What heads for new 6.5 x 14 Supraphonic Snare

[mikei]

Hello,

I was wondering what combination of heads I should use for my new Supraphonic snare that will be delivered within the next week.

I play mostly Rock and Metal.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

[Doug Masters]

Go with a coated ambassador or G1 and let it sing!

[Zildjian 242]

Single Ply head with a power dot. Pick your company of your choice, there all good. Since your a rock & metal guy Id assume you will need some added durability. Those heads will be perfect

[Skitch]

Go with a coated ambassador or G1 and let it sing!


This or a Powerrstroke 3 with the Dot.


Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com


http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=drummermikemccraw

[bermuda]

With all due respect to Ludwig, the first thing you do with a new Ludwig snare is change the top head!

I put an Evans ST (SuperTough) on top, and it's perfect.

Bermuda

[Steady Freddy]

With all due respect to Ludwig, the first thing you do with a new Ludwig snare is change the top head!

I put an Evans ST (SuperTough) on top, and it's perfect.

Bermuda

Yep, Great head. They sound a little thick at first, but once they break in they crack real nice. I would think on a metal drum they'd really be nice.

I running one on a 4 X 14 maple and it sounds great.

[mikei]

With all due respect to Ludwig, the first thing you do with a new Ludwig snare is change the top head!

I put an Evans ST (SuperTough) on top, and it's perfect.

Bermuda

Does the reso head need to be replaced as well?

[cdrums21]

The legendary John Bonham was noted for his unique snare drum sound, which was a ludwig 6 1/2x14 supraphonic. Top head was a coated emperor, bottom head a snare side ambassador. 42 strand snare wires. I play this combination and I love it. Pop and crack with lots of sensitivity.

[mikei]

GC was out of Coated Emps, so I went with a coated Amb. Left the stock reso head.

I tuned it up, but didn't have a chance to play it since it was so late.

I bought the 42 strand wire, but left the stock 20 wire on it to listen to it first.

Will try to play it today. I am wondering if I should take back the coated Amb as I haven't played on it yet.

[cdrums21]

The coated ambassador will sound good, it just won't be as durable and may not give you quite the midrangey meat that an emperor does. The ambassador sounds great on it though. I tune my bottom head real tight and have the top head pretty tight as well, but not quite as tight as the top. Because of the depth of the shell, you can tune it up and get some nice body without it sounding too brittle. If you experiment with it, I'm sure you'll find a place where the drum sounds great.

Some people think that the 42 strand snare wires will give more of a "snare" sound and have a tendency to rattle more, but I find the opposite to be true, at least for the rattle. The drum sounds a bit "fatter" with the 42 strand snares, but it doesn't rattle any more than any other snare wires. I really like it as the tighter bottom head gives it that "pop" and snap, the 42 strand snares give it some "width", and the emperor tuned up gives that high end meat that sounds powerful for rock. That's a tough combination to beat.

[mikei]

The coated ambassador will sound good, it just won't be as durable and may not give you quite the midrangey meat that an emperor does. The ambassador sounds great on it though. I tune my bottom head real tight and have the top head pretty tight as well, but not quite as tight as the top. Because of the depth of the shell, you can tune it up and get some nice body without it sounding too brittle. If you experiment with it, I'm sure you'll find a place where the drum sounds great.


Some people think that the 42 strand snare wires will give more of a "snare" sound and have a tendency to rattle more, but I find the opposite to be true, at least for the rattle. The drum sounds a bit "fatter" with the 42 strand snares, but it doesn't rattle any more than any other snare wires. I really like it as the tighter bottom head gives it that "pop" and snap, the 42 strand snares give it some "width", and the emperor tuned up gives that high end meat that sounds powerful for rock. That's a tough combination to beat.


I used my drum dial last night. My bottom head is at 84 and my batter head is at 91. Snare wires are at medium tension. How tight are your snare wires.

I put a 42 strand on my Vinnie Paul and loved it. A bit more rattle, but not enough that someone other than a drummer would notice.

After I play a bit with the stock 20 strand, I will definitely put on the 42.

Thank you for all your help.

[mikei]

I just got a chance to play the supraphonic today! Best sounding snare I have ever heard!

I was expecting more ringing, but it actually doesn't have much overtones at all.

Then, I replaced the snare wires. WOW! Absolutely unbelieveable!

I love this snare.

Thanks for the advice.

[pcmckay]

On my Supraphonic I use a coated Remo emperor, and just the clear facory snare head on the bottom and Ludwig snares. It has a great sound to it. I think you will really like the Supraphonic it's very versatile, good choice!