Ludwig Super Classic vs. Jazz Festival snare

[dcdrum]

Judging from the 1964 catalog (attached), it appears that the only difference in these two models is depth (5.5" vs. 5") and the strainer (classic vs. P-83). One has "ACOUSTI-PHONIC" shell design, and the other "ACOUSTI-PERFECT," but that's just marketing babble, right? Or is the Super Classic mahogany-maple-mahogany and the Jazz Fest mahogany-poplar-mahogany?

Anybody have any particular opinions or preferences between the two? I have both, but only got the Super Classic more recently so I haven't played it enough to really notice anything sonically. I like the classic strainer...it seems pretty simple and maybe not likely to fail, but the lack of new replacement snares is a problem. And it does seem a bit unnecessarily bulky, but it looks cool and retro to me.

Also, it seems that Jazz Fests are going for more than Super Classics in online sales, but is that just the Ringo tax? Or is it the less practical snare thing with the SC?

 

[wflkurt]

It's just marketing babble as you never know exactly what wood combinations are in there besides the poplar. Ludwig was cranking out so many drums they would use whatever they had on hand. Even some of the early jazzfests (like Ringo's) had a 5.5x14 shell.

 

[el_37]

Judging from the 1964 catalog (attached), it appears that the only difference in these two models is depth (5.5" vs. 5") and the strainer (classic vs. P-83). One has "ACOUSTI-PHONIC" shell design, and the other "ACOUSTI-PERFECT," but that's just marketing babble, right? Or is the Super Classic mahogany-maple-mahogany and the Jazz Fest mahogany-poplar-mahogany?

View attachment 576141 View attachment 576142

Anybody have any particular opinions or preferences between the two? I have both, but only got the Super Classic more recently so I haven't played it enough to really notice anything sonically. I like the classic strainer...it seems pretty simple and maybe not likely to fail, but the lack of new replacement snares is a problem. And it does seem a bit unnecessarily bulky, but it looks cool and retro to me.

Also, it seems that Jazz Fests are going for more than Super Classics in online sales, but is that just the Ringo tax? Or is it the less practical snare thing with the SC?

Which version do you have? The early ones you cannot get snare wires for, the later ones you still can. Changeover was sometime in the early 60's if I remember correctly.

Non marching or non symphonic model/size snares with P-87's are uncommon to rare after the WFL/Transition era- and most Ludwig collectors and enthusiasts prefer the post 1960 stuff.

 

[dcdrum]

Which version do you have? The early ones you cannot get snare wires for, the later ones you still can. Changeover was sometime in the early 60's if I remember correctly.

Non marching or non symphonic model/size snares with P-87's are uncommon to rare after the WFL/Transition era- and most Ludwig collectors and enthusiasts prefer the post 1960 stuff.

Judging by the badge, looks like 68ish:

 

[Philaiy9]

I've never played either, though I do have the Slingerland Jazz Fest equivalent. Personally, I'd be hesitant about buying a Super Classic just because the whole extended wires thing is a complete unknown to me. When you couple that with the fact that production wires aren't made for it anymore, the Jazz Fest just seems like much less of a headache. Even if the P-83 is shot you have a ton of options for replacing it (P-85, P-88, Inde, etc.).

 

[patrickwitherow]

I've got a '58 WFL SuperClassic (8-lug) 5.5x14 and a '49 WFL Contest snare (8-lug) with the WFL P-83 strainer that is 6.5x14. Both have nickel hardware, NOB hoops. One is an inch deeper, so not apples to apples...they are both great sounding snares. Lots of woody tone. The SuperClassic sounds just a little 'drier' - but hardly noticeable. I tend to lean more towards the SuperClassic between the two. I honestly prefer my WFL 5.5 or 6.5x14 Supreme Concert snares (6-lugs). These really hit you in the gut!

 

[dcdrum]

I've never played either, though I do have the Slingerland Jazz Fest equivalent. Personally, I'd be hesitant about buying a Super Classic just because the whole extended wires thing is a complete unknown to me. When you couple that with the fact that production wires aren't made for it anymore, the Jazz Fest just seems like much less of a headache. Even if the P-83 is shot you have a ton of options for replacing it (P-85, P-88, Inde, etc.).

Would the Slingerland Jazz Fest equivalent be a Hollywood Ace? I have one that might be my favorite snare. It just sounded great from the second I got it. I'm afraid to change anything, but it always sounds great.

 

[dcdrum]

I've got a '58 WFL SuperClassic (8-lug) 5.5x14 and a '49 WFL Contest snare (8-lug) with the WFL P-83 strainer that is 6.5x14. Both have nickel hardware, NOB hoops. One is an inch deeper, so not apples to apples...they are both great sounding snares. Lots of woody tone. The SuperClassic sounds just a little 'drier' - but hardly noticeable. I tend to lean more towards the SuperClassic between the two. I honestly prefer my WFL 5.5 or 6.5x14 Supreme Concert snares (6-lugs). These really hit you in the gut!

View attachment 577149

That wrap is just gorgeous! I see what looks to be the matching kit in the background. Love Oyster Blue Pearl.

 

[Philaiy9]

Would the Slingerland Jazz Fest equivalent be a Hollywood Ace? I have one that might be my favorite snare. It just sounded great from the second I got it. I'm afraid to change anything, but it always sounds great.

I believe so... I just know it has 8 lugs. One of the previous owners actually took off the wrap and poorly lacquered the entire drum: inside, outside, bearing edges and all. Ugly as hell, but it tuned up great to my surprise. The stick saver hoops feel great, too. Are you just running a 10 mil single ply batter or do you use anything special?

 

[patrickwitherow]

That wrap is just gorgeous! I see what looks to be the matching kit in the background. Love Oyster Blue Pearl.

Yup, that's my Oyster Blue Pearl kit in the background. 1963 22x12, 13x9, 16x16.

 

[JazzDrumGuy]

I had a transition 1960 5.5x14 Super Classic. Luckily somebody put a P83 on it. It was a great fat drum. I traded it for a non drum item I absolutely needed for my car.

I have some KB 5x14 JF's and Pioneers. The extra 1/2" makes a big difference and make a good drum sound great.

 

[K.O.]

Would the Slingerland Jazz Fest equivalent be a Hollywood Ace?

Who Did It Better? Ludwig Vs. Slingerland

As of the 2022 Chicago Drum show I find myself owning two very similar drums from the two great Chicago crosstown rival drum companies. I've had a gold sparkle Slingerland Hollywood Ace for several years I picked up a Gold sparkle Ludwig Jazz Festival at the recent Chicago show, courtesy of...

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