In 1977, Ludwig revived the legendary Black Beauty. Apparently, the drum was named by Paul Whiteman, conductor of the first performance of “Rhapsody in Blue” in New York’s Aeolian Hall. The drummer was George Marsh. He was playing his Ludwig and Ludwig Deluxe which Whiteman described as a “Black Beauty” because of its sleek black appearance and brilliant sound.
The 1977 Black Beauties were made from single sheets of brass drawn and spun in a seamless construction. They were plated with black chrome and made in 2 sizes; 5 x 14 and 6.5 x 14. They were not offered with engraving until 1979. They came with either P-85 strainers 418 and 419 or the Super Sensitive strainers 416 and 417. Each engraved drum was numbered. The three snare drums I have from the 70’s to 90’s are not engraved but I do have two engraved Black Beauties; one from 1929 and a reissued one from 2009 that I wrote about last month.
My two 70’s models are a 5 x 14 standard model and a 6.5 x 14 Super Sensitive model that were made from brass. My 1992 Black Beauty is a 6.5 x 14 standard model and is made from bronze. I’m only including pictures of the two 70’s and one 90’s model in this article.
Danny Bilan
Our Man in Canada