I’m late to the party but appreciate your review! Just acquired a 90s Blackrolite and can’t wait to get it! I dig the finish, as it reminds me of the clear night sky (hence it’s Galaxy name) as well as the old dutch ovens in this finish. Just superb! But its versatility is what makes this drum so special. I don’t hit hard but its got enough crack to do pop and rock as well as funk and jazz. The tone is as good as drums 3x more in price. Acrolites rule, and the Galaxy is a special member of the family. Both low and high tunings sound great! Cheers, mate!
Ryan, I enjoyed your detailed video review and the "Blackrolite" snare so much, I up and bought one right away. First impression is very pleased. I will look to upgrade the throw off one day and hope that I am as successful despite the issues you described having. Great drumming btw! That's quite the arsenal of cymbals. Cheers from Canada : )
Hi Deejaay that's great to hear, hope you're enjoying the snare. The p88 is a worthy upgrade! Thank you for the kind words there will be more snare videos to come!
I’ve had my Blackrolite for about 5 years now, looking at the characteristics and nature of the drum and the amount of lugs I used an Evens black brushed Finnish hydraulic head with a low tuning and a slightly choked snare that give a lovely fat warm 80s sound like Steve Cadd used on Paul McCartney’s album Pipes of Peace. It’s a really nice drum that brings something different to the table when tuned with the right head that complements its sound. I have 3 Ludwig snare’s a supraphonic from 1965, 10 lugs lite head with high tuning, and a 1966 Jazz Festival with a medium coated head with medium tuning, so between these 3 drums I can cover a lot of music styles and sounds.
I have an opportunity to buy one of these used. I am seriously considering it even though I dont need another snare drum. I liked the medium high tuning. I really hate tubby sounding snare drums.
Thank you for the kind words, glad you like the band! I have recently uploaded a breakdown of Kaleidoscope if you want to know more about how the song came together.
Thanks Mike! I’m guessing the slp isn’t far off the acrolite sound wise! I’ve got a starphonic aluminium and that sounds quite different from the acrolite!
Nice video! I have one of these set up just like you have yours( p88, tapped butt plate) but with Aquarian heads. I really like the sound clips you did and I want to use them as a tuning exercise to see if I can get mine to sound similar to all of these tunings. Im guessing you are only changing the batter head tension. Are you changing the snare side tension? What about snare wire tension? Thanks!!
Thanks Bryan, the bottom snare head tension is pretty tight and the same for all tuning demos. Snare wire tension is fairly tight also but not choked when played softly.
So I just got the P88 throw off for that same exact snare... not looking forward to messing with these holes....cant wait for that lever action though!
Ryan Halsey Is it possible to bend the bracket on the P88 body? I installed the Tama Linear Strainer on my Gretch Bell Brass. The bracket in the back of the Tama strainer needed a slight squeeze in the vice and it was a perfect fit. Is the bracket on the P88 cast or a bent piece of steel?
I have an acrolite but 6.5 deep and also with black galaxy finish, mine has 10 lugs and a different throwoff, but I find it pretty loud, maybe the drumhead you use is the quieter thing.
I like how you tuned it low (first sound in the video), and any idea what you tuned it to? How tight is the bottom head? I just bought one online and want to tune it to sound exactly the same. Also what brand model is the kit in the video? And what snare wires are you using? And it looks like you had a damper on the rim for Supra Low. What is the bottom head?
Bottom head is the default ludwig one with generic 20 strand wires. The bottom head tuning is tight for all examples with a little give in it. The kit is a Sakae trilogy, thanks for watching!
@@stickybandit2346 it’s definitely a Sakae. Sadly they don’t make these kits any more! I’m afraid I’ve had no experience with the p86 to offer an opinion.
How did you tap the holes? I actually have the exact same year snare and I got the p88, and can't install the butt plate, tho I got the strainer to work after some screwdriver hole widening.
There's rubber pieces that you have to tear off to expose some holes that are the correct spacing for the acrolite. Those are the ones that need tapping and you also have to use the included washers.
Ryan, how exactly did you fit the larger screws for the P-88? Was it with a regular hand drill? I've got a P-88 myself but I'm worried about ruining my drum if I take a drill to the shell.
If I remember rightly I only had to open the holes on the shell slightly used a smaller drill bit and gently moved it around the edge of the hole. I used an electric drill.
It's not completely straight forward for the Acrolite. You have to take off rubber flaps and use a tap to add threads into the holes. Once you figure it out it's doable.
Ryan Halsey but isn't that normally a type of snare drum to make jazz and play with brushes? what kind of effects he put on the battery because he feels very good!
