They do everything well!! If I find one at a good price I always buy it. I actually just gave one of mine to a friends kid that’s just starting out. I figured get the kid going on the right foot😁What part of the state are you in ??
I’ve owned just about all of the different generations of the Acrolite and my favorite one so far is my ‘67 keystone. I love the openness it offers compared to the others, but still… this is a snare that every drummer should have in their arsenal. I always tell every drummer, new or old - that this the best snare you can find for under $400
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. Clear 2-ply heads and gels = funk & hip hop heaven.
The supraphonic has 10 lugs which is substantial, but also chrome plating, which imo gives it a different tone/bark and makes it slightly louder. I don't recall whether all supras had 1.6mm triple-flanged hoops (at least beyond the chrome over brass hoop days) as the Acro did, either.
I loved this video. I don’t know how I missed it. Loved the oldest snare the most. It was also intresting to hear about this school band program in the usa
For years I've been hearing that Acrolites can be found for $100 or less. Tales of finding one for $10 or $25 at a thrift store or garage sale are legion. So I've been keeping my eyes out, my head to the ground, looking and searching for one of those mythical Acrolite bargains to absolutely no avail. Until tonight! When someone posted one in seemingly really good condition for only $50! I messaged immediately! The ad had been up for less than 20 minutes! ...and it had already been sold...
There out there man! I know you’ve been looking for them at the thrift stores and have come up short, but believe me … they are out there! Picked up a 1979 yesterday at GOODWILL for $10 bucks! Mint condition and 100% original. Keep searching!!!
For me, Hands Down the “79” ( middle snare). Just something about it. The “66” is great too but “79” is my choice any day. The 80s snare I wouldn’t go near. Great review
Being in school in the late 70's, early 80's, I don't know how I didn't end up with one of these. Baffled. Man o man, that 1979 Acrolite would be my 1st choice. The '89, even with its cheaper parts, would be my 2nd. The reason for that is they're drier, more punchy. & that '79 one sounds great at any tuning. The '79 is my most wanted snare right now (but I'd settle with an '89 * fix it up). Hopefully I can hunt one down when I recover financially soon.
Great drum .... I have one! I think the 60’s drum sounded really nice, but not that any drum sounded better. I’m pretty sure mine is a 1980 drum .... thanks Jeff! Merry Christmas
I knew there was something interesting about you and your style of playing. When I saw this thumbnail it kinda made sense! Great drummer, attention to details, and a gear nerd! 🔥🥁🎵btw I had a 71’ acrolite, the edges were to rounded for me
I just got a very late model powder coated. If the stamp on the inside is a date, it's a '91. I think it has the original heads and snares on it. I gotta tell you, I think I like it better than my '76 supraphonic.
If it has calfskin heads it’s probably older than 70s. I’d get it checked out. Maybe post some pictures on the vintage section of drum forum.org They might be able to tell you what you have.
Nerdy? Why ? This cool video. I wish I could play something arthris too bad can't even do crafts no more. I know you like those drums!! You were in school band? Cool. 🤘Stay safe n keep rockn happy holidays n merry Christmas 🎄🤘it's middle drum like the middle child giving a hard time. Just beat on those drums. 🤘so are your shows on Facebook now. I'm stuck between 70's and 89's. More towards 89...
Here’s the biggest takeaway (I play a 70s Acrolite, myself). Does the oldest Acrolite sound the best to my ears? Yes, it does. *However* most of the stuff that makes it so great is the stuff that your sound guy is going to ask you to dampen. They all have that characteristic Acrolite rimshot that works in basically any setting from jazz to technical death metal. If you have the opportunity to buy an early Acrolite, great! But you won’t be let down by a 70s-80s model. I’ve been using mine for probably ten years at this point and will never get rid of it. At this point, it’s kind of become “my snare sound” as far as I’m concerned. I’ll use other snares, sure…but I always come back to that beautiful, midrange barky Acrolite at the end of the day.
