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Supra Tweaking

Posts: 2251 Threads: 381

Although I play with a nine piece set of Stars, my main snare is a late seventies Ludwig Supra. Believe it or not, this drum was given to me by an outstanding gentleman belonging to the VDF who wishes to remain anonymous. To be honest, it sounds far superior to any other snare I own. I recently decided to make a few changes in order to get my pride and joy a bit more original. First of all, while I was waiting for some parts to come in, I wrapped the lug springs in felt. The original thin sponge wraps were nearly all disintegrated. I then replaced the Remo Ambassador top and bottom heads with Ludwig medium Weather Masters. These were not period of course but, tracking down vintage correct ones has been impossible so far. Lastly, I replaced the twenty-four strand Puresound wires with a vintage set of eighteen strand Ludwigs (period correct). My original wires had one missing. After tuning, I was amazed at the difference in sound. To my ears, much crisper. Cleaner. I appreciate this old drum more every day! Just wanted to share.

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576

That's ludwigs finest great job

April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 8 years ago
#2
Posts: 1322 Threads: 22

From salty 1322

Although I play with a nine piece set of Stars, my main snare is a late seventies Ludwig Supra. Believe it or not, this drum was given to me by an outstanding gentleman belonging to the VDF who wishes to remain anonymous. To be honest, it sounds far superior to any other snare I own. I recently decided to make a few changes in order to get my pride and joy a bit more original. First of all, while I was waiting for some parts to come in, I wrapped the lug springs in felt. The original thin sponge wraps were nearly all disintegrated. I then replaced the Remo Ambassador top and bottom heads with Ludwig medium Weather Masters. These were not period of course but, tracking down vintage correct ones has been impossible so far. Lastly, I replaced the twenty-four strand Puresound wires with a vintage set of eighteen strand Ludwigs (period correct). My original wires had one missing. After tuning, I was amazed at the difference in sound. To my ears, much crisper. Cleaner. I appreciate this old drum more every day! Just wanted to share. Brian

I've got to be honest with you. Back in the day, the mid to late '60s, I, and practically every drummer I knew, owned a Supra at one time or another. The very first thing we all did was ditch the crappy Ludwig heads and put on Remo Weather King Ambassadors. I didn't know anyone back than who actually played the stock Lugwig heads. If they were kept at all it was in case the drum was ever sold. I saved mine for a year or two and then gave them to a young kid who's heads were even worse. Ludwig heads didn't feel good or sound good IMHO.

Mark
BosLover
Posted on 8 years ago
#3
Posts: 52 Threads: 5

I have a '67 Supraphonic. Ill take it to the grave(:

Posted on 8 years ago
#4
Posts: 622 Threads: 24

Yeah, I'm not a fan of the Ludwig heads either. I've got Ambassadors on both my supras.

Posted on 8 years ago
#5
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

The great thing about Supra's is that you can tweak them to customize the sound like you're doing. I added a set of those split snares that Puresound makes to my hammered brass supra and it made a world of difference in the sound of the drum. I'm happy to hear that you're having fun with your Supraphonic. It's a workhorse drum that can be tuned to suit any style of music you may be playing.

(One of) the very best snare drums ever produced in the USA.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 8 years ago
#6
Posts: 668 Threads: 39

I love the Ludwig heads.

Posted on 8 years ago
#7
Posts: 617 Threads: 7

I played my Supras with Ludwig heads and sold a few million records.

Posted on 8 years ago
#8
Posts: 1880 Threads: 292

BEC-- Funniest comment ever ! Love it ! BowingLaughing HLaughing HAll original parts and snare wires on my '76 (golden year for Ludwig!) and i swear by Remo's CS reverse black dot coated head.. Best sounding snare drum head Remo makes and most versatile. If not that, then a Vintage Emperor or Ambassador.

Posted on 8 years ago
#9
Posts: 2251 Threads: 381

Thanks for the opinions and input, guys! I truly value your replies.

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 8 years ago
#10
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