Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $392

Standard/Professional

$150

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

The Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum is a dazzling blend of power and precision, crafted for drummers who crave both style and substance. Its brass shell construction provides a rich, warm tone that sings through any mix, making it a versatile choice for genres ranging from jazz to rock. The sleek chrome-plated shell hardware not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability and resilience in the rigors of the road or studio.

Equipped with a P88i strainer, this snare drum offers smooth and reliable tension adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune your sound effortlessly. The triple flanged hoops contribute to its dynamic range, giving you the ability to produce crisp rimshots and full-bodied backbeats with ease. With Tube-Lug tuning lugs and 10 tuning lugs, achieving the perfect pitch is both intuitive and precise, ensuring your performance is always on point.

Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned professional, the Ludwig Black Magic Snare Drum delivers the sonic depth and explosive attack needed to captivate any audience. Its robust design and meticulous craftsmanship make it not just an instrument, but a trusted companion on your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Size: 14" x 6.5"
  • Universal Model
  • Brass shell
  • Chrome-plated shell hardware
  • Triple flanged hoops
  • P88i strainer
  • Tube-Lug tuning lugs
  • 10 Tuning lugs

Product specs

Available since January 2016
Die Cast Hoop No
Hammered Shell No
Shell Colour Black

FAQs

What material is the Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum made from?

The Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum features a black nickel-over-brass shell, which provides a bright, cutting sound with rich overtones.

Is the Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum suitable for rock music?

Yes, the Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum is well-suited for rock music due to its powerful projection and crisp attack, making it ideal for cutting through loud mixes.

Does the Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum have die-cast hoops?

No, the Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum does not have die-cast hoops. It features triple-flanged hoops, which allow for a more open sound and easier tuning.

How would you describe the tonal characteristics of the Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum?

The Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum offers a bright and articulate tone with plenty of body and resonance, making it versatile for various musical styles.

Is the Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum suitable for beginners?

While the Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum is a high-quality instrument suitable for advanced players, beginners can also benefit from its excellent build and sound quality as they develop their skills.

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum LW6514

Video thumbnail for Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum LW6514 by Drum Center of Portsmouth

Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum LW6514

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Video thumbnail for Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum LW6514 Demo by explorerspercussion

Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum LW6514 Demo

explorerspercussion

explorerspercussion

Video thumbnail for San Jose Pro Drum - Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum by SJProDrum

San Jose Pro Drum - Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum

SJProDrum

SJProDrum

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional value for money with a rich, warm sound

  • A great alternative for those seeking the Black Beauty sound

  • Performs well across various genres, from hard rock to stoner

  • Impressive projection with thick, resonant sound, especially for rim shots

  • Sturdy and well-built with fantastic finishes

  • Holds tuning well with proper setup

  • Great resale value for Ludwig brass snares

  • Minimal unwanted overtones, reducing the need for dampening

CONS

  • Needs frequent tuning adjustments during extended sessions

  • Stock heads and snare wires may require upgrades for optimal performance

  • Strainer is not very smooth and might need replacement over time

  • Finding the "sweet spot" for tuning can be challenging

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum.

Comparisons

  • The Black Magic is often compared to the Black Beauty, with some preferring its sound, depending on hoops and model.

    Source
  • Gretsch Brass and Bronze snares, and Dunnett’s 2N Brass, are recommended alternatives for their volume and sensitivity.

    Source
  • Black Magic is described as 95% of the Black Beauty's sound for about 40% of the price, highlighting its cost-effectiveness.

    Source
  • The welded shell of the Black Magic offers a different tonal character compared to the seamless spun shell of the Black Beauty.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 6.5x14 size is generally favored for Black snares, especially in rock and funk genres.

    Source
  • The 14"x6.5" Black Magic shines in mix recordings, offering a notable presence in rock tracks.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Black Beauty is viewed as a long-term investment that retains value and withstands time.

    Source

User experience

  • Long-term owners of Black Beauty appreciate its versatility but note the throw-off as a drawback.

    Source
  • The Black Magic is a go-to snare for rock recording, noted for its ability to emulate sounds akin to Abe Cunningham’s style.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The lug and tension rod system on the Black Magic is praised for its innovative design, reducing maintenance time by allowing easy removal of rods.

    Source
  • Thinner shells, like those on the Black Magic, provide a wider tuning range, particularly in the lower register, appealing to drummers seeking versatility.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ludwig Black Magic Snare Drum Review - Snare Drum Reviews

snaredrumreview.com

Ludwig's Black Magic Snare Drum stands as a testament to craftsmanship, blending classic design with modern enhancements. Its three size options cater to various genres, offering versatility and a stunning black nickel finish. The die-cast hoops ensure a bright, clear attack while maintaining warmth from the brass shell. However, the price point may deter beginner drummers, and some users recommend upgrading the snare strap for better adjustability. Despite these drawbacks, the Black Magic earns high praise for its impressive sound quality and performance, making it a worthy investment for serious musicians. Overall, a classic redefined with just a few caveats.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Larry Mullen, Jr. uses Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum

Larry Mullen, Jr.

Drummer

U2

...
Verified via Rolling Stone

Larry Mullen Jr. used a Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum in an all-black finish during U2's iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour, as reported by Rolling Stone.

See how Brian Tichy uses Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum

Brian Tichy

Guitarist, Drummer

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Photo

"Cleaned these two @ludwigdrumshq killers up recently! 👍🏼🥁💥🎉 6.5x14 bronze Supraphonic 6.5x14 black magic @remopercussion @canopusdrums snare wire"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ludwig 6.5x14 Black Magic Snare Drum, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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