Unpopular opinion here but Acro's simply sound better imo. They're noticeably more dry, but also have less of a "metallic" overtone, have a slightly lower pitch and more warmth. Exactly the same shell but without the chrome and with less lugs. It's the perfect compliment to the brightness and fullness of the Black Beauty. I ended up shelving my Supra in favour of my Acro and Standard.
@ianisaacs23404 жыл бұрын
I own a 64 acrolite and a 68 acrolite, and they’re my favorite snares. I want a LM400 because it’s a prerequisite as a drummer, but it will never take the place of my acrolites. They are like a supraphonic with more body, and without all the high end that can be annoying.🤟🏻
@cjsinclair8643 жыл бұрын
I like both but agree, I prefer the Acro sound.
@EricMakingWaves2 жыл бұрын
When you're right, you're right. As an engineer the acro fits better in the mix every time.
@joesantamaria58742 жыл бұрын
My Acro stays in tune better than a Supra. It gets in tune easily, and stays there, and I play a lot of rimshot.
@davidenorth Жыл бұрын
I recently bought a Blacro for $25 only needing new heads top and bottom. It came with stand, case, books and sticks.
@ColeParamore Жыл бұрын
Nice!
@ronniek77483 жыл бұрын
Both good, slight advantage to supra. Agree more similar than dissimilar. Not sure where he’s getting those prices but up in Canada here they are worth significantly more than what he says.
@1thess523 Жыл бұрын
The supra had a little more beef which I like, I have a black Galaxy with pure sound blaster wires a remo control sound batter and a ambassador reso. I have to reso tight and loosen the batter to where I got a little more body but still has a nice crack to it
@andyoursland68944 жыл бұрын
Love your videos. Your channel deserves to pick up in popularity.
@slimjim11042 жыл бұрын
ive kept a vintage acrolite in my rotation when many other snares have come and gone. great drum for the money.
@antonchigurh37942 жыл бұрын
I discovered in the studio that my 10 lug supraphonic kept going out of tune slightly in the middle of a song. Tried lug locks but they would just fly off. Switched to the 8 lug acrolyte with coated ambassador as batter head and clear ambassador on bottom. Haven't looked back from the acrolyte. Have a few of them now. Purchased an acrophonic the other day. It's a 10 lug , but can't wait to test it out.
@MrRezRising Жыл бұрын
Nothing has that full-bodied 'CRACK' like an LM400. To me, it's as fun as my besties laugh.
@thomasmoje59262 жыл бұрын
I have a Ludwig Acrolite in 'black galaxy' finish, and a late 70's vintage 5 x 14" Ludwig Supersensitive. Given the same heads and tuning I've found that the Acrolite sounds a bit 'drier' both good drums though the Acrolite series I always thought was a good buy for the money.
@52ndst97 Жыл бұрын
Is the sound difference between the two discernable through the music? Does warrant upgrading from an Acro to a Supra?
@Bluefank13 жыл бұрын
I like the Acrolite with medium to low tunings, my Supraphonic loves medium to high tunings, both are 14x5, my Bronze 14x6,5 loves it from low to high.
@aluminati99183 жыл бұрын
Thanks for great video. Own an Acro -76 for my son’s kit. Awesome drum that get compliments from visiting drummers! As most insiders know, shell is same as Supra, but w. 8 lugs (possibly) contributing to a tone difference. Quite identical to my ears. Changed strainer for new Ludwig P88. Works like a Inde strainer, but keeps it “Ludwig”. Clear 2-ply heads and gels = funk & hip hop heaven.
@ColeParamore3 жыл бұрын
Love the P88s! Definitely a worthy upgrade to any Ludwig.
@andywildrick2 жыл бұрын
love how you said we might like how a snare sounds because thats how we expect a snare to sound...we're drawn to the tone because it's predictable and familiar. It's what we perceive a snare drum to sound like. Totally accustomed.
@ColeParamore2 жыл бұрын
Definitely an underappreciated phenomenon!
@jonashellborg83204 жыл бұрын
I thought I heard more low mids in the Acrolite, and more “sizzle” and “air” (10khz) and lows in the Supraphonic. Not on ideal headphones or monitors to be really sure. I totally believe you can with different heads, tuning tricks you can make them sound like each other.
