Hammered Bronze

[jptrickster]

This is a sweet deal....I'd be on it but got one already
http://cgi.ebay.com/Beautiful-Ludwig-Hammered-Brass-6-5x14-Snare-Drum_W0QQitemZ160186626266QQihZ006QQcategoryZ64434 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Maybe I need two?!

[mtarrani]

That's a steal. New ones are up to $500 now. Somebody grab that sucker!

[mtarrani]

Gone! Anyone here snag it?

[Butch1970]

That was a nice snag for someone.

[RICK]

Thank you all! Yes, I snagged it. I couldn't resist it, not only for the price, but also because of what might be the inclusion of the Millennium p86 strainer on it, which is real nice. I wanted the same sized Black Beauty, but some have said that this one sounds nicer, and it's just about half the price.

Any comments as to its true quality and performance?

Thanks again.

[mtarrani]

Thank you all! Yes, I snagged it. I couldn't resist it, not only for the price, but also because of what might be the inclusion of the Millennium p86 strainer on it, which is real nice. I wanted the same sized Black Beauty, but some have said that this one sounds nicer, and it's just about half the price.

Any comments as to its true quality and performance?

Thanks again.

Congrats. That drum is one of the most unique metal snare drums in that it has a very woody sound.. I experimented a bit with mine, trying 42-strand wires, 16-strand Puresounds, and a variety of heads. I went back to the stock snares, and my favorite head - coated Ambassador - and found the combination that works best for me. Mine has been in a bag for almost a year, but only because I have so many snare drums already. I may just have to pull it out this weekend and set it up to reacquaint myself with her. Regardless, I think you are going to love it - and especially at the price you paid. It was a steal. For what it's worth, I'd take it over a Black Beauty any way.

[Agopsalott]

Thank you all! Yes, I snagged it. I couldn't resist it, not only for the price, but also because of what might be the inclusion of the Millennium p86 strainer on it, which is real nice.

Congrats Rick. Great drum and a super price. I did see the P86. That's considered an upgrade. I also wear mine around my neck for extra bling when I'm out clubbing. You done good man.

[Flam254]

Congrats. That drum is one of the most unique metal snare drums in that it has a very woody sound.. I experimented a bit with mine, trying 42-strand wires, 16-strand Puresounds, and a variety of heads. I went back to the stock snares, and my favorite head - coated Ambassador - and found the combination that works best for me. Mine has been in a bag for almost a year, but only because I have so many snare drums already. I may just have to pull it out this weekend and set it up to reacquaint myself with her. Regardless, I think you are going to love it - and especially at the price you paid. It was a steal. For what it's worth, I'd take it over a Black Beauty any way.

Agreed! Picked one up because of the rave reviews on this site!

this drum has became my #1 snare....

[jptrickster]

Nice grab Rick.........I figured it wouldn't last long at that price. Its a beautiful sounding snare....I experimented with all the different hoop set-up and finally found the right ones for me. ... just love the focus and rimshots with die cast hoops......no need for any muffling on this one
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/jptrickster/040.jpg

[jskdrums]

Looks like it's got Canopus Leather washers on it too. What a steal. I've got one of these & it's a great snare! Enjoy it!

[RICK]

Interestingly, I pulled the trigger so fast that I neglected to read the owner's description of hammered BRASS. To my knowledge, he can't be correct. That particular shell has always been bronze. Am I correct?

[mtarrani]

Interestingly, I pulled the trigger so fast that I neglected to read the owner's description of hammered BRASS. To my knowledge, he can't be correct. That particular shell has always been bronze. Am I correct?

I think it was a mistake on the seller's part. I would bet bronze. I don't think Ludwig makes a hammered brass outside of the Black Beauties.

[bdbop]

Interestingly, I pulled the trigger so fast that I neglected to read the owner's description of hammered BRASS. To my knowledge, he can't be correct. That particular shell has always been bronze. Am I correct?Yes. I have one of these also and it is a "go to" snare drum that will never let you down. Seriously. I use 42 strand wires, the Ludwig WeatherMaster clear snare side head and a Modern Vintage medium up top. It's a fabulous drum that will be a keeper for you and you got a great deal from Dee Pop, a terrific guy. Congratulations.

