The HOLY GRAIL 7X14 Bell Bronze Snare Drum

[@rhythmista7707]

Once again, medium tuning does the trick and brings out all the characteristics of the shell. Absolutely gorgeous and superb sounding snare drum..

[@NickCostaMusic]

Seems like the most popular. Appreciate your feedback and detailed explanation! Thank you for tuning in, and taking the time to leave a comment 🥁

[@jarrahdrum]

I think medium tuning also

[@mikeevangelista1177]

Sounds killer wow looks awesome too. The entire kit sounds awesome 🔥🥁

[@NickCostaMusic]

Much appreciated, @mikeevangelista1177 ! The beauty of @ludwigdrumshq (and a bell bronze snare). Really appreciate you checking out the vids, and the sub!

[@klauth_Yksyn]

Nice drum, I've always considered 14x7 the perfect size. gunna add one of these to my collection.

[@NickCostaMusic]

It’s my favorite size for sure. I couldn’t recommend getting one enough!

[@SherrySaucedo-sy5xl]

Maestro I love the sound of it.Money will spent.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Much appreciated - thank you!

[@sam-drums]

Thanks!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Thank, you @sam-drums ! Appreciate the continued support 🙏🏼 🥁

[@jkozol]

I thought Duluth was going to stop making shells. I love the rims they sent me to go with my DW bell bronze. Your drum looks and sounds fantastic!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Word on the street is they’re coming back if they haven’t done so already. How did the hoops change the sound compared to what came with it?

[@jkozol]

I hope they do come back. They dried out the shell overtones.

[@mattbover-drummer8369]

Still not making shells and there’s no talk of when they will be coming back at this time.

[@NickCostaMusic]

@jkozol oh nice! I still want to get a set to experiement with

[@jkozol]

@@NickCostaMusic i think he said he had some left

[@JonnyGuitarFan]

love that high tuning, but i tend to like my snares tuned high. i also have to be heard when surrounded by low tuned guitars and bass haha. awesome snare, might have to build one...

[@NickCostaMusic]

I like my snares tuned higher as well, and this thing has a special sound in that range. Definitely recommend building one, though people are saying Duluth isn't offering sells at this time

[@markmalonson7531]

All tunings great. Luv that combination components.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Many thanks! Loved how it turned out - both killer looks and sounds

[@mattbover-drummer8369]

Duluth is still not making shells for the public. there was a private list of about 20 or so individuals (including myself) who got the opportunity to get a drum made. Was almost a year process but mine should be arriving in the next week or so… as far as I was told this was a special occasion and they are not making shells for the public at this time. There’s a reason why Duluth didn’t do the shells for the latest installment of DWs true cast drum… they did all the previous but not the latest. Hopefully they come back at some point.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Thanks for the update! Bummer they decided to stop and I’m with you - hope they start again soon!

[@thomasmartin12345]

Did you get it?

[@bilhamcobbly2957]

That’s a brutal beast!!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Right?! Super heavy too, and the @ludwigdrumshq classic flat base snare stand holds it no problem

[@DirtySk8RatStaney]

That sounds awesome!! I’m sure in a recording situation most wouldn’t know the difference between that and a snare costing thousands. I’m a fan of customizing drums, although not quite a builder. Like I enjoy taking a cheap snare and putting all the good bits from other manufacturers on it to make it better. Like take snare throws for example, by far my favorite throw on the market is the DW mag throw. And paired with the 3p butt plate, it’s so good!… A few years ago I took a PDP concept maple snare, put some wood hoops and the 3p butt plate along with some 42 strand wires. And finished it off by installing the Zikit system in it. (If you haven’t heard of it, check it out. It’s actually really cool and different) it’s become my favorite snare to play live, and when other drummers see it they always ask… I think my next “snare build” will be a brass snare though with cast hoops… I might go 14x5 though, as I love super high and tight snares and I’ll bet that would have a glorious crack to it….

