Ludwig Supraphonic Snare Drum - The Bonham Sound and MORE!

[@darkogrozdanovski]

FYI, the 2009 video is not embarrassing. It‘s awesome to see the journey and if it inspired you to make this one even better!

[@adamfrost3722]

You're too kind! Thank you.

[@acousticdrummers1978]

And another aspect is the different microphone/s quality , hehehe..

[@dancalabrese3523]

All through the '80's into the late '90's when I was playing weddings, dinner dances, etc., it was the only snare drum that I could keep on the stand all night no matter the music, no matter the room. It just always sounded, played and felt the best overall even though I was mostly playing Sonor, Yamaha and Premier kits back then. I preferred a Remo coated Ambassador with the standard wires it came with. In this video I think I preferred the first head/wire set up the most, but I liked all three. I can't imagine a working drummer not owning one of these. Ludwig really hit on a "magic formula" with this drum.

[@dancalabrese3523]

@Vermilion Pill I've never played that drum so I can't comment on it. This is a very subjective area so there is no right or wrong. These days I'm using my Noble & Cooley 6x14 Alloy Classic more than anything else and loving it.

[@ramencurry6672]

It’s the best snare. I own one. That said, if you own another brand and it has a similar flavor and also versatile, you probably don’t need the Ludwig. But it’s still a keeper anyway.

[@mwb78]

I took the gaskets off of mine, put on DC hoops, threw on different heads, and 42 strand wires...this thing is a beast, and after personalizing it, goodness. Sounds like no other snare but retained that Supraphonic thing. BEAST of a snare drum.

[@weehudyy]

I had DC hoops on mine for a time but found they choked the sound off and put the factory hoops back on . I put the die casts on an 80s 6 1/2 Pearl chrome snare and they changed it from good to great .

[@supraphonic88]

Got a Supraphonic for Christmas in high school and it's still my go-to snare almost 20 years later. I've played a lot of great drums, but this is the one that always fits whatever situation I'm in. Great demo, great drum, great value.

[@weehudyy]

I have had my current Supra ( a '78 blue and olive badge ) since the mid 80s . It replaced a '74 I bought brand new that was fire damaged and burned out of round . . I have a bunch of snares , old, bew , wood, brass, steel , a piccolo , a Sonor 8 in jungle snare , etc . But the Supra is the Go To .. I did a session just weeks ago and the engineer just marvelled at the beast . Stick a mic on it , and there is the sound . A nearly 50 year love affair

[@matthewdebrino6062]

Had a supraphonic since the late 70’s and and it took a beating and keeps on rockin, it’s just a good versatile drum for the money !!

[@rogerweiland6384]

I got my 6.5 Supraphonic in 1984 with a used Vistalite kit, I still have it today and the chrome and hardware are still perfect with no scratches. One of my favorite snares ever. I believe it was produced in 1974 or so.

[@totigerus]

Interesting. I wonder why so many people have pitting issues with the LM402. Maybe they live near the beach? Or salt mines lol 🤷‍♂

[@DJIncendration]

The snare tuning for the jazz setup was definitely my favorite part.

[@krashdude1]

And the typical swing groove that was demonstrated was perfect. HA!

[@JanusJanavas]

That jazz tuning is my perfect snare sound. I can't wait for my supraphonic to arrive.

[@JanusJanavas]

Update: my supraphonic has arrived. Now I need to learn how to tune it to make it sound like the one in the video. 😅

[@stromghouls]

funny thing is that i would play rock and metal with the jazz setup. it has the best sound to my preference.

[@leivabernie]

This is why I bought a “Jazz” set up. A champagne sparkle Gretsch, love playing all genres on it.

[@motodrummer]

@@leivabernie I was thinking the same thing but was not going to say it out loud : )

[@ramencurry6672]

Charlie Watts has played rock with a jazz drum set. And other rock drummers too. A good quality drum should be responsive to your touch and adapt your musical personality

[@JC-zt6qv]

YESS!!! THATS WHAT IM SAYING

[@DastardlyInfallible]

Dave Grohl plays on a DW Jazz shell pack in rock sizes and it's the good ish.

[@lloydgriffiths1847]

I was JUST thinking about Bonham and the Crunge groove and 15 minutes later this gets posted!