@jumpenjack13 жыл бұрын
wonder what they would sound like tuned to the same pitch hey. acro was lower for sure
@thewheelofhc2 жыл бұрын
own both in 14x5. my acrolite is 10 lugs and sound pretty the much the same as my supra, i got a couple of 14x6.5 alu snare from other brand with 8 lugs and they sound way dryer
@gillesrichard22283 жыл бұрын
Both sound really good! I have a lm410 and an acrolite and love them both. Loved your video cause it validates my opinion of both drums. Thanks!
@larrynicholas97302 жыл бұрын
I have the Acrolite Black Galaxy and have a lot of snare buzz I cannot get rid of. What Snare wires do you recommend for my drum. I have tried both the Ludwig factory snare wires and Pure sound 20 strands with little success in reducing the buzz. Appreciate your comments on this subject.
@ColeParamore2 жыл бұрын
Hi Larry - I'm thinking since you've tried two sets already, it isn't in the wires. It maybe be in the way you're setting up your wires, or some other factor. Are you saying you're getting too much buzzing from the snare on its own, or sympathetic buzz when hitting the toms?
@larrynicholas97302 жыл бұрын
The buzz is coming from the Toms. The floor tom has the largest impact on the snare wires. I have the Ludwig classic maple kit with a high tom and one floor tom.
@ColeParamore2 жыл бұрын
@@larrynicholas9730 Try either lowering or raising the pitch of your snare bottom head. That should change the relationship between the snare and the floor tom, but also bear in mind that some buzz is all but inevitable. Good luck!
@larrynicholas97302 жыл бұрын
@@ColeParamore Thanks Cole. Lowering the pitch of the reso head helped. And your right about living with a little passive snare buzz. No way around it. Still love my black galaxy.
@ColeParamore2 жыл бұрын
@@larrynicholas9730 Glad it helped!
@danielrosenstein9622 Жыл бұрын
Just picked up a 1970 acrolite. Still has the original Ludwig heads 🫨 looking forward to giving it some TLC and letting this baby sing!
@ColeParamore Жыл бұрын
Nice!
@nicefish107 ай бұрын
Does the finish change the sound of the drums at all? I would think that adding different layers of different coatings would deaden the resonance of the shell. So the black Acrolite could be a tad darker.
@ColeParamore7 ай бұрын
Depends on who you ask. A Supraphonic is also plated aluminum, but most people seem to think of it as as brighter drum. Could this just be placebo based on how it looks? Hard to say.
@matmarucci Жыл бұрын
i agree they should be the same pitch, same wires, same heads....same everything! and there was no mention of the brass shell supraphonic. also, would liked to have heard some technical playing....rudiments....instead of jus a backbeat with fat sticks.
@roybeckerman92534 жыл бұрын
Acrolite is slightly ringier and open, side by side. Harder to pick when played separately. The Ludwig Black Magic and Pearl Aluminium Sensitones are similar too. I prefer bronze these days, personally.
@that-avr-drummer4 жыл бұрын
I own both, they're very different and each has their place.
@tendingtropic7778 Жыл бұрын
which one is best for snappy funk music?
@stephenplaysthedrums9440 Жыл бұрын
@@tendingtropic7778 acrolite definitely
@JoshEbersole3 жыл бұрын
I just bought a used Black Galaxy Acrolite and replaced both heads and snare wires. I’m hoping I can tune it similar to yours to get a good tone. Any tips?
They sound different - just not that much. As I like to say, If you can't really tell, then it doesn't really matter.
@tskolits3 ай бұрын
Thanks for posting! Helpful!
@34jazzman3 жыл бұрын
I happen to own both. On the supra, I use a two ply head for a fatter tone. Both are tremendous drums for session work.
@scottlowell4939 ай бұрын
Ok, now how about comparing the same depth?
@christophersmay45084 жыл бұрын
You earned a thumbs up and a sub with this one. Confirmation bias is real and people believe what they want to, and hear things that they want to. Not to say that sonic differences do not exist for the discerning ear, and that collecting something just to collect out of love for objects isn't legitimate....But, for the drummer on a budget like myself looking for bang for the buck, this is a very helpful comparison.
@jamesmelton76373 жыл бұрын
On Reverb during 2020 you could find some Acrolite sales below $150 but not many. I would have said they run $150-230 used. Under $150 is a really good deal in 2020 IMO, and some of the ones I've seen looked trashed to be honest. That's OK if they sound good I guess.
@doops9203 жыл бұрын
I have an older acrolite (grey) currently with a Remo coated ambassador and cannot get it to sound good for the life of me .tried different heads different wires I’m about to sell it and buy a supraphonic
@timbretrent1132 жыл бұрын
I bet it's the reso head !
