Ode to the Acrolite When you’re low You are deep You are fat When you’re high You go pop You go crack You make me smile You bring me joy You are so much more than a student’s toy ... Thanks for sharing, Mike!
When I was 13 In 1966 I bought with my summer job money a Acrolite snare from Manny’s music on 48th in Manhattan. I still have the drum and will never sell it.
I love Acrolites. They're like the Telecaster of snare. I only have two snares, and one is beat up early 80s Acrolite, which is pretty undistinguished as Acrolites go, but it still sounds awesome.
I own a 65 Acrolite I bought in 66 from school when I was a student drummer. I have carried it around with me since then. I started playing again about a year and a half ago. Original snare head and wires. Still sounds great.
Maaaan, all of those drums sound fantastic. I feel this series might be dangerous for me, haha! Super stoked. Great information and examples. Thank you.
Haha, indeed - while at the same time makes it much more so a "reasonable purchase" once a month..Or week.. :-) Sadly though, leave the US and suddenly it seems like all used drums go up by 50%, haha. Thanks for the great content, Mike!
I love this series. I've bought 2 1960's Slingerland Artist snares in the past 4 months. Dawson is single-handedly reinvigorating the used snare market with these videos. Oh yeah, I also bought an Acrolite.
I just ordered the 5 x 14 acrolite black galaxy used. but in good shape. about to see what it's all about. from all the videos I've seen on it. it sounds amazing! like a snare should.
Thanks for great video. Own an Acro -76 for my son’s kit. Awesome drum that get compliments from visiting drummers! As most insiders know, shell is same as Supra, but w. 8 lugs (possibly) contributing to a tone difference. Quite identical to my ears. Changed strainer for new Ludwig P88. Works like a Inde strainer, but keeps it “Ludwig”. Clear 2-ply heads and gels = funk & hip hop heaven.
I just bought an Acrolite , and found this video! Nice to see you on youtube! Love Your podcast, Mike and all the Modern Drummer stuff, I've been a subscriber since the mid nineties, when I started playing for fun in high school. I think this drum will work perfect in my classic rock, country roots americana bands I play in. My favorite old 14" 2000 Pearl Brass Sensitone snare can be too bright and loud sometimes and I've always wanted an acolyte to compliment my Ludwig kit.
@@MikeDawsonDrums This is the video, and that last drum is the reason I went and got an identical Acro to that last one. Thanks for inspiring me. One of my best buys ever!
Great video and great explanation of tunings and notes. That being said I finally got my first acrolite onto the kit today and it does really sound incredible. I bought it primarily off your recommendation on the podcast. So, thank you!
I'm really digging on your channel & subscribed. love my black Galaxy acrolite. Not to mention my mid 80s Ludwig super classics. 14X20k 10x10t 12X12t 14X14ft and my 5.5x15 black galaxy acrolite. I've been gigging and doing studio work on this kit since 1993-2016. That's over two decades of pure enjoyment. The only thing I've ever had done was the bearing edges in 1999, I had them recut to 30° instead of the original 45°. Engineers and front of house guys l love this kit. It's amazing how much low-end and presents I get out of that 20 inch kick drum. 🥁🤘
This was amazing to watch!! But most of all bc it's the same drum model but 4 different ones, used in 4 different ways...love that! It's not the typically, here's the same drum in 3 different tuning ranges...really shows the breadth and depth of this drum!
I bought a barely used 1970 Acrolite for $100, been playing it professionally for 10+ years. I crank it tight and have two Big Fat Snares to change the flavor depending on the song. It will likely be my go-to snare until I retire.
For decades, the price of a used Acrolite was $100 even. I got one in 2018 for $135. They're probably $200 today, but I imagine Acrolite inflation is going to cool off for a while, because you shouldn't use the tens place or the ones place when buying or selling an Acrolite.
Mike thanks for the video. You inspired me to pick one of these up. Snagged a ‘76 5x14. Had the guys over at Chuck Levins put a new strainer and new heads and snares. Sounds great! Awesome low fat sound.
6:07 "FAT DUDE"...made me subscribe right away :-) as a recording-engineer THIS is the stuff I loooooove = thanks for a nice sound! ...oh and also, the "wurst/groin mic" over the kick - always use that as well :-)
If I'm not mistaken, the song, CALL ME, from the great master of soul music, AL GREEN, was recorded with a snare drum of that model. I consider this recording, one of the oldest examples of recorded snares in low tuning. A beautiful sound that would become very popular in the age of disco music, funk and the great romantic ballads.
