Why does the Ludwig Acrolite sound so good? 

Mine too (late 90s black galaxy version) with the same black plastic UFO case, stand, and pad. Appreciate it @timothystockton3700 - this legacy kit is really growing on me. Love the warmth!

What a great find! More attack AND volume?! Now there’s a video idea, comparing what a difference the tube lugs and hoops make!

Thought the same listening back while editing - no need for tea towels!

Really appreciate it @Sam-drums ! Thank you for the continued support 🙏🏼 🥁

This is the first time I’ve caught you on RU-vid and I thought the info on the acolyte was spot on. I subscribed, so I’m looking forward dear future videos

Right on!

Appreciate the kind words, @newguy6935 ! It was a fun vid to make while showing love for the "cheap snare." Doesn't matter what era, they just sound great. Do you still play and do you have one in your collection?

For real! Can’t go wrong with one

What a great drum to start with! Same here - except it’s a black galaxy acrolite from the late 90s

Glad you enjoyed it - appreciate you checking out the vid!

Many thanks, @dugjay ! I think I still have my practice pad - I just remember everyone trying to pull it off from the center section since it would vacuum seal to the head🤣

I appreciate that, thank you @drummztones4373 ! Can't go wrong with @ludwigdrumshq

Really appreciate the kind words, thank you!

Thanks @ilijahalonen7440! Can you believe these are the stock heads from the factory, too?! The k lights are amazing, especially the 15" model like in this vid. They're pretty versatile

How cool! That was a great find

Totally understand, and you hit the nail on the head. Want a drier sound - go acolite, but if you want more sustain go supraphonic. That pitting just gives the drum some mojo!

Totally - almost like in the lower tunings you get the tea towel vibe

Glad you liked it, @hiblitdrummer ! I'm like you - 1st snare was an acrolite with the same big bulky plastic case, though it was a black galaxy from the late 90s. They're just great drums, and I'm glad others feel the same. Sounds like you got a great snare collection there - what are the specs of your Vistalite? Love acrylic drums!

You're very welcome! Was there a specific tuning you liked the most?

Totally! By the time I was in school, it was the black galaxy. The band room was lined with them in the back, and a super old wood snare everyone HATED - lol

Much appreciated @johnnyquesada104 ! What did you do to modify the 70s drum? I highly recommend one of the. new acros - I originally was looking to get an acro copper, but played the new acro bronze at PASIC and it's unreal! Couldn't recommend it enough

Many thanks, @johnleblanc7573 ! Do you have one yourself?

That's a decent price @jharrington53 ! I've seen a few on some websites for over $300 which is WILD! Seems like the Evans HD dry head is a popular one for this drum, a few others commented the same. Even see them on used marketplaces too

You can’t go wrong with Ludwig! What kind of snare is it? Curious if it’s the pewter copperphonic

Nice! That thing has to have quite the bite and attack with that setup. Can’t go wrong with INDe throw off either (heard they helped with the new p88 throw 😉)

Thank you @benbarletta2927 ! Appreciate you checking out the vid. Is the slingerland hoop also thinner like vintage Ludwig’s?

@@NickCostaMusic Not really, it's a pretty hefty hoop, I'm guessing 60's/70's vintage? I think I found it in a locker at my high school.

Well that's rad - at least it won't bend from rim shots!

Thank you for watching, following along, and feedback! I’ll look into Keef, I haven’t heard of them. That makes sense with the black galaxy acro - always thought they looked cool.

Cuts through anything in that tuning!

Thanks, @thesciencelablive ! Looks like medium, medium high are the favorites - with the damper it gives that instant funk vibe

@@NickCostaMusic I don't know if you get anything for it, but I just bought a 1968 from reverb because of this video. Lol. It was made on my birthday, so I had to get it.

I wish I did, but nope - I don't get any compensation. Also, how cool you got one made on your birthday!!

Awesome, @badtripmoses5826 ! Are they from the same era?

That's a great find, @drumsnstuff79 ! Sounds like you did some great work to get it up to a decent condition. I agree about the throw off, I'm happy Ludwig made the new P88 throwoffs to fit in place of the old ones. They're much more durable!

Couldn't agree more! Which tuning was your favorite?

What a cool story and find! I'm with you - I think a single ply head works wonders, especially since the drum has an internal muffler.

