There's not enough of a difference for the premium price. I have a BB, but if I had to do it again I'd go for the universal! Great video, and also a great option from Ludwig.
Just pulled the trigger on the universal with die cast. This video definitely reinforces my decision. The price difference is so big and the sound difference is so small.
the difference is the power and lowend that is always there on a BB. IN a full mix it ALWAYS delivers. The universal not so much. This will only show when you do a full mix with compressors and so forth. Especially tuned medium high or high or very high. The universal (and other non-spun shells) choke.. the BB does not, which is why I have one. The most important difference is the spun shell, vs. the welded shell. Which is also the main reason for the price difference.
Yep you could hear the low end on Memphis Drum Shop videos versus the Universals. The universals cant give you the oomph if thats what your looking for. But for the high tunings there's not much difference.
@@notforyoutube b stock means its brand new but there was a very minor flaw in the finish. Most of the time it's on the inside of the shell. Most b stock drums you won't be able to find the flaw. They play the same have a full warranty and are usually a few hundred dollars cheaper
B stock now is like 650 and up over all way over priced new and b stock. Love the sound though but price is crazy and still the same hardware and dumb through off but price shot up crazy.
Exactly the video I needed! Well...I'm looking at the 6.5" depth but still. I was torn between finding a used B-Stock Black Beauty (the only way I could afford one) or going with the Universal with die-cast hoops. Universal it is!
Sounds pretty close! I think it all depends on where you are on your journey. For the price of one BB you could get 2 Universal snares in different sizes (5.5" and a 7" or 8" for example) and get better heads for those. That would probably be more useful if you're trying to get some good snares for recording for example.
I just bought a 14x6.5 Universal snare. I have a Remo Coated Controlled Sound on the batter/Remo Ambassador Snare Side, added Tama black plastic washers, and I run all my snares with DW Chrome True Tone hoops, and Puresound 20 strand blaster wires. Black Beauty’s are overpriced if you actually can get the Universal and add small stuff here and there to beef it up. As far as your video, the Black Beauty sounded dryer and not as open as the Universal, as I prefer an openness to a drum because I can take that away, but not add it. I’m actually about to buy a 14x5.5 Universal since I like the combo of what I’m using on the 14x6.5. Great video though. Cheers.
main difference is that snare wires have more buzz on universal than on bb...that's why sounds brighter. bb 1,2mm shell vs 1mm universal shell: difference is that 1,2mm will have higher pitch resonance and 1mm will have lower. If there is no difference in lugs (weight and tune stability) , than... I can make snare sound sounds thicker with one vst plugin in almost no time. If I buy it, I will invest in new better 2,3mm hoops (something like S-Hoops ) and new snare wires (two different - one wider and other narrover). And I think after recorded and mixed drums in a song that noone can tell the difference or even say ...that is bb and that is universal....other that if some expert will hear pitch in shell ring...I can...but does this matters if snare is really tuned properly? Will song sounds less deep, wide, good , pro ? 99,9999% not ;) . Thats my thoughts about all this after almost 30 years of searching for the best drum sound that I can make in my studio. And at the end is all about the drummer and how good feel he have and how he play.
Once again the power of marketing shows through. As close as these two drums are when played side by side. No one would be able to tell when they are played in with a band. Well done. Like someone else mentioned I own a BB 6 1/2" and I love it but if I were buying it today......... :-)
That can be said for most snare drums that are not utterly awful. I think the real value of the ‘nicer’ drums comes in the studio - and in the experience. Also, high end snares are like high end guitars in way. Bragging rights, ‘knowing’ that you’ve got one, and the pleasure of owning one - from the extra 10% of finish and feel quality you get with a more hand crafted artisan product. Where and how they are made represents most of the price difference - hence why someone said in another comment they sound better, but not 500 better. Which is accurate. I still love my Superphonic, BB Satin Deluxe and Copperphonic though. They look amazing and make me feel good when I play them. That feeling is what makes ‘me’ a better drummer. And trust me, I need all the help I can get. 😂 but 100% there is no NEED. The full fat versions are a WANT. Now cheaper vs more expensive cymbals?…. That’s where the money really shines through to my ears. Better spend it there if you’re on a limited budget.