I have three, and love all of them. My most recent acquisition was the hammered 6.5, and that thing is so rock 'n' roll! Love these vids, man... keep 'em coming!
I don't know for some reason I like the 60s Acrolites better than the 70s. I have a 67 Acrolite in excellent shape that sounds fantastic. A very underrated drum.
Love this, looking forward to seeing more of your collection! I have the battleship grey myself, and have not used any other snare since I got it, such a great sounding and versatile instrument.
@@MikeDawsonDrums I had a battleship grey and mistakenly let it go. In keeping with owning just one snare (really thinning the herd), I elected to go with a 6.5" Ludwig Copperphonic. Beautiful instrument! I am tempted to re-acquire an Acrolite, but I also have my eye on Ludwig's Legacy Re-issue Mahogany Jazz 5.5". Penny for your thoughts. Ps: New to and really digging the Mike + Mike podcasts. Thx!
@@MikeDawsonDrums yeah, man! Keep on making them. There are never enough snare drum vids, especially when they're as well made as what you're producing. It's awesome, man!
My first metal snare was a dynasonic but the throw off broke so I bought a battleship gray for $50 and was amazed. I now have a 6.5 x 14 10 lug acrolite but would go back in a hot second if I had to
The acrolite is beyond awesome for the price. I started on an acrolite. Every good boy does fine doesn’t apply to drums. You can tune or you can’t. The acrolite just needs to be tuned tight,snare wires and heads....coated top heads.
I never understood why people diss this drum. I love Acrolite snare drums! I had a chance to buy one in high school for about $50 but I didn't...I was dumb. ;-) Recently I saw the flat grey version for sale for $75. The problem? The guy who is selling it lives in Bum f*ck, WA! Waaaaaay out on the coast of Washington state and I don't drive. Aaaaaaaaaaaaa! LOL.
Awesome stuff Mike! I had to laugh when I saw your snare side stick. It’s doing the same things mine do! Choppin wood man! 😎😎😎 Right on. Love yer playin. ❤️❤️❤️
Awesome! I bought a 70 about a year ago and it's definitely become my go to recording snare. Loving that low tuning you did and will definitely try it as I've had a hard time changing it from a low-medium tuning because it just always seems to work there with no fuss for tracking.
Hard to find here in New Zealand... Unless I import from the States (plus taxes, import duties and shipping). Currently have 3 snares. All aluminum. Recording Custom, Supra and Acro. I think it's the best snare shell material :)
The acro just works under mics for me. I think it's the natural 8 lug tension ceiling. Mine tops out at about 280 hz (cranked). And it just sounds amazing between 260-280... or tuned 'fat' loose top head it also sounds killer
All 4 sounds were really great. Cool that you used the Jim Riley's track. I'll come back to it when at the same chapter lol Definitely a great series of video. Please keep going :D
yeah in my case, since i don't really play drums that much (just learning to play jazz as a hobby), i would get it thinking more as a producer since for some reason none of my pro drummer friends have acrolites here.
Love this .....Awesome insight Mike. Looking forward to more videos. I don't have an Acrolite but only a Supraphonic. Are they similar in sound and volume?
Just bought one for myself, can't wait to get my hands on it! Quick question though: what about the bottom heads, do you usually keep them all in the same tuning, regardless of the batter head?
FANTASTIC Video - THANK YOU. Just found you via IG and "officialsnaregreek". My first real drum was the Orange-Peel which is still on my current practice set. This video reignites my LOVE for the drum.
It looks like there is a round object, perhaps the felt from an internal damper that has come unfastened, moving around inside the snare you are holding during the intro and outro. Can you explain?
I gotta say nice video, the acrolite is not gonna be easy for most non professional players to get, so I would recommend the yam stage custom steel 14 x5 as an ideal value soundalike.
So cool to have a look into your collection. How are you recording these? I notice there is a 57 plus pencil mic pointing across the snare (not towards the head) as well as the 57 above the kick pointed towards the snare
Hey Mike, as a new-ish but now frequent listener of the MD podcast, I had to check out your channel and as an Acrolite fan, this is right up my alley. So first of all, thanks for making this video! I have a quick question. And forgive me, if this seems stupid, but I've never heard of or used the term "lug pitch" (possibly 'cause I'm from Germany and although I'm quite familiar with international drum terminology, this has escaped me so far). Does this describe the pitch of the batter head at the location of each individual lug, or is there any other way to measure pitch here? Thanks and keep doing everything you do. It's a great resource for all of us!
