We (those of us of a certain age - say any drummer over 40) grew up listening to Hal Blaine, Bernard Purdy, Buddy Rich, Jim Keltner, John Bonham, and just about everybody else playing Supras on our favorite songs.  Then, when we got to about sixth grade, we were issued our standard student Acrolites.  And we subsequently spent large chunks of our spare time learning our heroes' licks.  Multiply this phenomenon by a few hundred thousand and you have a pretty significant pair of snare drums there. 

It's the closest us drummers have to a Stratocaster or P-bass.

mrtimekeeper (9/17/2008)

---

hey dan, tell us when youre putting up those acros on the bay.

Ill gladly take the one with the p83 off your hands

If you are serious, send me an email, and maybe we can work something out.  The 60's model is in excellent condition..has all the bells and whistles..P83, red felt, and COB hoops, but it needs some snare wires.  Don't PM me, I never look at those. ayottedan@new.rr.com

Importance?  How about the fact that they are the best sounding, most recorded, snare drums ever made for starters.  The main difference between the two is that the Supra is easier to tune, and IMO, a better looking drum.

They are not just "metal".  The shells, Ludalloy, for what ever reason, it the perfect alloy for tone..especially if you mic the drum.  There are lots of snares that sound great for a specific types of music.  For example, 6.5 wood snares sound good for jazz, and larger, up to 15" diameter snares sound good for symphonic.  Piccolos sound good for cajun, and on the left side.  But if you can have only one snare, nothing beats the sound and playability of a Supraphonic with a luddaloy shell.

No flaming this time.  I already stole some kids lunch money today, so I'm good for now.