Ludwig Raw Copperphonic LC661 14" x 5" Copper Snare Drum | Imperial Lugs

Ludwig Raw Copperphonic LC661 14" x 5" Copper Snare Drum

The Ludwig Raw Copperphonic LC661 14" x 5" Snare Drum combines Ludwig's legendary metal snare drum heritage with the naturally warm, dark and complex character of copper.

Made in the USA, the LC661 features a 1.2mm seamless copper shell in Ludwig's Raw finish, paired with 10 classic Imperial lugs and 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops. The result is a beautifully responsive professional snare with plenty of projection, a rich low-end character and a controlled response that works brilliantly both live and in the studio.

At 14" x 5", the LC661 retains a quick and articulate response while the copper shell adds warmth and body. From crisp, sensitive ghost notes through to powerful rimshots and backbeats, the Raw Copperphonic offers a distinctive alternative to more traditional brass, aluminium and steel snare drums.

And then there's the finish. The raw copper surface develops its own character and patina, meaning every Copperphonic has a naturally individual appearance.

1.2mm Seamless Copper Shell

At the heart of the LC661 Copperphonic is Ludwig's 1.2mm seamless copper shell.

Ludwig brought decades of experience working with copper timpani into the development of the Copperphonic range, creating a snare designed to combine high-volume performance and projection with a darker, lower tonal character.

Copper sits in an interesting position amongst metal snare materials.

It has plenty of power and projection, but generally offers a warmer and darker character than brighter metals such as steel. There's plenty of low-end body and harmonic richness, while the drum retains the articulation needed for detailed snare work.

For drummers who want a premium metal snare with a distinctive voice, the Copperphonic is an excellent choice.

Raw Copper Finish

The LC661 is the Raw version of the 14x5 Copperphonic, leaving the copper with a naturally evolving appearance.

Rather than hiding the character of the metal beneath a conventional decorative finish, the Raw Copperphonic celebrates it.

The surface can naturally develop variations and patina over time, meaning no two drums will necessarily age or look exactly alike.

This is part of the appeal of the Raw Copperphonic rather than a defect – it's a snare that can develop its own individual character as the copper changes with age and use.

Classic 14" x 5" Dimensions

The LC661 measures 14" x 5", giving it a faster and more immediate response than deeper Copperphonic models.

The shallower shell works particularly well with copper.

You still get the warmth, body and darker tonal character associated with the material, but the 5" depth keeps the response crisp and articulate.

Tune it higher for a tight, powerful crack with excellent sensitivity or bring the tuning down to reveal more of the shell's warm, rich character.

For players who want the Copperphonic sound without the additional body of a 6.5" or 8" shell, the LC661 is a beautifully balanced option.

10 Ludwig Imperial Lugs

The LC661 features 10 Ludwig Imperial lugs, giving it the unmistakable appearance associated with many of Ludwig's most iconic professional snare drums.

It's worth noting the model number when comparing Copperphonics because Ludwig also produces Raw Copperphonic configurations with tube lugs.

The LC661 is the Imperial Lug version, while the LC661T uses tube lugs.

For players looking for the classic Ludwig aesthetic, the LC661 is the one to choose.

2.3mm Triple-Flanged Hoops

Ludwig equips the standard LC661 with 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops.

These allow the seamless copper shell to retain an open and responsive character while providing plenty of attack for rimshots and cross-stick playing.

The combination of triple-flanged hoops, 10 Imperial lugs and a relatively shallow 5" shell helps balance the naturally rich character of copper with plenty of articulation and response.

P88AC Throw-Off

The LC661 features Ludwig's P88AC throw-off paired with a P35P butt plate.

This is the same professional snare mechanism found across many of Ludwig's premium USA-made snare drums, providing smooth and dependable adjustment of the snare wires.

Combined with the seamless copper shell and classic Ludwig hardware, the result is a thoroughly professional snare built for regular live and studio use.

Raw Copperphonic 14x5 vs 14x6.5

If you're choosing between the LC661 14x5 and LC663 14x6.5 Raw Copperphonic, shell depth is the major difference.

The LC661 measures 14" x 5", providing a quicker and more immediate response with plenty of articulation.

The LC663 measures 14" x 6.5", adding greater body, depth and low-end presence.

Both use Ludwig's seamless copper shell and Raw finish.

If you're looking for a responsive copper snare capable of covering a huge range of situations, we'd lean towards the 14x5 LC661.

If you want more weight and depth behind your backbeat, the 14x6.5 LC663 may be the better choice.

Copperphonic vs Black Beauty – Copper vs Brass

Two of Ludwig's most desirable metal snare drum families are the Copperphonic and Black Beauty, but their different shell materials give them distinctive characters.

The Copperphonic uses seamless copper, producing a warm, dark and full-bodied response with a smooth low-end character.

The Black Beauty uses seamless brass, delivering the rich, powerful and harmonically complex brass sound for which it has become famous.

Both are premium USA-made Ludwig metal snares with enormous tuning ranges.

If you want the classic Ludwig brass sound, consider the Black Beauty. If you're looking for something warmer, darker and a little different, the Copperphonic is a fantastic alternative.

Copperphonic vs Supraphonic – Copper vs Aluminium

The Copperphonic also provides an interesting alternative to Ludwig's legendary aluminium Supraphonic.

