Vintage Supraphonic vs. New Supraphonic

**EchoesMyEternity** · 03-09-2008, 12:16 PM

Hey guys, just a quick question for those of you who are versed in vintage drums...

I'm looking to buy a Ludwig Supraphonic snare drum because I've had a little cash flow recently and I can't help myself - I'm getting the gear itch...

My question is should I look for and throw down a lot of money for a vintage Supraphonic drum in great condition or should I just look for a new Supraphonic drum? What's the difference between the two? Are there any differences in sound, or is it just in looks and aesthetics?

I know, I know, you can't replace a vintage instrument and people will argue that vintage instruments have that distinct quality that new instruments don't, but I really don't want to throw down 5 or 6 hundred dollars on a vintage instrument and I don't want to have a vintage drum that has a bunch of pitting a rust.

HELP ME OUT (please)!

-Jon

**backtodrum** · 03-10-2008, 12:45 PM

The only difference in the drum is the badge and shell diameter. The new shells are slightly smaller in diameter than the vintage shells. Like I said earlier it causes a condition called lug splay. The tunning rods point slightly away from the shell at the top where they attach to the hoop. This condition causes no appreciable decline in sound. Some just find it objectionable in the aesthetics department.

**fiacovaz** · 03-10-2008, 01:23 PM

Echoes...Seems like you answered your own question by not wanting to plop down the money on something old. The vintage Supras are prone to pitting because Chrome does not adhere to the aluminum shell. My Supra, 1964, has slight pitting and that may be because I have kept it covered so much of the time. The earlier Supras were made of brass and those are the more expensive models. Your money would be well spent on that.