@Laurence_Balfour Жыл бұрын
Being a Brit and hearing you say £100 for a vintage acrolite and £200 for a vintage supra makes me cry
@tendingtropic7778 Жыл бұрын
what about the supralite range? they are steel, are they louder? worse?
@ColeParamore Жыл бұрын
I have a video for that! Check out Supralite - the new Acrolite?
@tendingtropic7778 Жыл бұрын
@@ColeParamore and whats your opinion when comparing both in real life? is the supralite 'louder'?
@shadowlandstudios862 жыл бұрын
I can’t seem to get rid of a really annoying metallic overtone at the end of each hit on my Acrolite. I’ve tried raising and lowering the tension on the snare side head. It just doesn’t seem to work. My batter head is probably medium high tuning. I’m using a Remo ambassador on top, an ambassador snare side head. Gibraltar 20 wire snares. Any suggestions? It goes away if I use tape on the batter, but I’d like to get rid of that overtone without using a ton of muffling.
@ColeParamore2 жыл бұрын
Hm, a couple things I'd try: -Make sure both heads are properly seated. If they've been on the drum for a while this likely isn't an issue. -Make sure the top head is really really in tune, use a Tunebot if possible. It's also entirely possible that what you're hearing is the totally normal overtones of the drum. Some people dig it, some people don't. Personally, I'll have an open/ringy snare for some situations and dampen for others. Out of curiosity, why don't you want to use dampening? Are you saying you'd like it to sound the way it does when you have tape on it, or you'd like it to have overtones, just not the ones you're hearing?
@just82much514 жыл бұрын
Very nice comparison and sound. Thank you for sharing it!!!
@carlosmacmartin4205 Жыл бұрын
Both sound great! The Supra has more sustain than the Acro.
@sabbathfan653 жыл бұрын
Acro sounds so much nicer, sorry I love both but my first drum was an Acro.
@rolandedrummer97234 жыл бұрын
I got my Ac in 1980.
@goseeaboutagirl3 жыл бұрын
just bought the acrolite in black galaxy sparkle, arriving this week!!
@ColeParamore3 жыл бұрын
Awesome, you'll love it!
@runnningonempty3 жыл бұрын
Can I have it?
@goseeaboutagirl3 жыл бұрын
@@runnningonempty sorry man 😂
@runnningonempty3 жыл бұрын
@@goseeaboutagirl I had a Black beauty I used with My Old 10 Piece Ludwig kit..I moved twice and No longer can find it.I just bought a Black 6 piece Yamaha Birch custom absolute shell pack so you can imagine why I am pulling my hair out..Well Thanks for the consideration.As the dumb and dumber quote goes..So your saying theirs a chance...lol
@goseeaboutagirl3 жыл бұрын
@@runnningonempty man that stinks, BBs are like $500 new :( good taste with those two companies tho!
@davidbrentdrums98904 жыл бұрын
Really good comparison bro!
@m.o.n.d.e.g.r.e.e.n2 жыл бұрын
yo am i looking in the wrong places cuz im only seeing 70's acro's for like well over $200. I buy my amps, keyboards, guitars, microphones from ebay and reverb but maybe its not the drummers place... Thanks! :)
@ColeParamore2 жыл бұрын
Check your local listings like Craigslist, FB Marketplace, etc.
@PierKrauss Жыл бұрын
Great video ✨
@area51pictures4 жыл бұрын
Acro isn't just a *similar* shell. It's literally the *same* shell as the supra. Plus, a 1960s Keystone Acrolite - has a *very* similar finish to the supra. Grab one of those, and you have a vintage, but more *open* supra
@nathankielb19382 жыл бұрын
Just picked one up for exactly this reason! Gotta do a little bit of restoration on it but it’s incredible.
@Stephen.Salamunovich4 жыл бұрын
Great video, Cole!
@manifestgtr4 жыл бұрын
I never really bought into all of those varying descriptions. They’re basically the same shell anyway... The biggest difference I’ve found is that the acrolite has a pretty pronounced midrange to it...this barky, chewy backbeat that’s pretty exclusive to that one model. The supra might be a LITTLE more reliable from a tuning standpoint? But other than that, they just aren’t that different in my book. They respond similarly and they’re both “pro level” in terms of sound quality...