I ended up going with a Porkpie Big Brass Snare after owning a hammered BB. Zero complaints with the Porkpie, although I had to swap the cheap heads out.
@@ColeParamore Agreed! I also noticed you use a tunebot. I just bought the original version. Havent tried it yet, but Id be interested in learning your preferred numbers. Your snares always sound killer
@@JasonWelchMusic I use it every so often, usually just to finalize tuning, or if something seems a little off but I'm having a tough time picking it out. In this case I was mostly using it to make sure I had both top heads exactly the same. Unfortunately I can't remember what the number was I was using here, but I'll probably do a longer tuning video in the future.
Hi, great comparison. Both snare sounds great! Ludwig is Ludwig! For my taste the BB has a more full sound. The other one sound good too but has a little more high freq in the sound and less body.
Thank you for your comparison of these snares. It prompted me to purchase a Universal 8x14 tube lug! I have a sound company and I'm planning on offering it as part of the backline drums (PDP Concept Maple) I offer to my clients. Most bring their own snares, but I thought it may be a great option for them and for me to play in the down time. I hear how much difference swapping the heads made and I typically use Evans HD Dry heads on my snares. In you opinion, do you think the Evans would be a good choice or do you suggest sticking with installing the Ludwig Weather Master Heavy? Thank you for sharing your knowledge, and thank you for the informative videos!
Thanks for the kind words! My recommendation is always a Coated Remo Ambassador. The Evans HD Drys are great too, but fairly aggressively pre-muffled. The Ludwig heads are also fairly controlled right out the gate, but probably more expensive than the Evans if I remember correctly.
I’ve hammered shell, tube lugs BB. It’s tricky to tune. But it’s tone..dark, gorgeous. I’ve become addicted to its stick click. My favourite for samba by far. That said, this Universal with good heads..yep. I’d love it. Both are great snares. With options like Universal available now, you don’t need to break the bank anymore to sound great.
There was no audible difference between the drums. Think about it, the cylinder holds and moves the air. The majority of a drums sound comes from the stick, the head and the actual snare used. The shell has very little part in the overall sound, it's merely the wall holding the air, other than the ring it produces, in a brass shell.This will generally be muted with moongel or gaffa tape when playing live or recording,as it causes all sorts of problems with microphones. Nickel plating is never consistent from drum to drum, as it's all about time spent in the plating process. Lugs seldom make a diference to sound as they are external, and the sound comes internally. There's a lot of smoke and mirrors used within the industry, after all, how are the drum builders ever going to sell you another drum, once you've already bought one. Why do you think they are trying every permutation of Ludwig Black Beauty or family of BB drums, it's akin to Walmart offering you 40 brands of ketchup, when all you need is one.Like, how many version of the Acrolite are they going to stop at, or is there no end to that figure? The human ear cannot discern the difference between the likes or brass, or bronze, or copper or steel - tune the drums up the same, and they will sound the same. Do you remember when someone built an electric guitar out of concrete and it sounded just like an electric guitar? Smoke and mirrors, that's all it is
Hey Thanks for the comparison! Are there different shell material with in BB family? The Guitar Center near me has a what they're calling a Ludwig "Supraphonic" Black Beauty.. they say its brass with chrome plating. Not Brass/nickel. Same prices. I can't find any descriptions of this anywhere.
I notice more highs on the BB and more attack,also the ring which is very nice is more present on the BB, which can be compensated on a recording, otherwise the character is there on the Universal ,you couldn't say which is which in a full mix...
Close enough SOUND to not warrant spending 2x the price. I'd love to do an A/B FEEL comparison. That is when you can tell the difference between the seamless and rolled shell types. But in general, this sounds great to my ears.
