Great video! I love my late 70s Acrolite. It still amazes me that the Acro was ever considered a student model. They're such wonderfully versatile and playable drums.
I bought a late 70s acrolite about 7-8 years ago for..... $60. That's right, 60 bones. Everything was there, nothing missing. Gray hard shell plastic case. I put on a fresh head and wires. Played great!! Loved the higher tunings. I ended up selling it for 100 bucks. Hard times. 😢
The 60's has a shiny color. The 70's has a matte kind of color. The 60's sound crisp. The 70's sound warmer. I wonder if the composition of the Aluminum used in building these have changed. I prefer the 60's.
That’s what some folks say - slightly different shells. All sound pretty great to me, like @rhythmista7707 said. Maybe it’s time to do a sound comparison between them all in one vid 🤔
Another variable to consider is the hoops. It'd be good to change one thing at a time to see how the sound changed. I like the look of the 60s version better, though. No hoop can change that.
I have a couple of Acrolites, and they both sound amazing. I just think that this one would sound much better if it had a better set of snare wires. Great job! Keep those videos coming!
Thanks for the videos. I have a couple of Acro's. A '76 and a '78. Can you tell me how tight you have the reso head? Drum dial number? how many half-turns? Any info would be appreciated.
Thank you for checking out the videos! Reso head is tabletop tight. I always start out finger tight, then 1 full turn on each lug. From there I apply pressure with my thumbs on the head (one on each side of the snare wires), and keep doing 1/2 turns until there little give. I go through the entire process in my snare tuning video if you're interested - ua-cam.com/video/P2bXaoYiQL4/v-deo.html
I guess my ears are damaged from years of snare drums! I heard no difference between a sixties and the seventies versions. I have a mid 70s acrolite myself, and it’s a great sounding drum. I prefer it over my black beauty!
Could be, or they just sound very similar - either way, it's safe to say they sound great! What makes you prefer the 70s acrolite over the black beauty?
Nice vid! I can’t really say I hear a difference between this and the 60s model now, but it’s cool that you also have a 1978 like my original 70s Acro also is. 🙂 High tuning is what does it for me on this one. It also sounds great cranked I think. Both with or without the dampening. Thanks for sharing Nick. Rock on! 🥁
I have this one 😊. And a "Blackrolite". The later is like brand new. Even the practice pad and case. Heads seemed unused. Like some Mom bought it for her 11 year old kid who was all excited... He brought it to drum class and they had him hitting wood blocks or practice pads and he hated it.... Why can't I learn some Greenday today?!?!? He went home and put this in the closet and never touched it again, only to be donated to Goodwill for me to find 30 years later.🤣
The black galaxy was my first snare, and a 2nd one MIGHT be the next #snaresaturday video. I always forget drums pop up at Goodwill from time to time - that's a great find!
@@NickCostaMusic Cool. I will be there! I snagged a few off Goodwill including a 50's Slingerland marching snare with gut snares and calf heads. It needs a new reso though. $35! I will get to refurbishing eventually...
I too own a 1978 Acrolite snare drum. I bought it about four or five years ago and paid $225 Canadian. It is in absolute mint condition! Sound wise, one of my favourites and go to snare drums. You can’t go wrong buying this drum! Thanks for the video Nick.
The last 55+ years I’ve played on so many different snare drums but always end up playing my favorite snare drums….Ludwig Acrolite !! A few years back I bought a 6 1/2 x14 limited edition Ludwig Acrolite, brushed aluminum shell with brushed hardware and hoops….it is by far my favorite snare drum….the tuning is very versatile! I’m using the Remo coated P77 head and it sounds great !! Anyway…thanks for the video !
Thanks for the video, Nick. I have the same drum. Love how it breathes. I believe the lighter triple flanged hoops play a part in the drum's more open, airy sound. When I first got it I dated it around 1979, which was a cool date for me since that was the year I started taking drum lessons in 4th grade, and what I consider my start date as a drummer. Recently I watched a video from Drum Dot Pizza about Acros where he pointed out the B/O Acros around 1970 have the internal muffler adjustment knob on top of the mounting screw, and with later models this pattern is flipped with a larger adjustment knob (like the drum in your Black Galaxy video). If this is correct and the serial number lines up, we have drums from around 1970. Cool for me since it's the year I was born. It's a sentimental drum for me either way. I also have a Black Galaxy. That drum sounds warmer and more controlled in comparison. I assume the coating on the shell and heavier hoops add to that character. Both great drums in their own right. Thanks for the work you do! Lastly, your toms sound fantastic!
