This is a 6&1/2" x 14" Ludwig Deluxe (commonly known as the Black Beauty) from c.1924. It has the scroll or "ocean wave" engraving pattern. The shell is 2 piece brass soldered at the bead (as were all Deluxe from this era before 1930) with the bearing edges soldered back to the shell in the usual triangular shape. It has the original P338 strainer and original butt plate (except for the 2 bolts used to hold the cable wires, which were stripped). Art Gold on the strainer, butt, rims, 8 tube lugs, tension rods and clips complete the makeup of this magnificent drum. I still consider this the "gold standard" of all brass snare drums in sound and feel. As a jazz player, I took off (and saved) the original 12 strand silk/wires and put on 12 strands of modern orchestral bare cable wire for a crisper and more sensitive sound and feel. Aquarian, American Vintage snare side head and a Matt Alling CT Pro-Percussion calf head complete the instrument.
c. 1924 Ludwig 6.5" x 14" Deluxe (Black Beauty)
