Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Beauty Smooth Shell Imperial Lugs

Ludwig LB417 Black Beauty 6.5x14 Snare Drum – Smooth Brass Shell with Imperial Lugs

The Ludwig LB417 Black Beauty 6.5x14 Snare Drum is a timeless staple of professional drumming. With its seamless, smooth brass shell and elegant black chrome finish, this American-made snare delivers the iconic Black Beauty tone—powerful, warm, and explosively responsive. Whether you’re recording, performing, or building your forever kit, the LB417 is a proven performer that sounds as good as it looks.

Bold Tone, Seamless Construction

The Black Beauty’s secret lies in its seamless 1.2mm brass shell, machine drawn and spun from a single piece of metal. The chrome-over-brass finish not only adds sleek, dark visual appeal but enhances projection and resonance. The 6.5-inch depth offers more body, punch, and lower-mid presence than its shallower counterpart, while still retaining quick articulation at all dynamic levels.

Fitted with Ludwig’s P88 Supraphonic strainer, this snare responds with precision—whether you're laying down tight ghost notes or slamming backbeats. The classic Imperial lugs and triple-flanged hoops offer traditional feel and reliable tuning stability, making it the preferred snare for studio pros, live drummers, and collectors alike.

Sonic Character and Playability

The LB417 is celebrated for its warm, fat tone with a crisp metallic crack. Its smooth brass shell offers a musical balance of power and control, allowing it to blend seamlessly into rock, funk, R&B, gospel, and orchestral settings. The sensitivity is exceptional across the dynamic range—offering whisper-quiet rolls and explosive accents with equal finesse.

If you're looking for a snare drum that combines vintage tone with modern responsiveness, the Ludwig Black Beauty 6.5x14 with Imperial lugs is the gold standard. It's the kind of drum that elevates every note you play.

Why Buy from West Coast Drum Shop?

At West Coast Drum Shop in Bellevue, Washington, we carefully select each snare drum in our showroom to offer our customers quality, tone, and performance value. We proudly carry Ludwig Black Beauty snares because they offer a lifetime of reliability and musical versatility. When you shop with us, you’re choosing an expert-reviewed instrument, tested and displayed by working drummers who understand what makes a snare exceptional.

This specific snare is on display in our shop and may show minor stick marks or fingerprints. However, it is brand new, fully warranted by Ludwig USA, and carefully inspected before shipping. We offer fast, reliable delivery and expert support for players nationwide. Whether you’re in Seattle or anywhere in the U.S., we’re here to help you find the right voice for your drum kit.

Product Features – Ludwig LB417 Black Beauty Snare Drum

• Size: 6.5" x 14"
• Shell: Seamless smooth brass shell with black nickel finish
• Strainer: P88 Supraphonic throw-off for smooth snare adjustment
• Lugs: Imperial lugs for classic aesthetics and tuning precision
• Hoops: Triple-flanged hoops for open, resonant tone
• Condition: Display model with slight surface marks; brand new with full warranty

*Note: This drum is on display in our Bellevue, WA store and may show slight stick marks or fingerprints. It is brand new and backed by full manufacturer warranty.

Order the Iconic Ludwig LB417 Snare Today

Get the snare that defines professional tone across generations. The Ludwig LB417 Black Beauty is in stock now at West Coast Drum Shop. Buy online for nationwide shipping, or visit our Bellevue, WA showroom and take your drumming to the next level.