Vintage Ludwig Metal Snare Drums are as popular or more so now than they were in the last century. The legendary Ludwig "Supraphonic" is generally believed by many to be the most recorded snare drum of all time. The aluminum (ludaloy) shell version is the model most often used although a small percentage were also produced from brass.
Many thousands of these seamless spun shell classic snare drums were manufactured because of the explosion in Ludwig sales after the Beatles first appeared on prime time TV in February of 1964.
Ringo Starr instantly elevated the Ludwig name to legendary status when he requested that the "Ludwig" logo be placed above the larger "Beatles" logo on his front bass drum head. Maybe they should have changed their name to the Ludwig-Starr Drum Company!
Notable drummers that have played Ludwig snare drums were Ringo Starr (Beatles) Buddy Rich (Big Band legend), Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix) John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Hal Blaine (1960s Studio Legend), Joe Morello (Dave Brubeck), Dino Danelli (Rascals), Charlie Watts (Rolling Stones), Ed Thigpen, Steve Gadd (studio legend), Jeff Porcaro (studio legend), Tommy Igoe (Groove Essentials author), etc. The full list would fill many pages.
Ludwig Supraphonic 400 - "Ludaloy" Metal Shell - 1960s
To this day, the metal seamless-spun shell Ludwig models are considered
the state-of-the-art in sound and sensitivity. Yes, you can find more
expensive, exotic and excellent sounding snare drums, but will they sound any better?
Highly unlikely. Having played or currently playing an Acrolite, Supraphonic,
or Black Beauty from the 1960s and 1970s, put a permanent end to any upgrade thoughts!
The Chicago built late 1970s Black Beauty reissue is a brass, deep gray mirror finished version of the Supraphonic. It was produced from about 1977 to 1981 and can be identified by a large rectangular blue and olive pointed edge badge around the air hole. The later 80s through the early 90s models had bronze shells and were made in North Carolina. Around 1993 the brass shells returned. The future - who knows?
The Black Beauty's mystique as the most prized and collectible of Ludwig snare drums has not faded. The "Holy Grail" version are the engraved brass models from the 1920s & 30s as shown at top of this page. The next most collectible would be the "modern-era reissues" from the late 1970s, especially when engraved.
Ludwig models in the 60s and 70s were built in the Chicago factory before the
company was sold in 1981 and moved to North Carolina around 1984.
The Chicago built snares to me will always be more valuable for obvious reasons.
Current versions of these classics are said to have an equal quality sound.
I personally think the P-83 throw-off found on 60s Ludwig snares is ideal due to
its compact profile, quality machined retro look and most importantly – simple
and reliable functionality.
The most common sizes measured by depth and diameter are: 5"x14" and 6.5"X14", with the 5"X14" by far the most common, thus inflating the prices of the rarer 6.5"depth. Some of the earlier Pre-Supraphonic shells were brass shells built with a seam that was welded instead of being spun. The "Super 400" is a good example of this.
Some 70s era Supraphonics with chrome plated brass shells were also produced, although pretty rare. General consensus is that the Supraphonic 400 with the seamless aluminum "Ludaloy" shell is the most recorded snare drum ever!
The famous "Black Beauty" is a brass shell version of the Supraphonic
with a classy deep gray chrome finish. Both are undisputed industry
standards and the last snares any drummer would ever need.
Also starting around 1981 Bronze Shell models were introduced,
with the hammered model having a striking visual appeal. Rumor has
it that Bill Ludwig II preferred the sound of bronze to brass.
There is also a "Super-Sensitive" version of these models, which are more expensive, bulkier and not as popular with most drummers. Both drums however are world class and sound superb!
The Ludwig Acrolite is also a great sounding drum. Many Ludwig enthusiasts claim it has the same shell as the Supraphonic with a natural polished metal finish and two less lugs. Some also contend that the Supra alloy called "Ludaloy" was not identical to the Acrolite. A big advantage of the Acrolite finish is that they do not have the flaking chrome problem which is the Supraphonic's well known cosmetic weakness.
Acrolite prices are considerably less than Supraphonics in the same condition.
They have eight "Classic" lugs as opposed to ten "Imperial" lugs found on the Supra.
The Acrolites were 5x14 although a few rare 6.5" 10 lug versions were manufactured.
By studying eBay auction descriptions and photos for a few weeks you can get a pretty quick education. Be careful however not to believe everything you read because not every drummer is a vintage Ludwig expert.
Before buying any vintage era Ludwig drums always do careful research. If purchasing on the internet talk with the seller on the phone and ask many questions regarding condition, modifications, year made, serial numbers, bearing edges, etc. Get very clear on what you are buying. Lastly, ask about return/refund policies.
Also of much importance is how the seller plans to pack and ship safely. If using eBay check feedback for shipping comments. Ebay sellers at times can be lousy packers and this could mess up an otherwise smooth vintage drum purchase. The two big shippers that we all know well are extremely rough at times with boxes.
If you want a great sounding, and classy looking snare drum, vintage Ludwig is a safe bet. If all original and in perfect shape it should rise in value. Their stellar reputation for versatility, sensitivity and great sound is legendary. Ringo still plays a Ludwig snare, as do countless top professionals worldwide, and that's says volumes about their heritage!
Note: If you prefer to purchase
brand new "classic" Ludwig snare drums,
you'll be happy to know that their famous sound is still going strong.
Various models of the Black Beauty, Supraphonic, Acrolite and Bronze
are currently available. These are modern versions of the vintage snare drums
discussed in this article. You'll enjoy the great sound for years until one day
it will also become an "original owner" vintage Ludwig collectible!