@dannylugojr34282 жыл бұрын
I like both for different applications
@jerrygamez5723 Жыл бұрын
Thanks
@1thess523 Жыл бұрын
I got my black Galaxy for $64 at a pawnshop
@ColeParamore Жыл бұрын
What a score!
@mellilore3 жыл бұрын
2:29 REALLY???? I have one 60s keystone badge supra, two blue/olive pointy bage 70s supras, one Monroe badge 80s supra plus one 6.1/2x14 Monroe badge 80s supra, and they are all chromed inside just like outside, no joke man... They were plated by electrolysis and there's no way you can plate just the outer face.
@ColeParamore3 жыл бұрын
Hm, interesting! I'll have to do some digging and check back in on that!
@ColeParamore3 жыл бұрын
Ok I believe they are, in fact, plated on the inside (good catch!) but not polished. That still plays into the whole psychological pseudo-acoustic effect of whether the thing is "shiny" or not.
@mellilore3 жыл бұрын
@@ColeParamore Yes, IMHO your argument still stands.
@runnningonempty3 жыл бұрын
YESSUR!...PICK A COLOR OR LUG COUNT..
@Darkurge666 Жыл бұрын
I paid the equivalent of 800 USD for my new Supraphonic in Sweden. 😥
@ColeParamore Жыл бұрын
Ouch! At least that'll be a drum you can own and love forever.
@sticksbass3 жыл бұрын
sounds like the supra was tuned a little higher.
@SKragseth4 жыл бұрын
I’m asking myself this exact question today... hmmm
@iwaspaidtoflywithyoubatman3 жыл бұрын
$50-100 for an Acrolite? Only if the person doesn't know what they're seling.
@ColeParamore3 жыл бұрын
First one I got was $25, second was $75. Granted, this was probably 10 years ago and 5 years ago respectively, but it's certainly still possible, though more and more folks have caught on over time.
@TweezerBleezer1234 жыл бұрын
Good vid dude
@JackNiles4 ай бұрын
The price on these has went up
@nirsabag38013 жыл бұрын
Nice comparison but the prices you mention sound unrealistic. Acrolite for $80? Supraphonic for $150? Man where do you buy your drums from?
@ColeParamore3 жыл бұрын
You'd be surprised! Those are definitely at the low end of the price range but I've seen blackrolites for $75 and many
@nirsabag38013 жыл бұрын
@@ColeParamore I'll keep an eye out for these Blackrolites for sure. I live in Germany, and those drums are considered rare in the EU second-hand market and are often overpriced. Love your vids though!
@davidsuprenant8934 жыл бұрын
Legendary for sure.
@rolderdrummer24482 жыл бұрын
B O T H Why? Becouse the y are so different and great each one in each of its characteristics and potential…
@Juniscrazy3 жыл бұрын
To me the Supra I like more cause of the look lol
@gentrybellus34693 жыл бұрын
Acro will always be deeper and nastier/raspier. Supra higher and sweeter.
@davidfaria6194 Жыл бұрын
Vintage super phonic is worth a lot more than $150
@ColeParamore Жыл бұрын
Depends on how thrifty you are. I bought the one you're looking at in the video for that.
@margovallen3 жыл бұрын
Ludwig Supraphonic snare drum is *CHROME OVER ALUMINUM*.... not brass. Supra and Acrolite both, are aluminum shells.
@ColeParamore3 жыл бұрын
Hi Missy Victoria - you're absolutely correct. Did I say chrome over brass somewhere? If so that was definitely just a slip of the tongue.
@ColeParamore3 жыл бұрын
Just rewatched - tell me if I'm missing something but I'm sure I said "both are aluminum shells" right off the top. Thanks for keeping an eye out!
@andreaswesterling2 жыл бұрын
At 2:13 you say Chrome over Brass-finish.
@LuckySantora3 жыл бұрын
Acro!
@jackthomson50473 жыл бұрын
Acro all the way
@gregchapman35193 жыл бұрын
Your nostrils are magnificent. x
@ColeParamore3 жыл бұрын
Odd thing to say to a stranger but I'll take it!
@ineedstuff8286 Жыл бұрын
dude that fckin intro!! jeez
@vintagerockcompany4 ай бұрын
This guys pricing is way off. Clueless.
@ColeParamore4 ай бұрын
When you say "this guy", you're referring to me, I assume? Take a second to consider the market 4 years ago, when this video was made, versus the market now. Every price I mention in the video is from a real example, so there really isn't any subjectivity to disagree with there. After you think about that, take another moment to consider how you present yourself in a first impression with a stranger.