To many, Ludwig is the most recognizable name in percussion purely because of one drum – the legendary Black Beauty Snare Drum.

The 1.2mm brass shell is machine drawn and spun into a seamless beaded drum before being finished with gorgeous black nickel plating. The shell speaks with an unmistakable round metallic tone. Tune it up high for a clean, piercing crack. Tune it loose and low for a fat, swampy backbeat.

This particular Black Beauty has a slightly warmer, more controlled tone thanks to a skillfully hammered 14x6.5 shell, rounded out by 2.3mm flanged hoops, Imperial lugs, and the P88AC throw off. This is one investment that is a no-brainer for the working drummer.

Ludwig B-stock snare drums come from Ludwig with cosmetic flaws, some more noticeable than others. The drums are structurally sound - shells are round, strainers engage, and tension rods thread straight - but each drum may have minor plating imperfections, scratches/scuffs, signs of demo use/handling, or other minor issues. We try to capture the most offensive blemishes in the images, and sometimes even those are hard to locate. These drums are sold 'as-is', and all imperfections are not covered under warranty.

Talk to the Drum Center of Portsmouth's knowledgeable staff to get fitted with the Ludwig snare drum that's right for you!