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Ludwig P-87 Tuning!

Posts: 2242 Threads: 380

Hey, guys!

I recently acquired a Ludwig 12 X 15 inch marching/ parade snare with a P-87 strainer and a p-34 butt plate. It's taken at least two weeks to clean it up and get it presentable. I think I can take it apart and put it together in my sleep! The only problem is, is that I really don't know enough to tune this monster properly. Since each snare wire (actually, nylon cords) tune individually, I THINK that by turning the keys clockwise, the snare wires are tightened. I'm just experimenting, to be honest. I want to get this old tub sounding a little more "snareish" and a bit less "tomish". Any thoughts? Tips? I have never attempted to try this before so I could really use some pointers. Thank you VERY much!

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 4 years ago
#1
Posts: 304 Threads: 57

Well, here's one idea you can check. Ensure it has a snare-side head (they are thin) on the bottom, not just any clear head. Sounds silly, but this happened to me.

I couldn't figure out why a snare I bought on ebay sounded so "tom-ish." No snare action at all, despite the fact that I bought new wires and put appropriate tension on them.

Befuddled, I took the drum to the local drum shop, and was told that a clear tom head (thicker than a snare-side head) was on the bottom. Duhhhh! How embarrassing that I didn't notice this myself.

Snare tension? Too loose is dull and rattly, too tight "chokes" the snares from vibrating properly. Gotta find the right amount of tension that sounds good.

Regards, MB

Posted on 4 years ago
#2
Posts: 2242 Threads: 380

[QUOTE=Marty Black;462108]Well, here's one idea you can check. Ensure it has a snare-side head (they are thin) on the bottom, not just any clear head. Sounds silly, but this happened to me.

I couldn't figure out why a snare I bought on ebay sounded so "tom-ish." No snare action at all, despite the fact that I bought new wires and put appropriate tension on them.

Befuddled, I took the drum to the local drum shop, and was told that a clear tom head (thicker than a snare-side head) was on the bottom. Duhhhh! How embarrassing that I didn't notice this myself.

Snare tension? Too loose is dull and rattly, too tight "chokes" the snares from vibrating properly. Gotta find the right amount of tension that sounds good.

Thanks for the very helpful tip, Marty! The head on the snare side was fine, but the batter head was a Duraline Woven Kevlar head. I don't think the company is even in existence anymore.It was very thick! The thing was bullet proof! I switched it with an Evans and I'm sure it opened up the drum a bit. Next, I tinkered with each snare cord (repeatedly!!!). Somewhere in the middle is what is giving me the best sound so far. You were right. It was a very delicate balancing act to find the correct tension! I play with a late seventies Supra and this old marcher is nowhere near that sound. It is however getting closer! We'll see. Thanks again, Marty. I really appreciate your input.

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 4 years ago
#3
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