The Ludwig LB417 14″ x 6.5″ Black Beauty Snare Drum is an updated version of one of Ludwigs legendary snares. Featuring a machine drawn beaded brass shell with a metallic brass finish and durable chrome hardware its a revamped classic design. The brass provides warm metallic tones and responds with superior sensitivity to other similar snares on the market.Supraphonic P88AC snare throw-off features wave-lock technology increasing stability for a guaranteed hold. A 10-lug design with Imperial Lugs for a classic look offer precise and controlled tuning possibilities – great for studio use. Ideal for a wide range of drumming styles and genres the Ludwig Black Beauty Snare offers an extremely versatile and high-performing design at a competitive price point. About Ludwig Drums Established in 1909 by William F. & Theobald Ludwig the Ludwig Drum Company has since progressed to become one of the worlds leading drum manufacturers. William had been a professional drummer performing and touring with circuses and shows along with occasional gigs. The brothers decided to open a drum shop in Chicago and called it Ludwig & Ludwig. The company began with a concept for the design and manufacture of a bass drum pedal but quickly progressed adding new products to the catalogue including snare drums and timpani. After Theobald Ludwig died in 1918 William continued by himself and by 1923 Ludwig had become one of the largest drum manufacturers in the world employing 240 workers. In the late 20s Ludwig & Ludwig was sold to C.G. Conn instrument company and despite staying on to run the company which now belonged to Conn William Ludwig eventually left to start a new company which he named after his initials: the WFL Drum Company was born in 1937. During WWII the company was producing drums on a small scale but soon grew in size to become one of the main competitors for Ludwig & Ludwig. In the following years Ludwig & Ludwig stopped producing drums altogether meaning William and his son Bill Jr. were able to buy the Ludwig trademark back from Conn. During the 1960s Ludwig began to receive huge amounts of publicity and their products started to become much more widely recognised throughout the drumming industry. Ludwig started to introduce more and more products to their ranges with key artists such as John Bonham from Led Zeppelin performing on Ludwig drums and providing yet more publicity and recognition. Since the 1960s and 1970s Ludwig has maintained its status as one of the most popular drum manufacturers in the world. The manufacturing facility remains in Monroe NC offering huge ranges of drums and accessories including full drum kits snares percussion hardware accessories and even merchandise. The company also celebrated its 100th anniversary releasing yet more flagship drumming equipment. Ludwigs snares are often considered some of the best in the business holding the title of the worlds most toured and recorded snares ever. Offering sounds which are often imitated but never duplicated the snares are available in a huge variety of materials sizes finishes and with different components. Every snare offers unique qualities but they all share one property. A truly unbeatable sound. With over one hundred years in the profession of percussion Ludwig have provided high-quality drums to an extensive list of renowned drummers the world over. Follow in the footsteps of the greats and pave your path to percussion glory through a vast selection of tones styles and sizes designed to get the best out of your playing. The creation of the Black Beauty was a major contribution to Ludwigs popularity in the drumming world and despite being imitated by many other brands Ludwig snares boast a sound which is never truly duplicated. Features 6.5″ x 14″ shell size provides versatile tuning options Supraphonic snares for unrivalled sensitivity Black chrome finish over brass shell looks timeless Smooth shell with Imperial lugs follows classic Ludwig design Triple-flanged hoops for a strong hoop -to head – to shell connection Made in Monroe NC USA Specifications Type: Snare Shell (Depth x Diameter): 6.5 x 14 Shell Material: Brass Hoops: Triple-Flanged Hoops Lugs: Imperial x 10 Colour: Black Chrome Product Code: LB417