Ludwig Copperphonic LC660 14" x 5" Smooth Copper Snare Drum | Imperial Lugs

Ludwig Copperphonic LC660 14" x 5" Smooth Copper Snare Drum

The Ludwig Copperphonic LC660 14" x 5" Snare Drum combines Ludwig's legendary seamless metal-shell construction with the dark, warm and controlled character of copper.

Made in the USA, the LC660 features a 1.2mm seamless copper shell with a smooth finish, 10 classic Ludwig Imperial lugs and 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops.

The 14" x 5" dimensions provide a quick and articulate response, while copper brings a darker tonal character than many traditional metal snare materials. The result is a professional snare with plenty of presence and projection without sacrificing warmth or control.

For players looking for something different from the familiar brass Black Beauty or aluminium Supraphonic, the LC660 offers a genuinely distinctive Ludwig metal snare sound.

1.2mm Seamless Copper Shell

At the heart of the LC660 is Ludwig's 1.2mm seamless copper shell.

Ludwig has almost a century of experience working with copper through its timpani manufacturing, and the Copperphonic brings that material into its professional USA-made snare drum range.

Copper sits in an interesting tonal space.

It retains the projection and presence you'd expect from a metal snare but produces a darker and warmer fundamental character than many brighter metal shell materials.

Ludwig describes the Copperphonic as having dark, low tonal qualities with plenty of focus and volume.

Smooth Copper Shell

The LC660 is the smooth-shell version of the 14x5 Copperphonic.

This is important because Ludwig produces several different Copperphonic configurations.

If you're looking for the standard smooth 14x5 Copperphonic with traditional Imperial lugs, the LC660 is the model to choose.

The smooth shell also distinguishes it from the LC660K Hammered Copperphonic and the raw-finish LC661.

Responsive 14" x 5" Dimensions

The 14" x 5" dimensions give the LC660 a quick and immediate response.

Compared with the deeper 14x6.5 LC662, the shallower shell produces a tighter fundamental character while retaining plenty of the warmth and body associated with copper.

At higher tunings, the LC660 becomes crisp and articulate with excellent stick response.

Medium tunings provide a versatile combination of warmth, body and projection.

At lower tunings, the copper shell brings a darker character while the 5" depth helps retain definition.

It's an extremely versatile size for both recording and live performance.

Dark, Warm Copper Tone

Copper gives the LC660 a character that sits apart from Ludwig's better-known aluminium and brass snares.

There's plenty of projection available, but the fundamental tone is darker and warmer than you might expect from a conventional metal snare.

That makes the Copperphonic particularly interesting for players who like the warmth of a wood snare but still want the sensitivity, presence and projection associated with metal.

It's also an excellent contrasting voice for a collection already containing a Supraphonic or Black Beauty.

10 Ludwig Imperial Lugs

The LC660 features 10 classic Ludwig Imperial lugs.

These give the drum the traditional Ludwig USA metal-snare appearance while providing precise control over head tension around the 14" shell.

Ludwig also offers the smooth 14x5 Copperphonic with Tube Lugs as the LC660T.

If you want the classic Ludwig Imperial Lug aesthetic, the LC660 is the configuration to choose.

2.3mm Steel Triple-Flanged Hoops

The LC660 uses 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops.

These allow the seamless copper shell to retain an open and responsive character while providing plenty of rimshot and cross-stick definition.

Combined with the 5" shell depth, they help keep the drum lively and sensitive across a broad tuning range.

Ludwig P88AC Throw-Off

Current Copperphonic specifications feature Ludwig's P88AC throw-off and P35P butt plate.

The drum also comes fitted with Ludwig Weather Master Medium Coated and Clear Snare Side heads.

It's a professional hardware package built around Ludwig's USA-made seamless copper shell.

LC660 vs LC662 – 5" vs 6.5"

If you know you want a Smooth Copperphonic, shell depth is one of the biggest decisions.

The LC660 measures 14" x 5".

The LC662 measures 14" x 6.5".

Both use Ludwig's 1.2mm seamless copper shell and are available with Imperial lugs.

