How to build a bell bronze / bell brass snare for a FRACTION of the price!

[@spiritustarvisium316]

I have been an owner of these drums for many years and I thought that I would not like the look of the drum with the standard Ludwig Imperial Lugs and hardware...well, I was dead wrong! Not only is that drum drop dead gorgeous, but it sounds PERFECT at EVERY tuning. Of course, Nick's playing is fantastic and he knows how to pull out the right sounds out of this incredible drum. A drum simply can't sound better than this. What a gem and thank you for posting this, Nick. Cheers!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Love how the drum turned out. Some say the gold hardware is a bit overkill, but I’m happy with how it turned out. Looks clean, and sounds unreal! Thanks for the kind words, and for checking out the video! 🙏🏼 🥁

[@toddcooper5781]

Sounds amazing man. I bought a Gretsch Handhammered Brass snare a couple of years back and the brass gets warmer with age.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Appreciate that, thank you @toddcooper5781! That's a great drum - what kind of hoops do you have on it?

[@spiratustreviso9885]

Phenomenal drum and just gorgeous to look at. At first, I didn't like the Ludwig hardware on such an amazing shell, but the more I watch this, I have fallen in love with not only the sound of this drum, but the look of it as well. Gorgeous build, gorgeous sound!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Many thanks! Love how the drum turned out. The shell/hoops are fantastic, and Ludwig hardware can handle any tuning with ease

[@johnrobinson8323]

Wow! I realize this isn't a new video but the sound of this snare is simply amazing! I think the best was every range of tuning. Low,medium and high. They all knocked me out. I can see why everyone wants one. Me too! 🥁❤

[@NickCostaMusic]

Yessir! It's a sound often imitated, but never duplicated. Hit up Duluth Brass whenever you're ready to go. Appreciate you checking out the vid!

[@jefflyon2020]

tHOSE COUNTER HOOPS ARE SIMPLY AMAZING AND THREATENIG! Basically deadly weapons with the shell, and right heads.I want one.WOW!

[@NickCostaMusic]

You might still be able to get the hoops from Duluth, though a few people commented they paused production on the shells recently...

[@jerpaz]

That looks absolutely stunning! I built my own bell bronze snare 9 months ago with a CA 907 shell from John. Awesome guy to work with for sure!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Appreciate it! John was awesome - great guy, very knowledgeable, and easy to work with. What size shell did you get from him?

[@jerpaz]

@@NickCostaMusic I wound up getting a 14x6.5" 3mm straight shell. Nothing fancy. I definitely need to get a set of those bronze hoops ASAP!

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@jerpaz Oh sweet! You totally should reach out to John about the hoops. People talk about how die cast or chrome over brass make a big difference, the ones John makes are on another level!

[@Vorgaloth]

Interesting. How would you compare John's hoops to diecast and others? And why did you get the 5mm reinforcement rings? I have a Tama BB PL565 from 96' but I'm considering selling it for a 14x8 Duluth shell with lugs from Cherry Hill Drums.

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@Vorgaloth great question! Best sounding diecast hoops are brass (with or without chrome plating), but most companies use a non-brass hoop. The bell bronze hoops however are on another level - way heavier in weight, and provide a fuller rim shot or cross stick. As for the re-rings I wanted just a little wider than 3mm for the edges. I’m really happy with how this turned out - I highly recommend reaching out to John for sure! What did you think of the drum?

[@finleycraft]

Well shoot, I may just have to give them a call and order one. Awesome build and great looking and sounding snare!

[@NickCostaMusic]

A few updates with mixed info - some say they're building limited, others saying not at all. I sure hope they're back at it!

[@paulysci925]

John is an awesome guy! I didn't buy a snare but he helped me shop and answered all my questions to a high degree. Super helpful dude🙂👍

[@NickCostaMusic]

Couldn't agree more - he was very patient and knowledgeable as we worked on this

[@jimmyjames7809]

Sounds amazing! 👍🥁

[@NickCostaMusic]

I really appreciate the kind words, thank you! Was a fun drum to put together and have in the collection

[@cinoevil]

Cool video. Wicked drumming. I liked it best at the low tuning but all sounded great to me.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Thanks, @cinoevil ! Really appreciate the kind words on the drum and my playing. What made the low tuning more appealing to you?

