Ludwig Black Beauty 14 x 6.5 Inch Smooth Shell Snare Drum – A True Legend in Sound

The Ludwig Black Beauty has long been regarded as the pinnacle of snare drum design, and the 14 x 6.5 inch Smooth Shell model stands as one of its most powerful and versatile offerings. Revered by drummers and engineers alike, the Black Beauty has earned its place as one of the most recorded and desired snare drums in history, thanks to its unmatched blend of projection, warmth, and sensitivity.

With its deeper 6.5 inch shell, this version of the Black Beauty delivers a bigger, fatter voice with enhanced low-end body and commanding presence. It’s the drum of choice for players who want explosive backbeats, thunderous rimshots, and a snare that can cut through even the loudest stage mixes, while still retaining the nuance and sensitivity that define the Black Beauty.

The drum’s 1.2mm seamless beaded brass shell is precision-formed in the USA from a single sheet of brass, then hand-finished and plated in stunning black nickel. The smooth-shell design provides exceptional clarity and depth, making every note - whether delicate or aggressive - shine with character.

Classic appointments include Imperial lugs for tuning stability and timeless styling, 2.3mm triple-flanged steel hoops for an open, resonant tone, and Ludwig’s reliable P88AC throw-off for precision snare wire control. Completing the package is Ludwig’s iconic Keystone badge, affirming its place in drum history.

What Does the Black Beauty 14 x 6.5 Sound Like?

The 14 x 6.5 inch Smooth Shell Black Beauty is renowned for its deep, powerful tone and commanding projection. Its added shell depth produces a beefy, punchy character with impressive low-end, while still retaining the articulate highs and crisp sensitivity the Black Beauty is known for. This makes it a favorite for rock, pop, funk, and any genre that demands both subtle detail and sheer power. Whether tuned high and tight for crack or low and fat for punch, the 14 x 6.5 delivers with authority.

Ludwig Black Beauty 14 x 6.5 Inch Smooth Shell Snare Drum Features:

• One of the most revered and recorded snare drums in history
• 14 x 6.5 inch seamless beaded brass shell with smooth finish for added depth and power
• Finished in black nickel plating for elegance and tonal richness
• Imperial lugs and Keystone badge for classic Ludwig styling
• 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops for balanced sustain and open tone
• P88AC throw-off for precise and dependable snare response
• Handmade in small batches in the USA

The Ludwig Legacy

Since 1909, Ludwig has stood at the forefront of percussion, crafting drums that have shaped the sound of modern music. The Black Beauty has been the snare of choice for legends such as John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Roger Taylor (Queen), Ringo Starr (The Beatles), and countless others. Its unmistakable voice continues to inspire new generations of drummers across every genre.

The Ludwig Black Beauty 14 x 6.5 Inch Smooth Shell is more than a snare drum—it’s a legend in your hands. A lifetime instrument, built to inspire every performance.

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