DW Black Nickel over Brass vs Ludwig Black Beauty Review
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- Опубліковано 15 бер 2022
- Today I'm hoping to help you decide between two close competitors - the reigning champ Ludwig Black Beauty and the more affordable option in the DW Collector's Series Black Nickel over Brass. Wait, DW has the more affordable option? What timeline is this?
Anyways, many folks who might want a Black Beauty will see the DW option as a no brainer. I want to give you some sound examples and some advice to help you decide whether that's the right move for you or not.
Let me know what you preferred in the comments, feel free to like and subscribe, and thanks for watching!
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DW version - this is actually more expensive because of the nickel hardware, sorry, Amazon is weird: amzn.to/3wa3aYA
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They both sound amazing. I have the DW and love it. The sound and hardware is amazing 😊
I’ve had my DW black nickel over brass snare for YEARS, and it still holds up! Idk about the hardware nowadays, I’ve heard it could be a mixed bag, but hardware is still great for me, still sounds incredible, and it looks even better! Highly recommend trying the DW!
DW hardware is almost always super solid!
Terrific video! Thank you. My preference is the BB but both are very fine instruments indeed. As you say, whichever one speaks to you is the one.
Hi Cole, I just got my black beauty after wanting one for 20 years! Couldn't be happier - between this and my gretsch usa custom 14x5.5 I think I pretty much have all bases covered. Thanks forbthe great video, helped me to decide on going for the BB.
AWESOME! That drum'll last you forever and I agree - you're totally set between those two drums.
I own both in 6.5 and really like both. However, the bb is definitely a more versatile drum and tunes well up and down. The dw, at least to my ear, sits better at low tuning. Great video!
While the DW sounds really good, as soon as you hit the Black Beauty I knew the sound right away and went “There it is!” 🥁 Great video showcasing both drums!
Yeah maybe it's just in my head but I love that sound. The Black Beauty is my favorite metal snare.
Seven years ago, I came across the DW 6.5"x14" black nickel over brass snare in a music store. After I played it, I bought it instantly for $449 minus 15%. A total steal. I still use it on live gigs, It cuts through anything. I love my black beauty but this DW snare is no joke. The mag throw off is awesome, unlike the crappy old p-85 that came with my black beauty, I never understood how Ludwig charged $700-$800 for a snare with such a crappy, sticky throw-off. At least they redesigned it and got rid of the P-85. If I had to choose one, I'd probably stick with the BB just because it sounds great and it's easier to resell. But for the money, the DW is the better buy IMO.
I agree entirely! How can they expect you to pay so much for a snare with terrible hardware? I'm glad they redesigned that strainer though after how many years? 🤣🤣🤣
Very helpful review, thank you. I’m down to the black beauty vs the Gretsch bell brass. But I think I want 14x8 so looking like the black beauty. Ludwig really does make amazing snares. I own the Carl Palmer Venus and a Supra and they’re both superb. Premier Signia for toms and bass all day though.
I own one of each (6.5 X 14) and I think that the Ludwig is the overall better snare for me. That being said, I love them both.
I have owned so many snare drums from Gretsch
DW Yamaha, Tama, nothing sounds as good as the
Black Beauty. It has the perfect blend of Shell
Resonance, crispness, yet focus as well.
Firm believer in the BB. 2 of them as a matter of fact. I love the sound of the BB and there is a distinct sound. However, a lot of times, you're at the mercy of the FOH sound guy who can really make it sound amazing or they find the suck button.
I would agree with the sound comparison.... I was in drumshop recently and heard both versions of these in 6.5 inch size and the black beauty definitely had a more open sound as u mentioned... I think it probably gets down to the Dw having much heavier 3mm hoops....focusing it a bit more....
Played both in the 14x8 style and felt the DW was a more sturdy snare. Sounded better in the mix to me as well. All preference obviously, and price :)
I'd be so torn between choosing one or the other. I love the DW's focused and sharp sound but the Black Beauty's tone is so pleasant.