Great video, I love the history and info. I appreciate what you are doing but some constructive criticism- the audio quality was really distracting and irritating. Please consider a pop filter. After about 5 mins, I felt like it was too grating to continue. Very easy and cheap fix. Keep up the good work.
I had a '66 Acro and script badge Rogers Powertone when I was a teenager. This was back in the mid 90s and Ska was huge. I traded both of them for a cheap ass Pearl piccalo snare. Damn, I could kick my own ass for doing that. To this day, I am still pissed at myself. Lol
@@TheMusicRoom1973 : Cool video,Brother. I purchased a super old, very rare Ludwig wooden snare about 8 years ago and sold it but it was weird! Had these really wide strainers on and this crazy huge looking throw on it. Someone told me is was a 1929/30 wooden “Super Sensitive” before they called it that? I’d still love to know more about it. I got good money for it,back then.
The one with the hoop issue, the '79...........I gave it a few hours to come back and for whatever reason I keep liking it! And if you think you're nerding out, I did - in fact - google over half this video. Then I googled "How does Holden know that shit?" but no immediate answer.
Just curious what's the serial no. on the middle 1979 one? I have 1581067. Had it for a decade collecting dust, was missing part of throwoff, ordered that plate and screws and some snarewires so I can try it out. Great vid!
The 79ish 2049878. Serial numbers aren't the best way to date but the Ludwig website with the numbers is horribly inaccurate. A Ludwig guy wrote a guide thats a little more accurate using date stamps ams matching them with serial numbers. 158 is prob mid 70s
@@TheMusicRoom1973 thanks! I found the ludwig link and assumed 78 or 79, but you're right, pretty questionable serial numbering. Trying mine tonight. Cool video, a subscriber gained. Cheers
Ok we’ll have to agree to disagree. I think all of these drums sound a lot better with the 25 strand pure sounds. When I switched to the PS the drums really started to sing. Thanks for watching
can i give some constructive feedback that please use a pop shield for your voice or put the mic further away (and turn your preamp up a bit to compensate) or even just off-axis your mic a bit cuz i am really enjoying what youre saying
Very nice comparison. Through my TV speakers I thought the ‘89 sounded the best, but only slightly better (I.e. more snappy) than the ‘79. I thought the ‘66 sounded mushy in comparison. However, I’ll have to listen through headphones and see if that changes my opinion.
It is my future purchase, since I currently use a Ludwig Classic Maple 6.5" (Black Oyster Pearl) modern version, and it is my favorite because of how versatile it is...
@@TheMusicRoom1973 Hi, can you tell me where you are going to buy the 1.6 hoops.I bought a new Ludwig Classic Maple drums so I was thinking about whether to put 1.6 hoops on the toms for a more open sound.I don’t know how much the quality of the hoops affects the sound, where to find good 1.6 hoops without being very expensive, if I need them at all?!
I have a 65 acrolite that someone spray painted red. Lugs, strainer ,lug bolts and all. Getting ready to do a disassemble strip the paint and refurbished. In its current state it is ugly as F. But still sounds amazing.
I have the same problem with a 60s acrolite. Tried everything and cannot make it sound good. It's a shame too, because the best sounding acro I ever has was a also a 60s version. Sold it years ago and still regret it.
Love the cool, non-cover videos you're doing. Did you ever get that new computer you were looking for? Man, this video is way too technical for me. Just get a black beauty hahahah JK, loved this video. I like the 66 best.
Awesome video, been waiting for this one!
The best kind of nerdy ever! lol Seriously, great video. Very informative and excellent experiment!
I really loves Acrolite 👊🏻🥁 Ty 4 share, amazing video
Fellow Wisconsin drummer here. Great vid man! Just bought another acrolite and love them!
They do everything well!! If I find one at a good price I always buy it. I actually just gave one of mine to a friends kid that’s just starting out. I figured get the kid going on the right foot😁What part of the state are you in ??
I have a 1971 Acrolite and love it, but that 66 one is the best of all 3..
I've got an all-original 1965 Acro with chrome over brass hoops. One of my favorite snares to play.
@@TheMusicRoom1973 Yup. Great channel you have! I just ordered a 1959 Transition Badge Pioneer. Looking forward to getting it soon!