Totally! You can put a new P88 on it if you're still dealing with the throw off

That’s a great era for Ludwig, too (for that vintage sound of course). What size?

How cool! Sounds like you have a supraphonic snare. What’s the finish of the kit?

@NickCostaMusic chrome plated I ran gold keystone and it was 68' or 69' MFG can't really recall, but all wood shells have reinforced wood rings on ends all drums stamped 05 1969 and they wonderful! Just trying to keep time straight, enjoying the art medium I'm to a student of the arts

That’s a great kit! I have a ‘68 downbeat that still sounds fantastic to this day. Keep playing, and have fun! 🥁

Good to know - appreciate the info!

Much appreciated, thank you @manuelflick7212 ! What was your preferred tuning?

Oh awesome, @stanfordkoch1271 ! What was your first kit?

@@NickCostaMusic , on my 8th birthday my parents gave me a secondhand red sparkle ludwig kit, it had the acrolite with it. I still have that kit on my native island of curacao. I would never sell it, the snare i have with me in the netherlands where im currently living

That’s pretty awesome, and what a great kit to still have!

@@NickCostaMusic has sentimental value to me as it was a gift from my parents and my first kit

Totally understand, that’s why I still have my 1st drum too!

Oh nice - what era snares? I remember prices hitting $125-$150 and having conversations with friends how that was too expensive 🤦🏻‍♂️. Oh, how times have changed

Appreciate it, @spudflap ! I completely agree with your observation on the high tuning bringing out the real characteristics of the acrolite. Appreciate you watching and leaving a comment, and totally get where you're coming from with the supraphonic - that chrome really makes the shell bright (even though I like that sound, too)

Couldn't agree more - both sound and that you should get one!😉

Really appreciate the offer @steverichdrummer, though I’m in Philly. Did you prefer the medium ish tunings with or without the damper?

@@NickCostaMusic Oh, I actually hate the muffled tunings on any and all videos. I love the sound of the drums open, or a little dampening is OK. I am old, and old school. The sound of this drum was really nice at every tuning actually, I just thought it great at medium and medium high. Thanks for the personal response back, you are a celebrity you know. I own a few Supras, and one blackrolite. When it comes to acro's, I prefer the blacro because I play out with it, and it has the improved stainer slide so no struggling with square knots, the 2.3 hoops for strength ( I'm a rim shot guy), really good wires, and the in and out coating, all combine to sound the best in a club. At least for me, I never recorded it though, but truthfully, recording drums takes very nice sounding drums, and makes them sound incredible. Again, thank you so much for listening!

I’m with you - I prefer an open snare over muffled, though I didn’t mind it with the low tuning on this drum. You brought up a valid improvement - thicker triple flanged hoops on “modern” drums. That 2.3 makes a difference, both durability and tone!

Oh nice! Probably got it for a steal compared to prices today

Appreciate that, @Msmith-yd7bz !

Couldn't agree more - the acrolite just works, IMO. That sounds like a great collection of snares! I recently picked up a USA made orange county snare with the 4 large vents in it - it was the sound of my youth. As for a black beauty, check out the Ludwig Universal Black Brass - it's a great alternative that's a bit more affordable.

That was a great find! It's crazy how these drums still work for any style all these years later. What kind of throw off did you put on it?

@@NickCostaMusic I ended up just getting a new P85 from Sweetwater.

Excellent choice! I use the same one when any Ludwig snare needs a more durable throw off

Can't go wrong with a supraphonic ! I bet the die-cast hoops help make the drum nice and direct, too. I was just talking to another drummer about how all drums should have internal mufflers again! Maybe companies don't do it because of the cost? Sure beats having to carry around moon gels, or tea towels

I have a '65 Supra, and like you it's my favorite snare by a long shot. I have a handful of other snares set up for specific sounds (from super deep/fat to Alex Van Halen thick and woody to cranked to the sky cracking), but that Supra is far and above the most versatile drum in my collection. That thing just makes me smile, man!

Oh nice! You can’t go wrong with a Supra - there’s a reason they’re recorded so much.

What is your Top and Bottom tuning on your Supra? Bottom Table-top tight? @@drumjedi5301

Thanks, @12groney ! It’s a @ludwigdrumshq legacy mahogany kit. Modern day 3 ply mahogany,poplar,mahogany with a roundover bearing edge. Kit in this vid is a 110 anniversary edition

That's exactly it - marketed as a "student model" cause it was affordable, but had a sound that was awesome! Did you prefer the medium tuning with or without the internal dampener?

