In an era when live sound was everything, to bring sound to the audienceThe sound of the instrument itselfwas the most important factor. In an age when big bands, orchestras, and PA systems like those of recent years did not exist, how could one improve the sound? The vintage drums we have today are the result of craftsmen's quest for the best sound.
You can hear the live sound of vintage drums at our store, but for those who live far away from us and have no chance to touch the vintage drums, we would like to show you the sound of the vintage drums. We have recorded the sound of 9 vintage snares for those who don't have a chance to hear the sound of vintage drums.
The collection includes 7 heavy brass snares from the 1920's to 1930's, mainly the Ludwig Black Beauty, which was a particularly famous product during the heyday of live sound, and Ludwig LM402 / LM400 from the 1970's for comparison purposes. The set/cymbals are Ludwig/Zildjian from the 1970s.
We welcome you to use it as a reference when purchasing a snare, or simply to enjoy the sound. Please take a look.
1] Ludwig Silver Anniversary Snare Drum 14 "x6.5" 8Lug, circa 1935
2] Ludwig Black Beauty 14 "x4" 10 lug, circa 1928-34
3] Around 1925 Ludwig Deluxe 15" x 6.5" 10Lug
4] circa 1927-30 Ludwig Ludwigold / Super Ludwig 14" x 5" 10Lug
5] circa 1928-34 Ludwig Black Beauty 15" x 6.5" 10Lug
6] circa 1932-34 Ludwig Black Beauty / Super Ludwig 14" x 6.5" 10Lug
7] circa 1923-25 Ludwig Deluxe 14" x 6.5" 6Lug
8] 1978-9 Ludwig LM402 14" x 6.5" 10Lug
9] 1972 Ludwig LM400 14" x 5" 8Lug
Introducing the sound of vintage snares!
[1] Circa 1935.
Ludwig Silver Anniversary Snare Drum 14 "x6.5" 8Lug
This Silver Anniversary model was changed from the conventional Tube Lug to the Imperial Lug. The sound itself is wonderful (volume and overtones). The sound comes out very forward, so I feel it is not buried. It also has low frequencies and mid-highs, and rather than a specific frequency coming out, there is an impression that the whole sound comes out gently in the front. It seems to be good for singing with a lower tuning. It also has a slightly bright feel due to the fact that it is all around.
2] Around 1928-34
Ludwig Black Beauty 14 "x4" 10Lug
This is a Black Beauty with a "Professional Strainar" on the strainer. The volume and attack are great. The depth is 4", but it is more powerful than that. It has a response that picks up even the smallest of sounds, and it gives the impression of coming forward in a sharp way. It feels like a super rock unit.
3] Around 1925
Ludwig Deluxe 15" x 6.5" 10Lug
This is a 15" size instrument with a large bore. Perhaps due to its size, the volume is also very loud. It also has a bass sound even when tension is applied. It seems to work well in a configuration with many horns, such as a big band.
4] Around 1927-30
Ludwig Ludwigold / Super Ludwig 14" x 5" 10Lug
This is a rare Ludwigold with a special gold coating on the brass (like a Les Paul Gold Top on a guitar). It gives the impression that the whole snare is ringing. It seems as if the entire snare is ringing, and the sound is being received and released. Also, perhaps due to the surface coating, it has a very soft sound.
5] Around 1928-34
Ludwig Black Beauty 15" x 6.5" 10Lug
This is a Black Beauty with "Professional Strainar". I have the impression that the hook type has a great sound. The 15" size may be a feature of its wide sweet spot. Among the ones I tried this time, it had a slightly darker sound.
6] Around 1932-34
Ludwig Black Beauty / Super Ludwig 14" x 6.5" 10Lug
This snare was produced before the company's Silver Anniversary model ( 1935 ). The contrast between the black shell and the silver parts is very austere. This is "THE SNARE" and has a very orthodox feel. It feels good to play, but be careful not to play too much.
7] Around 1923-25
Ludwig Deluxe 14" x 6.5" 6Lug
This is a 6-tension instrument. It is a little loose and gentle, but has a strong Ludwig sound. It is an interesting instrument to enjoy slowly.
8] 1978-9
Ludwig LM402 14" x 6.5" 10Lug
This is one of Ludwig's most famous snare, SUPRAPHONIC LM402. This is one of the snares that everyone is familiar with. We recorded this snare for sound comparison.
9] 1972
Ludwig LM400 14" x 5" 8Lug
This is one of Ludwig's most famous models, the SUPRAPHONIC LM400. This is also one of the snare machines that everyone is familiar with. We recorded this snare for sound comparison.
