Ludwig 5x14 Black Beauty Snare Drum-Imperial Lugs From Ludwig

A true American original, the Black Beauty provides a warm, round metallic tone that is often imitated, but never duplicated.

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What We Think

Few snare drums have received legendary status quite like the Ludwig Black Beauty. This 5x14 is here on consignment and is in good condition. The chrome is clean with no pitting and the shell has some light surface scratches. This is not a museum piece but it will make for a great player drum. The P85 strainer is super smooth with no hang ups. The heads and snare wires are relatively new so you'll get plenty hours of use out this drum right out of the box.

Want More Great Content?

Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Beauty Snare Drum-Imperial Lugs

In this video, Sound Pure drums expert Barry Knain explains the various features of the Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Beauty snare, and tests it out in several different tuning ranges.

Signal Chain
- Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Beauty Snare Drum-Imperial Lugs LB417

Manufacturer's Description from Ludwig

One of the primary reasons Ludwig is "The Most Famous Name In Drums" is the legendary Black Beauty Snare Drum. The drum is constructed of a single sheet of brass that is machine drawn and spun into a seamless beaded shell, then nickel-plated with a beautifully exquisite finish. A true American original, the Black Beauty provides a warm, round metallic tone that is often imitated, but never duplicated. However, due to their truly unique and difficult manufacturing process, only a very limited number of Black Beauties is available each year from Ludwig USA.

With a choice of three strainer options (P85 Supra-Phonic, P86 Millennium or P70 Super-Sensitive,) the Black Beauty responds with excellent sensitivity at all volumes. Choose from Imperial or tube lugs, die cast or triple-flanged hoops and a smooth or hand hammered shell. The 80-year tradition of the Ludwig Black Beauty carries on as the ultimate snare drum in the industry.

About Manufacturer

Touted as “the most famous name on drums,” Ludwig stands today as one of the most legendary and revered American drum manufacturers of all time. Founded in 1909 under the name Ludwig & Ludwig, the company has existed under a number of different owners and names, with the Ludwig brand operating today as a subsidiary of Conn-Selmer. Throughout almost 110 years of change, one thing has remained constant: Ludwig’s dedication to building high-quality drums with that signature Ludwig tone. Over the years, Ludwig drums have laid down solid backbeats and infectious grooves at the hands of drummers like John Densmore, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, and of course, Ringo Starr. Their iconic kits from the 60s and 70s remain highly coveted by collectors and players alike, but their new offerings continue to uphold the legendary Ludwig name just the same.