Comparing Ludwig Acrolites! Does the era really matter?

[@-ValerON-]

68 - 7:32 10:26 78 - 7:51 10:50 BG - 8:10 11:14

[@NickCostaMusic]

Love this - thank you!

[@garyzapel4022]

The 90’s black sparkle one was my favorite. I would definitely be into having my own. TY

[@NickCostaMusic]

That was my 1st snare drum - it rules!

[@axemanfishing2703]

Very cool demonstration. They each sound like completely different drums.The 68, sounded nice in Low and high tuning, the 78 was nice in mid and high tuning, the black one nice in all 3 tunings to my ear.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Many thanks, @axemanfishing2703 ! I completely agree - they all have a unique sound even though they're all technically the same. Do you prefer a snare that's more direct, or that has more overtones?

[@axemanfishing2703]

@@NickCostaMusic I guess I prefer a more direct for heavier music, but for Rock and blues I do like overtones a little more.

[@NickCostaMusic]

That makes sense - especially when the overtones can help get the snare to cut more though the mix

[@Spagz]

Nice video!! At low tuning the 70's is so much brighter than the 60's. As is the Blackrolite. At low tuning I like the 60's best but at high tuning I prefer the Blackrolite sound. Overall though, I think the 70's is the best pick! Not too much difference between them in general but seems to give the best of all of them if I had to pick one.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Totally, @Spagz. Sounds like the 70s had more ring to it in my opinion. I do like the brackrolite at higher tunings though. It just cuts!

[@aluminati9918]

Great job, Nick! Just measured original hoops on my ‘77 Acro: 1.6-1.7mm. Think transition to 2.3 was sometime during ‘80s. Have changed to the heavier hoops on my own as the originals had warped (before my time)

[@NickCostaMusic]

Appreciate the info, @aluminati9918 - thank you!

[@TomBastedo]

Nice job with these vids, Nick! I would like to point out that the 60's shell is anodized - not raw aluminum. May play a large part in tonal variations.

[@timm1139]

Nice comparison Nick, thanks for all of the work. All of the drums sound good, but I have to admit that I prefer the "blackrolite" overall. There's just something about it that I like.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Appreciate you checking out the videos, @timm1139 ! To be honest, the blackrolite has been on my kit since I recorded the blackrolite video. Stays in tune, has a great controlled bite to it - can't beat it IMO!

[@johnplaysdrums]

Another fun video, Nick. It seems like the younger Acrolite drums have a crispier sound than the ones that came before. All in all, while they have very similar sounds, the timbre definitely changes between the three. That 90s acrolite sounds like it has more bottom end to me too.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Totally, @johnplaysdrums ! I was expecting the late 60s and 70s to be pretty close since they seem like similar shells and hoops, though I thought the 70s had more twang to it. Also agree with the black galaxy - I noticed a distinct hum in the middle tuning compared to the other two. Maybe due to the powder coating drying the shell out?

[@jarrahdrum]

I have a 1964 acolite.There is something magical about it, this drum has soul and I believe that it's all down too it's history, it has battle scars, it was gigged regulary through the 60's/70's/80's and 90's, you cannot buy this :)

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Kinda digging the 68. Not a ton of tone but it's got that dry crack that you want from an Acrolite.

[@NickCostaMusic]

I like the 60s acro too!

[@doranwisner497]

The 1.6 mm hoops allow the 68 edition to breath and remain dry. The 70s and 90s editions sound great but slightly less resonant.

[@NickCostaMusic]

I think so too, though I thought the 70s had more higher overtones than the 60s IMO.

[@teamilkyone3490]

All sound great

[@NickCostaMusic]

I think so too, @teamilkyone3490 !

[@boomerguy9935]

Just a quick note that over the last several decades of using different snare wires (number of strands, types of metal and designs) along with different throw-offs, I have never had a problem while using ribbons instead of strings. The ribbons were easier to apply even tension and never gave me a problem with stretching. Note that I used premium ribbons from drum supply stores and not just a generic type. The initial installation was quick and easy. Note that I never used mufflers, I always tune my resonant head higher than my batter head and I always use 2.3 triple-flange hoops. Just a personal choice, but this may have also influenced the sound of my snares. Way back in the day of my rock drumming in the 60's, I made my ribbons out of mylar drum heads which actually worked quite well. I'm not even sure if ribbons were offered back then, but I never could get the strings to adjust like I wanted. This could just be me, but it could be worth a try.