[bjisteve]

That's a steal. New ones are up to $500 now. Somebody grab that sucker!
I paid $400 shipped for mine brand new from Forks a few months ago. I checked not too long ago at interstate music and they were $380. I don't know why people are paying so much for them.

And it is a great drum.

[mtarrani]

I paid $400 shipped for mine brand new from Forks a few months ago. I checked not too long ago at interstate music and they were $380. I don't know why people are paying so much for them.

And it is a great drum.

$380 for the 6.5x14? Haven't seen that price since 2005. Even Explodie on eBay is higher and he cuts some bargains.

[RICK]

I paid $400 shipped for mine brand new from Forks a few months ago. I checked not too long ago at interstate music and they were $380. I don't know why people are paying so much for them.

And it is a great drum.

I checked all the drum stores and on line, and it seems that everybody has the 6 1/2 x 14 hammered bronze Ludwig at $469, no more, no less. I paid $350.

All of these have the cheap, stock P85 strainer. This one has the P86 Millennium strainer which adds a few dollars to the price (how much, I don't know) and supposedly, it's mint. We'll see......................

[mtarrani]

I checked all the drum stores and on line, and it seems that everybody has the 6 1/2 x 14 hammered bronze Ludwig at $469, no more, no less. I paid $350.

All of these have the cheap, stock P85 strainer. This one has the P86 Millennium strainer which adds a few dollars to the price (how much, I don't know) and supposedly, it's mint. We'll see......................

$469 is a fair price (although I've seen them higher I have not seen them lower in any of the online sellers off eBay). The P86 probably adds $40-50 to the price. You stole it and don;t let anyone tell you otherwise.

[jptrickster]

and throw in another few bucks for slightly aged patina......

[bjisteve]

http://www.interstatemusic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10021&storeId=10051&productId=900000642&langId=-1

Hit the "phone/e-mail for price" button, see what you get. Patina extra.

[DrumTheBenway]

http://www.interstatemusic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10021&storeId=10051&productId=900000642&langId=-1

Hit the "phone/e-mail for price" button, see what you get. Patina extra.

$388 for the 5" x 14"

$380 for the 6.5" x 14"

Crazy, but it does seem to be true. Somebody else should grab THAT!! If I didn't already own one, I would.

[pack]

$388 for the 5" x 14"

$380 for the 6.5" x 14"

Crazy, but it does seem to be true. Somebody else should grab THAT!! If I didn't already own one, I would.

Hi, this prices can be for the "smooth finish", not the hammered one

[RICK]

Prices are for smooth finish, not hammered, and with standard P85 strainer. It says that hammered models are "available".

[mtarrani]

Hi, this prices can be for the "smooth finish", not the hammered one

The smooth finish ones go for a lot less. Heck, they rarely sell on eBay when they are listed in the $200s.

[DrumTheBenway]

I stand corrected. What jerk gave me that link anyway?!? :whistling

[jptrickster]

Because we dont have anything better to do on a Sunday nite we could watch this one......4 hrs to go

Not as nice as Ricks
http://cgi.ebay.com/LUDWIG-Hand-Hammered-BRONZE-SNARE-DRUM-6-5-X-14-w-bag_W0QQitemZ120188871520QQihZ002QQcategoryZ64434Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[mtarrani]

Because we dont have anything better to do on a Sunday nite we could watch this one......4 hrs to go

Not as nice as Ricks
http://cgi.ebay.com/LUDWIG-Hand-Hammered-BRONZE-SNARE-DRUM-6-5-X-14-w-bag_W0QQitemZ120188871520QQihZ002QQcategoryZ64434Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

... and will probably go for more too. I keep looking for a 5x14.

[Butch1970]

Thank you all! Yes, I snagged it. I couldn't resist it, not only for the price, but also because of what might be the inclusion of the Millennium p86 strainer on it, which is real nice. I wanted the same sized Black Beauty, but some have said that this one sounds nicer, and it's just about half the price.

Any comments as to its true quality and performance?

Thanks again.

The hammered bronze and the BB or COB are all great drums - I don't regret owning both.