Michael Dawson shame you’re 3000 miles away, I’d have loaned you one to try. I have one with steel hoops, one with aluminium hoops. Very different to the 1967 regular one I have.
Thanks for this video! Really good 👌🏼 So with the Indie/Rock Tuning the batter head is at 247 Hz? What‘s the pitch of the resonant head? I‘d be really thankful if you could help me here 🙏🏼
Yup! I just learned that recently as I was researching for this video. The original "prototype" Acrolites from the '60s had a similar texture, but they were anodized. Those are super hard to find. The '80s ones aren't as rare.
I just bought a keystone badge Acrolite from the 60's, identical to your last one here because of this video. I just need to know, how is the resonant head tuned on that last Acro? Tabletop tight? Or a little less? And what reso head is it?
Absolutely wonderful snare drum sound you're getting on these drums!! I'd like to ask your advice on how you tune your bottom heads and do you just leave it set in one tuning? Also was curious on the hi hats you're using? They sound fantastic! Really great job on getting killer sounds out of these different ludwig snares!!
@@MikeDawsonDrums Thank you for the reply! I've been on snare lookout. I think it's the most important component of a drummers set up. I picked up an acrolite for $100 and really like it. I think its the battleship grey. Had the chance to get a vintage pearl locally for $40 and I hesitated and it sold (dang)! It was a beauty too. Have a great day.
I just bought a used Black Galaxy Acrolite this week and replaced the heads and snare wires. Having issues getting a good sound out of it but I think it’s my tuning. How tight to do do your resonant head? Thanks! (I’m using an Evans 300 snare side head and an Evans Genera Dry batter head)
I just picked up an Acrolite on Reverb last week for my studio, although I do not know much about drums, I do recognize a great sounding snare when I hear one. I gave the snare to my drummer to set up, he was going to throw an Evans reverse dot on it, but the snare head was new and he said to use it up for a short time before replacing. The head is a Remo Ambassador coated 10 mil 1 ply. Also, he tried several different snare wires and was just not getting the sound he liked; then he threw a Fat Cat Snappy 30 and it came to life. He said one day I may want to get a new throw-off but after jamming with this snare, I am sold. It sounds amazing. I thought the ring was a bit much and was going to engage the muffy thing but after recording and jamming, you really cannot hear any big time ring. It sounds perfect.
Ode to the Acrolite
When you’re low
You are deep
You are fat
When you’re high
You go pop
You go crack
You make me smile
You bring me joy
You are so much more than a student’s toy
...
Thanks for sharing, Mike!
Ha! Amazing!
When I was 13 In 1966 I bought with my summer job money a Acrolite snare from Manny’s music on 48th in Manhattan. I still have the drum and will never sell it.
I love Acrolites. They're like the Telecaster of snare. I only have two snares, and one is beat up early 80s Acrolite, which is pretty undistinguished as Acrolites go, but it still sounds awesome.
I own a 65 Acrolite I bought in 66 from school when I was a student drummer. I have carried it around with me since then. I started playing again about a year and a half ago. Original snare head and wires. Still sounds great.
I have a 1968 acrolite, what is the best heads for it? and i use 20 strand pure sound wire.
I have a 67 that I put single flanged hoops on. It's the snare I've used the longest and most often out of all the ones I've owned over the years.
Maaaan, all of those drums sound fantastic. I feel this series might be dangerous for me, haha!
Super stoked. Great information and examples. Thank you.
Good thing most of my favorite drums are cheapies! Ha!
Haha, indeed - while at the same time makes it much more so a "reasonable purchase" once a month..Or week.. :-)
Sadly though, leave the US and suddenly it seems like all used drums go up by 50%, haha.
Thanks for the great content, Mike!
I love this series. I've bought 2 1960's Slingerland Artist snares in the past 4 months. Dawson is single-handedly reinvigorating the used snare market with these videos. Oh yeah, I also bought an Acrolite.
I like that 80's one too.
