"Very likely the only snare drum one would need."
Feature:
Features? What features? that the beauty of the thing! No "features"!! Just a shell, rims, lugs, proven strainer, wires, heads. No porting, adjustable vent holes, hybrid plastic rings, or other crapola. Heck, I don't think they even put an internal muffler on the thing any more. It doesn't need that nonsense!
Quality:
No complaints. The 60's COA tended to lose its chrome over time, as direct plating of aluminum doesn't work well. Nowadays, they seem to have beaten that problem.
Value:
It's fairly priced; this drum is a modern classic, and within the reach of most afcions de Ludwig.
Desirability:
It's always been a nice looking drum, and unless you're playing a Gretsch Byrdland repro kit, the chrome will pretty much go along with anything. It's the sound of this particular drum that is so sexy; I dunno how they do it, but Ludwig has Their Sound, and nothing else will do!
Sound:
This particular drum, the Chrome Over Aluminum (COA)has been the standard pretty much since sound has been recorded, or since Ludwig started making seamless aluminum drum shells, whichever is earlier. Point is, if you could only own ONE snare drum, this is the one to own. It's the classic snare sound, just like all the records (NOT the Chrome Over Brass, BTW) and it will do whatever you want, however you tune it.
Ease of Use:
I was going to say something smart here, but the fact is the Ludwig WeatherMaster batter head isn't too bad. It feels a bit thick and almost "rubbery", but it does keep the shell from ringing. I played a model with an Ambassador batter, and the shell got a little too noisy. IMHO, any metal shelled snare drum should be fitted with die-cast rims, which have never failed to settle a ringy drum for me. What the heck. But with the WM heads as fitted, the drum will truly sound good right outta the box!
Support:
I said ten because I wanted a lot of stars on this rating. I haven't ever had to deal with Ludwig myself. Until a couple years ago, their service was said to be abysmal, but I now hear they have taken a page from the Pearl manual and started getting it right.
Overall:
I own two snare drums; this Supra, and an Omar Hakim sig. I don't pretend to be anything but a drummer who loves his sound and keep a decent beat 51% of the time. There are no other snare drums known to me worth having, period.
Submitted: 8/12/2008
Style of Music: Jazz/Oldies/Ragtime
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