[mtarrani]

This is not such a rarity, so I will share.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ludwig-Hammered-Bronze-Supersensitive-6-5-x-14_W0QQitemZ200180493205QQihZ010QQcategoryZ64434QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Holy crap! I was a nano second from clicking the BIN when I noticed this:

This picture was taken before I upgraded to the supersensitive strainer.

One can only imagine potential issues like extra holes, etc.

[RICK]

Because we dont have anything better to do on a Sunday nite we could watch this one......4 hrs to go

Not as nice as Ricks
http://cgi.ebay.com/LUDWIG-Hand-Hammered-BRONZE-SNARE-DRUM-6-5-X-14-w-bag_W0QQitemZ120188871520QQihZ002QQcategoryZ64434Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=2551924&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2FLUDWIG-Hand-Hammered-BRONZE-SNARE-DRUM-6-5-X-14-w-bag_W0QQitemZ120188871520QQihZ002QQcategoryZ64434Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

This one looks nice too, and with a bag. 2 minutes to go...snag it!

OOPS...gone at $306. I can't WAIT for mine!

[bjisteve]

I stand corrected. What jerk gave me that link anyway?!? :whistling
All I can say is, I went to that link when I was ready to buy mine. I called interstate to make sure that price ($400 then) was for the hammered shell. They confirmed that it was, but they didn't have one in stock. I called around, found one at Forks, they agreed to match interstate's price - $400 shipped. So that's what I paid (with a P-85 straner, which I've since replaced with a P86).

[DrumTheBenway]

All I can say is, I went to that link when I was ready to buy mine. I called interstate to make sure that price ($400 then) was for the hammered shell. They confirmed that it was, but they didn't have one in stock. I called around, found one at Forks, they agreed to match interstate's price - $400 shipped. So that's what I paid (with a P-85 straner, which I've since replaced with a P86).

Nicely done. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I've gotten my best online deals in a similar manner. I search for the lowest advertised price (which is always for a piece that's not in stock) and then have one of the other online dealers match it.

[RICK]

Yes. I have one of these also and it is a "go to" snare drum that will never let you down. Seriously. I use 42 strand wires, the Ludwig WeatherMaster clear snare side head and a Modern Vintage medium up top. It's a fabulous drum that will be a keeper for you and you got a great deal from Dee Pop, a terrific guy. Congratulations.

Well, the 6 1/2 x 14 hammered bronze Ludwig snare drum has arrived...and what a drum!!! I am simply astounded by its dynamic range, especially at the soft end of the spectrum! I expected it to get that loud, but it exhibits incredible sensitivity when played soft.

Dee Pop was wonderful to deal with, but I wonder of he realizes the following or not:

1. The shell is hammered bronze, not brass as he wrote, and bronze is what I wanted.

2. The snare has a set of 42 strand wires on it which sound phenomenal, but are not Ludwig.

3. The washers are all the roller bearing "click stop" mechanisms for ease of tuning, and are not Ludwig. I always wanted to try them, and they are GREAT.

4. The strainer IS the P86 Millennium which he didn't mention.

I am highly impressed with the snare, and astounded by its versatility. It produces so many voices, that it leaves wood drums that I've played (and I've got a couple of beauties!) sounding veiled. In contrast, its full, rich, warmth renders some top of the line aluminum and brass drums sounding very bright, but having no more detail. This drum just exudes frequencies from the entire spectrum. It doesn't lack highs at all; there is just the addition of a wide midrange and a meaty low end to boot blended in with the treble. Played in the center, it gives a thick, dry smack. Played toward the rim, this drum is WIDE OPEN, and sings! This snare is astounding. When I saw Grand Funk play (I was in the first row), Don Brewer played this exact drum. It has so much CRAAACK that I feared it would lack a certain sophistication. My fears were totally unfounded. Depending on tune and heads, I simply cannot imagine a venue in which using this snare would be inappropriate. This is no small achievement.

Thank you all for the time and attention you gave to me in this thread, and especially to those who recommended pursuing this fine instrument.

[bjisteve]

I just got in from a gig (piano trio), and my hammered bronze blew me away again. It's my only snare, and other than thinkingI should have a back-up in case something breaks, I don't feel a need for any other snare drum. I'm seriously considering getting another for the back-up.
Enjoy it.