I prefer a more focused sound, so I’m a DW snare guy. But just bought a copper snare that is built like the BB. The tuning range is amazing and the combination of the shell resonance and my preference for the sound of copper shell? Magic.
Very nice comparison but should be noted that the Ludwig is a seamless shell and DW has a seam. Also the center bead on the BB adds to tonality. That being said, i have the DW but love both.
They both sound awesome. You can’t go wrong either way, or even going down to a Ludwig Universal Brass, DW Design Brass, or a Pearl Sensitone brass. It all depends on what you want, and what your budget is.
I'm looking into the ludwig universal snares. Seems like great bang for the buck
I have owned a BB twice and currently have a DW version and I prefer its clarity, quality, and versatility
The Ludwig Black Beauty is essentially the drummers version of classic coke.
I would submit that it is the Supra, rather than BB.
@@waltheisenberg7626 I would concur with that statement.
I have the DW on 8x14 , but the BB I got in a 6.5x14 , I wanted to have diff snare sizes , and also I had been wanting a BB since my early college days 25 years ago. Yes the DW is more focused Because the hoops while Flanged they are 3mm almost like Die cast Spec. Without the Die cast hoop tendency to destroy Sticks, But yes the BB Is just that sweet sound that just feels good like a Fine Wine or Bourbon or the perfect dessert The Dw is more aggressive ,currently the aluminum shell is what I'm playing DW that is lol. You know Drummers and Snares always 1 more
They both sounded really good. My sound preference is more toward the BB, but ... there are diminishing returns on what I'm willing to pay for that sound. a tad too pricey for my blood.
I have the DW. For my needs it’s great, and the difference in price was a factor. Got my brand new DW for $250 in a close out sale. Hard to beat at that price.
Great deal!
I have the first run of one of these DW put out from like 1990 its a 6 X14 with a slightly undersized shell ..shell got bent leaving a gig way back so I stopped playing it, it wouldn't stay in tune for a full song it had the infamous self detunimg lugs DW is famous for, pulled it out last year and refurbished it and man does that thing have some volume and cut and really just a verynice sensitivity and feel to it id been missing playing wooden snares the last 20 years
great explanation, 100% agree .
I have them both, love them both.
The hardware on the DW is much better!!!
DW shell is Asian welded 1.1 mm. Ludwig is usa made 1.2mm spun shell. The strength and roundness is in Ludwig favour. DW 3mm hoops are and build quality is impressive! To me the DW sounds fantastic!
Gregg Bissonette's hammered bnob is amazing. Listen to him play it on Rick Beato's recent video.
DW is rolled and welded. Does that matter in the end? Who knows, right? I like the idea of BB being an industry standard but I just dont want to pay that much - in Eu, they are about 1100 euros for the basic model. I own the DW NOB and I love it, it always delivers.
I have a DW Design Series 14 X 6.5 Snare purchased used. The previous Owner had an Evans HD Dry batter head on it. Sounded great compared to what I had. I replaced the batter head with the same HD Dry , however, I can't get to the sound I had. The new batter head seems to be choking the sound a bit too much. Any Hints for me? I'm a Recreational Drummer, 71 YO, who resurrected playing after 50 YEARS [1969]. I play about 1 hour a day for Enjoyment to My Music. But I always yearn for that better sound from my drums. I've learned so much from YT videos. I knew nothing about Drum Tuning those many years ago. I just -played with my HS buddies - we were all learning our Instruments.
Ludwig snare had a more ring and ping sound which my ear was attracted to
What Factory Heads does the DW come with? I bought a DW Design Series 14 X 6.5 Snare USED, It came form the previous owner with a HD Dry Batter head. Sounded great out of the delivery box. Yet, When I replaced the batter head with a new HD Dry batter head, I just can't there - to that same sound. I have tuned and re-tuned to an Obsessive level. I also tried a UV1 & UV2 head - not too much my liking. I came across a "weird" thing. I placed my DW snare atop of my 16 inch Floor tom one day to get it out of my way while playing to music at home one day. When I hit the DW during a fill, That created the Sound that I was seeking!! Take it off the Tom, it was not the same?? Any ideas? One poster on a drum forum says that I am playing 2 Drums simultaneously. Another said that I may have Invented a New Snare Stamd:):):)
I'm simply not a good enough player to justify the Beauty. DW, here I come!
