Ludwig Black Beauty Vs. Pearl Beaded Brass Sensitone 

this video is the definition of marketing and using a name to price something.... I'm SOOOO glad I own a pearl sensitone elite brass! it sounds freaking AMAZING and I didn't have to spend close to a grand on it (I actually got it for only 300, brand new, IN THE BOX, off ebay!). honestly, if you popped the badges off these drums and they both had tube lugs and you couldn't see the welding inside the pearl, you would NOT be able to tell the difference

They sound very similar but considering the Pearl is half the price of the Ludwig, the Pearl is the better option. But if you're like me and you like the history behind Ludwig, then Ludwig is the right choice. Ludwig has better resale value..

dude I Love your playing! very interesting and confident. love it !

I love Ludwig snares but I find that the Pearl free floating brass snare is one of the most amazing snares I have ever played ( I know its a different snare than the beaded snare in the video). I think the people saying the Black Beauty sounded better are being biased here because in this recording you cannot really make that distinction. This is something you have to sit down and play yourself to make any call.

Both sound great, but the Ludwig has that "pong" I love so much. Nice drumming by the way.

In the context of a band I’m pretty sure nobody could tell them apart. In a recording situation, I would say the BB sounded a tad drier and the Pearl more lively. But nothing that a spot of moongel wouldn’t equalize.

Yeah, awesome drumming dude!

I was actually surprised by how much of a difference there was to my ears. When you started playing the sensitone I immediately missed the sound of the Black Beauty.

I purchased a brand new Ludwig BB A-stock in 2015 and after playing for 30 minutes, two of the tension rods were completely backed out...I loved the sound, but never had that issue on any other snare and got rid of it on principle - I shouldn't have to buy lug locks or some other gizmo to make the drum perform its essential functions on a $750+ drum...period. I replaced it with a Pearl Sensitone and am incredibly happy and haven't had any issues - sounds amazing and the sound guys I work with come up to me and say "that snare sounds like what I imagine a snare *should sound like in my head." I also purchased a Pork Pie BoB for the main house kit at my church and IMO it is just as good. Something about the Sensitone is special though...and the hardware is top notch.

I have the Pearl Sensitone, I love the sound! I do love the black beauty also, but I don't think it is something I would try to pay 400 dollars more for, unless had the money and was looking for a new snare drum choice? But for now my Sensitone cracks like hell, and really love it!

Great drumming Jesse. I like your style on the kit.

Great playing, great sound!

I love your playing SO MUCH that I couldn't focus on the snares

Well I’m listening to this with $1,500 in ears and the only difference I can tell is that the sensitone is a little bit brighter. Who knows if that’s the little variances in tuning or what? But they’re pretty similar. I have a Pork Pie BOB and I’ve compared it to dad’s black beauty and they’re pretty spot on with each other. Also worth noting, I’m glad to see a comparison video with great recording gear and a guy who can really play. The comparison was great and the playing fun to watch! Great job

The Ludwig is obviously awesome, but I actually prefer the Sensitone. I think it has slightly more attack, which I like. Nice vid! As good a comparison as anyone could make I think.

I'd be happy with either of these. They sound great.

Love you, Jesse!

Great comparison video! Thanks!

I think that the Pearl has a bit more hi-end tones, but the overall sounds pretty much the same to me. Good video!

The Pearl has a bit more high end to it. I’m realizing more and more as I make my way to Nerdville, USA, 6 snares and counting, that the BB is often imitated but never duplicated. There’s plenty out there that sound close by not identical. And there’s always something missing. A lot of people are commenting about the price. I’ve found that if you actually go to a shop, especially if it’s one you frequent often and get most of your gear from, then they’ll be willing to drop the price for you. My shop was willing to drop one from $700, down to $550. Still a little steep but I’m thinking to eventually pull the trigger? Great video comparison!!!

The Ludwig might have a slightly thicker/deeper sound. The Pearl has a slightly edgier attack. Call me crazy, but I couldn't spend the extra dough for the difference. I might even like the Pearl just a hair more. It would take a live listen to make a final decision. Nice video, BTW. I miss hearing you play.

Black Beauty has more focused overtones/ring, Pearl has brighter character overall, higher pitched ring and arguably with more attack. I think the choice is down to musical styles or/and individual drummer's playing styles. Great video Jessie, very helpful for anyone to hear the differences clearly. Have you got a video on Pearl 30th Anniversary Free Floating Brass Snare by the way? I'd love to hear that one too.

Even though I know Bonham used a Ludwig Supraphonic, The black beauty sounds fairly similar to my ears. The Pearl drum sounded completely different. I guess there’s a distinctive Ludwig sound I love- Ringo, Bonham, and Alex Van Halen

I listened with my eyes closed, but found that I needed to play it again with them open to hear any appreciable difference. It’s difficult to get even two identical drums tuned exactly the same way, so taking that into consideration I’d say these were so close in tone that in practice there would be zero difference between them. I love Ludwig drums, have owned a BB and sold it because I have other drums that I think sound even better, including both of my Supraphonic 400’s. I’d take the Pearl any day of the week; at the price it’s a no-brainer.