What about also throwing some die cast hoops on either or?Both sound great, nice throaty sound.Mine is a slingerland black on brass 61/2 x14,with die cat hoops,just hate the zoomatic P.O.S. throw-off and it soinds very nice and found used for 299, also 30 strand pureounds and a remo x-black emporer.goodvideo
I 1000% prefer the “cheaper” version of that throw off. I have a 8x14 Maple Ludwig snare and it has the throw that clicks. It’s function is much more difficult then the standard smooth spinning version. The Supralite I own has the cheaper version that is way better. I would like to change the other one out
I agree as well. I have a 50's WFL and an older steel Rocker with the first versions of the new P85 (88a?) Type throw and my Universal throw, smooth as butter. I want to change out the other two
@@ColeParamore I've used the Uni resale snare 14"x6.5" with high, med and very low quick tuning ((2 lug drop) and I've hand no problem with throw knob movement or shifting. So much better than the old P85 which did have that problem. It's not cheaper, all 3 (P88/AC/P88i) are literally the same design with a slight change in the knob shape and the new one, no click gear.
So close that only a discerning ear can hear the difference. There was more of what I call an "airy" tone in the BB. It's simply not in any other snare. However, in a recording situation, I think the difference is going to be less obvious after processing. Conclusion; I want them both! Played live, the BB will win everytime. In the studio, it really won't matter which one... unless you have perfect pitch ears like a tunebot inside your head. (To those who have perfect pitch, I feel your pain. Every squeaky stair, every piano slightly out of tune, every guitar out of intonation, and the dreaded hum of a light ballast going out will drive you insane at the ballgame. You cant enjoy the game for trying to figure out if the light is humming an F# or a Gb.. ..insert humor.)
@@MichaelWashingtonAE BB is $899 most places unless you get B stock. Universal is $349. 899-349 is $550. So I hear a difference, but it is subtle and may not be worth the $550 premium that the Black Beauty costs over the Universal.
Yes the sound of Black Beauty is Superb I like your sharing for comparison of this 2 snare Very Nice 👍 May i ask where can buy or order the “ original “ Battle head n bottom head pls Any suggestion pls TQ 🙏🙏🙏🥁🥁🥁😊
I have the ludwig stealth snare which is like a flat black version of the black beauty and i love it, just a tad dryer sound but BB soo expensive. Both sound great but BB wins if just sor the sound
There's enough difference that if you were kitting out a professional recording studio, you'd be happy to pay for the Black Beauty. It has more impact, more sustain, and there's more openness and texture to the upper end of the snare sound, and it would be more durable, being seamless, better hardware, more reliable tuning, and presumably slightly thicker shell? Could get a good drum sound more easily and quicker, and less usage and maintenance costs. The other use that the Black Beauty would be is in louder bands, or where the greater headroom for volume would be worthwhile (or playing rock gigs, rehearsing with loud guitarists where the drums are not amplified). For the rest of us, the Universal Brass sounds 80% there, for a third the price. Great sounding and great value. It's significantly cheaper than the Pork Pie BOB, DW Concept variants. Even for recording, with the right mic choice (say 57 strapped to 451), a touch of compression/saturation (Distressor?), a touch of EQ to bring the bite/snap up, could get to 90% similar, albeit with more work. So, if it's just for recording your own band, where you have the time to finesse the snare track, it's also a good buy.
Honestly, my favourite current Ludwig snare is the 14x5.5" Universal with the die cast hoops. I just get on best with medium depth snares which Ludwig seems to shy away from on the higher-end models. I find that often 14x5's lack body at higher tunings and 14x6.5's can be a bit tubby for my liking, so I opt for something in between. I think dimensions have a bigger impact on the sound than whether the shell is seamless or not, so for me the 14x5.5" Universal wins.
@@josiahschwarz6595 There are enough significant differences between the BM and the UB that I'd say not quite, but as far as what they offer on paper definitely similar.
Could not hear much of a difference, maybe cause my ears aren't trained enough. However I'm willing to bet that there is a slight difference feel also when playing the universal.