I’ve owned just about all of the different generations of the Acrolite and my favorite one so far is my ‘67 keystone. I love the openness it offers compared to the others, but still… this is a snare that every drummer should have in their arsenal. I always tell every drummer, new or old - that this the best snare you can find for under $400
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. Clear 2-ply heads and gels = funk & hip hop heaven.
The supraphonic has 10 lugs which is substantial, but also chrome plating, which imo gives it a different tone/bark and makes it slightly louder. I don't recall whether all supras had 1.6mm triple-flanged hoops (at least beyond the chrome over brass hoop days) as the Acro did, either.
I’ve been waiting for this type of video for awhile!,!,!!!! Thanks Jeff!
I loved this video. I don’t know how I missed it. Loved the oldest snare the most. It was also intresting to hear about this school band program in the usa
There are littlerally thousands and thousands of these drums floating around out there. Thanks for watching buddy!!
@@TheMusicRoom1973 who knows how many of them are long time forgotten somewhere. Hey I just did a “my snares” video, would be cool if you check it out
For years I've been hearing that Acrolites can be found for $100 or less. Tales of finding one for $10 or $25 at a thrift store or garage sale are legion. So I've been keeping my eyes out, my head to the ground, looking and searching for one of those mythical Acrolite bargains to absolutely no avail.
Until tonight! When someone posted one in seemingly really good condition for only $50!
I messaged immediately! The ad had been up for less than 20 minutes!
...and it had already been sold...
There out there man! I know you’ve been looking for them at the thrift stores and have come up short, but believe me … they are out there! Picked up a 1979 yesterday at GOODWILL for $10 bucks! Mint condition and 100% original. Keep searching!!!
I bought a like new black galaxy Acrolite in the hard shell case with all of the accessories off of a mom in Boston for $25
@@xrtgx22 AAAARGH!!!
(But also: congrats! That's awesome! Hope you love it!)
I will never forget seeing rdavidr find one in a goodwill for 5 bucks
My dad found one on the side of the road with some trash, worked and sounded great
For me, Hands Down the “79” ( middle snare). Just something about it. The “66” is great too but “79” is my choice any day. The 80s snare I wouldn’t go near. Great review
I agree with you!!!! 🥁
the 89 was my favorite no doubt, it had better snap and shorter decay, perfect to cut thru
Being in school in the late 70's, early 80's, I don't know how I didn't end up with one of these. Baffled.
Man o man, that 1979 Acrolite would be my 1st choice. The '89, even with its cheaper parts, would be my 2nd.
The reason for that is they're drier, more punchy. & that '79 one sounds great at any tuning. The '79 is my most wanted snare right now (but I'd settle with an '89 * fix it up). Hopefully I can hunt one down when I recover financially soon.
I own the 68’, 69’ Standard with chrome, 83’ and a Blacrolite. God willing I will own more.
Very cool comparison!
Great drum .... I have one! I think the 60’s drum sounded really nice, but not that any drum sounded better. I’m pretty sure mine is a 1980 drum .... thanks Jeff! Merry Christmas
I'd love to hear the '66 and '79 with the same hoops.
I knew there was something interesting about you and your style of playing. When I saw this thumbnail it kinda made sense! Great drummer, attention to details, and a gear nerd! 🔥🥁🎵btw I had a 71’ acrolite, the edges were to rounded for me
I just got a very late model powder coated. If the stamp on the inside is a date, it's a '91. I think it has the original heads and snares on it. I gotta tell you, I think I like it better than my '76 supraphonic.
i have a old ludwig set from idk when 70's or so has calfskin heads still was my great grandfathers
If it has calfskin heads it’s probably older than 70s. I’d get it checked out. Maybe post some pictures on the vintage section of drum forum.org They might be able to tell you what you have.
@@TheMusicRoom1973 alright will do thx
Dude the ‘89 is like an ur-snare. I think I like it the most - it’s like what I imagine a snare should sound like.