The Pearl is slightly higher pitched. I found the same with their Aluminium Sensitone. It doesn’t have the richer tone of the Supra, which it’s based on....still , a big price difference.

The Pearl sounds thinner to me, but the bearing edge might not be as rounded as the Ludwig. I'd choose the Ludwig any day, but they both sound good. A Black Beauty was used in Appetite for Destruction album, and I've always loved that snare sound.

the same shit! love those snares

I've been playing a 6 1/2 x 14 Black Beauty since 1995 (paid $425 for it brand new then). I really couldn't tell much difference between them. I love my Black Beauty, but I thought the Pearl sounded great, as well.

I really dig your kickdrumsound, do you remember the headconfiguration?

Two very well made drums. Both sound very similar which isn't surprising given they are the same shell material. Not sure how people can say one sounds better than the other. If you did a blind study where listeners didn't know you switched drums and which drums they were I would guess they wouldn't even know.

Love them both. I have a Ludwig BB and a Ludwig Black Magic. Both 6.5" x 14" If I had to pick one I'd take the Black Beauty. Not because it sounds better, but because it's a Black Beauty. Placebo Effect. I love them both and I'll never sell either one. Black Magic is one of the best Snare drums I've ever played. It's my gigging snare. The Beauty stays in the studio. Great vid and nice chops. Cheers from Canada.

Both sound great of course! But pearl for that budget win! Also... sick chops man!!!!

Its just the bragging rights and the prestige of owning a BB. Folks will say its" legendary".. I agree, but fucking hell there is so much more for your money out there these days for half the price that sound just as nice.

The BB sounds a tad better, but not $400 better.

I literally just bought one of the Sensitone's! Love the video! When's the next one coming? I agree with Jim as well... Miss hearing you play.

Great video and great grooves. Both are awesome drums- can't go wrong with either. I think I would go with the Pearl at that price difference though. Thanks!

I realize this may be sacrilegious, but I honestly like the sound of the Pearl better than the Black Beauty. Could be because you were hitting the center dot a little more spot on, but the Pearl just seemed more punchy and a little more focused.

That man fucking killed it on the kit there

2:53 = that moment at the end of a quick fill where the adrenaline kicks in and its like "whoa, that was cool!"

In the real world: absolutely NO difference. In the marketing world: the brand with the best name, look, and drummer make the difference. In the psychotic world of drummers: it's really all about feel and mood the moment you sit down and play! Voilà!

+1 for Secret Wars t-shirt. Next do Pork Pie Big Brass and Pork Rub!

I actually prefer the sound of the the Sensitone. True, it’s not as fat as the Black Beauty, but to my ears it has a sharper attack and a nice ring. Given a choice, even offered at the same price, I would choose the Pearl.

I just think, "Maaaaybe you can hear the difference in a video with the drum kit being played alone, but in a band? Fuggedaboutit!"

Honestly, same sound and tone, period. The BB was tuned more carefully...Its my opinion you can hear the the Pearl wasn't tuned as well in those conflicting overtones. thats not the latter's drum's fault. I'm a ludwig snare guy and probably always will be...and without a top mic they may sound different but in this situation the only thing I heard was the Pearl sounded like it had some random tension rods that weren't tuned up to snuff. If your measuring hardware of the drum apples to apples id speculate the Pearl probably has the better of that (although Ive never played the pearl) simply because Ludwig's stock hardware kinda sucks in general. Price adjusted = Pearl. But Id pick ludwig snares over anything not considering price because you know they are gonna be dope regardless of hardware or anything else.

Black beauty sounds warmer, less annoying.

I could hear the higher frequencies cut through with more sustain on the BB over the pearl, but what do I know. Also, i think none of this matters when you're playing live. You may as well play with adequate kit that stays in tune/place for the set as you can't tell any difference then! (cymbals are different in my opinion) I have a BB snare and like it, though I have a pork pie BOB snare, and as here, it's a $400 delta that in my opinion isn't justified. I guess you could ask exactly the same question: "when you need a ride to work", will a ford or a Lamborghini get you to work.... here it's a much bigger delta! But that's why marketing suckers us all in to keep buying crap we don't need! Bravo!

i'm all about the Ludwig but that Pearl sure did sound good. also, your kit sounds fucking great. nice work, brother

What batter head are you using???? Great drumming!!!

love the kit. who makes those drums?

