few years, hence the use of gaskets to fill in the gap between the lugs and the center bead. Lastly, I've heard that the 70's models had a thicker and heavier shell, lending themselves to a "better" sound. So my questions are:

1. Is the shell spun?

2. Is the shell brass?

3. Is my shell the same size (shell thickness and diameter) as its 70's counterpart?

Any clarification on this matter would be greatly appreciated. I'm getting so many conflicting stories, I don't know what to believe to be true.

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 6170 Threads: 255

I don't know for certain. I was told that the gaskets were needed because the rims were larger, which was causing excessive lug splay. the gaskets moved the lugs and rods out enough to line up with the hoops. ive also seen guys remove the gaskets and go back with older hoops and everything lined up nicely.

mike

Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

The reason for the misalignment/splay is; the shells are 'slightly' smaller than the old (70's) ones. Essentially the same drum, just ever so slightly smaller than the vintage counterpart.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 12 Threads: 5

Thanks for the replies thus far. That's what I was referring to in my original post in that "I heard that" or "I read that" but no one seems to know for sure. I've read everything I could related to these issues and I still don't really know. I thought maybe a Ludwig guru on here that had some inside info may know the answer. A friend says the shells aren't spun anymore, they're made differently. I hadn't heard that one, I thought the spinning was part of the process. I have some other feelers out there so maybe I'll find out more from them. I'll certainly post any info I find out for future reference.

Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 6170 Threads: 255

anyone else got any info on these?

mike

Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

All of Ludwigs current metal snare drums sound different than the 70's models also.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 12 Threads: 5

Sadly, know one has any answers. I contacted several other very knowledgeable people about this and no one knows. What I did find out is that it is brass, and the shell is seamless. That's all I know for sure. Oh well, I tried :)

Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

Let`s see it?

You can tell if it`s spun or cast, Brass or bronze, and someone here with a 70`s one can measure what you want to know.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

Seriously, we can answer the first two Q`s right away. I know there are 70`s BB owners here.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 11 years ago
#9
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

In case you come back cc,

Brass is Copper mixed with Zinc. Zinc is magnetic. Not enough mix to make brass magnetic but it will pull on a real magnet. A decent magnet and you will feel a slight pull towards Brass.

ZERO with Bronze.

Try this then I`ll show you how to tell cast from drawn.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 11 years ago
#10
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