@@NickCostaMusic The internal muffler wasn't bad but I think there's a reason they fell out of favor. If some dampening was necessary, I'd just use a 4" crescent shaped slice of an old drumhead taped to the edge of the head.

Appreciate that, thank you @beatstreetbandboston ! For snare tuning I always make the bottom head tabletop tight, then tune the top to have all tension points the same pitch. No specific note in mind. I don't use a tune bot or drum dial as in my experience I've found they not only take longer, but are inaccurate. I've tried both, had them show equal tension at two different points, yet the pitches would be off from one another.

What a great find! Is it a smooth shell, or the textured that looks like an orange peel?

@@NickCostaMusic ... smooth

Definitely a good idea - they work in any style IMO! Which tuning stuck out to you the most?

Appreciate it, @uzziel_lay_drums ! I'm sure there's a difference between your 60 and 71 because of the shell size. All great recommendations - would love to get my hands on some of them (especially a 2 piece from the 20s).

​@@NickCostaMusic I have a 1920's Ludwig nickel over brass 2 piece heavy brass shell 5x14 and sound insane

I bet! How many lugs?

@@NickCostaMusic mine 1920 nickel over brass 2 piece is have 8 lugs 5x14 a real beast

Nice! Probably has a ton of body and warmth being 8 lugs, too.

This one in the video I keep with one of my kits packed up for any call I could get. Mainly musicals and a few fill in gigs with cover bands - but yeah, definitely played in a "rock" setting

Oh nice! Both from the same era?

No way - that's a great find! Did you leave it as is, or try and remove the paint?

@@NickCostaMusic sorry I didn’t see your reply until today. I completely disassembled it cleaned it and put it back together and fell in love with it. Then I have a room on the back of my house where I have a studio and rehearsal / practice room. And an impaired driver crashed into it. It is mind boggling how he managed to get a full size truck that far from the road with out hitting a bunch of stuff. But he pretty much landed on top of my drums at the time. And this snare was involved. But the good news is that this drum is a survivor and somehow I got the small dent out of the shell and the snare side hoop has a bad dent in the cut out for the snare wire but it doesn’t touch the snare so I just left it and it still has pride of place on my new Tama kit that I got with the insurance money. It kind of helped me to get back into it after the accident I was in a dark place for a while but when I finally picked it up and really looked at if it was salvageable it sparked the desire to keep playing when I realized it was down but not out. So I saved this drum from the garbage truck and it kind of repaid me I guess. And it still has that beautiful crack that the vintage Acrolites have. Sorry for the long reply but it had to be said.

Awesome, great to hear you were able to bring it back to life. Sounds like you got a great setup there!

The magic of Ludwig, and the acrolite. Do you hear a difference between the 2 you have? Appreciate the support, and love the feedback (especially saying I should continue 😉)

@@NickCostaMusic The 78 and the 66 are very similar in feel, but if there is a difference I would say that the 66 is a little more open without muffling than the 78. Maybe has to do with the different finish on the 78?

Maybe - the 78 isn’t a smooth shell, it’s that orange peel finish I think?

@@NickCostaMusic Yes!

You have a great collection of snares - some highly sought after too! I'm a big fan of the ludwig standard aluminum too. For the longest time you could get them cheaper, though people realized they're very similar in tone

Great question. I don't understand either, but may be like me: I am an old dude. Used to drool over drum catalogs, but couldn't afford anything. I'm far from rich and don't typically--have only four times spent up to $850 on a snare--spend a lot of money on a snare. But, I love finding and buying drums that hit well above their price point. I've built a sizeable collection (which gives me lots of sonic options). You might say this is sort of like a hobby, just as playing is. I have a limit, though... There are just three more snares I'd like to have, then I really don't see any snare purchases in my future. Maybe therr are a lot of "collectors" like me??

What a great find! Do you still have the drum? Oh man - I’m sure there are warehouses all over the world with them in boxes. I’ve never seen a delay for a snare order due to low inventory or because of build times.

Well some people do have children, so the population grows. People collect drums..

I know what you mean, of course. But even with a world population over 8 billion, it still sometimes seems they are making too many snare drums! @@JackNiles

​@camerondean6804 this is the way to go.