[mtarrani]

Thank you all for the time and attention you gave to me in this thread, and especially to those who recommended pursuing this fine instrument.

Everyone should have that as a second or third snare drum, if not their main one. Dee Pop's oversights are possibly why you snagged it for such a low price. If that is your first P86, you will never go back to a P85!

The other upgrades sound like you got an even better steal. I know Mark (bdbop) likes 42-strand snares on his, but I recommend that you give it a shot with standard Ludwig 20-strand wires just to note the contrast. I prefer the stock Ludwig snares on mine, even over my mainstay, which are 16-strand Puresounds.

Congratulations!

[DrumTheBenway]

I've got Canopus wires on mine. Talk about sensitivity.

How easy is it to upgrade to a P86 strainer? And where's a good place to buy one?

[mtarrani]

I've got Canopus wires on mine. Talk about sensitivity.

How easy is it to upgrade to a P86 strainer? And where's a good place to buy one?

It is super simple to upgrade. Same hole pattern. West Coast Drum Center, Forks Drum Closet and just about any of the major online drum shops carry them (I got my last 3 from Long Island Drum Center online). I recently saw one, new in bag, on eBay, so check there too.

[phatcat]

Well, the 6 1/2 x 14 hammered bronze Ludwig snare drum has arrived...and what a drum!!! I am simply astounded by its dynamic range, especially at the soft end of the spectrum! I expected it to get that loud, but it exhibits incredible sensitivity when played soft.

Dee Pop was wonderful to deal with, but I wonder of he realizes the following or not:

1. The shell is hammered bronze, not brass as he wrote, and bronze is what I wanted.

2. The snare has a set of 42 strand wires on it which sound phenomenal, but are not Ludwig.

3. The washers are all the roller bearing "click stop" mechanisms for ease of tuning, and are not Ludwig. I always wanted to try them, and they are GREAT.

4. The strainer IS the P86 Millennium which he didn't mention.

I am highly impressed with the snare, and astounded by its versatility. It produces so many voices, that it leaves wood drums that I've played (and I've got a couple of beauties!) sounding veiled. In contrast, its full, rich, warmth renders some top of the line aluminum and brass drums sounding very bright, but having no more detail. This drum just exudes frequencies from the entire spectrum. It doesn't lack highs at all; there is just the addition of a wide midrange and a meaty low end to boot blended in with the treble. Played in the center, it gives a thick, dry smack. Played toward the rim, this drum is WIDE OPEN, and sings! This snare is astounding. When I saw Grand Funk play (I was in the first row), Don Brewer played this exact drum. It has so much CRAAACK that I feared it would lack a certain sophistication. My fears were totally unfounded. Depending on tune and heads, I simply cannot imagine a venue in which using this snare would be inappropriate. This is no small achievement.

Thank you all for the time and attention you gave to me in this thread, and especially to those who recommended pursuing this fine instrument.

That seals it! I need to buy one.

You should be a salesman. That was a stirring testimonial.

[RICK]

Everyone should have that as a second or third snare drum, if not their main one. Dee Pop's oversights are possibly why you snagged it for such a low price. If that is your first P86, you will never go back to a P85!

The other upgrades sound like you got an even better steal. I know Mark (bdbop) likes 42-strand snares on his, but I recommend that you give it a shot with standard Ludwig 20-strand wires just to note the contrast. I prefer the stock Ludwig snares on mine, even over my mainstay, which are 16-strand Puresounds.

Congratulations!

I have a couple of sets of Puresounds...I wonder what bronze wires sound like on bronze snares.

[RICK]

That seals it! I need to buy one.

You should be a salesman. That was a stirring testimonial.

Thanks much. Years ago, I was in sales, and would only sell what I was passionate about, to the chagrin of the owner who wanted me to peddle mediocre items. I kept to my guns.

Believe me, this snare is a winner!

[Flyin6]

I have a 5x14 HHB SS. It was my main snare from late '85 until I got addicted to building my own drums about 3 years ago. I have had her at rehearsals for the past 2 weeks and had renewed my love for this drums tone. I had it as my back up drum to the gig this weekend, figuring my 6x14 CF would be more meaty sounding in this thin and ringy room we played, but I threw her up on the stand for soundcheck and she never left........damn fine sounding drum.