That's exactly the bottom line nowadays. DAW production has largely replaced the art and craft of presenting a great sounding drum for a recording, so it really comes down to pride and personal preference. As a player I ideally want to have ONE that I know well enough to suit all my needs, and some are more forgiving than others. Gone are the days of needing to bring 5 snares to a session. If you know a bit about heads and tuning/damping, pretty much anything can be made to sound passable with time and effort, but these are a 'reference standard' to eliminate said time and effort. You pays your money... Cheers
I would talk about it all the time too lol!!! Heck it, if it is something you are into, do your thing!! Never enough black beauty content ...ever! Also I can hear a difference , the universal has a harsh overbite that the Beauty does not have, it sounds more ping-ish to my ears
100% agree, the universal sounds amazing especially for the money but it has a harshness that the BB simply doesn’t have. I’ve always found snares which are almost a BB tend to have ‘something’ that just isn’t right, in this case it’s that subtle harshness. The bb is just perfect in every way
@@ColeParamore oh yeah, im nor american, i wasnt aware that could be a "name" haha. You indeed feel like a paramore drummer, all of them are great. your demos are very good and very straight to the point.
I believe this is the spiritual successor to the Black Magic - it has essentially been phased out. Thanks for the vote of confidence on the Ludwig endorsement. 🙃
I was loosing the will to live having to listen to the horrendous background music whilst you were talking how can you possibly think it improves it ???
There's not enough of a difference for the premium price. I have a BB, but if I had to do it again I'd go for the universal! Great video, and also a great option from Ludwig.
You could get the universal, swap the throwoff, wires, and put gaskets under the tube lugs and still come in way under the BB price!
Just pulled the trigger on the universal with die cast. This video definitely reinforces my decision. The price difference is so big and the sound difference is so small.
the difference is the power and lowend that is always there on a BB. IN a full mix it ALWAYS delivers. The universal not so much. This will only show when you do a full mix with compressors and so forth. Especially tuned medium high or high or very high. The universal (and other non-spun shells) choke.. the BB does not, which is why I have one. The most important difference is the spun shell, vs. the welded shell. Which is also the main reason for the price difference.
Yep you could hear the low end on Memphis Drum Shop videos versus the Universals. The universals cant give you the oomph if thats what your looking for. But for the high tunings there's not much difference.
It's close but the bb has more body and more of a musical ring to my ears. I bought a b stock bb and it's the best sounding snare I've ever played.
Concur.
What is B stock? Does it mean it was damaged and repaired?
@@notforyoutube b stock means its brand new but there was a very minor flaw in the finish. Most of the time it's on the inside of the shell. Most b stock drums you won't be able to find the flaw. They play the same have a full warranty and are usually a few hundred dollars cheaper
B stock now is like 650 and up over all way over priced new and b stock. Love the sound though but price is crazy and still the same hardware and dumb through off but price shot up crazy.
Exactly the video I needed! Well...I'm looking at the 6.5" depth but still. I was torn between finding a used B-Stock Black Beauty (the only way I could afford one) or going with the Universal with die-cast hoops. Universal it is!
Glad it helped, thanks Scott!
I bought the universal 6.5 with die cast. Its gorgeous and sounds amazing
@@jessedamoneasterSame! I’ve been using it for a few months and I love it.
Sounds pretty close! I think it all depends on where you are on your journey. For the price of one BB you could get 2 Universal snares in different sizes (5.5" and a 7" or 8" for example) and get better heads for those. That would probably be more useful if you're trying to get some good snares for recording for example.
I just bought a 14x6.5 Universal snare. I have a Remo Coated Controlled Sound on the batter/Remo Ambassador Snare Side, added Tama black plastic washers, and I run all my snares with DW Chrome True Tone hoops, and Puresound 20 strand blaster wires. Black Beauty’s are overpriced if you actually can get the Universal and add small stuff here and there to beef it up. As far as your video, the Black Beauty sounded dryer and not as open as the Universal, as I prefer an openness to a drum because I can take that away, but not add it. I’m actually about to buy a 14x5.5 Universal since I like the combo of what I’m using on the 14x6.5. Great video though. Cheers.
According to the site black beauty shell = 1.2mm thick, universal = 1mm.