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

Interestingly enough, the jazz setup sounded the best to me. Great demo guys!

[@benroe]

generally not a fan of emperor snare batter, but dug it. the regular set up works beautifully. it's really a 'sounds good no matter what-type' drum.

[@NNeidig104]

You guys KILL ME! This is the snare I’ve been ready to add & now you put out a fresh video. I literally have the shakes now to pull the trigger….Damn. Happy hittin’em!

[@cbenson67]

Bought a B-stock from Tony at DCP last summer and I could not be happier. Still can not find the reason it was considered a B-stock. Get ‘em while they have them.

[@meekoloco]

I LOVE my LM402 (lmao402🤣)! It’s a 1968 Super Sensitive rescue, someone removed all the SS parts and put a jank throw on it and rolled it down a staircase! Anyway, I had it repaired and a new P88AC throw on it and now she’s happy! Great vid fellas, and GREAT work on The Crunge groove Barrett! 🤌🏼

[@robertsala8031]

If I were only allowed to have one snare drum, this would be it. The Supraphonic will do anything. A medium weight coated batter and a super thin (I loved the old Ludwig extra thin) snare side head and you can achieve a sound for any type of music - classical included - just by altering the tuning.

[@SebCo77]

Ludwig Extrathin is 3mil, like the Remo Ambassador snareside. Ludwig Heavy is 10mil, like the Ambassador batter.

[@ramencurry6672]

My favorite aspect of this snare is that it can be tuned and altered too sound bland and generic which can be great for blending in with songs.

[@drumfanatik316]

I have one of these and have yet to play it!!! I was in the process of refurbish it and then we had to relocate. Unfortunately it’s been setting in storage ever since!!! Can’t wait to finish it. There’s no denying that sound. Out of every snare drum on the market, it’s the only one you could listen to on a recording or even blind folded, and be able to tell what drum that is!!!

[@mdrumt]

Love you guys and your comedy and memes, lean into that stuff, it really helps, especially with gear I'm not into, I'll watch anyway just to see you guys.

[@CornerStoreDrums]

Oh lets GO!! Love the Ludwig snares. Drum Center of Portsmouth is TOP NOTCH! -Indiana Love 💯🥁

[@drumcenternh]

👊👊

[@johnreardon4944]

Outstanding video. Excellent playing for the demonstrations. I haven't played a Supraphonic since high school. Been wanting one for years. Your video made me feel guilty for denying myself of the opportunity to use a Supra live. You just changed my life, I think. Seriously. I was happy to hear the Canopus wire demo. Best wires ever. Vintage coated or uncoated. I want a Supra with Canopus wires and a Remo coated CS dot. I'll even try a coated Emperor for fun. And always half a Moongel. Subscribed!

[@yaronbinyamini241]

Your 2009 video inspired me to get this drum back in 2010

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

Dude .... with the full microphone this snare in every tuning sounded great! This is the same snares we used in high school band ...ah hem .. 30 years ago.

[@RoddyMusic444]

NGL that Jazz tuning was everything! The Bonham Set Up was classic tho

[@Lumerdrums]

video concept, sound and editing on fire again! love your stuff :)

[@drummerchappell]

I want the B stock anyway! I prefer that badge

[@lordspam2721]

My new 6.5 hammered acrolite is the best I have ever heard and upset with myself not grabbing one years ago

[@anthonyn1312]

Nice snare drum! And my favorite setup of a snare drum is Bonham setup!

[@wayne5022]

An extremely versatile snare at a competitive price I would suggest. Good to see Barrett in the upload. Animal from The Muppets always springs to mind when watching Barrett play.......brilliant!!!🤣 Take care all at DCP.

[@ramencurry6672]

In a home studio, this drum can drastically change sounds with different microphones and different microphone preamps. Great for different types of songs if you’re into recording with music

[@davidiracheta111]

La "supraphonica" Diseño que ni la misma ludwig ha podido superar. Saludos desde México

[@ethanharris8000]

Ive got my LM402 with a Ludwig (now made by Remo) Silver Dot head on it a la Alex VH. I bought this drum cuz McBrain used play one and its a classic. Love mine. Looks cool with the dot matching the finish and sounds great!

[@flapjack413]

I know the video is about the snare, but that kick friggin thumps!!!!!

