After 1967 ALL Ludwig Suprphonics where plated in this order...1)-ACID BATH,2)-NICKEL BATH,3)-COPPER BATH,4)-CHROME...so we have all heard/played a bit of the copper if we own a post 1968-present Ludwig Supra!!!P.S. I REALLY LOVE THE N.Y.C. ACROLITE I OWN !!!
Not really. The copper is microns thick and only used as a covalent-bond bridge between the nickel and chromium. Of course, we all know by now that aluminum and plating doesn't mix. :(
Now, if you have a BRASS Supra, which is copper/zinc, then you've heard the "warming" effects of copper. Bronze even moreso. Copper is dry and warm at the same time, almost wood-like in character.
What copper drums can I recommend? The one that got me started was/is the Pearl Marvin "Smitty" Smith 4 x 14. The one I've been using since last year, to rave reviews by people I've worked for is a SlingYo 6-1/2" x 14" that I purchased NOS of eBay. When they were new, they were practically giving them away, but I paid $180. Right now on eBay, there's a Pearl and also a Yamaha copper. There's also a Peace hammered copper which I've played and it too is great. To tell you the truth, I haven't played a copper snare drum yet that I haven't liked. I've been trying to get Ludwig to bite on a copper Supra, which I KNOW would be tremendous, with the added bonus that plating would require only one step, that is, IF it were plated.