You are not the first person that’s said that same thing. Maybe the powder coat cuts down on the overtones a bit. Thanks for watching
You big ol nerd 😂😂😂. Have to go with the middle. All sound awesome 😎
Nerdy? Why ? This cool video. I wish I could play something arthris too bad can't even do crafts no more. I know you like those drums!! You were in school band? Cool. 🤘Stay safe n keep rockn happy holidays n merry Christmas 🎄🤘it's middle drum like the middle child giving a hard time. Just beat on those drums. 🤘so are your shows on Facebook now. I'm stuck between 70's and 89's. More towards 89...
@@TheMusicRoom1973 well it's like that everywhere my friend best wishes
Great stuff
Here’s the biggest takeaway (I play a 70s Acrolite, myself). Does the oldest Acrolite sound the best to my ears? Yes, it does. *However* most of the stuff that makes it so great is the stuff that your sound guy is going to ask you to dampen. They all have that characteristic Acrolite rimshot that works in basically any setting from jazz to technical death metal. If you have the opportunity to buy an early Acrolite, great! But you won’t be let down by a 70s-80s model. I’ve been using mine for probably ten years at this point and will never get rid of it. At this point, it’s kind of become “my snare sound” as far as I’m concerned. I’ll use other snares, sure…but I always come back to that beautiful, midrange barky Acrolite at the end of the day.
I like the 1989
Ahh that Ludwig :)
great video , I like the 89 the most. the sound is fat and crisp. I will difinetly find that snare.
Great video, I love the history and info. I appreciate what you are doing but some constructive criticism- the audio quality was really distracting and irritating. Please consider a pop filter. After about 5 mins, I felt like it was too grating to continue. Very easy and cheap fix. Keep up the good work.
Great video. All three sound so close there’s no reason to pay for age.
I had a '66 Acro and script badge Rogers Powertone when I was a teenager. This was back in the mid 90s and Ska was huge. I traded both of them for a cheap ass Pearl piccalo snare. Damn, I could kick my own ass for doing that. To this day, I am still pissed at myself. Lol
They are pretty close and I think I like the sound of the Acrolite better..
Wow, woderful iob. Like 12.
I have a mint vintage 8 Lug Black Galaxy Acrolite. I like it. Not as much as like my Stanton Moore Dunnett but it’s a good usable drum.
Yea I’d say liking the Dunnett more than an Acrolite is probably legit!!😂 no joke those Dunnetts are incredible drums enjoy.
@@TheMusicRoom1973 : Cool video,Brother. I purchased a super old, very rare Ludwig wooden snare about 8 years ago and sold it but it was weird! Had these really wide strainers on and this crazy huge looking throw on it. Someone told me is was a 1929/30 wooden “Super Sensitive” before they called it that? I’d still love to know more about it. I got good money for it,back then.
The one with the hoop issue, the '79...........I gave it a few hours to come back and for whatever reason I keep liking it! And if you think you're nerding out, I did - in fact - google over half this video. Then I googled "How does Holden know that shit?" but no immediate answer.
Just curious what's the serial no. on the middle 1979 one?
I have 1581067.
Had it for a decade collecting dust, was missing part of throwoff, ordered that plate and screws and some snarewires so I can try it out.
Great vid!
The 79ish 2049878. Serial numbers aren't the best way to date but the Ludwig website with the numbers is horribly inaccurate. A Ludwig guy wrote a guide thats a little more accurate using date stamps ams matching them with serial numbers. 158 is prob mid 70s
@@TheMusicRoom1973 thanks! I found the ludwig link and assumed 78 or 79, but you're right, pretty questionable serial numbering. Trying mine tonight.
Cool video, a subscriber gained. Cheers
You need original snare wires to bring out the actual acrolite sound pure sound wires completely changes them to a more dry sound
Ok we’ll have to agree to disagree. I think all of these drums sound a lot better with the 25 strand pure sounds. When I switched to the PS the drums really started to sing. Thanks for watching
I love 30 strand pure sounds and the 27 strand Vic Firth vintage wires. Fantastic results on my 64 & 68. *should be noted I use 2 mil snare side heads
Awesome shootout. Those 60's hoops make all the difference to me. Ludwig makes a 12 strand, 14 inch that sound killer on these drums. Less is more.
