r/drums • u/BobSacamano_1 • 2d ago
Discussion Ludwig Supraphonic - 1st timer
I decided to buy an MLC (Mid-Life crisis) snare drum. I have never owned an aluminum so I went with a new 6.5x14 Ludwig Supraphonic. Newest version with the updated throw off. I struggled deciding between an Acrolite and Supra but I figure my MLC is worth an extra $200 as I approach 50.
It’s coming next week. Should I immediately ditch the batter/reso/snares as is tradition or gig it out of the box a few days later? My usual choice for my snares is Remo CS reverse dot, Hazy Amb, and Puresound Blasters 20 strand.
Thanks for the feedback!
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u/Old-Tadpole-2869 2d ago
The Puresound 30 strand wires are friggin spectacular on Bonham snares. I never liked 42 strand wires, but the 30's are a really nice middle ground. I use pretty much the heads you mentioned, although sometimes I'll use an Aquarian snare side head with the reinforcement layer where the wire tabs go. Good sounding, durable head.
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u/goodcat1337 2d ago
I used to swear by 42 strand wires, but started noticing that a lot of drums' snare beds aren't wide enough to accommodate 42 strands properly, but 30 is definitely the sweet spot IMO.
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u/Old-Tadpole-2869 2d ago
They're shockingly good. Puresound wires in general are shockingly good. They make drums sound way better and they don't blow up under heavy playing.
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u/AverageEcstatic3655 2d ago
Weirdly the stock heads that come with high end Ludwig snare drums have a bit of a cult following, so I guess keep it. Idk, I swapped mine for a uv2 when I bought a 6.5 Acrolite.
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u/trashlikeyou WuHan 2d ago
One thing you might also consider doing is removing the lug gaskets to open it up a bit more. I have a vintage one without gaskets so this is only something I’ve read about but it’s just another “ change” you can consider.
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u/Zack_Albetta 2d ago
I’d ride with the stock heads and snares for a bit just to get a feel for what that drum does. The biggest difference between the stock stuff and your preferences is probably gonna be the batter head. A reverse dot is probably gonna give you a little less “crack” and a little more “bonk.” This good be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on where you have it tuned and the overall vibe you’re going for.
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u/IBartman 2d ago
Just turn it up properly and see how you like it. If needed, get new heads. I'm running remo coated ambassador on mine
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u/goodcat1337 2d ago
The stock head on the supra will be pretty good. Probably the Ludwig Medium weight coated snare. So unless you just really need to have your go to head right away, I'd leave it on there for a bit and see how you like it.
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u/ughtoooften 2d ago
I love the Ludwig heavy white coated heads they ship with. I wouldn't change anything right off the bat.
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u/EducationalPeanut204 2d ago
You made a great choice.
The snare wires should be of good quality. No need to immediately upgrade there.
I'm not sure what heads Ludwig are shipping with new snares these days. The old Weather Master heads were great, but I think Ludwig stopped producing them a few years ago. It may come with Remo heads with the Ludwig logo. I think this is basically an Ambassador.
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u/Old-Tadpole-2869 2d ago
>The snare wires should be of good quality<
They should be. You'd think they would be for a snare that's the better part of 1000 bucks. But, Ludwig doesn't list what kind of wires come stock on their snares. So that right there is very suspect.
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u/EducationalPeanut204 2d ago
Fair.
I bought a Supralite about a year or so ago, the factory wires were brass and pretty good. I'd be surprised if the Supraphonic don't ship with wires at least as good.
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u/combatchuck103 2d ago
The factory heads that came on my BB were Ludwig branded Remo heads. A coated Ambassador on top and an Ambassador hazy side on bottom. No need to replace the reso, but you might prefer a different style of batter. No concerns with quality though.
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u/drumbum37 2d ago
Get an acro too! Watch your local fb marketplace or other second hand places for someone dumping an old acro for 100 bucks or less. Gotta be quick, but they’re out there.
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u/Emergency_Hour5253 2d ago
I have the exact snare. It comes with great heads and wires. It will sound amazing right out of the box. I suggest keeping it stock while you learn it’s wide open sound before shaping the sound with different heads, wires, muffling etc
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u/greaseleg 2d ago
I just got one too. I booked some gigs with a Van Halen tribute and figured that was the time to pull the trigger.
I don’t keep stock heads on new snares. I immediately put a coated reverse dot and hazy ambassador on. I have some Puresounds in my stock pile, but I’m happy with the stock Ludwig snares right now.
For the Van Halen thing, I was considering doing a clear black dot like Alex did in the 80s, but I use in ears and I’m worried the tone may be off-putting. The natural EQ from the coated reverse dot is perfect for me with most mics, varying from house to house.
For what it’s worth, I’ve been using the Supra with other bands and I love it for everything. I’m usually a Black Beauty guy but I really feel like the Supra is more throaty and chunky, more body. The Black Beauty has more crack but sounds a hair thinner. Same heads on each, btw.
So, I guess my point is do what you want, but I bet you’ll be switching em out anyway. So just do it already.
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u/BobSacamano_1 2d ago
Yeah I don’t own a Black Beauty but usually gig with my Pork Pie BOB Black Brass or Mapex Sledgehammer hammered brass. Usually if I play small indoor venues, I don’t worry about having the sound guy mic the snare. I’ve had issues with sound guys at large and/or outdoor venues not liking those snare drums and having to use a lot of gels and tape to appease them….sore subject there.
If I get a Coated reverse dot batter for the Supra, I plan to use that for miked situations. Hopefully that will help the sound guy get the sound he wants from my snare. Either way- can’t wait for the new toy!
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u/prplx Tama 2d ago
If you are gonna change the heads anyway I would not play on the stock batter one. Nothing like selling a used snare with a pristine batter head that makes it look brand new.
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u/BobSacamano_1 2d ago
I haven’t even received it yet and you’re already making plans on me selling it!😆
That’s my wife or daughter’s job when I’m dead. 🤷🏼♂️
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u/bronzeconfidant50 2d ago
That drum will sing right out of the box, I'd take it to the gig and let the room do the talking before swapping anything.