But gotta say this universal is sounding great
main difference is that snare wires have more buzz on universal than on bb...that's why sounds brighter. bb 1,2mm shell vs 1mm universal shell: difference is that 1,2mm will have higher pitch resonance and 1mm will have lower. If there is no difference in lugs (weight and tune stability) , than... I can make snare sound sounds thicker with one vst plugin in almost no time. If I buy it, I will invest in new better 2,3mm hoops (something like S-Hoops ) and new snare wires (two different - one wider and other narrover). And I think after recorded and mixed drums in a song that noone can tell the difference or even say ...that is bb and that is universal....other that if some expert will hear pitch in shell ring...I can...but does this matters if snare is really tuned properly? Will song sounds less deep, wide, good , pro ? 99,9999% not ;) . Thats my thoughts about all this after almost 30 years of searching for the best drum sound that I can make in my studio. And at the end is all about the drummer and how good feel he have and how he play.
There’s a little more depth or fullness or roundness in the BB. But it’s close.
Both sound pretty nice...l bought a Black Magic...AMAZING similarities...😊
Once again the power of marketing shows through. As close as these two drums are when played side by side. No one would be able to tell when they are played in with a band. Well done. Like someone else mentioned I own a BB 6 1/2" and I love it but if I were buying it today......... :-)
That can be said for most snare drums that are not utterly awful. I think the real value of the ‘nicer’ drums comes in the studio - and in the experience. Also, high end snares are like high end guitars in way. Bragging rights, ‘knowing’ that you’ve got one, and the pleasure of owning one - from the extra 10% of finish and feel quality you get with a more hand crafted artisan product. Where and how they are made represents most of the price difference - hence why someone said in another comment they sound better, but not 500 better. Which is accurate. I still love my Superphonic, BB Satin Deluxe and Copperphonic though. They look amazing and make me feel good when I play them. That feeling is what makes ‘me’ a better drummer. And trust me, I need all the help I can get. 😂 but 100% there is no NEED. The full fat versions are a WANT.
Now cheaper vs more expensive cymbals?…. That’s where the money really shines through to my ears. Better spend it there if you’re on a limited budget.
I ended up going with a Porkpie Big Brass Snare after owning a hammered BB. Zero complaints with the Porkpie, although I had to swap the cheap heads out.
Great video. You tune your snares perfect. Should do a video on your tuning technique, especially on your 6.5”X14” Ludwig Black Beauty.
Thanks so much! I'll put that on my list.
@@ColeParamore Excellent!
@@ColeParamore Agreed! I also noticed you use a tunebot. I just bought the original version. Havent tried it yet, but Id be interested in learning your preferred numbers. Your snares always sound killer
@@JasonWelchMusic I use it every so often, usually just to finalize tuning, or if something seems a little off but I'm having a tough time picking it out. In this case I was mostly using it to make sure I had both top heads exactly the same. Unfortunately I can't remember what the number was I was using here, but I'll probably do a longer tuning video in the future.
@@ColeParamore very well then. I'll be sure to stay tuned.... (haha..see what I did there?😁)
Worldmax nickel over brass is £250 in the UK and is an identical drum to the Ludwig Universal and Black Magic , except for the badge !! 👍
Hi, great comparison. Both snare sounds great! Ludwig is Ludwig!
For my taste the BB has a more full sound. The other one sound good too but has a little more high freq in the sound and less body.
Thank you for your comparison of these snares. It prompted me to purchase a Universal 8x14 tube lug! I have a sound company and I'm planning on offering it as part of the backline drums (PDP Concept Maple) I offer to my clients. Most bring their own snares, but I thought it may be a great option for them and for me to play in the down time. I hear how much difference swapping the heads made and I typically use Evans HD Dry heads on my snares. In you opinion, do you think the Evans would be a good choice or do you suggest sticking with installing the Ludwig Weather Master Heavy? Thank you for sharing your knowledge, and thank you for the informative videos!
Thanks for the kind words! My recommendation is always a Coated Remo Ambassador. The Evans HD Drys are great too, but fairly aggressively pre-muffled. The Ludwig heads are also fairly controlled right out the gate, but probably more expensive than the Evans if I remember correctly.