The classic Supraphonic uses aluminium, producing a crisp, controlled and articulate response with relatively controlled overtones.

The Copperphonic uses copper, providing greater warmth, low-end body and harmonic richness.

If you want the familiar focused response of an aluminium Ludwig, the Supraphonic is difficult to beat.

If you want a richer and darker metal snare voice, the Copperphonic offers something noticeably different.

A Premium Studio & Live Snare

The Raw Copperphonic isn't simply about its unusual appearance.

Its combination of warmth, articulation, projection and controlled response makes it an incredibly useful professional snare.

The 5" shell responds quickly enough for detailed ghost notes and dynamic playing, while the seamless copper construction provides enough body and projection for powerful backbeats.

That makes the LC661 equally at home as a main live snare or as a distinctive studio option when conventional brass, steel or aluminium isn't giving you the sound you're looking for.

Ludwig Raw Copperphonic LC661 Specifications

• Brand: Ludwig

• Series: Copperphonic / Copper Phonic

• Model: LC661

• Type: Acoustic Snare Drum

• Size: 14" x 5"

• Diameter: 14"

• Depth: 5"

• Shell Material: Copper

• Shell Thickness: 1.2mm

• Shell Construction: Seamless copper

• Shell Style: Smooth Raw Shell

• Finish: Raw Copper

• Lugs: 10 Ludwig Imperial lugs

• Hoops: 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops

• 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: LC661

Ludwig Raw Copperphonic LC661 FAQs

What is the Ludwig LC661?

The Ludwig LC661 is the 14" x 5" Raw Copperphonic snare drum with Imperial lugs.

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

What is the Ludwig Copperphonic made from?

The Copperphonic is made from copper.

The LC661 specifically features a 1.2mm seamless copper shell, giving the drum its distinctive combination of warmth, body, projection and darker tonal character.

What does a copper snare drum sound like?

Copper snare drums are generally associated with a warm, dark and rich response with plenty of low-end body.

The Ludwig Copperphonic combines those characteristics with enough projection and articulation to work as a professional live or studio snare.

What does the Ludwig Raw Copperphonic sound like?

The Raw Copperphonic has a warm, dark and full-bodied metal snare sound with excellent projection and articulation.

The 5" deep LC661 has a relatively quick response while retaining the low-end character and richness associated with copper.

What does Raw Copper mean?

Raw Copper refers to the natural Raw finish of the copper shell.

The appearance can develop and change over time as the copper reacts naturally with its environment, creating individual variations and patina.

This evolving appearance is part of the character of a Raw Copperphonic.

Will a Raw Copperphonic develop a patina?

Yes. Raw copper can naturally change in appearance and develop patina and colour variations over time.

Exactly how it develops will depend on handling, age and environmental conditions, meaning individual Raw Copperphonic drums can take on their own distinctive appearance.

Is the Ludwig Copperphonic shell seamless?

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

This places it alongside Ludwig's premium seamless metal snare designs rather than conventional welded-shell construction.

What is the difference between LC661 and LC661T?

Both are 14" x 5" Raw Copperphonic snare drums.

The LC661 features Ludwig Imperial lugs, while the LC661T features tube lugs.

If you want the traditional Ludwig appearance associated with snares such as the Supraphonic and Black Beauty, the LC661 Imperial Lug version is the natural choice.

What is the difference between LC661 and LC663?

The difference is shell depth.

The LC661 is 14" x 5", while the LC663 is 14" x 6.5".

The 5" LC661 offers a quicker and more immediate response, while the deeper LC663 provides additional body and low-end presence.

What is the difference between Copperphonic and Black Beauty?

The biggest difference is shell material.

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

Both provide rich professional metal snare sounds, but copper generally offers a darker and warmer character, while brass delivers the distinctive rich and harmonically complex response associated with the Black Beauty.

What is the difference between Copperphonic and Supraphonic?

The Copperphonic uses a copper shell, while classic Supraphonic models such as the LM400 and LM402 use aluminium shells.

The Copperphonic generally offers greater warmth, body and darker tonal character, while the Supraphonic is known for its crisp, controlled and articulate response.

What hoops are fitted to the LC661?

The standard Ludwig LC661 comes fitted with 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops.

What lugs are fitted to the LC661?

The LC661 features 10 Ludwig Imperial lugs.

If you're looking for the Raw Copperphonic with tube lugs instead, the corresponding 14x5 model is the LC661T.

What throw-off does the LC661 use?

The Ludwig LC661 features a P88AC throw-off paired with a P35P butt plate.

Is the Ludwig Copperphonic good for recording?

Yes. Copper's combination of warmth, body and controlled high-frequency character makes the Copperphonic a particularly interesting studio snare.

The 5" LC661 retains plenty of articulation and sensitivity while providing a distinctly richer and darker character than many aluminium or steel snares.

Is the Ludwig Copperphonic made in the USA?

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

Why choose a Ludwig Raw Copperphonic?

Choose the Raw Copperphonic if you're looking for a premium Ludwig metal snare with a sound and appearance that's different from the more familiar Black Beauty or Supraphonic.

The combination of a seamless copper shell, Raw finish and classic Ludwig hardware creates a snare with warmth, projection, sensitivity and an appearance that can develop its own individual character over time.