Ludwig Black Magic Snare
A Classic Only Better
Seasoned drummers and newcomers to the craft all know the Ludwig name and know legendary models like the Ludwig Black Magic snare drum. In the 1920‘s Ludwig pioneered the black nickel over brass look and concept for drum shells. This oft-imitated design has never been surpassed by the competition. It still has a central place in the Ludwig family of quality drums. The Ludwig Black Magic snare drum boasts the classic quality of the original made better by evolving technology. In this Ludwig Black Magic snare drum review we will look at the pros and cons of this model and wrap up the review with our overall rating.
Likes
The Ludwig Black Magic snare comes in 3 sizes each with a unique sound. The classic 5×14 snare is versatile and very crisp. A good choice for jazz, pop and rock. The 6.5×14 Ludwig Black Magic has higher volume play with a robust, open tone and genuine sensitivity. The 7×13 Black Magic snare delivers the best projection in the family and defines crisp, full-orbed tone.
In all models of the Ludwig Black Magic snare drum, the die-cast hoops enhance the clarity and energy of the attack while the brass shell manages to keep the sound warm. This drum, with its stunning black nickel, is a definite looker. Top-quality craftsmanship and a versatile tuning range round out the positive features of the Ludwig Black Magic snare.
Dislikes
This is a moderately expensive snare. Probably not a good choice for the novice drummer who may not stick with it. Even many serious drummers are priced out of the market for this model. Beyond price, some users discover that switching the stock snare strap for a nylon strap will make adjusting the snares much easier.
Overall – 4 Stars
The Ludwig Black Magic snare drum is a real classic. This is only improved by ongoing innovation from an industry leader. That is their formula for excellence. The Ludwig Black Magic demonstrates it in every detail. As a result, we give this drum 4 Stars.
I have the 6.5 x14 black magic and i wont use anything else now…even though its made in japan, they have done an excellent job with these snare drums! do yourself and your band a favor…..buy one and you will see what im talking about…
Hey Dewayne,
Thanks for telling us about your experience with this snare! What about this drum do you like the most?
Having played a Black Beauty a few times on backline kits, the Black Beauty has been on my wish list for many years – and I’ve spent a lot of money buying everything BUT a Black Beauty. For the most part, I just ended up being dissatisfied – because there’s nothing like a BB, right?
I recently got hooked up with a new 6.5 X 11 Black Magic snare and after playing it at an outdoor festival, I love it! Properly tuned, the BM has all the nuance of a BB – for a bout $300 less. Another great option for about the same price is the Pearl Sensitone Elite Brass snare. The Pearl has a bit more ring, but still a punchy, dry crack with those nice, brassy residual tones. IMO the Pearl has better hardware, but I’m now a new fan of the Ludwig Black Magic. The price/performance ratio is hard to beat (so to speak!).
Hi Ron,
I love it when people snip around the edges until they happen on something that they like better than their “dream drum”-LOL! I know you’ve spent more getting there than just buying the BB but if you just bought it the first time, would you have looked any further? Maybe,maybe not! Thanks for sharing your experience here.
Jeff
Just testing if i can get on this site. The black magic is bad ass and i own 4bbs. The 7×13. Is. Perfect . oh yeah ill tell ya who i am if this works
I use to be a session drummer reading music etc. touring with acts . I am very interested in the Ludwig Black Magic snare drum 14×6.5 but have not saw any reviews about it .
Hi John,
Was the review helpful to you? We don’t generally review individual size but usually a model and will comment on the sizes offered.
Jeff
I got a great deal online for a Black Magic 14×8 a few years ago. I haven’t seen any new 14×8 models being sold, but I have seen used ones and they are selling higher than the 299 I spent on my brand new one. I have several snares, including Supraphonics, BB’s etc.
Unbelievably, this Black Magic is my favorite, and it’s not that close. Mechanically, it could be better. Meaning that the hardware is cheaper than LM402s and so on. But the SOUND! I have never owned a better sounding snare drum. I have been playing it right out of the box, with the stock heads, which will wear out eventually. But until they do, I’m going to keep playing it as is with only a half of a moon gel at the edge of the batter head and nothing else. This drum is crisp, full and warm sounding and plays like a dream. Every drummer has their own preferences, and I get that. For me…this Asian made Black Magic snare is the best value for an Unbelievably wonderful sounding instrument I have ever owned. I have been doing this since 1971. So it’s a pretty good sample size.
Just for reference, the sound i get out of it is much like what you would hear from Van Halen, or Tommy Aldridge in his Black Oak Arkansas era.
Give those a listen, you might hear what I do, and for me, it’s perfect!
Hey Tommy,
Thanks for stopping by and chiming in! The Black Magic has been one people have been talking about here on the blog and elsewhere. It sounds like it’s the perfect match for you and your genre. Plus, it IS versatile.
Jeff