I felt the universal was a little more “ringy” which is probably because the tube lugs. Which I would cancel out with die cast hoops.
Helpful video. Thanks dude
I've never heard such a rhythmic phrase as when he says "If you can't" in 4:03 :)
I’ve hammered shell, tube lugs BB. It’s tricky to tune. But it’s tone..dark, gorgeous. I’ve become addicted to its stick click. My favourite for samba by far. That said, this Universal with good heads..yep. I’d love it. Both are great snares. With options like Universal available now, you don’t need to break the bank anymore to sound great.
I heard a sizzle to the snares of the Universal. Could be the different wires or adjustment of them.
Great video, which snare wires and which heads would you recommend to hit the sound best to the original bb?
There was no audible difference between the drums. Think about it, the cylinder holds and moves the air. The majority of a drums sound comes from the stick, the head and the actual snare used. The shell has very little part in the overall sound, it's merely the wall holding the air, other than the ring it produces, in a brass shell.This will generally be muted with moongel or gaffa tape when playing live or recording,as it causes all sorts of problems with microphones. Nickel plating is never consistent from drum to drum, as it's all about time spent in the plating process. Lugs seldom make a diference to sound as they are external, and the sound comes internally. There's a lot of smoke and mirrors used within the industry, after all, how are the drum builders ever going to sell you another drum, once you've already bought one. Why do you think they are trying every permutation of Ludwig Black Beauty or family of BB drums, it's akin to Walmart offering you 40 brands of ketchup, when all you need is one.Like, how many version of the Acrolite are they going to stop at, or is there no end to that figure? The human ear cannot discern the difference between the likes or brass, or bronze, or copper or steel - tune the drums up the same, and they will sound the same.
Do you remember when someone built an electric guitar out of concrete and it sounded just like an electric guitar? Smoke and mirrors, that's all it is
Both sound great. GREAT drummer.
Really appreciate the kind words!
Love my universal black my favorite snare!
Hey Thanks for the comparison! Are there different shell material with in BB family? The Guitar Center near me has a what they're calling a Ludwig "Supraphonic" Black Beauty.. they say its brass with chrome plating. Not Brass/nickel. Same prices. I can't find any descriptions of this anywhere.
Nickel hardware? Yeah that would be a Super Chrome over Brass, I think GC just had their terminology wrong. Really cool drums!
The differences are not great enough for me to spend $1,000 on a Black Beauty. I’ll take the Universal for $350 please.
I notice more highs on the BB and more attack,also the ring which is very nice is more present on the BB, which can be compensated on a recording, otherwise the character is there on the Universal ,you couldn't say which is which in a full mix...
Close enough SOUND to not warrant spending 2x the price. I'd love to do an A/B FEEL comparison. That is when you can tell the difference between the seamless and rolled shell types. But in general, this sounds great to my ears.
What about also throwing some die cast hoops on either or?Both sound great, nice throaty sound.Mine is a slingerland black on brass 61/2 x14,with die cat hoops,just hate the zoomatic P.O.S. throw-off and it soinds very nice and found used for 299, also 30 strand pureounds and a remo x-black emporer.goodvideo
Would certainly make a difference. Die-cast isn't really my jam, but that would definitely give you a different vibe with this drum.
I 1000% prefer the “cheaper” version of that throw off. I have a 8x14 Maple Ludwig snare and it has the throw that clicks. It’s function is much more difficult then the standard smooth spinning version. The Supralite I own has the cheaper version that is way better. I would like to change the other one out
You don't feel like it's more likely to back out?
I agree as well. I have a 50's WFL and an older steel Rocker with the first versions of the new P85 (88a?) Type throw and my Universal throw, smooth as butter. I want to change out the other two
@@ColeParamore I've used the Uni resale snare 14"x6.5" with high, med and very low quick tuning ((2 lug drop) and I've hand no problem with throw knob movement or shifting. So much better than the old P85 which did have that problem. It's not cheaper, all 3 (P88/AC/P88i) are literally the same design with a slight change in the knob shape and the new one, no click gear.
