Ludwig LB417BT Black Beauty Snare Drum - Black Nickel Over Brass with Brass Hardware

Ludwig LB417BT Black Beauty Snare Drum - Black Nickel Over Brass with Brass Hardware

If there were a Mount Rushmore of snare drums, the Ludwig Black Beauty would be front and center. For decades, this drum has been the "secret weapon" for studio engineers and touring pros alike, offering a sound that is instantly recognizable and impossible to duplicate. The magic lies in the manufacturing process: a single sheet of brass is machine-drawn and spun into a seamless beaded shell, then finished with that signature black nickel plating. This seamless construction allows the shell to vibrate freely, producing a tone that is warm, fat, and incredibly sensitive. Whether you are feathering a jazz ride pattern or laying into a heavy backbeat, the Black Beauty responds with a musical complexity that cuts through the mix without being harsh.

The LB417BT model takes this legendary foundation and gives it the royal treatment. Known affectionately as the "Brass on Brass," this version upgrades the standard hardware to stunning brass-plated tube lugs and die-cast hoops. Beyond the jaw-dropping black-and-gold aesthetic, these appointments significantly shape the sound. The die-cast hoops add a focused attack and a drier, more powerful rimshot, while the tube lugs minimize shell contact, letting that beautiful brass resonance sing out even more. It’s the perfect marriage of Ludwig’s historic tone with a luxurious, modern look that commands attention on any stage. From the thunderous grooves of John Bonham to the modern precision of today's chart-toppers, the Black Beauty legacy is undeniable—and this drum lets you own a piece of that history.

Highlights

• The "Gold" Standard: Features exquisite brass-plated hardware, including tube lugs and hoops, creating a stunning visual contrast against the black nickel shell.

• Seamless Sonic Perfection: The 1.2mm seamless spun brass shell delivers the ultimate balance of metallic projection and warm, full-bodied resonance.

• Focused Attack: Equipped with brass die-cast hoops that sharpen the drum's attack and provide a cutting, authoritative crack on rimshots.

• Minimalist Contact: Distinctive tube lugs not only offer a classy, retro vibe but also reduce mass on the shell for maximum vibration and sustain.

• The Most Recorded Snare: Join the ranks of legends with a drum that has defined the sound of American music for over a century.

Specifications

• Shell Material: 1.2mm Seamless Spun Brass

• Finish: Black Nickel Plated

• Dimensions: 14" x 6.5"

• Lugs: 10 Brass Tube Lugs

• Hoops: Brass Die-Cast

• Throw Off: P88AC

• Butt Plate: P35P

• Bearing Edge: 45-Degree

• Badge: Keystone

Please feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable sales staff with any additional questions!