[@jeremystanosheck773]

Another great demo. Thanks for revisiting this one. My fav setup is the “Bonham” one - I didn’t know he used 42 inch wires?? To my ear, that really sounded like a Bonham supra recording. I own a 5x14 70’s supra, but considering one of these B stocks.

[@rix29]

He only started using 42 strand wires towards the end for a ‘wider sound’

[@mellilore]

i own four 5x14 supras (one keystone badge from the 60s, two pointy blue/olive badge from the 70s, one keyston Monroe badge from the 80s) and one 6.1/2x14 supra (Monroe badge from the 80s) and in the end I always use the 5x14 because it's even more versatile than the already much versatile 6.1/2. But hey if you want the Bonham sound, just go for the bigger one (not that the 5x14 cannot deliver that though, only not as loud).

[@camerondean6804]

Bob Benberg (Supertramp), Alex Van Halen, John Bonham.... Hundreds of other pro drummers. Please share your other favorite users I missed. Thank you for another great video DCOP. Opps, should have watched the video first; but didn't need to. This drums history, alone, was reason to post. Opps... again.... Joe Morello....not constantly, but saw him use it in videos during his career.

[@mellilore]

6.1/2x14? Ian Paice (Made in Japan, among everything else). If we're going to add the 5x14 version, I'm afraid youtube wont allow for enough room in just one message. What really cracks me up is the fact that even guys with different endorsements kept sporting their good old Ludwig Supras (Steve Gadd is an example, untill lately when the guys at Yamaha finally addressed this embarassing situation).

[@camerondean6804]

@@mellilore I totally agree. Every kit under the sun and their old faithful Supraphonic.

[@jasonmckinney2705]

More videos with different head combinations please.

[@josiahparadadrums]

Been loving y'all's edits 😂 Props to whoever edits the videos 🙏

[@joeldrummer23]

Love that drum so much

[@telsonalves8060]

Ludwig e Drumcenterrnh = mistura perfeita !!!

[@philphilison1623]

I liked Barrett's touch best on this drum. He has good touch.

[@carlozucchero7962]

oh !! undoubtedly the king of snare drums😍

[@jrfrondelli2023]

ANY heads sound good on a Supra! Probably THE most forgiving snare drum when it comes to heads and tuning, and really tough to get a BAD sound out of. Best snare drum ever!

[@diegoalbornoz483]

Outstanding...on pair for my taste with the original 1980 Tama Bell Brass.....

[@klauth_Yksyn]

For those of you seeking the ultimate LM402, spend the money you saved on the B stock and, add a p33 butt plate and p86 throw off!

[@paulk1]

I love that snare and hopefully I'll get another one some day.

[@rhythmista7707]

I'll be trading in my Tama SLP classic dry aluminum snare for a b - stock as well. It's time I came back to my Ludwig roots..💪🥁🤛

[@DanielGonzalez-ge7ez]

I got mine a week ago! Its amazing! Loud sharp!! We play post punk! Its amazing!!!

[@jmdrummer7]

I have a B-stock LM402 and an A-stock Black Beauty (both 6.5x14), always liked the stock set up.

[@natanaelguadalupeaviles1550]

Have one. Love them.

[@jimparker6610]

Love the multiple set ups ! Nice job….raising the bar.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks Jim 😉

[@phillbr51]

I have a '76 LM400 I got off ebay for under $200. Despite maybe the worst pitting I've ever seen on a supra, it sounds amazing.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

The Supraphonic always works. It works for any style from jazz to metal. The 5 or the 6.5 -- doesn't matter. It'll work.

[@thumperpaul]

Kickass snare, I’d love to hear it with an Evans EC reverse dot.

[@jamesspafford5985]

I have the Ludwig LM402BZ and absolutely love it!!! The only thing I’ve done is put an Evans HD Dry on the batter side and hazy 300 on the reso!!!

[@markkugs6622]

Took the gaskets off the lugs, put on 1.6 rims , installed canopus muffler put on 42 strand canopus wires and drum sounds awsome!

[@williehamilton1533]

Excuse my ignorance, but why take the gaskets off?

