imperials for sure. they're classic and i don't like modern tube lugs. you see them everywhere.

i never owned a vintage drum with original tube lugs. in that case i would want to keep it original.

Imperials. It's a Ludwig, isn't it?????

I like the looks of both. As far as sound difference, tube lugs will let the shell breathe a little more than the Imperials. I guess it just depends on if you want a "tight" sounding snare or not.

I think I'll have to say imperial. For looks, I definitely like the tube lugs, but for sound, I think it wouldn't be a true supra sound without the imperials.

I tend to agree with Imperials for the Supra. I like tubes for the Hammered bronze though....

Tube lugs look real good on my hammered Black Beauty, which I'm interested in selling, by the way. I just got it from Ludwig 2 weeks ago as a replacement for one I bought in June 2010 that the finish was flaking off of. So, it's brand new, never played. All I have done is swap the P85 that was on it for a P86 Millenium...I had upgraded mine to a P86 and they didn't send it back, so I got them to send me another one. I have the two P85s as well as the warranty card and drum key still in the unopened sleeve that came with the new drum. It's a 5x14. I just spoke to the manager of Memphis Drum Shop and they sell a hammered 5x14 Black Beauty with tube lugs and P86 for $753.50. Again, this drum is brand new from Ludwig with the warranty card and some extra P85s and an extra Ludwig key. I'll entertain reasonable offers if anyone is interested. I'm willing to trade as well.

Sorry to hijack this thread, it just seemed like a good place to mention it. If you're a Ludwig snare player, here's a new one for sell...I'll take a less-than-new sum for it, by the way.

I think the Imperials,distinguish Ludwig from everybody else,especially back in the day when everybody used tube lugs.

You can stop a supra a mile away(well not quite).Center beaded shell,and Imperial lugs are what makes those drums such classics,in terms of looks.

Steve B.

Great point!

I put tube lugs on a 60's supra (see photo) and I found that it opened up the sound of the drum a bit and it also seemed to dry it out some as well. The Imperials made the shell sound 'wetter' and more focused.

To my ears...

[IMG]http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n632/PurdieShuffle/suprastrip.jpg[/IMG]

John