Got everyone of these snares!! My first snare was a 64" keystone badge, been thru thick and thin w that one, part of my DNA. Will never part!!
I just ordered the 5 x 14 acrolite black galaxy used. but in good shape. about to see what it's all about. from all the videos I've seen on it. it sounds amazing! like a snare should.
I just bought a 1966 Acrolite and it's going into the studio next month so I brought up this video you did on tuning. Thanks for all the tips.
Love my 64' and 77'. Must have in a snare collection.
Agreed!
Thanks for great video. Own an Acro -76 for my son’s kit. Awesome drum that get compliments from visiting drummers! As most insiders know, shell is same as Supra, but w. 8 lugs (possibly) contributing to a tone difference. Quite identical to my ears. Changed strainer for new Ludwig P88. Works like a Inde strainer, but keeps it “Ludwig”. Clear 2-ply heads and gels = funk & hip hop heaven.
Fantastic video. Great sounding drums and playing. I love my 70s acrolite!
I watch this video and it makes me feel better about owning 4 Ludwig 400’s!
True that! Never enough Ludwigs in anyone's collection.
First one is my fave by far (tuning). Crisp, nice pitch and ring. Great recording snare. I tend to like 5” and 4” snares cranked up.
Acrolite all day every day !! 🤘🏻
I just bought an Acrolite , and found this video! Nice to see you on youtube! Love Your podcast, Mike and all the Modern Drummer stuff, I've been a subscriber since the mid nineties, when I started playing for fun in high school. I think this drum will work perfect in my classic rock, country roots americana bands I play in. My favorite old 14" 2000 Pearl Brass Sensitone snare can be too bright and loud sometimes and I've always wanted an acolyte to compliment my Ludwig kit.
So glad to see you doing this Mike. Love the podcast too.
Holy balls I thought this was new... damnit
More to come!
Number 3 snare’s crack and beef together sound amazing. love that tuning range. Awesome video 👌🏻
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice, the final 70's style 'splat' drum is my favourite...
That's the one most producers love.
@@MikeDawsonDrums This is the video, and that last drum is the reason I went and got an identical Acro to that last one. Thanks for inspiring me. One of my best buys ever!
What a great video series loved it bro thanks for including tuning pitches
Dude...that 60's shell...WOW. Looks and sounds gorgeous. Great video!
Great Series Mike. And my favorite snare.
Jimmy Jazz thanks and mine too! 👍
Sold my 70 acro. Down to just 4 now. '69 Supra, '70 Jazz Fest, '48 Radio King and '75 brass Sling. Gene Krupa. Gene really cracks!
Great video and great explanation of tunings and notes. That being said I finally got my first acrolite onto the kit today and it does really sound incredible. I bought it primarily off your recommendation on the podcast. So, thank you!
MillerMav that’s awesome! Congrats!
Such a great series!
I'm really digging on your channel & subscribed. love my black Galaxy acrolite. Not to mention my mid 80s Ludwig super classics. 14X20k 10x10t 12X12t 14X14ft
and my 5.5x15 black galaxy acrolite. I've been gigging and doing studio work on this kit since 1993-2016. That's over two decades of pure enjoyment. The only thing I've ever had done was the bearing edges in 1999, I had them recut to 30° instead of the original 45°. Engineers and front of house guys l love this kit. It's amazing how much low-end and presents I get out of that 20 inch kick drum. 🥁🤘
Thanks, Mike! Mine is a '77 that I won on an ebay bid for cheap. The only thing wrong with it was a bent snare tension knob. Easy fix, sounds great!
Very nice!
This was amazing to watch!! But most of all bc it's the same drum model but 4 different ones, used in 4 different ways...love that! It's not the typically, here's the same drum in 3 different tuning ranges...really shows the breadth and depth of this drum!
Thanks, Bob! Glad you dig it.
You get great sounds and your playing is awesome!
Thanks so much!
Great vid, man. Nice Zildjians, too!
best acro demo i've seen!
Thank you!
Lovely drums & lovely playing!
I bought a barely used 1970 Acrolite for $100, been playing it professionally for 10+ years. I crank it tight and have two Big Fat Snares to change the flavor depending on the song. It will likely be my go-to snare until I retire.
For decades, the price of a used Acrolite was $100 even. I got one in 2018 for $135. They're probably $200 today, but I imagine Acrolite inflation is going to cool off for a while, because you shouldn't use the tens place or the ones place when buying or selling an Acrolite.