Same here! Just got my DW - I love it.
It would be interesting to see these tested with the same heads and wires.
Oh man, an A/B between the Dialtune brass and the Black Beauty would be amazing!
There’s no mistaking that Black Beauty tone! So much warmer than the DW. More character too. I love my DW collectors snare. However the BB is a classic that has been on hundreds of records since it’s release.
Just picked up a black beauty, the 5X14 8 lug, have yet to play it, can't wait lol
Congrats!
I have the DW but the factory heads need some help. It sounds really good with an Evans HD Dry batter.
I think I like the presence of the snares on the DW more. Which one would handle cranked tunings better?
The easy answer is to say "they can both do cranked tunings and will just give you something different", but despite preferring the Ludwig I'm going to go out on a limb and say the DW may have better handling cranked overall due to the thicker hoops and higher thread count tension rods. Hope that helps!
Funny..DW is usually considered to be the more expensive drums.
Both great sounding snares..
The BB is a little more open..
I have both and 99 percent finding myself going to the black beauty. I use a Evans Genera Dry head and it's a monster. perfect amount of smack and controlled ring.
I feel like you can't go wrong with either snare. Major drum companies do have their own version of a black nickel over brass snare as stated in this video. Nowadays, the Black Beauty has a much bigger name when it comes to snares than a lot of other well known recorded snares out there. You can get the BB brand new for around $900 USD or find it used for roughly $300 cheaper, or you can use other branded snares with the same shell material. It may be a bit different than the original, but you can never go wrong with any black nickel over brass snare.
the ludwig does sound a touch better. Smoother. but for double the price im happy with the DW
When I was on the hunt for a BNOB snare, I tried out all the options available. I finally settled on the DW. To me the BB is too "tinny" sounding. The other thing that really got me was Ludwigs premium price tag for sub par hardware. I thought if I bought this drum I'd change out everything on it except the lugs. SO that made no sense to me. The DW is the way to go in my opinion. I only thing I switched out was the wires for some DW 30 strands and now the drum sounds incredible!
Glad you got something you liked!
my new Gretsch bell brass rings like a bell---love my black beauty tho
Funny, I always found the black beauty to be a little clunky sounding but that one was nice and crisp. Actually, it sounded like the chrome Supra-Phonic.
Have you ever done a Ludwig Raw Brass comparison video?
I have not!
@@ColeParamore That would be an interesting comparison video, I’ve heard the raw brass is a little more colorful sounding than the BB.
@@salvadorrosas7018 That would be a fun one, and I'd be curious to hear the rationale behind that tonal difference.
I own both in 6.5, I prefer the DW.
What tuning would you say you had on the DW? I got a tunebot and the DW snare recently but mine doesn't sound quite like yours. Any tuning tips for this particular snare?
Usually pretty high for the bottom head, medium high for the top. I've got a few other videos on how I tune that should get you in the ballpark!
@@ColeParamore thank you so much! Checking them out 😎
I have the DW black nickel over brass and find the sound too thin, for lack of a better word. It doesn’t project enough or cut through amplified music.
I have a 1930s era Black Beauty...Leedy/Ludwig
I’ve always loved the personality of Ludwig drums but the DW surprised me here, I like the differences in each and now want both, thanks?! 😆
I’ll have to dish out some extra and get the Ludwig first tho. Thanks again, the video was a tremendous help before spending 👍👍
Glad it helped Garth! Justify it by getting different depths!
@@ColeParamore I haven’t considered an 8” drum in a long time but this sparked an interest, especially the BB.
I’ve been swaying between these two drums and the Gretsch Bell Brass all in 6.5 depth lately as my next snare so I really like your idea of justifying them with different sizes 😁
Maybe two dumb questions here, but is the black satin on the DW and paint or nickel plating? Wouldn’t that make a difference as well?
