Ludwig Raw Copperphonic LC663 14" x 6.5" Copper Snare Drum | Imperial Lugs

Ludwig Raw Copperphonic LC663 14" x 6.5" Copper Snare Drum

The Ludwig Raw Copperphonic LC663 14" x 6.5" Snare Drum combines Ludwig's professional seamless metal-shell construction with the naturally dark, warm character and distinctive appearance of raw copper.

Made in the USA, the LC663 features a 1.2mm seamless copper shell with a raw patina finish, 10 classic Ludwig Imperial lugs and 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops.

The deeper 6.5" shell provides plenty of body and weight behind the backbeat, while copper delivers a darker tonal character than many traditional metal snare materials.

Every Raw Copperphonic also develops its own individual appearance, making the LC663 as visually distinctive as it is sonically.

1.2mm Seamless Copper Shell

At the heart of the LC663 is Ludwig's 1.2mm seamless copper shell.

Ludwig brings decades of experience manufacturing copper timpani to the Copperphonic range, using copper to create a professional metal snare with a distinctive tonal identity.

The seamless shell provides plenty of projection and sensitivity, while copper brings warmth, body and a naturally darker character.

For players looking beyond conventional steel, aluminium and brass snares, the Copperphonic offers something genuinely different.

Unique Raw Copper Finish

The defining feature of the LC663 is its raw copper finish.

Rather than giving the shell a more uniform finished appearance, Ludwig allows the natural character and patina of the copper to become part of the drum.

This means variations in colour, markings and patina are part of the character of a Raw Copperphonic.

No two shells need to look exactly alike.

For us, that's part of the appeal. You're getting a professional Ludwig USA snare with an appearance that feels much more individual than a conventional plated metal shell.

Deep 14" x 6.5" Dimensions

The 14" x 6.5" dimensions give the LC663 plenty of depth and fundamental weight.

At lower tunings, the combination of a deep shell and copper construction produces a substantial, warm backbeat with plenty of body.

Medium tunings provide a versatile balance of depth, sensitivity and projection.

Take it higher and the drum retains plenty of articulation and attack while maintaining the darker character associated with copper.

It's a highly versatile size for players looking for a substantial professional main snare.

Dark, Warm Copper Character

Copper occupies an interesting position amongst metal snare materials.

It retains the projection and sensitivity you'd expect from a metal shell while producing a darker and warmer overall character than many brighter metal snares.

The 6.5" depth of the LC663 further emphasises the drum's body and presence.

That makes it an excellent option for players who want the benefits of a metal snare without automatically reaching for the familiar sound of aluminium or brass.

10 Ludwig Imperial Lugs

The LC663 features 10 classic Ludwig Imperial lugs.

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

If you prefer the cleaner appearance of Tube Lugs, Ludwig also produces the 14x6.5 Raw Copperphonic as the LC663T.

For the traditional Ludwig aesthetic, the LC663 is the one to choose.

2.3mm Steel Triple-Flanged Hoops

The LC663 features 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops.

These provide plenty of definition for rimshots and cross-stick playing while allowing the seamless copper shell to retain an open and responsive character.

Combined with the 6.5" shell depth, they create an excellent balance between resonance, projection and control.

Ludwig P88AC Throw-Off

The LC663 features Ludwig's P88AC throw-off paired with a P35P butt plate.

Combined with 10 Imperial lugs and 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops, it's a professional Ludwig hardware package built around the premium USA-made seamless copper shell.

LC663 vs LC662 – Raw vs Standard Copperphonic

The LC663 and LC662 are both 14x6.5 Smooth Copperphonic snares with Imperial lugs.

The key difference is the shell finish.

The LC662 is the standard Smooth Copperphonic.

The LC663 is the Smooth Raw Copperphonic.

If you want the cleaner and more consistent appearance of the standard Copperphonic, choose the LC662.

If you love the individual appearance and natural patina of exposed raw copper, the LC663 is the more distinctive choice.

LC663 vs LC661 – 6.5" vs 5" Raw Copperphonic

If you've decided on a Raw Copperphonic, shell depth is the next big decision.

The LC663 measures 14" x 6.5".

The LC661 measures 14" x 5".

Both feature Ludwig's seamless raw copper shell and Imperial lugs.

The shallower LC661 provides a quicker and tighter response.

The deeper LC663 adds greater body, fundamental depth and low-end presence.

Choose the LC661 if you prioritise articulation and a faster response.

Choose the LC663 if you want a bigger and deeper Raw Copperphonic backbeat.

LC663 vs LC663T – Imperial vs Tube Lugs

Ludwig offers the 14x6.5 Raw Copperphonic with two lug configurations.

The LC663 uses Imperial Lugs.

The LC663T uses Tube Lugs.

Both retain the core smooth raw 14x6.5 copper shell.

For most players, this decision will come down to aesthetics.

Choose the LC663 for the classic Ludwig Imperial Lug appearance or the LC663T if you prefer the cleaner and more minimal look of Tube Lugs.

LC663 vs LC662K – Raw vs Hammered

The LC663 and LC662K take the Copperphonic in two different directions.

The LC663 uses a smooth raw copper shell.

The LC662K uses a hammered copper shell.

Both measure 14x6.5 and use Imperial lugs.

Choose the LC663 if the natural raw copper appearance is what attracts you to the Copperphonic.

Choose the LC662K if you prefer the distinctive texture and different resonant character of a hammered shell.

Raw Copperphonic vs Black Beauty LB417

The LC663 and LB417 are two premium USA-made Ludwig 14x6.5 metal snares, but their shell materials give them very different personalities.

The LC663 uses a 1.2mm seamless copper shell.

The LB417 Black Beauty uses a 1.2mm seamless brass shell.