Mike thanks for the video. You inspired me to pick one of these up. Snagged a ‘76 5x14. Had the guys over at Chuck Levins put a new strainer and new heads and snares. Sounds great! Awesome low fat sound.
6:07 "FAT DUDE"...made me subscribe right away :-) as a recording-engineer THIS is the stuff I loooooove = thanks for a nice sound!
...oh and also, the "wurst/groin mic" over the kick - always use that as well :-)
I’m lovin the sound of this kit. The kick sounds great. I’ve been wanting a bop kit for small rooms and church events.
Bucks Co yellowheart bop kit. It’s one of my treasured faves.
All are amazing. I must own one!
If I'm not mistaken, the song, CALL ME, from the great master of soul music, AL GREEN, was recorded with a snare drum of that model. I consider this recording, one of the oldest examples of recorded snares in low tuning. A beautiful sound that would become very popular in the age of disco music, funk and the great romantic ballads.
Thanks Mike.... this was very interesting and informative.... wow what a difference between the drums..... this is going to be a fun series.
Carl Upthegrove thanks for checking it out!
I have three, and love all of them. My most recent acquisition was the hammered 6.5, and that thing is so rock 'n' roll! Love these vids, man... keep 'em coming!
I don't know for some reason I like the 60s Acrolites better than the 70s. I have a 67 Acrolite in excellent shape that sounds fantastic. A very underrated drum.
Great video Mike! The grooves are killer too!
Powell Randolph thanks dude!
Love this, looking forward to seeing more of your collection!
I have the battleship grey myself, and have not used any other snare since I got it, such a great sounding and versatile instrument.
Johan Linder that’s the one I use most often too. 👍👍
@@MikeDawsonDrums I had a battleship grey and mistakenly let it go. In keeping with owning just one snare (really thinning the herd), I elected to go with a 6.5" Ludwig Copperphonic. Beautiful instrument! I am tempted to re-acquire an Acrolite, but I also have my eye on Ludwig's Legacy Re-issue Mahogany Jazz 5.5". Penny for your thoughts. Ps: New to and really digging the Mike + Mike podcasts. Thx!
Loving these video's
Thanks for checking them out!
Got all 4 of those!!
Awesome, awesome video! Thanks, man!
Thank YOU.
@@MikeDawsonDrums yeah, man! Keep on making them. There are never enough snare drum vids, especially when they're as well made as what you're producing. It's awesome, man!
My first metal snare was a dynasonic but the throw off broke so I bought a battleship gray for $50 and was amazed. I now have a 6.5 x 14 10 lug acrolite but would go back in a hot second if I had to
Hard to beat any of those options.
The acrolite is beyond awesome for the price. I started on an acrolite. Every good boy does fine doesn’t apply to drums. You can tune or you can’t. The acrolite just needs to be tuned tight,snare wires and heads....coated top heads.
I never understood why people diss this drum. I love Acrolite snare drums! I had a chance to buy one in high school for about $50 but I didn't...I was dumb. ;-)
Recently I saw the flat grey version for sale for $75. The problem? The guy who is selling it lives in Bum f*ck, WA! Waaaaaay out on the coast of Washington state and I don't drive. Aaaaaaaaaaaaa! LOL.
great video, nice samples, great sounding snare
Glad you like it!
Lovely, all of them!
Awesome stuff Mike! I had to laugh when I saw your snare side stick. It’s doing the same things mine do! Choppin wood man! 😎😎😎 Right on. Love yer playin. ❤️❤️❤️
Awesome! I bought a 70 about a year ago and it's definitely become my go to recording snare. Loving that low tuning you did and will definitely try it as I've had a hard time changing it from a low-medium tuning because it just always seems to work there with no fuss for tracking.
Yeah man...it can do it all!
Yeah buddy!
Great sounds and playing!
I can't believe you don't have more subs man!
Devin Buchhorn haven’t paid much attention to the channel until now. So hopefully more folks come check it out as I post more regularly. 🤘
Love the last one😍
That's the one that gets used ALL the time.
Evans UV 1- perfect head!
Okay I need 3 more acrolites now...
Andrew Rooney Drums get em all! Lol.
Hard to find here in New Zealand... Unless I import from the States (plus taxes, import duties and shipping).