I believe it's the same nickel plating as the gloss, and though some may disagree I don't think it'd really make any difference. Thanks for the questions!
Makes sense, great comparison video!
Id wanna see a test done with same heads, wires and hoops!!! Someone cld chng hoops on Dw easily.
I've had my black beauty hammered for over ten years. I have never even thought about a different snare.
Beautiful!
Wow, your stamina is incredible. You hammered your snare for over ten years? Respect! ;)
My opinion: if you compare two drums, try to play a straight solid grove, maybe with some ghostnotes. It's kinda hard to focus on the drumsound with that nervous Hi-Hat groove.
I like both drums, but if I had to buy one, it would be the Ludwig.
Lol I did the same thing Ingot the DW and like it alot but there is that sonic quality of a supraphonic that sounds like John Bonham, how can I best describe it its a nasally a tad more metallic sound, I agree with your focused DW sound. It is with those bigger Lugnuts they put on there and they spare no expense. It is definitely a brick shit house in a very focused sound. Before I bought the DW Iactually bought the super phonic light by Ludwig and even that had that little bit of an nasal sound, I don’t even know if that’s a good explanation but there’s just that little timbre a little hint of color that we are familiar with which is I guess like that quintessential Snare sound.
I definitely would I thought it was a really good comment when you said that the Ludewig sounds like other Ludwig’s because that’s just what I experienced at the super phonic light which is only $200. It’s the super phonic by Ludwig this made in China and it’s a damn good drum in because it had that quality that were kind of try and describe call it in nasally call it whatever, or timbre
That little bit of total tonal difference that you can hear that makes the superohonic
Love my black beauty
I'm sorry but the BB blew away the DW! Yes the DW sounded fine, but when you switched to the BB it was a world of difference!! it's just simply warmer, a little darker and has more body.
Yup. The BB has a much more punchy and focused sound. I have both and really love them, use them frequently.
If you own a Black Beauty you don't need anything else. I've got seven different snare drums, all with their own unique qualities, but I always go back to the BB. 😎 Abide
Should've run with the 14x6.5" of each, hardware doesn't play quite as large a role but the difference is telling
There are a decent amount of 6.5 comparisons out there already. I thought the 8 vs. 8 would be a fun change for this one. Thanks for watching!
@@ColeParamore yer fair call, it's interesting how much the hardware focuses the drum. The BB to my ears is a more musical, pleasant sound.
The Luddy sounds more rock n roll. The DW sounds more general use.
What about the Ludwig black magic snares?
Worth investigating as well!
I had a Joey Kramer Black Magic and was amazed at how warm it sounded. Incredibly wide tuning range, and the die cast hoops made it super stable. Sold it to pay for a Lucille. I think the black beauty is perhaps overpriced, even with. Guitar Center employee discount, but would love to one day own one.
Ludwig BB has a thicker sound and it's more controllable in overtones
Ludwig Black Beauty for me
black beauty always❤
BB has more smack and natural compression
Do you have the tuning freq of the ludwig?
Don't off the top of my head. Might be able to pitch match using the vid as a reference though!
The bb is like a strat.. ma right?
Not exactly, but that's a pretty fair analogy for explaining it to non-drummers.
Nothing like a BB....but with the old 1.6-rings!
Ludwig. DW howls while Ludwig has a clear sound.
Black beauty sounds higher in pitch. But sounds sweeter anyways.
Ludwig BB: 1.2MM seamless brass shell.
DW BNOB: 1MM seamed shell.
It makes a difference.
Dw all day everyday
Hi 😊 I Honestly believe that the Ludwig drum sounded better than the DW, but not $ 3 hundred dollars better! T Y S.R.PURDY 🥁( keep on trappin folks) & God Bless 🙏
That's why the Black Beauty is the Black Beauty.
The Ludwig sounded nicer to me but 300$ nicer not sure lol
Are you sure that’s a bnob? That looks like a black satin over brass, but it could just be the camera playing tricks on me. 🤷🏻♂️
Hey Matt, it is indeed black satin, but that's just a finish option. The coating is still black nickel, just matte instead of gloss, if that makes sense.