[@williammorgan5320]

I purchased my "blue/green badge" in 1972. The one in this clip is my snare and I won't tell you the price, you'll puke. The combo of clear Remo bottom and regular strand wires has been continued but the batter head has gone through some changes. An original Ludwig top (blue letter) was probably a smooth Remo Ambassador, single-ply. The best sound I got was with the Remo Emperor double-ply. Considering my preference for high tuning and the wear & tear of bar band beating, those heads lasted a looooong time. I've got a new Emperor in the box waiting it's turn but I'm just starting into a natural hide, given to me as a present. I'm a little afraid of it (cuz it's damn 'spensive) and haven't dedicated enough time with it to give a full report, but it is deep, a tad muddier and for now, a little slacked off for preservation. I had it fairly tight but I haven't cranked it up real tight, yet. Soon, when I get braver. Love the snare, it gets buried with me.

[@tophatjohnny]

The COB Supraphonic is the one ! Little more coin but much nicer to my ears! Of course the basic Supra is a beast too! Try em both before jumping !

[@Zepyhp]

GOD! that's the best sounding snare I've ever heard...possible to get that in all black with black nickel die cast hoops?

[@barrettgoeman8622]

DO WE HAVE THE DRUM FOR YOU!!!!!!

[@barrettgoeman8622]

It’s technically a Black Beauty but still

[@ralphbenites1312]

I prefer medium tones.on my accent steel chrome 6x5x14.with cs black dot.also a matching wooden snare from 2004?

[@Senortiger]

Yep I own a lovely "B" stock I bought some years back.Set it up Bonham-style and it's a bad ass beast hands down!

[@Chiroman527]

Tony, with the Stock Head? Or did you change Them?

[@johnaquino5055]

got the 5 inch ---love it

[@michaeleuefueno3517]

Perfection 👍🎶🥁🎉

[@dugjay]

I thought the initial/stock setup sounded great. Nice thump!

[@lornestein7248]

I play my Dad's '65 original Supra, keystone badge - Ringo size. Will never sell it.🥁

[@patdeniston3697]

I have 2 snares A supraphonic and a dust collector

[@roybeckerman9253]

I love my 60s SUPRA and the only snare that comes close ( in my collection) is my new Rogers Dynasonic..

[@FMisiejuk]

Great LUDWIG info👍

[@tiubster]

Love the Bonham (who doesn’t) 🎉 how was the batter and reso tuning for that?😊

[@augustotorres9746]

The Best Snare of world!!

[@bobbyjones2112]

I’m going with the Bonham set up, that sounds the best to me.

[@kellyrogers7066]

Do you all have any testing of the "Hammered" version???

[@frank.l181]

I had 80's 6.5 super sensitive which pitted and looked bad. I traded for 5" COB which had more volume and brightness. I just didn't like the annoying overtones the supraphonic had. I came across Evans Genara snare head which was amazing game changer for Ludwig overtones.

[@sullysullster8217]

I put on a evans genera dry head on a frankensteined super sensitive shell with a top wood hoop and a pearl strainer and it sounded perfect. Just the right amount of zing not ring w overtones. Best combo of tone so far.

[@robsco1249]

In my experience Premier 35 (Beverley 21) sound better than lm 400...but lm 402 sound better than Premier 36 (Beverley 8120)...I have had them all. Anyway It is nice to see a Ian Paice mention...very underrated drummer.

[@Chernabog123]

The stock setting sounded best to my ears. B stock is the way to go

[@sunflowerguy5314]

With a 5" and a 6.5" supra you can do pretty much anything

[@anotherDnightmare]

Great vid as always. I remember reading or hearing from Jeff Ochletree that Bonzo had his snare with a zinc coating on the inside? Is that right or did I dream all that? 😂

[@nathanwilkerson4382]

This drum is like "oh you need a snare, ok get this one" Done.

[@gianniorlati9275]

Jazz setup of course !

[@scottbyler2649]

Bonham is best. The jazz setup was also really nice.

[@evilhubert]

I have a Supraphonic and a Supralite and I gota be honest: I prefer the Supralite. I replaced the strainer and it’s a killer drum. Not just for the money.

[@FoxDeRoche-d2i]

What tuning did you have the supra at for the bonham setup?

[@douglashardy177]

What are the tune setting numbers for the medium tuning?

[@jemmace2586]

Recently bought a early 62' 400, it's a bit worse for wear chrome wise but the sound is amazing! It's 3xxx serial so it's super old and special, well it is to me anyway! Yep Ludwig 400 series and acrolites are the best sounding snare drums out there, tried and tested, not the most recorded snare drum in history for no reason.

