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View Full Version : Gretsch & Ludwig Snares

SmokeUpJohnny
03-13-2009, 12:28 PM
I have these 2 snares I am trying to figure out.

I bought this Ludwig yesterday with a case for $140 at a music store. Label said "Old Ludwig". Looks like an early '60's Acrolite to me...?

Was in very good shape with a single scratch near the badge, haven't cleaned it up yet. Serial # 48803
SmokeUpJohnny
03-13-2009, 12:34 PM
...and this Gretsch that I know nothing about. It has been on a "long term loan" to me from an old drummer of mine for about 10 years and am wondering what or if I should offer him. The throw is locked and he (or somebody) did a bad job removing the wrap (?) and did a poor job of trying to refinish it. Sounds great even in it's condition!

Model # 4103 Serial # 64005
SmokeUpJohnny
03-13-2009, 11:17 PM
Doh! once I squinted and saw the 4 & searched for 4103 instead of 103 on the Gretsch a wealth of info here came up. Hate to ask stuff when the answers are already on here...eyes like a hawk I tell ya.

Still would love to hear what someone would offer for this given the circumstances.
Jaye
03-14-2009, 03:06 AM
http://search-completed.ebay.com/gretsch-round-badge-snare_W0QQcatrefZC5QQdfspZ32QQfbdZ1QQfclZ3QQfisZ2Q QflocZ1QQfposZ94122QQfromZR6QQfrppZ50QQfsooZ2QQfso pZ32QQfssZ0QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQnojsprZyQQpfidZ0QQsaa ffZafdefaultQQsabfmtsZ0QQsacatZQ2d1QQsacqyopZgeQQs acurZ0QQsadisZ200QQsaobfmtsZexsifQQsargnZQ2d1QQsas lcZ0QQsaslopZ1QQsofocusZbs


The Gretsch, even in the condition it's in, is likely worth over $200.

Yes, that's a keystone-badge Acrolite....I didn't know they made 'em before the b/o badge era.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.drumatix.com/Snare%2520Drum%2520Gallery%25202A/LudwigAcrolite2a.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.drumatix.com/lf-sn-139.html&usg=__oT1yw6sgAbuub4IlSAZiOi98TOE=&h=310&w=336&sz=59&hl=en&start=5&um=1&tbnid=DNBBqDwpjE78HM:&tbnh=110&tbnw=119&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dludwig%2Bacrolite%26hl%3Den%26client% 3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1
lucky
03-14-2009, 01:55 PM
My acro is a KB. Mine has cob hoops, that one probably does also.
Jaye
03-15-2009, 01:40 AM
Lucky...were these heavier or different from the b/o Acros at all ?????
lucky
03-15-2009, 11:38 AM
Sorry,never had a BO acro to compare it to.
Jaye
03-15-2009, 07:01 PM
I'd be curious. Anyone ????
SmokeUpJohnny
03-24-2009, 08:40 AM
My acro is a KB. Mine has cob hoops, that one probably does also.

Yes, COB via the magnet test.

How do you tell the difference between this being an Acro or a Supraphonic from the same era? Is it just the Chrome shell vs. The Aluminum? Are the lugs different? otherwise they look very similar.
lucky
03-24-2009, 04:08 PM
I think the supras have ten lugs. ( I think )
Ludwig-dude
03-24-2009, 04:29 PM
Super-Ludwigs are COB with 10 imperial lugs. Supraphonics are Chromed aluminum with 10 imperial lugs on the vintage ones, but they can also be ordered with tube lugs on the current models. Acrolite's are either clear lacquer over aluminum, annodized aluminum, or powder coated aluminum, all are eight lugs and are the classic style lugs, with the exception of the newer 6 1/2" deep model which has ten lugs. The shells are essentially the same as the supraphonics, with fewer lugs. They considered it a student drum years ago, but it was much better than that. To my ears they have sounded very close to the supraphonic. Also, the acrolites are the same weight they have been for years. B/O, B/W, KS badge....will all sound the same. Anyone who says a KS badge sounds better over a current model is full of it.....put one up against another blindfolded.....then tell me if you hear a difference......I bet you won't be able to.
SmokeUpJohnny
03-26-2009, 10:46 PM
Super-Ludwigs are COB with 10 imperial lugs. Supraphonics are Chromed aluminum with 10 imperial lugs on the vintage ones, but they can also be ordered with tube lugs on the current models. Acrolite's are either clear lacquer over aluminum, annodized aluminum, or powder coated aluminum, all are eight lugs and are the classic style lugs, with the exception of the newer 6 1/2" deep model which has ten lugs. The shells are essentially the same as the supraphonics, with fewer lugs. They considered it a student drum years ago, but it was much better than that. To my ears they have sounded very close to the supraphonic. Also, the acrolites are the same weight they have been for years. B/O, B/W, KS badge....will all sound the same. Anyone who says a KS badge sounds better over a current model is full of it.....put one up against another blindfolded.....then tell me if you hear a difference......I bet you won't be able to.

Thanks for the info!