O-Lugs,

I was actually going to ask about tuning techniques and head choices, because I don't know anything about how to properly tune a snare. I go by how it sounds to me, but I don't have any background. I will take your suggestions and in the near future give the Diplomats a try.

I have a Remo hazy snare side on the Jazzfest and an new vintage Ludwig weathermaster on the Pioneer snare side. Both have original Ludwig 18 strand wires.

Upon further testing I would not characterize the Jazz fest as warmer - it really does sound more of a metal snare sound that cuts. The Pioneer has quite a loud and distinctive sound too.

I will try those Diplomats to date I have had Emperors & Ambassador heads on all of my snares, so this will give me something new to try. I'll follow up when I do, and I do appreciate the suggestion.

Mike

Greetings All.

Just thought to toss this in...

I have a silver sparkle Jazzfest that was given to me in trade.

The interior was repainted white and all hardware replaced

with chrome.

When disassembled, the whole job was just, well...poor.

I stripped the re-white, removed the random keystone badge and

with buffing found the trace outline of the more exaggerated "T-Badge".

The kick tho, was that this baby appears to be a Mahogany/ Maple

steam bent piece with the wrap sandwiched between the plies.

Unable to estimate value, but a very sweet sounding drum.

With Coated / Hazy Ambs and careful tuning, it is my "Nowhere Man / Ticket to Ride" snare...