Head to Head: Ludwig Brass vs Bronze

Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Beauty with Imperial Lugs (Brass):
www.columbuspe...
Ludwig 6.5x14 Bronze Beauty Snare Drum:
www.columbuspe...
Today we are going head to head with two Ludwig metal snare drums. The only difference between the two is the shell: brass vs bronze.
The Ludwig black nickel over brass (black beauty) snare drum has been a staple in many drummers' snare drum collections for decades. Its bright, powerful, cutting sound works great in many musical scenarios. For a limited time (between 1988 and 1992) Ludwig experimented with the shell of the classic black beauty and released a black nickel over bronze version of the snare drum. These original bronze versions are pretty rare to find these days. Luckily, Ludwig is bringing the bronze black beauty back for a limited time in 2020!
We were curious about what these two snare drum would sound like compared head to head, so we put on some fresh heads, tuned them up and tested them out! What differences can you hear?
Other featured items:
Audix D6 Dynamic Microphone (in front of bass drum):
www.columbuspe...
Audix CX112B (overhead):
www.columbuspe...

[@piotrpniak8941]

Main snare is the winner, so its not only about instruments differences, but also about angle You hit em. Both are really master sounding snare drums. MUST HAVE!!!:)

[@robert.modlic]

I have them both.. I like more brass for live..and bronze for recording.. and you don't need any other snare in your life :)))

[@CoomerGremlinDGGfan]

if you had to pick one which would it be?

[@robert.modlic]

@@CoomerGremlinDGGfan Bronze :)

[@DavidEpstein]

They both sound great, but I think the brass is the classic for a reason.

[@portley777]

Great video sir. I think the bronze might sound better with an Emperor or G2 possibly. It would be good to see this comparison with some different tuning too: but that would take all day to shoot I'd imagine. Much appreciated for the comparison! More please ;)

[@maddog0342]

The difference is so slight its negligible.
A matter of fact WFL II stated that there was no difference and thats why they originally switched to using bronze at the very end of production for the 70's "reissue" Black Beauties. Obviously the cost was the first reason they stopped using brass. But to fulfill the remaining orders of those reissued 70's Black Beauties, Bronze was the answer and also lead to the "Bronze Series" introduction in 1981.

[@studakins]

You guys should do a copper/brass head to head

[@3stann78]

brass for me, haven't tried the bronze but with this review, still loving the tones coming from brass shell!

[@tuslokbaki9579]

One of those situations where you just have to get both and be done with it.

[@blueferrari397]

I think mine is a Bronze, but in this video they just sound the same! Too many variables, including mic distance to each drums and tuning will never be accurate to that level. Both sound fantastic.

[@roybeckerman9253]

Bronze has slightly more sustain...prefer it ..
Brass is a little drier..

[@ragrapios]

I use bronze because of its woody tone with extra metallic crack.

[@dylanwbarnes]

I'm partial to bronze anyway, but in this video I thought the bronze was a little cleaner and more focused in the attack. The brass was a little softer and seemed to 'splat' a bit more.

[@Juniscrazy]

I have the bronze and have played the brass a few times. Bronze just overtones are a bit darker and gives me the sound I like to hear in a snare. But it’s preference when you have those 2 great snare lol. Can’t go wrong with either

[@michaellowe17]

I like the bronze, but I like the brass just a little more.

[@arts4691]

i think the tunig of the bronze snare is slightly lower - this makes for a difficult comparison

[@iequalztehgod]

Bronze has more of a “wooden” snare tone. I prefer the brass simply bc of those beautiful, controlled overtones.

[@doronharati3451]

Bronze takes the cake, it has more sustain and tone

[@regentsaquariums5692]

They sounded similar one higher than the next. I think you guys tuned the snares top heada to be tighter than usual

[@Anthonymcnamee1]

Great video i bought a 14x6.5 new in 1992 the stamp just above the dampening knob is just the letter B would anyone know if this is the Bronze model ? both top class sounding drums

[@thatdudekyle5690]

Brass snare all the way

[@leoshermandrummer1695]

How do you difference one from another?

[@robsco1249]

Brass, bronze or Cooper. Which shell produce a rounder tone? Thank you.

[@ColumbusPercussion]

Hi Rob!
Bronze would likely be the least sharp/bright sounding of the 3, but whenever someone is looking for a 'rounder' sounding drum, I usually steer them towards different head choices first. You can get a 'rounder' sounding version of all 3 of these shells by just trying different types of batter heads.
Thicker, coated heads will have a 'rounding' effect on the sound of the drum. Like Remo Powerstroke 3 coated, Pinstripe coated, Evans G12 coated or G2 coated, or Aquarian studio X coated. Email us at [e-mail] for pricing and stock information or if you have any other questions.
Thanks!
CPP

[@robsco1249]

@@ColumbusPercussion Thank you, some people say bronze other copper. The only way Is to try them in real life but it's not easy for everybody...on these video I can only hear difference on pitch.

[@Anthonymcnamee1]

PS it has a keystone Badge

[@Ranger1216]

Brass is brighter……bronze is well bronzer!

[@tryharder249]

🤘🤘🤘👌

[@timothyturcott9337]

What ride was used? I know it’s a K Custom.

[@Ranger1216]

Brass is brighter…….bronze is bronzer…!

[@jeroldparker7766]

Confusing video. Why not just play brass, stop, play bronze, stop repeat... the snare position changes sound ...