Probably for the same reason most prefer the lighter hoops. More wires = more choke.
I have a july 67 Acro with Canopus wires , amazing.
The 66 sounds the best by far.
can i give some constructive feedback that please use a pop shield for your voice or put the mic further away (and turn your preamp up a bit to compensate) or even just off-axis your mic a bit cuz i am really enjoying what youre saying
Thank you !
Very nice comparison. Through my TV speakers I thought the ‘89 sounded the best, but only slightly better (I.e. more snappy) than the ‘79. I thought the ‘66 sounded mushy in comparison.
However, I’ll have to listen through headphones and see if that changes my opinion.
I like 1989 Acrolite
Thanks man. ...I thinks that's my fav
It is my future purchase, since I currently use a Ludwig Classic Maple 6.5" (Black Oyster Pearl) modern version, and it is my favorite because of how versatile it is...
Thanks for the video and great content. I suggest using a pop screen with that sm57 or just use a sm58. Hard to listen to the plosives.
Normally I use a condenser but decided on something more directional become of the ambiance from the snares. thanks for watching
Awesome comparison, man. I have the Black Galaxy finish, and it's a little dry for my taste. I might try some 1.6mm hoops to open it up.
The 1.6s do make a difference. Im probably eventually going to put some on my Supraphonic
@@TheMusicRoom1973 Hi, can you tell me where you are going to buy the 1.6 hoops.I bought a new Ludwig Classic Maple drums so I was thinking about whether to put 1.6 hoops on the toms for a more open sound.I don’t know how much the quality of the hoops affects the sound, where to find good 1.6 hoops without being very expensive, if I need them at all?!
@@jsntnt13- You can buy then from drumfactorydirect not sure how big If a difference they'll make though on the toms.
The 1989 sounds like poop 😊 The 1960s and 1970s sounds great...,
I have a 65 acrolite that someone spray painted red. Lugs, strainer ,lug bolts and all. Getting ready to do a disassemble strip the paint and refurbished. In its current state it is ugly as F. But still sounds amazing.
The '66 is my favorite, '79 is my second fave, and the '89 is my least fave by far
The third generation drum is not 1989. Judging by the badge, this is 1983-1984
@@TheMusicRoom1973 Well, since there is a stamp, then you are probably right then. what is the serial number on the badge?
My acrolite sounds bad I tried everything… different heads . wires . It’s got a weird ping sound
I have the same problem with a 60s acrolite. Tried everything and cannot make it sound good. It's a shame too, because the best sounding acro I ever has was a also a 60s version. Sold it years ago and still regret it.
Unless something is broken, it ain't the drum.
GREAT VID - PS----USE A POP FILTER ON YOUR SPEAKING MIC----JUST SAYING
Love the cool, non-cover videos you're doing. Did you ever get that new computer you were looking for? Man, this video is way too technical for me. Just get a black beauty hahahah JK, loved this video. I like the 66 best.
The 89 and 90s blackrolite have a dryer sound
I have ‘68 and ‘84 acros. Both sound great but are different due to the older one having the anotized shell. I put 42 strand gibraltar wires on them.
Great drums!!! Thanks for watching!!!!
Gotta find a late 80s now
Middle one I like the least
Thats the one i have the hardest time with. Something makes it squirrely, shell is round but i may to replace the hoops. Thanks for watching
Honestly the first baseball bat drum sounded fuller with great rimshot echos….the third is least…..
Speaking of the Rocker series, I had a complete set and the quality was horrible on everything, especially the wrap.
I own a 64 & a 68, (both keystone badge) WILL NEVER PART WITH THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't like the middle one. 1961 and 1989 do the job.
no functional difference whatsoever. just different tuning
Fuck man I think I like the 89 the most of these..
It does sound surprisingly good!
snares are too loose and heads too loose sounds like garbage cans!!
worthless demo
Worthless comment