If you're looking for that classic '60s sound, most of the supras from "back in the day" were the alloy ones.

The brass ones would have pre-serial # keystone badges (except for some late '70s, early '80s ones which had a blue olive badge and a "B" near the tone control) or the earlier "transition"badges.

They will also have the crimped bearing edges and rolled in edges.

Just to confuse the issue, some of the pre-serial # badged drums with crimped edges aren't brass.

I have one of each and the COB version is SIGNIFICANTLY heavier.

The COB will weight in at about 10 lbs and the ludalloy at 6.5. The COB should also have a seam inside the shell, whereas the ludalloy is spun, without any seam. If the seller is honest in the description there should not be a problem. Always aske the questions before you buy.

Good luck.....they are expensive.....I am looking for a 6.5 ludalloy and they are all in the $600-800 range at best.

Thanks for those great replies.

I can't get no . . . satisfaction . . .

I think my question could be a hot topic; and I realize I've got some great responses; but can I be a pedantic pest:

1. The best 60's supra is a brass shell with a seam - but the only way you can tell this is by the weight; or with a magnet?

2. The ludalloy is seamless; and weighs less; has more pitting; but is still considered a good drum?

Sheesh - my G.A.D. book has been "in the post" for 6 weeks and I'm really in the dark. I just want a snare to complete a set of 67 SBP Ludwigs and so far I need a seller with scales; and a magnet; and a reference book.

At least a dyna is a dyna - ya know? Violin

A 1967 set would have had an alloy drum.

Steve Gadd used an alloy one or an acro.

Bonham preferred the alloy ones.

So, yeah, the alloy ones are pretty good.

'60s acros have the same shell, but because they're not chromed, the finish looks better and they're cheaper.

Thank you!!

I own a ludalloy Supraphonic, and it is the worst looking (pitted to all hell), but one of the best sounding snares I own. So in short, don't confuse the more collectible COB supras as being necisarily bettr sounding, becuase the widely available ludalloy supras sound great!

I think I got mine for under $200 on ebay about 5 years ago. Now days you can still find them for slightly higher than that,

that sound amazing, but may have less than perfect appearance.

So if it's collectability, a great looking , and a great sounding drum, go for the COB, if you want a great sounding drum, than you don't have to worry about taking off the shelf then go for the ludalloy.

And yes a dyna is a dyna. Unless it is wood, or has 5 lines, or is the big R version, or if it has the snare bridge attached, or... you get the point!