The shallower LC660 provides a quicker and more immediate response.

The deeper LC662 adds greater body, fundamental depth and low-end presence.

Choose the LC660 if you prioritise articulation and a tighter response.

Choose the LC662 if you want a bigger and deeper Copperphonic backbeat.

LC660 vs LC660K – Smooth vs Hammered

The LC660 and LC660K share the same 14x5 Copperphonic platform but use different shell treatments.

The LC660 has a smooth copper shell.

The LC660K has a hammered copper shell.

Both use Imperial lugs.

The LC660 is the obvious choice if you want the standard smooth-shell Copperphonic specification.

The LC660K offers an alternative for players who prefer the distinctive appearance and different resonant character of a hammered shell.

LC660 vs LC660T – Imperial vs Tube Lugs

Ludwig also offers the Smooth 14x5 Copperphonic with Tube Lugs.

The LC660 uses Imperial Lugs.

The LC660T uses Tube Lugs.

Both retain the same core smooth 14x5 Copperphonic shell design.

Choose the LC660 for the traditional Ludwig Imperial Lug appearance or the LC660T if you prefer the cleaner Tube Lug aesthetic.

LC660 vs LC661 Raw Copperphonic

Don't confuse the LC660 with Ludwig's Raw Copperphonic.

The LC660 uses Ludwig's finished smooth Copperphonic shell.

The LC661 is the Smooth Raw Shell version with Imperial Lugs.

The raw copper finish is intentionally less uniform and develops its own visual character, meaning individual Raw Copperphonic shells can look different from one another.

If you want the cleaner, more consistent appearance of the standard Copperphonic, choose the LC660.

If you prefer the character of exposed raw copper, consider the LC661.

Copperphonic vs Supraphonic LM400

The LC660 and LM400 are both USA-made 14x5 Ludwig metal snares with Imperial lugs, but their shell materials create very different instruments.

The LC660 uses a 1.2mm seamless copper shell, producing a darker, warmer tonal character.

The LM400 uses a 1.7mm seamless aluminium shell, producing the crisp and controlled response associated with the legendary Supraphonic.

Choose the LM400 if you're looking for the classic aluminium Ludwig sound.

Choose the LC660 if you want something darker, warmer and less conventional.

Copperphonic vs Black Beauty LB416

The Copperphonic and Black Beauty are two premium Ludwig seamless metal snares with very different personalities.

The LC660 uses copper, providing a dark, warm and focused response.

The LB416 Black Beauty uses brass, providing warmth alongside greater harmonic richness and the unmistakable Black Beauty character.

Both can work beautifully as professional main snares.

If you want the classic Ludwig brass sound, consider the Black Beauty.

If you want a darker metal voice with its own character, the Copperphonic is a brilliant alternative.

Copperphonic vs Bronze Phonic

Copper and bronze are closely related materials, but Ludwig's Copperphonic and Bronze Phonic have their own tonal identities.

Ludwig describes the Copperphonic around its dark, low qualities and focus, while the Bronze Phonic combines wood-like warmth with a crisp mid-range and the presence of a brass drum.

Both are excellent choices for players looking beyond more conventional aluminium, steel and brass snares.

The Copperphonic is particularly appealing if a darker metal-snare voice is the priority.

Excellent for Recording

The LC660 is an excellent studio snare.

Copper provides the presence of a metal shell without relying on an excessively bright tonal character, while the 5" depth gives the drum a quick and articulate response.

That combination makes it easy to find a useful place for the LC660 within a mix.

It can deliver crisp articulation at higher tunings, a versatile and warm medium tuning or a darker backbeat when tuned lower.

For a studio already equipped with a Supraphonic and Black Beauty, the Copperphonic also adds a genuinely different third metal-snare voice.

Made in the USA

The Copperphonic is part of Ludwig's USA-made professional snare drum range.

The LC660 combines Ludwig's seamless metal-shell manufacturing experience with a material deeply connected to the company's history of building copper timpani.

For players who want a premium Ludwig metal snare that steps outside the familiar aluminium and brass choices, the Copperphonic is one of the most interesting options in the range.