[@cinoevil]

To me it sounded the least choked and open of the tunings. It had a lot of beef. It possessed enough high end cut but still had plenty of low end. It seemed to cut through the most to me and highlight the characteristics of the snare. What do you think? Oh and I am jealous @@NickCostaMusic

[@juanancamo]

Enhorabuena! Gran vídeo. La afinación que más me gusta es la media-alta.

[@NickCostaMusic]

¡Muchas gracias @juanancamo! Esa afinación comienza a mostrar realmente por qué el bronce de campana es único. ¿Qué es lo que más te gustó de esa afinación?

[@juanancamo]

@@NickCostaMusic Pues cómo suena en general. Lo veré de nuevo para escudriñar más matices o detalles. Pero que así, al pronto, el sonido en general en esa afinación

[@juanancamo]

​@@NickCostaMusic Pues sin ánimo de parecer un entendido, la limpieza del sonido es impresionante, creo que con una resonancia mínima preciosa, que provoca una especie de sensación de ahogo, como una síncopa, que me encanta. Pero en general la caja tiene un sonido buenísimo en cualquier afinación, si bien en las que menos limpia me parece es en los extremos, muy grave o muy aguda. Muchas gracias! 👍

[@NickCostaMusic]

¡Eres muy bienvenido! Me alegra que hayas podido escuchar y descubrir qué afinaciones sonaron mejor. ¡Te agradecemos que veas el video!

[@jkozol]

It’s fantastic in all tuning ranges!

[@NickCostaMusic]

It makes sense why it's such a pivotal snare sound

[@jkozol]

@@NickCostaMusic agreed!

[@iantouzel638]

Really nice choice. Ended up putting a Remo diplomat on mine, after testing 5 different heads, 4mm full shell. It's a canon.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Nice! I wouldn’t have thought of using a diplomat being it’s so thin on such a heavy shell. Are muffling it with moon gels or gaff tape?

[@iantouzel638]

@@NickCostaMusic one moongel cut in half. On my Gtretsch bell brass ive put a Ludwig Weatherking medium on it. Tension top 85, bottom 80 with the Tama tension watch. Nice snap and very sensitive.

[@JasonWelchMusic]

This snare sounds great at every tuning you gave it... however my favorite was somewhere around the 11:50 mark without the rimshot... I could hear the bottom end spectrum.... I think it would look amazing with a 1910 era dull patina.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Appreciate the kind words. As always the snare sounds different with a rim shot, but this particular snare it’s much different. I debated on applying a poly clear coat, but I decided not to so it can naturally age/patina.

[@JasonWelchMusic]

@@NickCostaMusic wise choice... The snare will look so good with real patina. .. there's something special about going to a swap shop and finding an antique snare. You can almost tell its story by the scars it portrays.

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@JasonWelchMusic That was the idea! Let it naturally age

[@corysdrumtakes5642]

What a great sounding drum. I want a bell bronze so badly.

[@NickCostaMusic]

When you’re ready, hit up Duluth Brass. They’ll make the shell to your specs and even offer layout/drilling for hardware or your choice!

[@tommyleeroth818]

Great video and the drum sounds fantastic. I know this is a couple of years old but I happened upon it because I’m considering building my own and I would guess this video still gets new viewers like me. There are a couple of things in this video that are different from what I’ve learned in my research. First bell brass and bell bronze are the same…they are both bell bronze. Tama apparently coined (aka made up) the term bell brass as a marketing strategy. Second, bell bronze also called bell metal is generally at least 80% copper and 20% tin or B20 alloy. The tin can go as high as 26%. CA 907 is 90% copper and 10% tin or B10. This is bronze but generally not considered bell bronze. Many of the less expensive “bell bronze” snares referred to in the video are also likely B8 to B12. According to Tama’s 1980 catalog their bell brass B20 and many of the high end bell bronze snares (sonor, zildjian, paiste, etc.) are also B20. Again the drum sounds great and that’s the ultimate test. But the video seemed to place some importance on ensuring the use real bell bronze and the preponderance of information available seems to indicate that the shells made from CA 907 are NOT bell bronze…they are regular bronze.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Super informative comment, thanks for the info Tommy! Appreciate it and hope you enjoyed the vid. Good luck with your build, and have fun

[@JLPadgett]

Beautiful and sounds great at any tuning position!!!

[@NickCostaMusic]

It really does! What tuning did you enjoy the most?