Gaetano Piticchio that’s what it’s designed for but works for other styles to except hard hitting! There’s some light eq and compression to sweeten things up!
i kinda don't get this whole review-- i have this exact drum, P-85 intact, never an issue. ever. i've always been confused by the drama some guys claim to have with the P-85. i've had lots of them and never had one issue with any of them (ok, one would stick now and then, but that one had a bent lever. that's a physical problem, not mechanical/engineering). i can't be the only one to not see the evil of the dreaded P-85. also, you say it's quieter than other metal drums. i don't agree. my Blacrolite is #2 of my top 3 loudest snare drums. maybe it's a tuning thing, because i hear yours is kind of low and loose. that's not where volume comes from, and you lose projection that way (notice in your comparisons that as you tune it higher and tighter it gets louder). anyway, just my take on it all ......O/T beautiful finish on that kit. super nice.
I owned one of these a while back and can tell you it is CRAP! people trying to pass it off as "legendary" like a 400 or the Acrolite and it just is not the same its just a cheap ringy metal snare , not any good at all IMO.
It may not have worked for you, but your blanket statement against it is quite simply false. I run a recording studio and we have one there. Even among the classic ubiquitous snare drums we have, people love this Black Galaxy snare!
I’m late to the party but appreciate your review! Just acquired a 90s Blackrolite and can’t wait to get it! I dig the finish, as it reminds me of the clear night sky (hence it’s Galaxy name) as well as the old dutch ovens in this finish. Just superb! But its versatility is what makes this drum so special. I don’t hit hard but its got enough crack to do pop and rock as well as funk and jazz. The tone is as good as drums 3x more in price. Acrolites rule, and the Galaxy is a special member of the family. Both low and high tunings sound great! Cheers, mate!
Enjoy the drum, thanks for watching!
Ryan, I enjoyed your detailed video review and the "Blackrolite" snare so much, I up and bought one right away. First impression is very pleased. I will look to upgrade the throw off one day and hope that I am as successful despite the issues you described having. Great drumming btw! That's quite the arsenal of cymbals. Cheers from Canada : )
Hi Deejaay that's great to hear, hope you're enjoying the snare. The p88 is a worthy upgrade! Thank you for the kind words there will be more snare videos to come!
I’ve had my Blackrolite for about 5 years now, looking at the characteristics and nature of the drum and the amount of lugs I used an Evens black brushed Finnish hydraulic head with a low tuning and a slightly choked snare that give a lovely fat warm 80s sound like Steve Cadd used on Paul McCartney’s album Pipes of Peace. It’s a really nice drum that brings something different to the table when tuned with the right head that complements its sound. I have 3 Ludwig snare’s a supraphonic from 1965, 10 lugs lite head with high tuning, and a 1966 Jazz Festival with a medium coated head with medium tuning, so between these 3 drums I can cover a lot of music styles and sounds.
Nice snare. I have 3 Acrolite snares (1 being a Blacro). And 2 Supraphonics. Yes, I love aluminum snares. And am a Ludwig fanatic
I've borrowed a 70's 400 and they are also very nice to play!
I have an opportunity to buy one of these used. I am seriously considering it even though I dont need another snare drum. I liked the medium high tuning. I really hate tubby sounding snare drums.
Thank you for introducing me to The Gravity Drive. It’s like a wonderful burst of 90s nostalgia.
Eric Sandoval my pleasure Eric, glad you dig it!
Very nice demo. Going to check out your band. They sound great.
Thank you for the kind words, glad you like the band! I have recently uploaded a breakdown of Kaleidoscope if you want to know more about how the song came together.
Really like the drumming-great hand technique…..thanks
Thank you Vincent!
Sold!! Thanks for the video!! :)
My pleasure!
Awesome and nicely done demo/review! I am getting me one tomorrow :)
Thanks for the kind words, enjoy the snare!
Nice snare Ryan, I have the Tama SLP Dry Aluminium. Hope to pick up an Acrolite one day.
Thanks Mike! I’m guessing the slp isn’t far off the acrolite sound wise! I’ve got a starphonic aluminium and that sounds quite different from the acrolite!
Yep I've tried the starphonic it quite a different sound to the SLP which is a very dry sound. Loving the channel, keep up the great work.
+Mike Pinn thank you Mike glad that you’re enjoying it, plenty more snares to demo! Appreciate you having a watch!
Nice video! I have one of these set up just like you have yours( p88, tapped butt plate) but with Aquarian heads. I really like the sound clips you did and I want to use them as a tuning exercise to see if I can get mine to sound similar to all of these tunings. Im guessing you are only changing the batter head tension. Are you changing the snare side tension? What about snare wire tension? Thanks!!
Thanks Bryan, the bottom snare head tension is pretty tight and the same for all tuning demos. Snare wire tension is fairly tight also but not choked when played softly.
1:11 As a matter of fact, no, sometimes an aluminium drum is actually an ALUMINUM drum 🤷🏼♂️😉😜 Thanks for posting! 😄
So I just got the P88 throw off for that same exact snare... not looking forward to messing with these holes....cant wait for that lever action though!
Z I only had to stretch the holes slightly, it’s worth it!