So close that only a discerning ear can hear the difference. There was more of what I call an "airy" tone in the BB. It's simply not in any other snare.
However, in a recording situation, I think the difference is going to be less obvious after processing.
Conclusion; I want them both!
Played live, the BB will win everytime. In the studio, it really won't matter which one... unless you have perfect pitch ears like a tunebot inside your head.
(To those who have perfect pitch, I feel your pain. Every squeaky stair, every piano slightly out of tune, every guitar out of intonation, and the dreaded hum of a light ballast going out will drive you insane at the ballgame. You cant enjoy the game for trying to figure out if the light is humming an F# or a Gb.. ..insert humor.)
I have a Pork Pie Big Brass. It's as close to a Black Beauty as Ive heard. I also have a Black Beauty, so do know what it sounds like
hard to tell which one was being played
Hey brotha just wanna say great attitude/presentation style, great information, great production and of course great chops. Keep it up!
Thanks so much for the kind words!
What skins are you using on the Universal?
Stock heads on both drums.
Black beauty has slightly longer sustain and a little higher tone. Not necessarily better though. The universal is a great choice.
The Universal sounds a bit more lighter, but it's only a very little bit.
Hi there, what is the tunebot reading ? Batter & reso ?
Ach I don't remember, sorry! I'll do a tuning video at some point and make sure to include it.
I could hear a difference, but it was subtle. Might be able to get closer by switching the bottom head and wires. Not sure it’s worth $550.
Thats a good idea. Specially for the price
$550?! Got mine for $399. Is that $550 CAD?
@@MichaelWashingtonAE BB is $899 most places unless you get B stock. Universal is $349. 899-349 is $550. So I hear a difference, but it is subtle and may not be worth the $550 premium that the Black Beauty costs over the Universal.
Yes the sound of Black Beauty is Superb
I like your sharing for comparison of this 2 snare Very Nice 👍
May i ask where can buy or order the “ original “ Battle head n bottom head pls
Any suggestion pls
TQ 🙏🙏🙏🥁🥁🥁😊
I honestly preferred the Universal. I like the slightly more penetrating crack that it has.
Great video, thanks for the info.
I have the ludwig stealth snare which is like a flat black version of the black beauty and i love it, just a tad dryer sound but BB soo expensive. Both sound great but BB wins if just sor the sound
That's cool - I'd somehow never seen one of those. I'll bet it sounds killer.
Dude is rich he got both snares 🥁 🥁
Both were borrowed from next door at West Coast Drum Shop.
There's enough difference that if you were kitting out a professional recording studio, you'd be happy to pay for the Black Beauty. It has more impact, more sustain, and there's more openness and texture to the upper end of the snare sound, and it would be more durable, being seamless, better hardware, more reliable tuning, and presumably slightly thicker shell? Could get a good drum sound more easily and quicker, and less usage and maintenance costs. The other use that the Black Beauty would be is in louder bands, or where the greater headroom for volume would be worthwhile (or playing rock gigs, rehearsing with loud guitarists where the drums are not amplified). For the rest of us, the Universal Brass sounds 80% there, for a third the price. Great sounding and great value. It's significantly cheaper than the Pork Pie BOB, DW Concept variants. Even for recording, with the right mic choice (say 57 strapped to 451), a touch of compression/saturation (Distressor?), a touch of EQ to bring the bite/snap up, could get to 90% similar, albeit with more work. So, if it's just for recording your own band, where you have the time to finesse the snare track, it's also a good buy.
Honestly, my favourite current Ludwig snare is the 14x5.5" Universal with the die cast hoops. I just get on best with medium depth snares which Ludwig seems to shy away from on the higher-end models. I find that often 14x5's lack body at higher tunings and 14x6.5's can be a bit tubby for my liking, so I opt for something in between. I think dimensions have a bigger impact on the sound than whether the shell is seamless or not, so for me the 14x5.5" Universal wins.
I play a 14x6.5 and tubby is a brilliant way to describe the sound haha!