Copper provides a particularly dark and warm metal-snare voice, while the Black Beauty delivers the warmth, richness and harmonic character associated with brass.

Choose the Black Beauty if you want Ludwig's legendary brass sound.

Choose the Raw Copperphonic if you're looking for something darker, more unusual and visually individual.

Raw Copperphonic vs Supraphonic LM402

The LC663 is also an interesting alternative to Ludwig's legendary LM402.

Both are 14x6.5 USA-made Ludwig metal snares with Imperial lugs, but that's where the similarity ends.

The LC663 uses a 1.2mm seamless copper shell, producing a darker and warmer response.

The LM402 uses a seamless aluminium shell, giving it the crisp and controlled character associated with the Supraphonic.

If you're looking for the classic Ludwig recording snare sound, the LM402 is hard to ignore.

If you want a darker and more distinctive metal voice, the LC663 is a brilliant alternative.

Raw Copperphonic vs Raw Brass Phonic

The Raw Copperphonic and Raw Brass Phonic both combine Ludwig's seamless metal-shell construction with a deliberately raw aesthetic.

The difference is shell material.

The Raw Copperphonic uses copper, giving it a particularly dark and warm character.

The Raw Brass Phonic uses brass, providing a different balance of warmth, projection and harmonic richness.

Both are excellent options for players who want a premium Ludwig metal snare with a less conventional appearance.

Excellent for Recording

The LC663 makes an excellent recording snare.

Its 6.5" depth provides plenty of body, while copper offers metal-shell presence without relying on an overly bright tonal character.

Tune it lower for a deep and substantial backbeat.

Keep it around medium tension for a versatile combination of warmth, body and articulation.

Or take it higher when you need additional attack and projection.

For a studio already equipped with an aluminium Supraphonic or brass Black Beauty, the Raw Copperphonic adds a genuinely different third voice.

Made in the USA

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

The LC663 combines Ludwig's long experience working with copper with its professional seamless metal-shell construction.

Add in the individual raw copper finish and you've got one of the most distinctive snares in the Ludwig USA range.

Ludwig Raw Copperphonic LC663 Specifications

• Brand: Ludwig

• Series: Copperphonic

• Model: LC663

• Type: Acoustic Snare Drum

• Size: 14" x 6.5"

• Diameter: 14"

• Depth: 6.5"

• Shell Material: Copper

• Shell Thickness: 1.2mm

• Shell Construction: Seamless

• Shell Style: Smooth Raw

• Finish: Raw Copper / Patina

• Hardware Finish: Chrome

• Lugs: 10 Ludwig Imperial Lugs

• Hoops: 2.3mm Steel Triple-Flanged

• Throw-Off: Ludwig P88AC

• Butt Plate: Ludwig P35P

• Made In: USA

• Manufacturer Product Code: LC663

• Sound Character: Dark, warm, deep and focused

Ludwig Raw Copperphonic LC663 FAQs

What is the Ludwig LC663?

The Ludwig LC663 is the 14" x 6.5" Smooth Raw Copperphonic snare drum with Imperial lugs.

It combines a 1.2mm seamless copper shell with a raw patina finish, 10 Imperial lugs and 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops.

Is the Ludwig LC663 made from real copper?

Yes. The LC663 uses a 1.2mm seamless copper shell.

Is the Copperphonic shell seamless?

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

What does Raw Copper mean?

The LC663 allows the natural appearance and patina of copper to become part of the finish rather than giving the shell a completely uniform plated appearance.

Variations in colour and patina are therefore part of the character of the drum.

Will every Raw Copperphonic look exactly the same?

No. Part of the appeal of the Raw Copperphonic is that the natural character of the copper means individual drums can vary in appearance.

What does a copper snare sound like?

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

The 6.5" depth of the LC663 adds plenty of body and fundamental weight.

What is the difference between LC663 and LC662?

Both are 14x6.5 Smooth Copperphonic snares with Imperial lugs.

The LC662 is the standard finished model, while the LC663 uses a Raw Copper finish.

What is the difference between LC663 and LC661?

The difference is shell depth.

The LC663 measures 14x6.5, while the LC661 measures 14x5.

The LC663 provides greater body and low-end presence, while the LC661 has a quicker response.

What is the difference between LC663 and LC663T?

Both are 14x6.5 Raw Copperphonic snares.

The LC663 uses Imperial Lugs, while the LC663T uses Tube Lugs.

Is the LC663 hammered?

No. The LC663 is a smooth raw shell.

If you're looking for a 14x6.5 Hammered Copperphonic with Imperial lugs, that model is the LC662K.

What is the difference between Copperphonic and Black Beauty?

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

Copper produces a particularly dark and warm metal-snare character, while the Black Beauty is known for its rich and powerful brass voice.

What is the difference between Copperphonic and Supraphonic?

The Copperphonic uses copper, while classic Supraphonic models use aluminium.

The Copperphonic has a darker and warmer character, while the Supraphonic is known for its crisp and controlled response.

Is the Ludwig LC663 good for recording?

Yes. Its deep 6.5" shell provides plenty of body, while the copper construction offers a darker tonal character that can sit beautifully in recordings.

Is the Ludwig LC663 good for rock?

Yes. The 6.5" metal shell provides plenty of projection and body, making the LC663 a strong option for powerful live playing and rock backbeats.

Is the Ludwig LC663 made in the USA?

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

Why choose the Ludwig LC663?

Choose the LC663 if you want a premium USA-made 14x6.5 Ludwig snare with a seamless copper shell, deep warm character and unique raw copper appearance.

It's one of the most distinctive alternatives to the Black Beauty and Supraphonic in Ludwig's professional metal-snare range.