Part 2/8:
Rick begins by acknowledging how difficult it is to find clear imagery or documentation of Alex Van Halen's snare drums. Despite extensive research and reaching out to industry contacts, concrete pictures or definitive details of his snare's exact make and setup remain elusive. His suspicion is that Van Halen used a variety of snares over the years, with a significant lean toward Ludwig models, particularly the Ludwig Super Phonic and Ludwig Super Sensitive, as mentioned in a mid-80s Modern Drummer interview.
Choosing the Right Equipment
For authenticity, Rick opts to use a Ludwig Superphonic as his primary snare for the recreation, aligning with Van Halen’s endorsements and the common use of Ludwig snares in that era. Additional modifications include: