Check the listing for details. Black Beauty Snare Drum 5"x14". Condition: Open box. Listed at 705.87 USD. The Black Beauty features a spun, seamless, beaded brass shell with black-nickel chrome plating. This stunning shell lays the groundwork for the rest of the drum. It delivers a sharp, biting sound with crisp ghost notes, an unbelievably pronounced rim-shot, and an overall clearancy and projection that can’t be matched. It’s amazingly warm for a metal snare with an open, full-bodied attack. This drum also features triple-flanged hoops, imperial lugs, a P-85 throw-off, and a cast butt-plate.A Snare Drum With History:On February 12, 1924 Paul Whiteman conducted the first performance of “Rhapsody in Blue” in New York’s Aeolian Hall. At first chair of the percussive section was George Marsh and his Ludwig black nickel chrome finished snare drum. Whiteman later christened this drum the “Black.