[@NickCostaMusic]

That's not a bad idea - thank you for sharing that, @boomerguy9935 ! I'll have to hit up @drumfactorydirect for some snare ribbon

[@boomerguy9935]

@@NickCostaMusic Any premium brand will work and mine have been on for decades without ever stretching. "One and done"!

[@waltgdrums1]

The 60’s has a throatier crack and sweet tone to it. The 70’s flat and dull. The 90’s Blackrolite was the surprise here as it gave the 60’s a rum for the money. May be the one to get if you don’t already own one.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Great observations! I'm with you, that 90s blackrolite really has a sound that just works - it's always a toss up between that and the 60s or me

[@ronniek7748]

First thing I would say, is toss the snare wires. There were spots when Nick was playing the drum and the choking was more pronounced or slacked off.. I thought none of the drums sounded that great in the low to mid tuning, but totally excelled in the high tuning. Not a fan of using the internal muffler at all. I own a 70s version if I need a little bit of muffling, I’ll take half of a slice of a moon gel. Thanks for the vid!!

[@NickCostaMusic]

I want to try a thinner string or cord first to see if that helps. The videos where I showcased each drum individually I didn't have this problem. I agree - I think the acrolite really stands out in the higher tunings. It's like that's where it belongs. Appreciate the tip with the 1/2 moon-gel - I'll have to try that out!

[@jeremyschneider9531]

I heard more difference between these than I did in the brass shell depth comparo, or the brass VS alum comparo. That surprised me! Also, weird about the pitch anomalies. I heard overall they got progressively a bit drier as they got newer, with slightly less sustain and overtones. Maybe the this makes sense if the 60's has bare alum and thin hoops (least damping mass), 70's has bare alum but thicker hoops, and the Blacro has paint and thick hoops. Maybe that's it? Or maybe the shells changed, as you surmise. They all sound good though, I'm happy with my Blacro and I'm not in a hurry to get an older one LOL. Thank you!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Pretty surprising, right? Such a difference, though all 3 sound great. I'm with you - I think the sounds are a combo of the shell construction and hoops. You can't go wrong with a blackrolite - it just works and is super versatile.

[@TheSpartanMoose2453]

Great video! I was just listening to the samples as to not let the visuals impact what I was hearing. I heard some subtle differences but nothing crazy or that made me think they were vastly different. Overall, any drummer would be thrilled to have either of the drums especially if you can get it below $100 where there is no better value.

[@NickCostaMusic]

That was the purpose of the video - provide viewers with something that can question the stigma between the different eras to see if there really is a noticeable difference. I think the blackrolite does sound a tad drier, but like you said - any of them are great!

[@mwdollar]

Like the 60s model the best. It seems slightly more wet like the supraphonic. That rack tom sound is off the charts.

[@NickCostaMusic]

It's got a vibe to it for sure, and just works. The beauty of @ludwigdrumshq , their toms are second to none IMO

[@MrJaydev1]

Hey Nick , great video ! Have you tried the plated canopus vintage snare wires? I see you are using the non plated which gives a darker sound and can dry up a drum like this too much. Also Ludwig put out the 18 strand Ludwig ‘63 chrome plated wires that were on these drums originally . I love these on the Acro and Supra

[@NickCostaMusic]

I haven’t, @MrJaydev1 - but I think I’m gonna look for the Ludwig ones like you said! Sounds like a great option if the original wires are shot. Appreciate that, thank you! 🙏🏼

[@satanjd666]

I think the paint on the black galaxy makes the snare more dry and has less tone

[@NickCostaMusic]

Totally agree!

[@kilehussey9919]

I’ve always been partial to the 70’s models.

[@NickCostaMusic]

All 3 are great, and the 70s in this video has a unique sound for sure. What makes them stand out to you?

[@aidanb4477]

Interesting, never had any issues with the Canopus wires, nor the string they come with, and I'm using them on probably 8 different snares right now. I have, however, consistently had issues with P-83 and P-85 throwoffs unless they were super duper mint. My 60s Pioneer and 70s Acrolite have always had snare slippage issues, but my basically mint 70s Supra doesn't, so I really think it comes down to the condition of the throw-offs. I've never ever had issues with these wires on my Rogers snares or even my 40s Leedy, which was not made with the greatest throw-off in the world.

[@NickCostaMusic]

That is interesting, especially since we had the opposite issues happen. Either way, at least the modern day p88ac throw off can fit the old throw off spacing to help!

[@aidanb4477]

@@NickCostaMusic True, thought about replacing my old Ludwig throw-offs with some of the modern ones

[@NickCostaMusic]

I did it with a couple snares - especially the rocker steel. Couldn't recommend it enough

[@aidanb4477]

@@NickCostaMusic Right on man I'll look into it then

[@bryanherward4679]

you need an orange peel acro to round the bunch out

[@NickCostaMusic]

Totally - the search continues!