Ryan Halsey Is it possible to bend the bracket on the P88 body? I installed the Tama Linear Strainer on my Gretch Bell Brass. The bracket in the back of the Tama strainer needed a slight squeeze in the vice and it was a perfect fit. Is the bracket on the P88 cast or a bent piece of steel?
I have an acrolite but 6.5 deep and also with black galaxy finish, mine has 10 lugs and a different throwoff, but I find it pretty loud, maybe the drumhead you use is the quieter thing.
The calftone is one of the thinner heads available, I think you’re right that it would affect the volume the drum puts out.
@@thejamman555 I have an Evans HD Dry, which is two ply, so that might be the difference.
Nice video. Do you have any specs on attaching the new butt plate?
I like how you tuned it low (first sound in the video), and any idea what you tuned it to? How tight is the bottom head? I just bought one online and want to tune it to sound exactly the same. Also what brand model is the kit in the video? And what snare wires are you using? And it looks like you had a damper on the rim for Supra Low. What is the bottom head?
Bottom head is the default ludwig one with generic 20 strand wires. The bottom head tuning is tight for all examples with a little give in it. The kit is a Sakae trilogy, thanks for watching!
The wrap looked like Tama or Mapex.
One more question. Would the P-86 be just as good as the P-88? As seen here... th-cam.com/video/Ol6bV9H9a28/w-d-xo.html @@thejamman555
@@stickybandit2346 it’s definitely a Sakae. Sadly they don’t make these kits any more! I’m afraid I’ve had no experience with the p86 to offer an opinion.
Ryan , What batter head are you using? Thanks,Jim in the US California.🥁🥁
It’s an Evans Calftone head!
How did you tap the holes? I actually have the exact same year snare and I got the p88, and can't install the butt plate, tho I got the strainer to work after some screwdriver hole widening.
There's rubber pieces that you have to tear off to expose some holes that are the correct spacing for the acrolite. Those are the ones that need tapping and you also have to use the included washers.
Ryan, how exactly did you fit the larger screws for the P-88? Was it with a regular hand drill? I've got a P-88 myself but I'm worried about ruining my drum if I take a drill to the shell.
If I remember rightly I only had to open the holes on the shell slightly used a smaller drill bit and gently moved it around the edge of the hole. I used an electric drill.
I have the same drum, modded with the same strainer. It’s my favorite, and I own seven or so snares.
Hi, I'm Brazilian! What is the difference between Acrolite Black and traditional color Acrolite?
André de Morais this is a painted finish on top of the traditional aluminium shell. I’m not sure if there’s any difference to a traditional one.
@@thejamman555 Okay. It must be just a difference in finish. Thanks for the answer!
André de Morais no problem! Yeah it’s just a different finish. I guess the additional paint would change the sound but Not much!
I just got one this week, and I'm thinking it might powdered coated, and not exactly painted. Anyone else know anything about that?
hi ryan...i want to replace the throw off...it is easy to do?
It's not completely straight forward for the Acrolite. You have to take off rubber flaps and use a tap to add threads into the holes. Once you figure it out it's doable.
Great on high tuning.
Not keen on the other tunings..
Snare head model?
Evans Calftone!
Thanks!
Why do they have a Rocker badge?
the 90’s acrolite came in this sparkle finish and had a rocker badge, previous decades had the green+blue
What kind of skin does the snare drum have?
Gaetano Piticchio it’s an Evans calftone!
Ryan Halsey but isn't that normally a type of snare drum to make jazz and play with brushes? what kind of effects he put on the battery because he feels very good!
Gaetano Piticchio that’s what it’s designed for but works for other styles to except hard hitting! There’s some light eq and compression to sweeten things up!
i kinda don't get this whole review-- i have this exact drum, P-85 intact, never an issue. ever. i've always been confused by the drama some guys claim to have with the P-85. i've had lots of them and never had one issue with any of them (ok, one would stick now and then, but that one had a bent lever. that's a physical problem, not mechanical/engineering). i can't be the only one to not see the evil of the dreaded P-85. also, you say it's quieter than other metal drums. i don't agree. my Blacrolite is #2 of my top 3 loudest snare drums. maybe it's a tuning thing, because i hear yours is kind of low and loose. that's not where volume comes from, and you lose projection that way (notice in your comparisons that as you tune it higher and tighter it gets louder). anyway, just my take on it all ......O/T beautiful finish on that kit. super nice.
ocho cabra of course, a snare tends to project more with higher tuning. He’s probably comparing this snare to his other snares in the same tuning
@@bg357wg you're probably right. it's just my thoughts while watching the video
Never had a problem with the P85s either through years of school and gigs. I don’t play very hard hitting styles of music though.
I owned one of these a while back and can tell you it is CRAP! people trying to pass it off as "legendary" like a 400 or the Acrolite and it just is not the same its just a cheap ringy metal snare , not any good at all IMO.
It may not have worked for you, but your blanket statement against it is quite simply false. I run a recording studio and we have one there. Even among the classic ubiquitous snare drums we have, people love this Black Galaxy snare!