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Supraphonic: buy new or vintage?

Posts: 50 Threads: 18

How has the quality and sound of Supraphonics changed from 1964 to today? I'm debating purchasing one to replace my 1995 Yamaha black steel (which, honestly, doesn't sound all that bad, really.)

Obviously newer Supras can be had for a bit cheaper than older ones. How much of a difference in sound and quality is there between the two "eras"? (Assuming that the vintage one purchased is in excellent condition.)

Of course I gravitate to buying something vintage, but . . . I ask myself, What am I paying for SOUNDwise in handing over more dough for, say, a 1966 or 1968 model over a modern Supra?

What say you, o experts?

Posted on 14 years ago
#1
Posts: 361 Threads: 55

Well JP, for what it's worth, here's my take. I'm far from being an expert, but I do have a number of Supras... '66, '71, and 2 more from the early '70's. Although they all sound very similar to me, I think there are some minor differences between them. For some strange reason, my favorite is my ratty old pitted early 70's Supra. That could be because it sounds great and I don't mind it getting banged around... the battle scars just make it look cooler! All that said, I've tried out the new ones and they sound great as well! I'm sure you'll have no complaints either way from a sound standpoint. Now, my :2Cents: on what to buy... I tend to lean towards the vintage stuff. You may pay more today, but you can always sell for more tomorrow if the need ever arises. Besides, if you're patient, you can score a good deal since there are so many of them around! I got my beater Supra for $20! All it needed was heads and some new wires! Just be patient, the deals are out there my friend! Yes Sir Keep us posted!

Posted on 14 years ago
#2
Posts: 50 Threads: 18

The person selling this 1965 Supra says he didn't swap out the strainer, but in other pictures I see from that era, they DON'T have the Ludwig logo on the strainer....

Am I wrong?

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Posted on 14 years ago
#3
Posts: 5173 Threads: 188

IF the drum is a 1965 drum, then it should have a P-83 throwoff. The throwoff on the drum in the picture is a P-85 from the 70's and didn't even exist in 1965. You are correct. However, all vintage Ludwig P-83 throwoffs from that era have an incised logo on them.

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 14 years ago
#4
Posts: 50 Threads: 18

From O-Lugs

IF the drum is a 1965 drum, then it should have a P-83 throwoff. The throwoff on the drum in the picture is a P-85 from the 70's and didn't even exist in 1965. You are correct. However, all vintage Ludwig P-83 throwoffs from that era have an incised logo on them.

THANK YOU!!! I thought my suspicion was right! (Of course it should have been obvious but that's why I turn to The Experts!)

Posted on 14 years ago
#5
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

JP, also the snare drum has a possibility of being a 1969 model, I've seen a few 69 supra with p-85's, anyway JP with the kit you have NOW it's got to have a keystone badge ludwig snare drum on it!!!!! :now don't make me have to come over there and get violent with you, MAN Laughing H

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 14 years ago
#6
Posts: 50 Threads: 18

From vintagemore2000

JP, also the snare drum has a possibility of being a 1969 model, I've seen a few 69 supra with p-85's, anyway JP with the kit you have NOW it's got to have a keystone badge ludwig snare drum on it!!!!! :now don't make me have to come over there and get violent with you, MAN Laughing H

After I finally got to set my whole kit up last Saturday, seeing that Yamaha with everything was just soooo wrong on so many levels! Yes Sir A Supra is coming into my life, no doubt about it! I can't wait to get one, then take some drumporn pix of the whole kit to share.

Posted on 14 years ago
#7
Posts: 2349 Threads: 79

From jpbrooklyn

After I finally got to set my whole kit up last Saturday, seeing that Yamaha with everything was just soooo wrong on so many levels! Yes Sir A Supra is coming into my life, no doubt about it! I can't wait to get one, then take some drumporn pix of the whole kit to share.

Oh man... Gotta love drumporn! Laughing H

fishwaltz
Posted on 14 years ago
#8
Posts: 66 Threads: 6

I've been wanting to buy a 6.5x14 for a while now. I've talked with some pro's that have both and have told me they really think the sound has similar characteristics in common. I've been looking off and on for a year and the best price for a vintage 402 in good shape has been between $550-800...if there have been cheaper ones out there, I've missed them.

I ran into a deal from a good guy who owns a drum shop in New England..a new LM402 100 year Anniversary badge for $379 shipped to Baton Rouge...so I'll have it Friday. I'm sure I will like it!!! I can only compare it though to my (I mean my daughter's) 1967 5x14 Supra.

I'll let you know what I think.

Harry

Ludwig Classic Maple, (Quilted African Makore'), 16x22, 8x12, 9x13, 14x14, 16x16, 6.5x14 n/maple and 100th anniversary 6.5x14 Supra
Daughter's Ludwig (jellybean) kit
"70" 14X22 silver sparkle, "67" 5x14 supra, "67" 9x13 blue sparkle, "09" 16x16 Legacy green sparkle
Posted on 14 years ago
#9
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Harry you are correct on the prices for a nice 402, and you'll love your new ludwig! I have a brass edition 402 i got back in 98 and it is awesome,Clapping Happy2

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 14 years ago
#10
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