[@NickCostaMusic]

Love that you’re willing to tinker with your drums! Nothing wrong with making changes to see how it changes the sound.

[@jsb91251]

Nick, Great sounding drum I must say..very nice channel you have here! Best, Steve Balsavage

[@NickCostaMusic]

Hey thanks Steve! Really appreciate you taking the time to check out the video, the channel, and leave this comment.🙏🏼🥁

[@jsb91251]

@@NickCostaMusic Hey Nick. We certainly conversed some over the years. You obviously take your craft seriously. One for the good guys!

[@shawnsdrumcave]

Killer snare Nick! i was thinking of doing the same thing a few years ago, using ludwig hardware like yours but just never got to it (yet) haha

[@NickCostaMusic]

Well hope Duluth started up again so you can! I got the idea after I got my 110 anniversary heirloom brass. Loved the look of the gold flat imperial lugs on the flat shell!

[@jonathanwright2663]

Medium High is 🔥

[@NickCostaMusic]

A lot have said the same. What did you like the most about it?

[@drummerbui4342]

That Medium High though.. 😍

[@gillesrichard2228]

I agree

[@NickCostaMusic]

I like that one too! Gives it some bite without sacrificing body.

[@tybreedlove]

Duluth quit making shells. I inquired a few months back. It's sad cause I really wanted a cast bronze snare. I hope they started making them again and I'm wrong typing this. Lol

[@RustyKnorr]

They’ve already started making them again, months ago.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Hit them up again - they might be back at it… 😉 Just mention you saw my video and was inquiring about a shell.

[@krusher74]

when i enquire a month back all there was was a waiting list for a shell that might never get made.@@RustyKnorr

[@krusher74]

You can get a shell and rims from Guven in turkey.

[@timm1139]

Very nice! thanks for the review, I liked that medium high tuning the best. I like the drum & it's sound, but unless I get a paying gig I can't validate buying one. It seems like both Zildjian & Sabian released a few drums made of recycled cymbals many years ago. That would be a cool drum to have!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Nice! The higher tunings is when this drum really starts to have it's unique sound. LOVE the new Zildjian 400th anniversary snare. Aaron Latos (the drum designer) makes beautiful, great sounding drums. That thing will stand the test of time more than the original Noble & Cooley snares for sure!

[@tedfurlo2268]

In my opinion, "Holy Grail" is an understatement. A gross understatement. I am awestruck by the sound of it. And visually, I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful piece of engineering. Now, that out-of-the-way, let's talk about the sound of the rest of your drum set. What's going on with those tom-toms? Your floor tom sounds glorious! The whole kit! Oh, by the way, not bad drumming either! 🤪🤪🤪

[@NickCostaMusic]

Something that has both looks AND sound. Did you have a preferred tuning? As for the kit - that’s the beauty of @ludwigdrumshq Classic Maple! Toms have @remopercussion white suede emperors on top, ambassador clear bottom. 8x12 rack, 14x16 floor. I like the shallower Toms, especially the 16, since it sounds more direct without being too boxy like a 16x16. I made an entire playlist on how I tune drums, check the vid on tuning toms to see exactly how it do it! kzbin.info/aero/PL8Wm_6bao1aq3y2SWVQonbAUJioZOoWET&si=ZgQIgKCERmGyxPps

[@tedfurlo2268]