[@JLPadgett]

@@NickCostaMusic Really, there wasn't a tuning position I didn't like. If tuned high I could use it in the orchestral setting and with the right head even replicating a marching snare. My all around tuning preference would be mid-low because it covers so many difference facets of music. My son on the other had likes it the lower tuning because of the what I call speed metal that he plays but he also uses a lot, and I mean a lot, less tension on the heads than I utilize but he says he plays for effect "not finesse dad."

[@garyjohnson4988]

Sounds great and looks beautiful!

[@NickCostaMusic]

It really does, and was a fraction of the cost compared to other companies offering the same exact thing. I couldn't recommend Duluth enough - Their attention to detail is fantastic, they can make the shell to your specs, and they're willing to drill and layout for whatever hardware you'd like. If you're ever considering a bell bronze, reach out to them. Appreciate you checking out the vid and the feedback!

[@emrahercancakir]

Really Nice Build. Did you have to apply any coating, sealer or other protection to this shell against unwanted patina, corrosion, etc?

[@NickCostaMusic]

You could if you wanted to avoid any patina. I decided not to and let the shell age

[@emrahercancakir]

Thanks! Do you happen to know what I could use for an application like that?

[@NickCostaMusic]

@emrahercancakir - John at duluth did say it was possible, but I can't remember what he said could be used.

[@emrahercancakir]

@@NickCostaMusic - Thank you, Nick! Please keep up the great work and content you have been creating

[@montyrayza7220]

Sounds amazing !!! Where can I buy that Bronze snare body and how much was it if you don't mind telling us? TY

[@gadymarcus2362]

Magnifico.😇😇😇😇😇😇

[@NickCostaMusic]

Much appreciated, thank you 🙏🏼 🥁. Did you have a preferred tuning?

[@charlysoto180]

Wow sounds amazing do you think i can still order one?

[@NickCostaMusic]

I’ve heard mixed responses if their still offering shells. I’d recommend emailing them [e-mail] to see what they currently offer

[@yanndubus5317]

Hello, Thanks for the video! I'm building mine actually. Why do you choose bronze-aluminium hoops and not bell bronze hoops (same alloy as your shell, 89%cu 11%sn??) For me it was clear to choose bell bronze, but your choice make me cogitate! Thanks Yann

[@NickCostaMusic]

Thank you for checking out the vid! The hoops are what Duluth offered when I ordered. I don’t think they offered a matching set at the time of ordering. Hope this helps!

[@jaymeramirez7435]

That drum is gorgeous. Sounds incredible. It has a nice controlled sound. Which that is the “ideal” sound nowadays. With the rings, moon gels, tape and big fat snare drum mats and those similar. Definitely don’t need those things with this drum. So how much was the total cost?

[@NickCostaMusic]

I totally agree, Jayme! Nothing sounds like it, and it’s obvious why they’re sought after. Total cost for everything with case $1085. Without case, $885. Keep in mind this was assembled a few years ago, so prices may vary

[@k.f.241]

Fantastic sound! 👌🏻🙌🏻

[@NickCostaMusic]

Thank you! It makes sense why they’re so sought after. Hit up Duluth brass if you’re looking to get one and save a TON of money

[@montearnstam6827]

Sounds incredible. How much did you spend total?

[@NickCostaMusic]

All in with the case - under $800 . That was back in 2020 though

[@florisvandrunen957]

Sounds amazing! What are the costs for only the shell?

[@NickCostaMusic]

When I ordered in 2020, the shell was $577

[@HoldenMcG]

My goodness, that's a pretty drum... sounds great too. How was the hand/stick feel across the tuning range?

[@NickCostaMusic]

Believe it or not, it feels the same! Much firmer than a traditional snare, and a solid rebound. Appreciate ya checking out the vid - what tuning was your favorite?

[@HoldenMcG]

@@NickCostaMusic HA! I could never commit to just one! However, if I had to narrow it down my preference tends to run to the medium and medium high... but the drum has a really useful full range of possibilities.

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@HoldenMcG Definitely does! pretty surprising for a drum that's super heavy, huh? Not too muddy with low tunings and doesn't choke with high.

[@NEALBABBITT]

Sounds like a monster! Where and how much?

[@NickCostaMusic]

Thanks, Neil! Entire vid covers where I sourced everything and for how much. Cheers! ✌🏼 🥁

[@michaelcavazuti3270]

Beautiful drum Nick is there any comparison with Jeff Ocheltree's Bronze snares he was making a few years ago? They started like at 2500$!!

