I rediscovered my first snare drum in my old trap case, 1968 Ludwig Supraphonic 5x14 (haven't tested if it's COB yet). It is in great shape, but I am looking for some advice regarding re-heading it and replacing the snare wires.I used this drum extensively touring back in the mid-70's but the cables holding the wires kept breaking, so I went to a Tama Imperial Star 6.5 " chrome.I would like your opinion on which heads you would suggest and I also need to replace the snare wires.Do I go Remo Ambassador top/bottom for the classic - that's the way it should be sound? Or Evans G1 / G2 with Hazy 200-300...Replacement Snare wires opinions: Puresound Customs, Vintage... 20 strand, 14?Haven't replaced snare wires before but I expect many of you have, looking for your input and guidance on head/wire sound combos.What cable would you suggest I use to secure the snare wires?Thanks in advance for your insight.BDrums
Evans G-1 ain't a bad Batter Head, but I tend to like the sound-tone of the Remo Ambassador coated a bit better.
Hazy 200 snare side is as thin as Saran Wrapm (2mil), I've tried them, and they seem to stretch, and stretch. the Hazy 300 would be a better choice if you go Evans, otherwise the Ambassador Snare Side is fine.
If you're a Jazzer, and/or don't clobber your drums to living death, then I'd say Remo Diplomat Batter, or even Dimplomat M5 Batter (5mil), and a Diplomat Snare Side, if you wish to get the highest sensitivity.
Aquarians are beautifully made heads, make Remo, and Evans look like junk as for build quality, but to me, they always sounded like wet cardboard, and I've essentially tried them all. Again, just my opinion here.
As far as Snare Wires, I tried Puresound Vintage Ludwig replacements, and on a 1960 COB Supra they sounded a little dull-dark in comparison to the stock Luddy Wires, but on a 70's Luddy B/O Badge LM-402 Supra they sound like heaven, so go figure? YMMV? If your snares are shot, the Snappy Snares might work perfectly fine?
As for Cables-Cords for you Snare Wires, I never had a cable-cord break in my life, but of course, I don't tighten Snares to the point where they strangle the sound of the drum, and then possibly place the life of the cords in jepardy. I believe somebody like Gibratar used to make a coated Steel Cable? Or maybe it was Puresound? lol
Hope this helps, Mark