Great playing skills, this is how to compare snare drums in real applications.
Thanks for the kind words!
I've never liked the look of the lugs on the BB
Similar to the BLACK MAGIC ?
Yes, though I believe the Black Magics had die cast hoops.
Pretty sure Ludwig rebranded Black Magic into the Universal Brass lineup
@@josiahschwarz6595 There are enough significant differences between the BM and the UB that I'd say not quite, but as far as what they offer on paper definitely similar.
Could not hear much of a difference, maybe cause my ears aren't trained enough. However I'm willing to bet that there is a slight difference feel also when playing the universal.
Yeah, there is a bit of a feel difference but you're not wrong that they certainly sound very similar. Thanks for watching!
Cries in Canadian. My black beauty new was 1199 before tax in our money :/
Oof!
if you record with both, and people listened in spotify, nobody will be able to tell
That's exactly the bottom line nowadays. DAW production has largely replaced the art and craft of presenting a great sounding drum for a recording, so it really comes down to pride and personal preference. As a player I ideally want to have ONE that I know well enough to suit all my needs, and some are more forgiving than others. Gone are the days of needing to bring 5 snares to a session. If you know a bit about heads and tuning/damping, pretty much anything can be made to sound passable with time and effort, but these are a 'reference standard' to eliminate said time and effort. You pays your money... Cheers
nice playing
I would talk about it all the time too lol!!! Heck it, if it is something you are into, do your thing!! Never enough black beauty content ...ever! Also I can hear a difference , the universal has a harsh overbite that the Beauty does not have, it sounds more ping-ish to my ears
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
100% agree, the universal sounds amazing especially for the money but it has a harshness that the BB simply doesn’t have. I’ve always found snares which are almost a BB tend to have ‘something’ that just isn’t right, in this case it’s that subtle harshness. The bb is just perfect in every way
"paramore" is really his name? Or just the name of the channel since he likes and enjoys paramore?
You don't need to use 3rd person - I read all the comments! I can assure you I was around before the band was ever formed. 😉
@@ColeParamore oh yeah, im nor american, i wasnt aware that could be a "name" haha. You indeed feel like a paramore drummer, all of them are great.
your demos are very good and very straight to the point.
is it the former black magic? I have the 'same' 14x8 black magic with triple flange hoops and tube lugs and I love it!
I think the universal snare sounds better than the black beauty.
So whats the difference between the universal and the Black magic then ?? BTW why would Ludwig endorse you, You are doing it for free.
I believe this is the spiritual successor to the Black Magic - it has essentially been phased out. Thanks for the vote of confidence on the Ludwig endorsement. 🙃
Man i like my Ludwig supralite better than the supraphonic!!
I've got the universal. It's killer! The throw off sucks ass tho
like the seamed shell better - more like the old school
No significant diference, both sound Premium Classic Ludwig Snare sound, same thing goes with the great Ludwig Supralite…
The black beauty has a bit of a thicker punchier sound.
Universal sounded better more sustain.
Almost ever drum company makes a copy of the BB
Not enough difference to spend 400 bucks more. Plus the pork pie BOB is just as close
Blindfolded you would not be able to tell the difference.
I closed my eyes and couldn't hear the difference.
I did not hear a difference
It's Not. Even. Close. ! The BB has the throaty thump that the uni does not!
BB is USA made. Where is Universal made?
Black Beauty hands down. It's a better quality drum. 😎 Abide
Oh stop w the “hands down” crap. You know you can’t tell that much of a difference.
There is a sound difference. But not a 550 dollar sound difference.
Ludwig best snare drum made nothing compares
I don’t hear any difference
Not under $400 anymore.
I’m still seeing them at $349.
Sweetwater has them for $349
Cannot tell an obvious difference
I was loosing the will to live having to listen to the horrendous background music whilst you were talking how can you possibly think it improves it ???
Huh, 10k other people didn’t seem to mind. I’d be worried if my will to live was that precarious. Note taken. 😉
In a recording, nobody would tell the difference.
too much talking not enough playing comparison...need to have different tunings
Guess you get what you pay for!