[@NickCostaMusic]

I don't know specifics of the Ocheltree snares, except that they were made from Paiste signature alloy. What I can tell you is that I feel I can get a very similar sound from this snare. I'd recommend reaching out to duluth brass - they might know the similarities/differences

[@michaelcavazuti3270]

@@NickCostaMusic Hello Nice and thanks for your response! Actually,Jeff first made the Phanton snares then upgraded them to the Carbon steel ones which I had owned one(#38),then he did make the snares out of the melted down Paiste cymbals even made a whole kit I saw at a Namm shows! Then he designed and made these Bronze steel snares,very heavy and many top artists owned them including Billy Cobham! They were super expensive around 2000-2500! I was just wondering if u played any? I never did!Many were in deep sizes. Thanks

[@tobiaswinter1358]

Great shell, like the hoops a lot. I think the brass hardware looks "too much" if you know what I mean and there are better throws than the 88AC. The lugs are too far out, the rims are clearly not made for them, they seem to have severe lug splay. That being said: The drum sounds great! I have a Tempest 14x8 3mm and bell brass is just special!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Great points, and can completely understand brass on bronze can be a bit much. I love the p88ac for a basic throw off. It's durable, holds tension, and won't fail. If I want something a bit more with multi-step adjustment, trick is the way to go like the tempest you have. Great to hear you dig the sound of the drum though! That tempest you have is probably like a cannon! Comes with tube lugs and triple flanged hoops, correct?

[@timm1139]

I’d play one! I think the first 2 tunings weren’t as good as the rest. To me, the drum seemed to come alive in the medium to higher tunings.

[@NickCostaMusic]

I agree! It has a sound only bell bronze can create, especially when you tune it a tad higher

[@graybronze]

Great vid man, just had to pop in and drop a comment as this vid inspired me to build my own bell bronze snare, hadn’t even thought of it as an option before and has long been a dream snare for me. Never assembled a drum before but took my time, measured thrice and took the plunge! Couldn’t be happier with the result so again, thanks for showing me the way! I notice you have a CS batter on, sounds great, I’ve initially put a Powerstroke P77 on mine and even though I’m a heavy hitter I feel I might have choked it a bit too much with that head, sounds kind of dry compared to my brass snare. Any tips there?

[@NickCostaMusic]

Thank you, Graham! Congrats on building your own bell bronze - pretty validating to put something like that together, huh? Now you have a killer snare your hands helped put together! The p77 is a great head, although that’s really heavy - it’s 2 ply 7 mil each with a 7 mil inlay ring and a 5 mil center dot. It’s designed to reduce/remove overtones, so I can totally see how it can make your drum sound choked. Try the CS dot - 10 mil with a 5 mil dot - it’s 4 mil thinner without the 7 mil inlay. You’ll see CS dot on a lot of bell bronze snares 🥁🥁

[@graybronze]

@@NickCostaMusic Thanks for the reply man, I’ve ordered a CS batter now so looking forward to getting that on the drum 👍

[@NickCostaMusic]

Killer - you’ll love the sound. Enjoy 🥁

[@climbjay]

Is that B20 or B12 bronze? Sounds GREAT! I have just ordered a couple shells from a manufacturer in Turkey as John couldn’t make me shells due to staff shortages. I had the same idea, bell brass shell but Ludwig hardware. I’ve gone for small classic double lugs though. I’m glad this worked out! Sounds killer!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Appreciate it! The shell is CA 907, not sure where that falls. Sounds like a fun project! Love to hear how that turns out for ya

[@krusher74]

they are B10 as the say thier bell bronce is 90%copper 10% tin

[@MrMrh1958]

Fantastic snare! I’ve just ordered some hoops only, unfortunately they aren’t making any more shells!☹️ Do you find the height of the top hoop ok? It looks quite high from the head.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Oh bummer! Maybe due to cost of materials? Either way, the hoops are rock solid. They do sit a little higher than typical hoops, but not so much that it alters my playing.

[@MrMrh1958]

@@NickCostaMusic ok cheers! COVID and staff shortages apparently.

[@af7119]

What is the total cost for this drum?

[@NickCostaMusic]

For all components including the case, all in price was $1085. Without the case, $885

[@af7119]

@@NickCostaMusic Thank you so much!

[@christskingdom8950]

what thickness did you go with on the shell?

