Ludwig Black Acrolite - Confusing

[VintageSnareDrumsNJ]

Does anyone have details regarding the production years and details of the Black Acrolite?

I have always understood these to be produced 1990's forward, 5 x 14, Aluminum Seamless Shell, Black and White badge, Black Galaxy but......

I am seeing so many advertisements for used drums as 1980s, BG, Blackrolite, Black-Rolite, Black Sparkle, LM404 model etc....

Thoughts?

[Mo Tonkie]

Early 90s is the earliest for the Black Galaxy acrolite that I know of.

[mlayton]

The switch from Chicago to Monroe ,84ish, also firmly changed Ludwig's top line of badges from Blue Olive rounded corner models to Large Keystone models. At this time, the Black Galaxy Acrolites were introduced and had Black/White badges.

Mike

[K.O.]

Originally Posted by VintageSnareDrumsNJ

Does anyone have details regarding the production years and details of the Black Acrolite?

I have always understood these to be produced 1990's forward, 5 x 14, Aluminum Seamless Shell, Black and White badge, Black Galaxy but......

I am seeing so many advertisements for used drums as 1980s, BG, Blackrolite, Black-Rolite, Black Sparkle, LM404 model etc....

Thoughts?

I think they are all attempting to describe the same drum model just using a variety of nicknames that have come about over the years.

[Rotarded]

People often attempt to date them by using the serial number, not understanding that the black/white badge's serial numbers cannot be used to determine the production dates.

[VintageSnareDrumsNJ]

Another question. Does anyone know when the P85 strainer changed from holes for the string to a slot for the strap?

I see a number of Black Acros out there as “vintage” and I think they are newer drums.

[VintageSnareDrumsNJ]

strainer attached.

[DRUMR69]

VintageSnareDrumsNJ, that looks like a newer version, I do believe they reissued one recently in the Black coated if I am not mistaken.
Wayne

[Ludwig-dude]

Originally Posted by mlayton

The switch from Chicago to Monroe ,84ish, also firmly changed Ludwig's top line of badges from Blue Olive rounded corner models to Large Keystone models. At this time, the Black Galaxy Acrolites were introduced and had Black/White badges.

Mike

Incorrect. I have both the 1988 catalog and the 1991 catalog, and the Acrolite is still shown as powder coated grey in both. The black galaxy finish wasn't shown until the 1994 catalog, well into the Monroe production run. This lasted until recently when Ludwig went back to the "annodized" finish a couple of years ago on the "reissue" models.

Any way you look at it, buy the finish you like I say. Prices are still cheap because most still consider the Acrolite a "student" drum. Those of us in the know have realized its the same shell as a Supraphonic with two less lugs and the chrome already peeled off!
In other words, it still sounds fantastic.

[VintageSnareDrumsNJ]

Awesome thx !!!