Appreciate the kind words, @brianfieldsdrums3220 ! I think you’re spot on with the lighter hoops. Might need to experiment with hoops to see - swap from this one to the late 70s and see what changes? So cool they pointed that out! At first I thought the black acrolite was backwards, until I looked at photos 😂 Love this kit - it’s the 1st one I really enjoy the sound with stock ambassadors. Can’t beat legacy mahogany 🥁
There still aren't aluminum snares costing less than a vintage Acrolite. Once someone starts selling aluminum snares for less than $250, vintage Acrolites will go down again in price.
I hunted down a late 70's Acrolite, because I prefer the drier sound of the late 70's ones (up till '83, I believe). Now, at 1st I believed mine to be a '79, but I think I pinned it down to '81, according to a serial # website. What year does this serial number below look like to you? (the 7th digit is there, so my guess is '79 to '81). My blue & olive badge has rounded corners. What's this # sound like to you? *2244066* (2, 4, 6 - I like that).
@@NickCostaMusic - thanks for that info. I also found that 2300000 was the number when my Black Face 2-hole strainer stopped in '82. Since mine is 2244066, it could be an '81, ’cuz the throw off is black faced (replaced it with an INDe, tho). Could be an '80, but judging by the numbers, I’d surmise '81. Well, at least I have it boiled down to '80/'81 - (I'll go with '81). Black/white badges (Rockers) started in '84.
Great video! I love my late 70s Acrolite. It still amazes me that the Acro was ever considered a student model. They're such wonderfully versatile and playable drums.
Pretty wild, right?! It had to be a sales tactic or something, rather than saying "cheaper version of the supraphonic."
I bought a late 70s acrolite about 7-8 years ago for..... $60. That's right, 60 bones. Everything was there, nothing missing. Gray hard shell plastic case. I put on a fresh head and wires. Played great!! Loved the higher tunings. I ended up selling it for 100 bucks. Hard times. 😢
Good stuff! Bummer you had to sell it, but at least you made a bit of profit
The 60's has a shiny color. The 70's has a matte kind of color. The 60's sound crisp. The 70's sound warmer. I wonder if the composition of the Aluminum used in building these have changed. I prefer the 60's.
I would agree. The 80s "orange peel" finish version is also a different drum from the other decades. They all sound great.
That’s what some folks say - slightly different shells. All sound pretty great to me, like @rhythmista7707 said. Maybe it’s time to do a sound comparison between them all in one vid 🤔
Another variable to consider is the hoops. It'd be good to change one thing at a time to see how the sound changed. I like the look of the 60s version better, though. No hoop can change that.
So I have one that is from 1969 the vent hole is higher like the 70's but has a keystone badge and the top of the badge is covered by the hoop.
I’ve seen that on some snares, but I usually see them on late 90s drums. Wonder if that’s the original badge? Either way, bet the drum sounds great!
Best “cheap” snare money can buy
Couldn’t agree more! I think the Ludwig Heirloom Stainless Steel with be the next acrolite, IMO
Tough-sounding drum. Nicely done! ✊🏼🥁
Appreciate it! Thanks for watching 🙏🏼 🥁
I have a couple of Acrolites, and they both sound amazing. I just think that this one would sound much better if it had a better set of snare wires. Great job! Keep those videos coming!
Started to think the same mid way through. I think I have to compare all 3 in the same video with the same type of wires...
Aluminum just makes a great snare sound. Having only 8 lugs allows the shell to sing.
Totally agree!
Thanks for the videos. I have a couple of Acro's. A '76 and a '78. Can you tell me how tight you have the reso head? Drum dial number? how many half-turns? Any info would be appreciated.
Thank you for checking out the videos! Reso head is tabletop tight. I always start out finger tight, then 1 full turn on each lug. From there I apply pressure with my thumbs on the head (one on each side of the snare wires), and keep doing 1/2 turns until there little give. I go through the entire process in my snare tuning video if you're interested - ua-cam.com/video/P2bXaoYiQL4/v-deo.html
@@NickCostaMusic Thank you. I'll definitely check that out.
I guess my ears are damaged from years of snare drums! I heard no difference between a sixties and the seventies versions. I have a mid 70s acrolite myself, and it’s a great sounding drum. I prefer it over my black beauty!
Could be, or they just sound very similar - either way, it's safe to say they sound great! What makes you prefer the 70s acrolite over the black beauty?
There is a darkness to the sound of a black beauty that aluminum doesn’t have. I just prefer the brightness of aluminum!
Absolutely! Black beauty has a warmer and more ringy overtone since it's brass. Aluminum is brighter for sure, which also sounds great.
Nice vid! I can’t really say I hear a difference between this and the 60s model now, but it’s cool that you also have a 1978 like my original 70s Acro also is. 🙂 High tuning is what does it for me on this one. It also sounds great cranked I think. Both with or without the dampening. Thanks for sharing Nick. Rock on! 🥁
Nice! Just trying to help determine if one is better than the other. Both sound great, IMO.
