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Thoughts on Ludwig Pioneer snares or other 6 lug snares

Posts: 877 Threads: 324

I'm considering grabbing a vintage wood Ludwig Pioneer 6 lug snare to add to the snare collection. If I buy it, it will be used for playing...and not to sit and collect dust. So, trying to decide if it's worth having. I have the Ludwig metal snares covered (the ones I like), and I currently own a 5.5x14 Radio King (awesome by the way) as well as a black oyster Ludwig Jazz Festival snare, and a few modern day wood snares. Like many of you, I enjoy rotating different snares based on the music or my mood that day. LOL.

Do you think an old Ludwig Pioneer snare would be different enough in this case? I tend to only see 5.5x14 versions out there. I'm just trying to decide if I want to take the plunge. I have no experience with 6 lug drums, but I understand it makes for a unique sound. As far as looks go, I love the sparkle versions of this drum.

Thanks for your input!

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 1918 Threads: 60

I liked the pioneers considerably more than the jfests. It plays more open and woody and free. It's a more versatile drum. Really enjoyed them.

What Would You Do
Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 877 Threads: 324

From RogerSling

I liked the pioneers considerably more than the jfests. It plays more open and woody and free. It's a more versatile drum. Really enjoyed them.

Thanks for your feedback. I'm convinced. So much so that I just purchased one that I found online at a nice price. It will be a gold sparkle 1969 version. Looking forward to adding this snare!!!

Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 1014 Threads: 14

I exchanged snares with another drummer,I got to use a Sling 6 lug for awhile,Like RS said a more open woody sound, great drum for double shuffles and Nawlins' second line sound and response wise.I also got to A-B a Luddy Jazz fest with a pioneer,both keystone with white int,don't know if rims were different,but probably both were COS,otherwise the drums were identical except for # of lugs,but that made a difference that was easily apparent.Besides the differences described previously,the six lug to me had a longer or wider note,maybe that is what makes them sound fatter and easier to play Blues and Nawlin's with my dodgy technique.:)

Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 877 Threads: 324

From eamesuser

I exchanged snares with another drummer,I got to use a Sling 6 lug for awhile,Like RS said a more open woody sound, great drum for double shuffles and Nawlins' second line sound and response wise.I also got to A-B a Luddy Jazz fest with a pioneer,both keystone with white int,don't know if rims were different,but probably both were COS,otherwise the drums were identical except for # of lugs,but that made a difference that was easily apparent.Besides the differences described previously,the six lug to me had a longer or wider note,maybe that is what makes them sound fatter and easier to play Blues and Nawlin's with my dodgy technique.:)

Excellent input here! It sounds like this will be a great drum. And to me, more open sounding can be a good thing...

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188

I have a 1964 gold sparkle Pioneer. It's one of my favorite snare drums of all, be they wood or metal.

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 4009 Threads: 209

6-lug snare in general are easier to get that "fatback" sound out of.....they naturally want to be tuned a little looser.......but you can crank them up too and they sound great that way too! Hard to get anything in between those extremes though, as the 6-lugs by nature limit the tuning range/capability.

Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 877 Threads: 324

From O-Lugs

I have a 1964 gold sparkle Pioneer. It's one of my favorite snare drums of all, be they wood or metal.

Sweet! I love all of my snares...so hard to pick a favorite!

Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 877 Threads: 324

From Ludwig-dude

6-lug snare in general are easier to get that "fatback" sound out of.....they naturally want to be tuned a little looser.......but you can crank them up too and they sound great that way too! Hard to get anything in between those extremes though, as the 6-lugs by nature limit the tuning range/capability.

This is good info! Always glad for feedback coming from experience. I have much love for my recently acquired jazz festival snare (A great snare indeed and good enough for Ringo!!!), but this will be a nice variation for the wood stuff...

Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 621 Threads: 41

I agree with what's been said here--great drums, usually going for a fair price on ebay, & so easily sold if it doesn't do it for you, so no big risk. I love 'em--I have a bunch--but would still love to see a nice shot of your JF........marko

Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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