Wow they sound so close. Great sound. ✌️

Totally off subject, but Jesse Sprinkle from POOR OLD LU??? Holy cow, I haven’t heard that name in years! Guess I gotta go hit up my old Tooth & Nail arsenal later!🤣🤣 More of a Pearl guy myself, they were both VERY close and VERY gorgeous-guess I’m saving myself $400 bucks! Hehehehe😉

I'm no Ludwig fanboy at all but I found a killer deal on a bb, almost brand new for 400 and already outfitted with the heads and wires I would want so I jumped on it. Honestly after playing it once, I got it. It's easily the best snare I've ever played and I definitely understand the hype. Just my stupid story

Excellent use of the phrase “drum nerdville.”

BTW, how do you like the PR-40? Use them on anything other than toms?

Excellent musicianship! Terrific vid :) I've a 5" hammered BB but wish I'd gotten 6.5" or 8". Think Pearl beaded is what I should go with now. But..I'll probably hold out for another BB.

can you show me as comparison sensitone beaded brass shell 14x5 vs sensitone beaded premium brass shell? which is better sound?

Yea Redeye, you said it the best bro.

I love and use the brass Sensitone with my Ludwig Classic Maple and Classic Oak kits.

I like both snares to be honest, but in my opinion the Black Beauty has something special about it. It's got this magical overtone that no other snare drum has, this goes for any Ludwig snare. I'll pay the price to have this sound, I already have an 6.5x14" Supraphonic LM402 Ludalloy snare and I couldn't be any happier. Next will be either a 6.5x14" Black Beauty LB417 or an 6.5x14" COB LB402. Great comparison, Ludwig forever.

I can't tell a difference. I realize that people will gravitate to the Ludwig, because it has the name, history and legacy behind it. I say, if you're a working drummer and you want a great snare without paying a lot, it's easy-- get the sensitone by Pearl. If you want something that's got collectibility and a good re-sale, should you choose to sell, I'd pick the Ludwig. To be on the safe side, why not get both?? Awesome playing btw.

How would you compare the newish Yamaha recording custom in brass to these?

Yea, you guys are right, its close. I have the old sensitone elite brass, and it sounded so good I researched the newer version. I would say for the money, ( even though I like " the B Beauty " ) the pearl is the closes sound to it.

How have you got both tuned. Bottom in relation to top head.

BB seems to have a fuller sound to it. Warm midrange that the Pearl doesn't have. Pearl still sounds great, though, and for a $400 savings you can't go wrong.

For my two cents worth the Pearl sounds better and being $400 cheaper it is a bit of a no brainer. Of course if it is the name and the iconic reputation that are more important to you than the sound quality and the price then knock yourself out. I really wanted a BB, but having seen this and comparing the two side by side it has really opened my eyes and more importantly my ears.

I’m listening with studio quality headphones, but keep in mind I’m currently using them wirelessly, but they still give me amazing sound. Anyway, I’m not gonna lie. There was next to no difference I could notice. Like there was a slight little thing that I’ll make a fool of myself trying to explain, but that’s it and it barely affected this recording, so it’ll likely not really effect any professional band recordings or even live performances. (I wouldn’t think) I think it may be very possible that the Black Beauty had a larger, better sounding range of tones it can work with and play well, which I’ve always heard about that drum and being how versatility is a premium in especially snare drums, that could be the feature setting its price point above most ‘mainstream’ snares. Others like Noble & Cooley can still run up over $1,000 pretty easily with steam bent shells sometime and other brands with stave shells. Etc. etc.

The Black Beauty wins by a little but that Sensitone sounds really good. I'm gonna check it out.

Virtually identical in sound. One might buy the Ludwig for the name, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that.

Good comparison video. The thing that led me here was someone had an Ahead brass snare drum (6 x 13) for sale on craigslist and I was looking for a demo of that just because the price is real good. Have you tried that snare Mr. snare junkie. Also noticed tthat your hanging tom looks a lot like a whole set of Ludwig Clubdates I have in ruby red sparkle. Is that what you got there? I especially liked the comparison at the very end where you just play the audio of each drum.

Does anyone ever asked Ian Paice about his opinion? I really love his playng in the 70's and the beautiful smooth Ludwig Sound. So for me Paicey is some kind of the follower of King Buddy Rich"s Throne and once he starded in the 80's with Pearl he had an absolutley other sound. And that made a lot of diffrence. So Deep Purple was somehow agin Deep Purple, again with Ian Gillan, Richie, Lord Jon and Roger, but this drum set in the back - it made all different. I thought he chose that because maybe Ludwig does not sound that well on big stadiums. I don't know, but I always wanned to ask him that question.

Is this the LB417 or LB417T model of the Black Beauty?

Buy the Ludwig Black Beauty and you WON'T be disappointed. However, get one used and save some dough. I bought one from someone that needed to sell quickly and "stole" it for half-price. Love the drum, but would never have paid $600-$700 for one. Just be patient and wait for that proverbial "grandmas '64 1/2 Mustang with 1200 original miles" type deal.