Yo @BillRayDrums ! Oriollo makes some beautiful snares, though I haven't seen or played one in person. Are they 8 lug, 10 lug, combo of the 2?

@@NickCostaMusic Most of mine are 8 lugs, all the aluminums are. You can specify what you want through special order. I think my bell bronze drum is 10 lugs.

Nice! Might have to look into getting one, one day

Noted! Appreciate the response, @DaxRushlow ! 🙏🏼 🥁

Many thanks @jemmace2586 ! Did each era have a different sound? I’m curious to see if that’s the case. Thank you for taking the time to watch the vid, and leaving a great comment! 🙏🏼 🥁

You're welcome! Yes, I found that the olde keystone badged Acrolites sounded slightly better in terms of warmth and clarity, if that makes sense, but we're talking slightly, so the younger blue and olive badge with spiky corners then the younger again same badge with rounded corners, for me were/are a little less pure in sound, honesty though what an amazing snare choice of any era. I've noticed a few of your videos are of high quality with the best advice so subbed and 👍

I now own a 1962 Supra phonic, four number serial, so definitely 62'. It sounds unbelievable, but as is usual, the chrome to the shell exterior has flaked badly. Still sounds amazing though, which is the whole point of the amazing sounds that the famous Ludwig Aluminium shells boom out.

Appreciate the insight! I think maybe a video comparing acrolites might be in order 🤔 Really appreciate the kind words, and the sub! 🙏🏼 🥁

Totally - I think it’s hard to find a chrome over aluminum shell that isn’t pitting. Either way, they still sound amazing (like you said)

Nice! Those are the most popular so far. Do you prefer it with or without the internal damper?

@@NickCostaMusic I have the muffler slightly on but it comes loose after an bit

I agree @braddockmanne - the acrolite is surprisingly versatile for being a "student model." I do love a black beauty - the overtones from brass are my favorite for a metal drum. The jazz festival being a wood drum is a great option too, especially if you're looking for less overtones compared to the black beauty. Sounds like you have a solid config for your acrolite!

I've tried a set of canopus vintage wires, though I don't think they were as good. Some folks recommended any coated wire to get a similar sound

Others have noticed that with earlier videos too - guess the higher pitch has me think of faster tempos

@@NickCostaMusic Makes sense!

I think I should try some faster tempos in lower tunings and see what happens 🤷🏻‍♂️

That's a pretty popular one (my favorite too) - just brings a good amount of pop without being overbearing!

Me too - what did you like the most about it?

There are a few differences - older acrolites (and older drums in general) had a thinner triple flanged hoop at 1.6mm, where modern day triple flanged hoops are usually 2.3mm. Older acrolites are 8 lug and were 5X14, where modern day are 10 lug and 6.5X14. The 2 extra lugs will make the drum more direct sounding, and the deeper shell will provide more overtones. Finally, newer acrolites do not have an internal damper like the vintage ones do. From what I've read, AVH used an LM402 - which is a 6.5X14 Supraphonic (same shell, chrome plated with 10 lugs)

Yeah, if you wanna sound like AVH get yourself an Acro, and then sit and wonder why you don't sound like AVH and his Supraphonic. But I mean hey, nobody will know the difference, just keep telling yourself that.

The beauty of aluminum!

Stan rules! Appreciate the info, too - thanks!

Pretty wild how much a different chrome plating and 2 extra lugs can do. Can’t go wrong with both an acrolite and supraphonic in the collection though!

Not sure what Ludwig did for metal, though it’s not cut like a wood drum

Has some body to it, and still a little bite. Did you prefer it with or without the internal damper?

Nice! Did you get a hammered aluminum, brass, or something else?

@@NickCostaMusic Aluminum, it's technically called Ludalloy.

Oh right, totally forgot. Appreciate that!

It's a @zildjiancompany 20" K Custom Special Dry Crash

That's an AMAZING find! Was it a late 60s as well?

Many thanks, @drummersinger5324 🙏 🥁. I’ve tried a drum dial and tune bot, and there’s was always pitch discrepancies between tension points. Although I don’t have specific data, I do cover how I tune both sides of a snare in this snare tuning video - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-P2bXaoYiQL4.htmlsi=HQWaDujU26vAJ8P7 Hope this helps!