Ludwig Copperphonic LC660 Specifications

• Brand: Ludwig

• Series: Copperphonic

• Model: LC660

• Type: Acoustic Snare Drum

• Size: 14" x 5"

• Diameter: 14"

• Depth: 5"

• Shell Material: Copper

• Shell Thickness: 1.2mm

• Shell Construction: Seamless

• Shell Style: Smooth

• Lugs: 10 Ludwig Imperial Lugs

• Hoops: 2.3mm Steel Triple-Flanged

• Throw-Off: Ludwig P88AC

• Butt Plate: Ludwig P35P

• Batter Head: Ludwig Weather Master Medium Coated

• Snare Side Head: Ludwig Weather Master Clear Snare Side

• Made In: USA

• Manufacturer Product Code: LC660

• Sound Character: Dark, warm, focused and powerful

Ludwig Copperphonic LC660 FAQs

What is the Ludwig LC660?

The Ludwig LC660 is the 14" x 5" Smooth Copperphonic snare drum with Imperial lugs.

It features Ludwig's 1.2mm seamless copper shell, 10 Imperial lugs and 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops.

What is the Ludwig Copperphonic made from?

The Copperphonic uses a seamless copper shell.

The LC660 specifically uses Ludwig's 1.2mm smooth seamless copper shell.

Is the Ludwig Copperphonic shell seamless?

Yes. Ludwig specifies the Copperphonic with a 1.2mm seamless copper shell.

What does a copper snare drum sound like?

Copper produces a dark and warm tonal character while retaining the projection and presence associated with a metal snare.

Ludwig specifically describes the Copperphonic in terms of high-volume performance, focus and dark-low tonal qualities.

Is the LC660 smooth or hammered?

The LC660 is the smooth-shell model.

The 14x5 hammered Copperphonic with Imperial lugs is the LC660K.

What is the difference between LC660 and LC662?

The difference is shell depth.

The LC660 measures 14x5, while the LC662 measures 14x6.5.

The LC660 provides a quicker response, while the deeper LC662 offers greater body and low-end presence.

What is the difference between LC660 and LC660K?

The LC660 has a smooth shell, while the LC660K has a hammered shell.

Both are 14x5 Copperphonic snares with Imperial lugs.

What is the difference between LC660 and LC660T?

The shell configuration is the same, but the lugs differ.

The LC660 uses Imperial Lugs, while the LC660T uses Tube Lugs.

What is the difference between LC660 and LC661?

Both are smooth 14x5 Copperphonic snares with Imperial lugs.

The LC660 is the standard finished Smooth Copperphonic, while the LC661 uses a Raw Copper shell finish.

Is the Copperphonic darker than a Supraphonic?

The two drums use completely different shell materials.

The Copperphonic uses copper and is designed around a dark, low tonal character.

The classic Supraphonic uses aluminium and is known for a brighter, crisp attack and balanced response.

What is the difference between Copperphonic and Black Beauty?

The Copperphonic uses copper, while the Black Beauty uses brass.

The Copperphonic offers a particularly dark and warm metal-snare character, while the Black Beauty is known for its warm, round and harmonically rich brass response.

Is the Ludwig LC660 good for recording?

Yes. Its combination of a warm, dark copper shell and responsive 5" depth makes the LC660 an excellent recording snare, particularly when you want metal-shell presence without an excessively bright character.

Is the Ludwig LC660 good for rock?

Yes. Ludwig specifically designed the Copperphonic for high-volume performance with plenty of focus, making it well suited to rock and other louder applications.

Is the Ludwig LC660 good for funk?

Yes. The 5" shell provides a responsive feel and plenty of articulation, making it suitable for tighter tunings, ghost notes and detailed playing.

Is the Ludwig LC660 made in the USA?

Yes. The Copperphonic is part of Ludwig's USA-made professional snare drum range.

Why choose the Ludwig LC660?

Choose the LC660 if you want a premium 14x5 Ludwig metal snare with a dark, warm copper voice, seamless shell construction and traditional Imperial lugs.

It's an excellent alternative to the brighter aluminium Supraphonic or richer brass Black Beauty.