I'm a Ludwig guy but it's nice to see less expensive options.

Its the Pearl for me!

What hi hats were you using during the filming of this

Both very nice. The BB sounds a tad better IMO. I bet the BB holds it's value better and actually increases in value with time. I got one for Christmas

To my ear they are both very similar. But if I have to pick it would be the black beauty. Is it worth the difference in price? Well if budget is not a concern I would go with the Ludwig.

The Ludwig Black Beauty, Ludwig Supraphonic (Aluminum) and the Rogers Dynasonic (Chrome Over Brass) are legendary snare drums. The most recorded in history, often gigged with on long gruelling tours and why? The quality, the sound and the versatility.

The Black Beauty is the best. Pearl did a nice job by making a competence in sound, but the black beauty is like magic, it makes you feel immerse into the real thing. Also when you listen to a black beauty you feel the amazing sensation of remember so many beautiful songs and so many hits in an instant. Wow, I can tell, the history of the music would not be the same without the black beauty.

BB for the win! If you listened to a drum track for a whole CD with the BB and then with the competitor snare drum, it would become more evident with each song that there is no comparison to the BB. To me, with this short clip I noticed a big enough difference to pay the money, now imagine playing that drum day and and day out

The Pearl is like a decaffeinated version of the Ludwig. But dude, your playing is tight as fuck. Respect.

In tone and the overall character of the drum sound the Black beauty wins hands down. I also think the average listener might have hard time hearing the difference or to appreciate the difference. Is the price difference justified? It's my ear candy I am the one playing it! Out of the two it just has a higher quality sound. The highs the lows it can be mellow or edgy. If I couldn't afford a Ludwig Black beauty I would go with the Black Magic.

I have both the black beauty and the Pearl Steve Ferrone both from around 2000ish I find the Ferrone a bit dryer prefer the Ludwig myself but both serve a purpose nice playing by the way.

Love BBs: got one now, and owned another for 30+ years, but got to be honest and say I listened to the video first, without watching, to test myself, and honestly can't hear much difference (if any). I think maybe people are kidding themselves if they say the BB sounds way better. That said, can't help thinking that it's still worth buying, yet I can't even explain why (the history? The resale value, being practical? Who knows?). Just got the feeling that buying something else, every day you'd have that nagging feeling that...well, it's just not a BB. ;) Good video, by the way.

What head do you have on the batter sides?

Hi, I'm not sure about the size of the snares. Are both 5 or 6,5 x 14 inches? Thanks for your great video!

My thought is the Pearl Sensitone sounded slightly brighter than the black beauty in this demonstration and a bit less warm as well. I have 2 Ludwig Chrome Over Bass snares, (both 14" , one is 6.5" deep, the other 5" deep), and the black beauty is very similar to me.

i can't tell the differance

BB is tuned a bit lower. There is a shell difference that isn't mentioned. Pearl is 1.5mm thick with a seam. Black beautys are 1mm thick and seamless. Right??

Pearl has a slightly higher and more open sound. Prefer the BB, but not for the price difference. I prefer Ludwig Bronze, to both of these, if you are going to spend that sort of money. Would love to see you demonstrate a Ludwig bronze snare in the future.

I think the bass drum is the star here... what is it?

what time signture are you playing?

Difference is negligible, honestly. Thanks for doing this video

can't judge Drums with a video. in reality the only way would be to be sitting behind the drum and playing with it. they are both great, I think it depends a lot on each individuals taste and budget. nowadays most drummers are struggling from lack of work. I personally can't afford either one of these instruments. I recently purchased a used drum off eBay for $22.00 it is a 60's Mannheim 10 lug SD. and it sounds awesome. most Drums today are boutique drums, they are aesthetically superior but I don't buy drums for what they look like. I have a 1968 Ludwig acrolite someone had given to me some 30 years ago, it was really rough looking so experimented with it and sanded it down to the bare metal. then I drilled two 2" holes in the shell and had it painted at a autobody shop. then I put 8 tube lugs on it that I had laying around. all together it cost me $35.00 my point is that you don't have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to have a great sounding customized drum. if you know what you're doing. took me 52 years.

I think I slightly preferred the Pearl Sensitone just a hair more attitude or character or something

I think it’s the drumhead that make it a little closer than it should be, I would use a Powerstroke 3 with the Dot or a Powerstroke 77 or UV2 even a HD Dry on both to see the difference. If you kill some of the room reverb we could really hear the body of the snare as well.

not a drummer myself but to me ludwig has more low end. Would tuning pearl lower get it there?

Pearl. And money left over for a real nice cymbal.

What is the other gear you use in the video?

I have a Pearl Aluminium Sensitone and it gives my Ludwig Supra a good run for its money. Not quite as dry, but much less expensive.