aparker2005
DFO Master
No no no. If anything new, it'll be a spotted gum!
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Ludwig 2022 Universal Series snares
- Thread starter aparker2005
- Start date
Demonslayer
Very well Known Member
I've read a couple comments comparing the brass models to the Black Magics. I heard a video featuring the 5.5x14 and I actually it sounded more like a real BB than a BM - at least to my ears. YMMV, etc. I gotta say that $350 for a brand-new 10-lug brass drum with a Ludwig badge on it is nothing to sneeze at, NGL...
However, since I'm a cheap bastard, if I were hell-bent on getting a good BB clone, I'd probably hunt the web for a $200-ish deal on a Pork Pie and pocket the remaining $150. Gas prices are crazy enough...
Regarding the hardware, I think you can choose the "standard" trim or a special "black" edition (?) that has die-cast hoops. I never did like the DCs on the Black Magics - not all metal snares benefit from them. They sound ok on these...
However, since I'm a cheap bastard, if I were hell-bent on getting a good BB clone, I'd probably hunt the web for a $200-ish deal on a Pork Pie and pocket the remaining $150. Gas prices are crazy enough...
Regarding the hardware, I think you can choose the "standard" trim or a special "black" edition (?) that has die-cast hoops. I never did like the DCs on the Black Magics - not all metal snares benefit from them. They sound ok on these...
drumtimejohn
DFO Veteran
Universal NOB 6.5x14 spacing:
Tube lugs 3.5”
P88i 2.5”
P35 1 13/16” (sourced on DFO)
Lugs are definitely heavy duty when compared to the Black Magic. Likely not a better deal out there on a NOB if buying a BM on discount right now. Yet, if triple flange is your thing the improved strainer, butt, lugs, common spacing on some hardware, and updated badge places the Universal as the best value on NOB with the Ludwig name (especially at a 20% discount).
Edit: Also the BM has rubber gaskets on the lugs where as the Universal does not.
Tube lugs 3.5”
P88i 2.5”
P35 1 13/16” (sourced on DFO)
Lugs are definitely heavy duty when compared to the Black Magic. Likely not a better deal out there on a NOB if buying a BM on discount right now. Yet, if triple flange is your thing the improved strainer, butt, lugs, common spacing on some hardware, and updated badge places the Universal as the best value on NOB with the Ludwig name (especially at a 20% discount).
Edit: Also the BM has rubber gaskets on the lugs where as the Universal does not.
Last edited:
20% discount from where?
drumtimejohn
DFO Veteran
Last was from WWBW.com.
Cauldronics
DFO Star
The beech sounds a lot like my Drumcraft beech but the Walnut... wow! A clear, dark, wet, toneful punch. Might have to get one eventually.
Nick just put out a new video on these:
They all sound like snare drums to me.
They all sound like snare drums to me.
cochlea
DFO Veteran
Generally, I like the product videos that Nick does for Sweetwater. However, IMO, there's too much going on here to help me evaluate the differences in shell material, hoops, and sizes available in this line. In addition, some of the drums are damped while others are wide open. Maybe the purpose is to show the wide variety of sounds within this line, but I would have a hard time narrowing down which snare(s) I might want to consider based on this video.
I agree wholeheartedly.