[@NickCostaMusic]

5mm in the re-ring area, milled down to 3mm in the center

[@christskingdom8950]

@@NickCostaMusic they have a year till they are going another run of shells 🥴

[@leora5894]

How can I get hold of the man who can supply me with the same drum shell & hardware? Please let me know how to contact him/them..... Thankyou

[@NickCostaMusic]

You'll want to contact John at Duluth Brass. Let him know you saw my vid and he'll take care of you. [e-mail]

[@pacificdrumma]

The magic happens when you put it in a live room with a couple LDC room mics. Close mics don’t do it justice

[@NickCostaMusic]

It did sound pretty fantastic through the Yeti Pro I use as a room pair. I'd really love to experiment in a larger space with higher ceilings - I'm sure the thing would rip!

[@EthylOH]

Anyone know if they are still selling these shells? I sent an email but have not heard back yet.

[@NickCostaMusic]

From what I've heard, they stopped - although I can't confirm for sure.

[@alancarver2511]

A little too deep for me but sounds good. I prefer the higher tuning.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Right on! What about the higher tuning made you prefer that over lower tuning?

[@KaminCymbals]

whats the final price including all cost (shipping etc.)...?

[@NickCostaMusic]

Without the case, $885. Keep in mind this was a few years ago, so prices may vary

[@brent3760]

Yes!!!!

[@NickCostaMusic]

It was a fun vid to make! What did you think of the drum?

[@brent3760]

I think it turned out amazing!!!​@@NickCostaMusic

[@NickCostaMusic]

Oh right on! It was a fun drum to make (put together, really) and boy does it weigh a TON

[@stevenhay9917]

How much did it cost....tell me ....

[@NickCostaMusic]

I did tell you…in the video 😉

[@miked5487]

Pity Duluth website seems to have vanished.. gone out of business?

[@NickCostaMusic]

The website I used to contact them is still active - www.duluthbrass.com/

[@westbrad6808]

I’m still confused how it was $800. Duluth snare are like 2k. You saved over 1k by assembling the drum yourself?

[@NickCostaMusic]

Yep. Buying all materials to assemble the drum came to that price - just had to put it together

[@westbrad6808]

@@NickCostaMusic Ok. You are the man for replying. Thanks. Also, your snare does sound awesome.

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@westbrad6808 Appreciate it, thanks West! Glad you enjoyed the vid, and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment 🙏🏼🥁

[@remygaron8311]

Try evans drumheads big big diff 🥁🥁🤟🏻🇨🇦

[@NickCostaMusic]

Team Remo all day, but appreciate ya checking out the vid!

[@jamesf.ryaniii7918]

Who are the manufacturers who claim to be selling you bell bronze, but you are really getting bell brass? Gretsch offers 3mm brass and 2 diff bronze (1mm & 5mm). PDP now offers 3mm bell bronze and 1mm brass. DW offers many 1mm brass snare drums and a 3mm bronze. So, which of the bell bronze drums are not really bell bronze?

[@NickCostaMusic]

That's exactly it - there's no such thing as bell brass. Those sounds everyone was going after were bronze - darker looking compared to the bright gold of brass.

[@tommyleeroth818]

Bell bronze would be at least B20. Bell brass was a term just made up by Tama for marketing, but their bell brass was B20 ie bell bronze. Other alloys with less tin like B12 or B10 which is what the snare he made in this video is made from (CA907 = B10) are not really bell bronze. A lot of manufacturers like gretsch, DW, PDP, Ahead make relatively inexpensive “bell bronze/brass” drums but I can’t find what alloys they are using. It could be they are using the less expensive B10/12 alloys or the could be using B20 and using less expensive manufacturing methods. For this video to claim they aren’t “real” bell bronze while the drum he’s making isn’t even real bell bronze is a bit confusing.

[@mrnegronis]

It sounds too controlled for my taste. I think the die cast hoops are absorbing too much tone. I'd be curious to hear what it sounds like with lighter weight hoops. This beast needs to breathe

[@NickCostaMusic]

It's a tank for sure. Appreciate the honest feedback, and the direct tone you described is exactly why I gravitated towards making one. Could be the hoops for sure, but this 3mm thick shell doesn't help either. Maybe a video experimenting with various hoops might be in order...

[@CryptoKaiser]

PHATT

[@NickCostaMusic]

and heaaavy!

[@Almost027]

Just an epic drum all around. What are the hoops? Also bronze? Where one can get those?)))

[@NickCostaMusic]

For sure! Hoops are from Duluth brass as well. They have a few hoop options to choose from