My Friend, I didn't want to much time to pass before I responded. SO, Thank you for your swift response. First let me share on the most important feature of this(your) posts . . . you ARE a very talent drummer! GREAT arranging/sensibility! Now your question, The drum sounds great in every tuning, but to my ears, the 'Bell' starts 'Ringing' with the medium tuning. The harmonics 'Light Up' too. CONSIDERING that I'm a master of the 'Braindead Beat'(simply/stupid), my Snare choices have often been Ludwig's 3 1/2 x 13" piccolo snare drum(loose and wet almost 'Synare' sounding). I have a few of them. And we're talking the Ludalloy versions. I'm nuts for shallow snares with Downbeat lugs. I also have two '66 Downbeats(original wrap BOP and Champaign Sparkle(Bermuda Sand). I got lucky! I also have a Ludwig 6 1/2" x 14" Bronze 10 lug from the '80's. I'm a 'Ludwig Only Guy' and have also an obsession for 6 lug Luds. Lastly, Thank You for the heads reveal! I would have never guessed the 'Suede Emperors', but now, 'Yeah, I get it'. NickCostaMusic, I ENJOY YOUR TALENT and KNOWLEDGE! ❤🙏🌹🥁@@NickCostaMusic Ted Furlo

[@NickCostaMusic]

That's a fantastic collection you got there, @tedfurlo2268 ! You can't go wrong with Ludwig, they make something that fits any style of playing. Do you have any modern Ludwig snares?

[@woodmarsspacecraft382]

I like just the high tune sound.

[@bochiebochie]

Same!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Packs a bite! What did you like about it compared to the others?

[@sirocco416]

what kind of bearing edge did you use

[@veilingirisdrummer]

Sorry... The snare sound great, it your kit sounds amazing! What kit and mics are you using? Your toms sound so rich. Again, snare sounded great but your kit grabbed my attention and kept it! Lol.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Many thanks! Kit is a @ludwigdrumshq classic maple - you get the best tone with them IMO. Super versatile and clean Tom sounds! Mics on the Toms are audio technica ATM-320s

[@alzhaimar]

I think the drum would be more versatile with standard triple flanged hoops. Aside from that I feel standard Ludwig triple flanged hoops would also look better. Does the price you mentioned include bearing edges and the whole drilling?

[@NickCostaMusic]

Now there's an experiment - trying out different hoops to hear the difference in sound! The price does include edges, beds, and drilling.

[@kkupsky6321]

I was hoping you’d take it apart to see the bearing edge and what the snare bed is like

[@NickCostaMusic]

Though I don't think I did any close ups, I assemble this exact drum in an earlier video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6bYe2OOgtWqjsU

[@kkupsky6321]

@@NickCostaMusic awesome. Thanks.

[@NickCostaMusic]

You're very welcome, @kkupsy6321 !

[@markmalonson7531]

Great

[@NickCostaMusic]

Thank you! Did you have a preferred tuning?

[@schnutzelcoco]

The medium-high tuning is the best…my opinion 🥁😎

[@NickCostaMusic]

That seems to be the most popular in the comments (it’s mine too!) . What made that tuning stick out to you?

[@schnutzelcoco]

@@NickCostaMusic The sound is really crisp and melodious.

[@NickCostaMusic]

That's a great description! Appreciate it

[@Justin606troy]

Duluth told me earlier this year they’re not building shells anymore. That change?

[@RustyKnorr]

Months ago

[@NickCostaMusic]

Reach out to them again, and mention you saw this vid so you’re inquiring again about a shell

[@shawnbruce6934]

Medium High. Butter!

[@NickCostaMusic]

That's been the most popular so far!

[@alsdrumhang]

That thing really does pack a punch. (to myself) I really don't need another metal snare... I *really* don't need another metal snare...

[@NickCostaMusic]

You could always sell one (or two) and pay for a good amount of one like this 😉

[@alsdrumhang]

@@NickCostaMusic ... or a kidney, I've heard I only really need one of those

[@NickCostaMusic]

That’s why you have 2! 😂

[@jareddoran6605]

As far as I've been able to figure out, Guven has pretty much taken Duluth's place in the bronze shell market

[@NickCostaMusic]

Good to know - appreciate the info!

[@Baker504]

Love it. I like the medium high and high tune. I plan on calling them and see if I can get one. Like others I thought they weren't making them anymore . Hope the guy that said they started months ago is right.👍🏻

[@NickCostaMusic]

I liked the medium high the most too - great bite with some body still. I hope they started again too, the market is there for them!

