Ludwig 3.7" x 14" Carl Palmer "Venus" Signature Snare Drum (LW0414CP)

Perhaps those younger than 30 would never have hear of Carl Palmer, the drummer for ELP and Asia. In his day, he was regarded as one of the top rock drummers. This snare is from Ludwig, and looks well made. It also is quite attractive, with the gold and metallic green colors. I don't care for the snare strainer release, which I think may have been invented by Ludwig years ago, it feels cheap compared to what you would find on a Yamaha snare, but that is the way Ludwig makes them and they do work. Gretsch snares have the same issue, great snare except for the cheap strainer release.Anyway, this is a very loud snare that will cut through any environment. It has a very precise sound and is on the higher side, although one can obviously tune the drum lower. I think it is less warm than a wood snare, but still have a very nice prog rock sound.It is hand signed by Carl Palmer himself on the inside of the snare. It was under $400, so it's not expensive, and other than the strainer release, it is very well made -- looks more like a $1000+ snare.

I love this drum. I've always wanted a piccolo snare drum and I finally decided on this one. The drum is not only beautiful to look at but it has a beautiful sound too. It really pops. I did replace the stock snare wires with Puresound 30 strand snare wires with straps instead of cords and that improved the sound even more. The issue of the snare wires not totally disengaging has definitely been resolved so if you are buying the drum new that will not be an issue. I have 8 snare drums and this has quickly become my second favorite only surpassed by my 6 /12 inch Joyful Noise snare drum. I was amazed at getting such a great drum for such a reasonable price. I do highly recommend this drum if you are in the market for a piccolo snare.

Arrived in great condition. I would for sure use this seller again.This is a beautiful snare that is very useful in any genre. Its pretty heavy so use a strong snare stand. It does have string for the snare strap which I replaced with mylar. It came with a Ludwig coated Black Magic head. I will replace that with a Remo green Colortone CS batter head. It will be great as a main snare or a second snare. It has the same snap as Dave Garabaldi's Yamaha snare. And hey who doest love Carl Palmer.

I've read the negative comments about this drum's throw off. it being cheap and not disengaging the snares. I found that to be false. the throw off construction is fine and I get total disengagement of the snares with the flip of the switch.other then that, this snare is awesome. it heavy construction and die cast rims give the sound a very powerful kick. the metal body has that metal overtone and its visually a beautiful drum. I recommend it to anyone and is just an excellent drum and snare experience.

Nice quality and great bang for the buck with a lot of features.I just felt that the weight of the snare is a little light.The shell could have been just a 1-2 mm thicker to add to the weightof the drum. Might also add to crack of the rim shot.

It’s a beautiful snare drum for sure but for sure the head upper and bottom and the wire need to be changed as soon as possible. I am so surprise I thought I spent so much money on the snare. I will get some decent heads but no, you have to fork out more money for those, but overall the snare is beautiful

JAN 2023I am a drummer of 44 years -and a fan of Carl Palmer. I was looking for a good short depth (piccolo) snare drum and I chose this one. Ludwig is a reputable name, correct?? I have not owned or played a Ludwig drum since the Blue Vistalite set I purchased in 1979. Very disappointed in Ludwig with this snare drum.The drum looks and feels solid, but has issues. The offset lugs are quaint, but unnecessary. They result in added weight and added work. And Ludwig blew it with the aligment of the lugs. As a result the slot for the snare connectors is offset (not centered). This is aesthetically unpleasing. They could have fixed this if the lugs were installed opposite of what they are (up/down --> batter/snare side). Dumb, Ludwig, DUMB!And the brass plated Lock Nuts on the Tension Rods are unnecssary as well. More weight. I put them to the test when tuning the drum and they do not work. They do not lock.. The rods continue to turn.Ludwig chose to use cord for snare wire connection. No good. Straps of ribbon or woven mylar are superior. And why do we as drummers tolerate the crap heads that come standard with drums? Really, Ludwig? For $400 I get two Horrible, Cheap, Thin, Flimsy, see-thru heads. Yes, the coated batter head is so thin you can see through it. WHY DO WE AS DRUMMERS (AND PAYING CUSTOMERS) ACCEPT THAT A NEW DRUM WILL REQUIRE NEW HEADS - AND IN THIS CASE NEW SNARE WIRE PARTS - AS SOON AS WE TAKE IT OUT OF THE BOX??? You can add $100 to the price of every drum you purchase before you even buy it. Dumb manufacturers!And the final nail in this coffin ... After purchasing this drum I found videos of Carl Palmer apologizing for the Crap Heads and snare cords. He appeared genuinely embarrassed.Look elsewhere. There are better drums out there.And can we as Drummers demand MORE for our money, please? YES WE CAN!