I originally had three posts here, but deleted them and the images. I get a lot of questions about Black Beauty snare drums so I decided to make a special page with a Black Beauty timeline from the printed material.

Basically in 1977 the drums were introduced with brass shells. When Ludwig was sold to Selmer in 1981 the drums were switched to bronze as pictured in the 1981 Set-Up Flyer.

I talked with BIII about this last week (July 24, 2009) and he confirmed that Selmer made the change based on cost.

David

Ludwig Black Beauty Catalog Timeline

(Is there a chance that Ludwig made a strange Black Beauty or Ludwig had already tested the shells in bronze prior to the sale to Selmer? I have to say anything is possible. So if you have a strange Black Beauty send me a photo.)

Thanks David that's pretty much nailed it. Great stuff.

Have a good day,

Pat.

This enquiry would certainly be assisted by pics. The later bronze Supra series is a well known beast and well worthy of collection i.e. #550/2/4/6

Thanks for all your help with this guys. I'm doing some filming with the BB in question next week so when its done I'll wack a link up so you can all see & hear it for yourselves.

Pat.