[@Mystninja]

I wants a red copper snare

[@NickCostaMusic]

Me too! 😂

[@howardevans6302]

Bell Brass and Bell Bronze are exactly the same thing - both are cast bronze. Bell Brass is a misnomer left over from Tama introducing their first cast bronze snare drums decades ago. Modern drums purporting to be bell Brass are generally just rolled and seamed brass, a lot thicker than the usual 1 to 2 mm shells offered from most makers. there is also another style of Bell Brass bronze shell, made by the roto-casting method, similar to the way Italian cast cymbals were made. Brass alloy shells are restricted in their thickness if to be spun and seamless, so brazing a length of rolled flat brass is the easiest solution. The cost of sand-casting real bronze shells is staggering, as the failure rate is extremely high hence the cost of things like the recent Zildjian Anniversary snare drum. China is able to cast bronze drums cheaply as they don't have the legislation to control the making of this type of product, which adds to the cost. This is why so many drum companies are suddenly offering cast bronze, or bell Brass, as it's more commonly known, drums at very low prices when compared to wooden or even brass shelled drums.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Appreciate the insight - a lot of great points here! Also keep in mind a lot of those drums being labeled the same are far different - the alloy isn't the same. It's just a thicker brass shell like you said, hints why they're brighter in color than a bronze shell. That make a big difference in tone.

[@richboshart1201]

Fantastic drum, though the Ludwig hardware is an interesting choice given that (how do I say this without offending Ludwig fan boys?) the company has a well-deserved reputation for making lousy hardware. Medium-high tuning was sublime. Was that drum dampened for the high tuning? Virtually no overtones.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Thanks, @richboshart1201 . I think the new hardware is much better now - I haven’t had an issue the last 7 years with any of my drums. Surprisingly no dampening, just dries out in the higher tunings! 🥁

[@valclements1244]

Confusing that you mention Bell Brass and Bell Bronze, when in reality they are one and the same.Tama came up witht he misnomer of bell Brass for their cast Bronze snare drums and it' stuck ever since. There is technically no such thing as Bell Brass. Cast bells are made from bronze, not brass. A lot of the snare drums offered as Bell Brass are just rolled brass with invisible seams.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Exactly - though if I called it just bell bronze people would ask what the difference was. Some say if it's darker, it's bronze - though from what I've heard that's all based on the alloy construction.

[@Hovland_Drum_Co]

True statement. Duluth can't deliver on a consistent basis though. I've been left hanging by Duluth. Switched to a foundry that can deliver.

[@Hovland_Drum_Co]

Bell Brass is a misnomer.

[@chrislongo221]

Sadly, Duluth no longer makes these drums or drums at all for that matter. I reached out to them a year ago or so.

[@NickCostaMusic]

That’s what a few others said, though rumor mill was they started small quantities not too long ago

[@chrislongo221]

Thank you for the reply! If that's the case, I'm going to reach back out to them. I would love to own a drum like that!@@NickCostaMusic

[@NickCostaMusic]

Of course, @chrislongo221 ! Hopefully they're still in production

[@Spagz]

This sounds awesome. Im willing to take it off your hands at no financial loss! Firmly at 8 hundted something dollars. PayPal or Zelle? 😂

[@NickCostaMusic]

Can we split between the two - I don’t want Uncle Sam coming after me with a 1099 😂😂

[@Spagz]

@@NickCostaMusic consider it done. 😂

[@Catinthehackmatrix]

Bell brass for 24,000? Their must be a difference in bell brass, then they also have many Tama brass snares that are also vintage but less than 5 grand.

[@krusher74]

Thats shit sits unsold for years, they just wait for one person to be rich and have to have one. to people that have $100,000 watches its cheap.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Without the original hoops and what looks like someone buffed the crap outta the shell too. Prices are going bonkers

[@Mystninja]

Nerd. Lol jokes

[@NickCostaMusic]

They're totally welcomed here!