Currently have 3 snares. All aluminum. Recording Custom, Supra and Acro. I think it's the best snare shell material :)
The acro just works under mics for me. I think it's the natural 8 lug tension ceiling. Mine tops out at about 280 hz (cranked). And it just sounds amazing between 260-280... or tuned 'fat' loose top head it also sounds killer
Holy Poop!...THAT was a really nice demo and explanation! Good content, and excellent audio. Liked & Subscribed. 👍🏻
Thanks for tuning in!
Nice vid!
meekoloco thanks!
All 4 sounds were really great. Cool that you used the Jim Riley's track. I'll come back to it when at the same chapter lol
Definitely a great series of video. Please keep going :D
I just found one in Black Galaxy finish for sale for $125. Not sure what year but looks good condition. Seems like a decent deal.
Get it!
What’s the red kit you are using.
Roy Beckerman that’s a Bucks County yellow heart “semi solid” series kit.
Great video ! Loved it
great video
awesome video Mike! keep 'em coming. I'm definitely getting a used Acrolite soon, it's cheap even counting the shipping to Chile (and taxes)
Super cheap!
yeah in my case, since i don't really play drums that much (just learning to play jazz as a hobby), i would get it thinking more as a producer since for some reason none of my pro drummer friends have acrolites here.
Love this .....Awesome insight Mike. Looking forward to more videos. I don't have an Acrolite but only a Supraphonic. Are they similar in sound and volume?
Similar...yet very different. ;)
you got a ludwig acrolite in 5th grade? damn lucky
Yup! Every kid that played percussion rented or bought one in my town.
Just bought one for myself, can't wait to get my hands on it!
Quick question though: what about the bottom heads, do you usually keep them all in the same tuning, regardless of the batter head?
Yes I do. The bottom stays tight
FANTASTIC Video - THANK YOU. Just found you via IG and "officialsnaregreek". My first real drum was the Orange-Peel which is still on my current practice set. This video reignites my LOVE for the drum.
Very cool!
It looks like there is a round object, perhaps the felt from an internal damper that has come unfastened, moving around inside the snare you are holding during the intro and outro. Can you explain?
Frank Tatom that’s the muffler felt. It fell off when I was making the video. 🤷🏻♂️
I gotta say nice video, the acrolite is not gonna be easy for most non professional players to get, so I would recommend the yam stage custom steel 14 x5 as an ideal value soundalike.
Acrolites are everywhere.
I may have a chance to bu the blackrolite for under $200. I wish you had tuned it higher so I could get an idea of how I might like it.
So cool to have a look into your collection. How are you recording these? I notice there is a 57 plus pencil mic pointing across the snare (not towards the head) as well as the 57 above the kick pointed towards the snare
Standard studio miking: SM57 and MXL604 on top. SM98 on bottom. The 57 over the kit is more of a close room mic that captures the entire set.
I own 3 Acrolite s from the late 70s
Can't have too many. ;)
great demo thanks Mike, do you mind me asking what Hats are these? Super crispy.
Thanks! These are Zildjian 14” A Vintage & Cie hi-hats.
Hey Mike,
as a new-ish but now frequent listener of the MD podcast, I had to check out your channel and as an Acrolite fan, this is right up my alley. So first of all, thanks for making this video!
I have a quick question. And forgive me, if this seems stupid, but I've never heard of or used the term "lug pitch" (possibly 'cause I'm from Germany and although I'm quite familiar with international drum terminology, this has escaped me so far). Does this describe the pitch of the batter head at the location of each individual lug, or is there any other way to measure pitch here?
Thanks and keep doing everything you do. It's a great resource for all of us!
Great video Mike, love that each acrolite has a set purpose. Do you find the finish affects the sound?
I don't think the various powder coated finishes affect the sound differently. But the anodized one from the '60s does have a little more resonance.
What is the 2nd mic you are using to record the snare top? Sounds great
Legend Studios it’s a cheap MXL604 condenser
Mike, have you tried the original issue/prototype acrolite? Bit of a thinner feel shell-wise to the more common version.
Dave Batemans Shed nope! I’ve heard they’re a different beast, with aluminum hoops. I hope I cross paths with one one day!
Michael Dawson shame you’re 3000 miles away, I’d have loaned you one to try. I have one with steel hoops, one with aluminium hoops. Very different to the 1967 regular one I have.