I have this one 😊. And a "Blackrolite". The later is like brand new. Even the practice pad and case. Heads seemed unused. Like some Mom bought it for her 11 year old kid who was all excited... He brought it to drum class and they had him hitting wood blocks or practice pads and he hated it.... Why can't I learn some Greenday today?!?!? He went home and put this in the closet and never touched it again, only to be donated to Goodwill for me to find 30 years later.🤣
The black galaxy was my first snare, and a 2nd one MIGHT be the next #snaresaturday video. I always forget drums pop up at Goodwill from time to time - that's a great find!
@@NickCostaMusic Cool. I will be there! I snagged a few off Goodwill including a 50's Slingerland marching snare with gut snares and calf heads. It needs a new reso though. $35! I will get to refurbishing eventually...
Oh man, I think I need to hang out at your goodwill!!
I too own a 1978 Acrolite snare drum. I bought it about four or five years ago and paid $225 Canadian. It is in absolute mint condition! Sound wise, one of my favourites and go to snare drums. You can’t go wrong buying this drum! Thanks for the video Nick.
Nice find! Couldn’t agree - the acrolite just works, regardless of the situation. Enjoy the drum, and thanks for checking out the vid 🙏🏼 🥁
The last 55+ years I’ve played on so many different snare drums but always end up playing my favorite snare drums….Ludwig Acrolite !! A few years back I bought a 6 1/2 x14 limited edition Ludwig Acrolite, brushed aluminum shell with brushed hardware and hoops….it is by far my favorite snare drum….the tuning is very versatile! I’m using the Remo coated P77 head and it sounds great !! Anyway…thanks for the video !
Oh, Nice @MrRLRRLL ! That 6.5x14 you got is a 10 lug, correct? I’ve heard great things about the new acrolites.
The 60s was tuned higher for the low tuning and the snares sounded better.
Should have compared before recording 🤦🏻♂️. Maybe a video matching tuning and playing them back to back? 🤔
@@NickCostaMusic sounds good. Try using same brand of snare wires.
Not a bad idea!
Thanks for the video, Nick. I have the same drum. Love how it breathes. I believe the lighter triple flanged hoops play a part in the drum's more open, airy sound. When I first got it I dated it around 1979, which was a cool date for me since that was the year I started taking drum lessons in 4th grade, and what I consider my start date as a drummer. Recently I watched a video from Drum Dot Pizza about Acros where he pointed out the B/O Acros around 1970 have the internal muffler adjustment knob on top of the mounting screw, and with later models this pattern is flipped with a larger adjustment knob (like the drum in your Black Galaxy video). If this is correct and the serial number lines up, we have drums from around 1970. Cool for me since it's the year I was born. It's a sentimental drum for me either way. I also have a Black Galaxy. That drum sounds warmer and more controlled in comparison. I assume the coating on the shell and heavier hoops add to that character. Both great drums in their own right. Thanks for the work you do! Lastly, your toms sound fantastic!
Appreciate the kind words, @brianfieldsdrums3220 ! I think you’re spot on with the lighter hoops. Might need to experiment with hoops to see - swap from this one to the late 70s and see what changes?
So cool they pointed that out! At first I thought the black acrolite was backwards, until I looked at photos 😂
Love this kit - it’s the 1st one I really enjoy the sound with stock ambassadors. Can’t beat legacy mahogany 🥁
There still aren't aluminum snares costing less than a vintage Acrolite. Once someone starts selling aluminum snares for less than $250, vintage Acrolites will go down again in price.
That's a pretty valid statement. Maybe one day that will happen, though with cost of alloy maybe not?
I hunted down a late 70's Acrolite, because I prefer the drier sound of the late 70's ones (up till '83, I believe).
Now, at 1st I believed mine to be a '79, but I think I pinned it down to '81, according to a serial # website.
What year does this serial number below look like to you? (the 7th digit is there, so my guess is '79 to '81).
My blue & olive badge has rounded corners. What's this # sound like to you? *2244066* (2, 4, 6 - I like that).
I'd guess it's a 1980 or 1981. VintageDrumGuide.com says 2013537 is the end of 1979
@@NickCostaMusic - thanks for that info. I also found that 2300000 was the number when my Black Face 2-hole strainer stopped in '82. Since mine is 2244066, it could be an '81, ’cuz the throw off is black faced (replaced it with an INDe, tho). Could be an '80, but judging by the numbers, I’d surmise '81.
Well, at least I have it boiled down to '80/'81 - (I'll go with '81). Black/white badges (Rockers) started in '84.
Okay, but where Supraphonic 6,5x14 ?
That was an earlier vid in the series. Check it out here! ua-cam.com/video/asC9BZids-o/v-deo.html