@@ColeParamore really? Before I went with my bnob, I was told by the dude from sound pure that the satins have a lower fundamental tone than the bnob, but he could be mistaken. 🤷🏻♂️ cool video tho bro!
@@Matty_B_plays_drums With all due respect to that rep, I would heavily push back on that. There's a lot of pseudo-science that makes its way into drum marketing and that strikes me immediately as such. That's similar to asserting that the silver sealer in a Gretsch shell changes the tone based on the fact that it's silver.
@@ColeParamore fair enough lol. He told me they went to satin because DW was having issues with obtaining nickel plating due to the pandemic, so yeah. Weird. Lol
Clearly you would know better since you’ve had experience with BB, BNOB and the black satin. Thanks for replying!
In todays market the Ludwig BB is a very overrated snaredrum. Most snares I've got did sound better IMO. Maybe a personal taste or distaste? 🤣
True.
Wouldn't be comparing a Black Magic (or any other Worldmax NOB shell) with a Black Beauty make more sense? The DW has no bead etc....
The Black Magic I think makes more sense pitted against the old PDP Ace or their newer cheaper option the Design series BNOB. Good comparisons to make though!
@@ColeParamore I see your point, but other than the shell material, the DW and the BB are completely different drums. But I guess for a beginner this video has a purpose nonetheless!
@@tobiaswinter1358 And that is kind of the point - because of hardware differences they are definitely different drums, but the DW BNOB and other companies' versions of the same thing are positioned marketing-wise as alternatives or competitors to the BB. Some people feel they're similar, some don't - exactly what the comparison is for!
This is dw’s competition to the black beauty that’s why it make a lot of sense to compare them. Doesn’t matter how they are made this is a direct competition.
DW has a overtone. Ludwig as a nice decade. Black beauty wins
Ludwig sounds much more complete. The DW sounds compressed.
I'm sorry, but after two years of owning the BB...I still do not understand the hype. I consider myself a good tuner and still have not found "the sound" people brag on with the BB. I have cycled through various hoop styles, heads, snare wires, moon gel, etc. People have claimed this to be one of the best snares of all time...I really think that is a personal preference. I refuse to sell it lol. For me, DW snares are more consistent. I love Ludwig snares. I also own an Acrolite and Supralite and love them. The BB....ehhh idk lol. Good video thought!
And that's totally fine! I know plenty of people that don't personally dig the Ludwig sound or the BB in particular. It's definitely proven to be popular, but that's what's great about subjectivity. If it ain't your bag, no sweat. Plenty of options out there, and I'm glad you dig your DWs. I'm (obviously) a big fan of the company and the kits, but haven't fallen in love with the snares. Doesn't at all mean they sound bad, just not my thing. Thanks for watching!
Same here. I had a BB and wasn't knocked out by it. I prefer a Supraphonic 402 and the Pewter Copperphonic 6.5 that I started using when it came out a couple of years ago.
529....WHAT A BARGAIN!!.................................NOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not, Not enough difference in sound to justify cost of the Ludwig, No Way!!!
No comparison, Ludwig snares just sound RIGHT
The BB sounds better.
Is it me, or was the DW louder?
Maybe perceived volume. Same mix, same drummer on both!
@@ColeParamore Thanks for replying and for the video. What I meant was that it seemed the drum itself was louder. Not that you did anything different. It just seems a little naturally louder. Just an observation. Happy Drumming! 😃
@@mjm5081 Of course! Thanks for watching!
@@ColeParamore 😃 👍 👊
Ludwig all the way
Why the big price difference..?
Seamless vs. seamed shell is part of it.
idc the ludwig sounds better
pay more and get the original sound.
not even a contest...especially considering you can obtain a b-stock BB for the same price (or close) as the DW
Skip the talking 2:16
Thanks for the tip Burnt Rubber.
@@ColeParamore the talking is fine. i just wanted to mark it for those who want to skip it.
the dw sounds cheap
I hear a much better sound with the
Ludwig.