[@heliomilleo7982]

Hello ,. With the serial number 2069971, can you tell me approximately the year of manufacture of an Acrolite that I just purchased? Thank you and congratulations for your videos, very instructive

[@NickCostaMusic]

Sounds like it's from the early 80s

[@heliomilleo7982]

Thanks🙏

[@music-not-war]

I think the 78 was most consistent over the three tunings

[@carlupthegrove262]

Eyes closed I could not tell a difference..... I have a 60s Acrolite with a baseball bat muffler.... I like it and if the price was right I'd buy either a Black Galaxy or the Grey Powder coated one.... just for fun.

[@NickCostaMusic]

I'm torn between 60s and black galaxy, but safe to say they all sound great!

[@ClaudioPulito]

I'm pretty sure these Canopus snare wires are killing the sound and tone of these acrolites. Something is off Nick... In the earlier videos each drum sounded great at pretty much every tuning. I had the same problem with my black galaxy acrolite. I put new wires from Puresound and it sounded terrible, flat and chocked. Put back the stock cheap Ludwig wires and the snare came back to life! Anyway, thanks for your work, it's always really appreciated!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Definitely a difference in sound. I've noticed the same with any snare - they always sound better with stock wires IMO. And don't worry, the original wires went back on each one😉

[@jorymil]

It'd be worth experimenting with 1.6mm hoops on the newer drums.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Totally, though 1.6mm hoops are known to warp a bit if you play rim-shots

[@NickClay-t5v]

Low, medium I liked the 60’s 70’s. High tuning it was too close to call. Probably would go 70’s, 90’s, then the 60’s.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Pretty wild how different each drum sounds. Sounds like you prefer a snare with a bit more ring to it, @user-zx3gk2hp2p ?

[@preciousmetals7114]

78 for the win

[@NickCostaMusic]

A great sound for sure! What made the 70s Acro the winner for you?

[@preciousmetals7114]

@@NickCostaMusic Im actually guitarist many many decades ..now in my 50s ..There all great for sure!! .. but i would say in the "low tuning muffler off" the 78 has by far the most snap or it brings in a bit more highs and resonace .. "mid tuning muffler off" same thing breaths just a bit more... with the 68 the drone after the beat goes down where the 78 drone stays stable with a bit higher pitch..the 90 was great overall but had some weak areas sounding like the metal was to thin specifically in the high tuning muffler off.. so for all those reason the 78 is the clear winner in my book .. 👍

[@preciousmetals7114]

@@NickCostaMusic Deep purple The mule drum solo Copenhagen 1972 ian price probably my favorite drummer he just ki--ll-s it with this solo just love the vintage sound feel and vib pure talent .. Hendrix my favorite guitarist then Beck .. 👍

[@SawyerDrums]

The blackrolite screams 90’s sound. I own a 70s acro so I’m a little partial. Lol

[@NickCostaMusic]

@SawyerDrum totally does - even had someone else tell me they were bringing it to their 90s cover band audition! To me it sounded like the 70s acro had more higher overtones than the late 60s or blackrolite.

[@Funkybassuk]

I think I’m an Acrolite acolyte like you now.

[@NickCostaMusic]

It's a great drum to be!

[@ЯрославАндреев-п7я]

Всё хорошо, но средняя настройка больше звучит как средне-низкая.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Ценю отзыв, спасибо!

[@terryweiss6069]

the 70ees snare sounded best to me,it was more solid,bright,less ring. 60ees weird overtone an barkey.80ees blackrolite to dry,short,no life to it.70ees acro rules in sound!!!

[@NickCostaMusic]

I thought the same, though I like the dryness of the blackrolite. 70s didn't sound as airy as the 60s in my opinion. Who knew the eras could have that much of a difference!

[@koolBOY8323]

all three sound terrible at low tuning. muffler on or off. at mid tuning they all have that aluminum 'honk' with the muffler off, but otherwise sound okay, the blackrolite honks the least, but sounds flat with the muffler on at mid tuning. high tuning with muffler off seems to be where i like these drums the most. not a huge difference between the 60's and 70's, but the blackrolite definitely has less high pitch with that powder coat. the muffler at high tuning seems to choke all three drums way too much.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Totally agree with the high tuning, @koolBOY8323 . The black galaxy has that distinct 90s sound, and I feel the internal muffler chokes all 3 drums out. Definitely provides a sound that some need, just not my favorite.