This was great. Thanks for sharing. Curious, what is it about the blackrolite that makes it more gig friendly than the others for you?
It's just the one that's tuned for more all-purpose use, and it's a newer drum so it's a bit more reliable.
Interesting that you took the livest shell, and put the most dampening on it for the deadest tone.
Whatever gets me there.
Great sounds and playing, what kind of tension or note have you the reso tuned to ? thanks
Michael127gerard it’s tuned tight throughout, to the note G.
Thanks for this video! Really good 👌🏼
So with the Indie/Rock Tuning the batter head is at 247 Hz?
What‘s the pitch of the resonant head? I‘d be really thankful if you could help me here 🙏🏼
The bottom head stays very tight throughout. I try to pitch it to G below A 440 Hz.
Try a Genera HD Dry on that '60s Acrolite. I'll bet you could get the same tone and nix all the tape.
What dimensions for the Battleship Gray Acrolite? @MikeDawson
They're all 5x14
"orange peel" is a nickname in reference to that textured powder coat, eh?
Yup! I just learned that recently as I was researching for this video. The original "prototype" Acrolites from the '60s had a similar texture, but they were anodized. Those are super hard to find. The '80s ones aren't as rare.
i continue to learn things from you Mr. Dawson! keep up the great work!
Happy to share whatever nerd notes I find!
I just bought a keystone badge Acrolite from the 60's, identical to your last one here because of this video. I just need to know, how is the resonant head tuned on that last Acro? Tabletop tight? Or a little less? And what reso head is it?
Absolutely wonderful snare drum sound you're getting on these drums!! I'd like to ask your advice on how you tune your bottom heads and do you just leave it set in one tuning? Also was curious on the hi hats you're using? They sound fantastic! Really great job on getting killer sounds out of these different ludwig snares!!
Thanks! The bottom head is pretty much as high as it goes all the time. The hi-hats are some old Zildjian 15” A’s.
@@MikeDawsonDrums Thank you for the reply! I've been on snare lookout. I think it's the most important component of a drummers set up. I picked up an acrolite for $100 and really like it. I think its the battleship grey. Had the chance to get a vintage pearl locally for $40 and I hesitated and it sold (dang)! It was a beauty too. Have a great day.
I just bought a used Black Galaxy Acrolite this week and replaced the heads and snare wires. Having issues getting a good sound out of it but I think it’s my tuning. How tight to do do your resonant head? Thanks! (I’m using an Evans 300 snare side head and an Evans Genera Dry batter head)
Bottom is always very tight. Pretty much tuned as high as it goes which is at the note G.
@@MikeDawsonDrums thanks dude!
Very nice, Mike!
What thickness are the hoops?
Wonder what they'd sound like with diecast hoops instead of triple flange.
They're thinner than most triple-flange hoops...but I'm not sure exactly. I have diecasts on my steel Ludwig and it sounds killer with them.
What is the play along for the anodized demo? Where do you find most of the play along at or do you make them?
At 2:45 there’s a Bob James sounding play along. How do I get that?
Info is in the description
What kind of heads and wires are you using on the different drums? Great sound on all of them!
I just picked up an Acrolite on Reverb last week for my studio, although I do not know much about drums, I do recognize a great sounding snare when I hear one. I gave the snare to my drummer to set up, he was going to throw an Evans reverse dot on it, but the snare head was new and he said to use it up for a short time before replacing. The head is a Remo Ambassador coated 10 mil 1 ply. Also, he tried several different snare wires and was just not getting the sound he liked; then he threw a Fat Cat Snappy 30 and it came to life. He said one day I may want to get a new throw-off but after jamming with this snare, I am sold. It sounds amazing. I thought the ring was a bit much and was going to engage the muffy thing but after recording and jamming, you really cannot hear any big time ring. It sounds perfect.
Did you use the same type of snare wires On each drum? Curious which snares you were using.
Yeah, the stock Ludwig wires.
@@MikeDawsonDrums do you know offhand if Gibraltar’s standard 20 strand snares would be a comparable match to those?
How would you compare it to a Supraphonic.
What is the name of the track at 6:20?? Nice groovy music.
It’s a play-along track from Jim Riley’s book Survival Guide for the Modern Drummer.
Thanks for sharing. What about the reso head?? Equally important.
Ronnie K I tune the resonant head very tight and rarely touch it again.