[@fabiotravaglino515]

Hey hello the snare drum of life! You could have the frequencies of the various tunings

[@TonyJBrennan]

Coated Emp on top . TUNEBOT the top to 300 and the bottom to 400 - 410 , detune or tune up the two lugs on top near you to taste . touch the internal damper offf the top just a touch . it will sound and play like heaven.

[@totigerus]

Being a huge Bonham fan myself, I'm surprised to say I preferred the stock set up.

[@rebeccacombs8781]

Sounds really good...

[@susanmaggiora4800]

I wanna tell you ‘bout my gooood thaaang

[@juanluiselzurdo]

The Sound!!!!!!!

[@CarlosAnglada]

Preach

[@motodrummer]

These are Aluminum correct? How come the new ones do not have internal mufflers like the older models did?

[@drumcenternh]

The shell is "Ludalloy" aka aluminum. The internal mufflers haven't been on these for a while, they are missed in a way, but oh well, the drum still rules!

[@RA2Music]

Is there a more perfect snare drum than the Supraphonic? I personally prefer the LM 400 (5 x 14”), but either drum is absolutely killer. There’s a reason why this drum has not significantly changed since its introduction in ‘58. I see so many companies trying to recreate the Supra. Man just get the original, why mess around with imitations?

[@snapascrew]

Either that or bell brass

[@rogerweiland6384]

The badge was pointed in the 70's and 80's.

[@robertsala8031]

I believe Ludwig began rounding the corners on the trapezoidal blue/olive badge in the late 70s after receiving complaints that the pointed corners would catch on things: clothing, etc.

[@rogerweiland6384]

@@robertsala8031 still pointed in at least 85

[@roberttaylor1275]

I gotta be honest a Ludwig vintage supraphonic is the best sound....I don't know if the steel was different then but it's not the same..but it's pretty close with a Ludwig supraphonic but notice also in the 70' s and vintage supraphonics do not have the rubber under the imperial lugs..who knows but vintage prices and my 1000 $ vintage supraphonic I'll never sell..gives me Bonham and tape underneath cs black dot gaffers or gorilla tape....YOUR GOLD

[@mellilore]

Steel was never used for supras. In the beginning they were brass (late '50s Super-Ludwig, essentially the Dad of the Supraphonic) and/or from early 60s aluminium alloy, which at some point (late 60s - early 70s) they even changed with what they called "Ludalloy", a slightly different aluminium alloy. If you have a 1000$ worth Supra, that must be brass (late 50s - very early 60s). If it weights at 9 lbs, that's definitely a very desirable brass supra (the aluminium/ludalloy supra weighting at 6 lbs).

[@mikezisk5009]

What’s the Difference between that and the super sensitive?

[@camerondean6804]

Supersensitive doesn't have a snare bed and uses a unique, different strainer as a result.

[@mikezisk5009]

Which do you think is better?

[@camerondean6804]

@@mikezisk5009 I wouldn't say one is better than the other. The Supersensitive IMHO would be the better choice for orchestral or school training settings. For everything outside of those situations, the regular Supraphonic would be my suggested choice. Simpler, less fiddly strainer, with plenty of sensitivity. You can't go wrong with either drum. Good luck.

[@roybeckerman9253]

When you consider how many more expensive snares there are on the market today than these, the Supra is certainly not expensive..

[@jjpopnfresh6822]

But has anybody seen the bridge?

[@djevlhelvete]

Anybody know the price for one of those B-stock Supras?

[@drumcenternh]

link in description

[@djevlhelvete]

@@drumcenternh "Page not found", that's why I asked here in the comments.

[@drumcenternh]

@@djevlhelvete Yikes, thanks! Fixing, but it's $549

[@JackNiles]

@@drumcenternhyou might want to delete this posted at $529 , because on your website it says $549

[@sandornovotni8120]

Oriollo? Have you tried? World class.. From Serbia,from Vukan....

[@jeffsadowski7759]

I've had one of these in manganese steel and it's in my top 3 of all time. Absolutely incredible drums:)

[@johnaquino5055]

you know what you call led zepplin without Bonzo? The Yardbirds /

[@meshuggah434]

Wow!