@@NickCostaMusic Hmm. I get consistent readings at all points after using drum DR. I'm usually in the mid 80's. I always use lug locks though after tuning.

Oh I'd get consistent readings at all points, but if I tapped at each point they would be different pitches. Definitely need to invest in lug locks - it gets frustrating hearing drums drop in pitch as I play it

@@NickCostaMusic Invest?? 6mm x10mm bolts. Cheap and work like a charm. Been using em for decades

Yeah, that was 100% my bad. Appreciate the correction, though!

Great suggestion! Might do that in future videos. As for the muffler, I use to think the same and never used them. Now I’m a littler older, I see why they’re useful - especially in specific styles. I don’t think Clyde Stubblefield is a weak drummer, and most definitely used some kind of damper on his snares…

That’s what a few others said, too. Wonder if it’s a different shell? 🤔

Couldn’t agree more - they’re great drums!

Oh nice, @jerrymckenzie1858 ! Did it come with any additional items (like case, snare stand, sticks?)

@@NickCostaMusic Nothing extra, just a super clean, classic drum. I could have paid less for one in lesser condition, but I would rather have the pristine drum.

I don’t blame ya - I would have done the same!

Thanks, @mrjaydev1 ! I’m not too sure, maybe Ludwig used a different supplier for shells during that era?

Oh nice, never knew he used one!

Wow - what a side business you would have had. Though, who knew these would blow up the way the did 😂

Brings that ideal funk snare sound!

@@NickCostaMusic Exactly! Love it.

Oh nice! Does it have the baseball bat muffler?

I agree - it's so much easier than carrying dampeners around. I like how the new Benny Greb brass snare has 2 different internal dampeners just for this exact reason

Always a great one to have in the collection. There’s plenty out there if you wanted another!

@NickCostaMusic sadly, the rest of my drum set went with it. :) maybe someday I'll get back into playing and look for another.

Never too late to get back on the horse, especially with drums

No problem, @kennethtams-ys5gq ! Appreciate you taking the time to check out the vid and leave a comment.

I had the same thought, which is why I made a video comparing acrolite’s from the 60s, 70s, and black galaxy Acrolite. I think there are differences between them, though you can hear them back to back here - Comparing Ludwig Acrolites! Does the era really matter? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DEP5WteummA.html

@@NickCostaMusic thanks for replying very difficult to hear bottom and through a small Android phone so I was hoping for a reply from a human ear who heard them alI was hoping since you tested them already you could save me some trouble and I wouldn't have to go buy three of them cuz they're not really stocked in stores I trust your opinion would like to know if they had any significant difference from each other or low end. And if the new ones are tin like in general like everyone says thank s Nikki.

I might be able to get my hands on a standard, and would love to add that to the series! Have you ever had an issue with lugs popping?

I've had mine now for about a year and nothing like that has happened for me. I will say the drum seems all original (dated August 12, 1970), lugs, hoops, snare, and if you can believe it, the Ludwig reso head that has a piece of packing tape covering a slash in it! All I've done is replace the batter head with an Evans ST Dry and cleaned it up and it is simply remarkable. Would love to see you do a video on one!

Oh nice - seems like a lot of folks prefer the drum with an Evans dry head. Even the 70s acrolite I picked up had one installed.

@@NickCostaMusic yes, it is perfect for an aluminum shell!

Gives that direct bite only aluminum can create

Good question.

I'll tell you this. So I'm a 90s kid. And everything that I remember hearing by way of recordings was always the Tama Bell brass because you know, the grunge era LOL but I have both of the Supra and the acro, and there's just something about aluminum that just works. So I can't say that I like either one of those drums because of what anybody else has done but I love them both because of the aluminum and because they're set up completely different from each other. That and when you put them under a microphone they just absolutely Excel. You do drive home a good point though, but in my perspective there's just something about aluminum being a great tone material for drums.

@@handidrummer Amen.

That’s a great question! Maybe, but if that was the case would we say the same for the CB700 snare?

@@NickCostaMusic hmmmm... mayyyybe not 🤣

Surprisingly has a ton of body - most likely due to the 8 lugs

That they sound great, @kicksnarehats11 . Everyone use to disregard them because of their "student model" status, when really they were a great drum.

Pretty crazy how that's the case sometimes. Is it the Yamaha straight steel shell?

Definitely will make one in the future!