I'm not an expert here, but to my understanding, it's probably ludalloy. I believe COBs usually weigh in at about 9-10 lbs. I believe there were inconsistencies in chrome work around this period, where some were good, and some tended to flake over time. Seems to me that the 'magnet test' has been proven to be inconclusive.

As far as the kit goes, Downbeat format is 12, '14', 20. How do serial #s relate? What finish? All still good though - I have four 60s Ludwig kits, and two supras, one COB, pre-serial #, and one,'slightly flaky 67. All excellent drums.

Ivan, welcome. Does anyone know if there is a difference in pitch between the aluminum shells and the brass shell Supras? That would be a reliable test, but doesn't do you a lot of good if you don't have a second Supra to compare with.

Thanks for your input :) my down beat set is a silver sparkle white shell the only drum that has a date is the kick APR 7 1965, perhaps the 16"x16" floor tom could have been a special custo order. I have played both a COB and a LUDALLOY and my ear tells me the COB is a little crispier. Who knows all I know that my SUPRA sounds great and kicks A$$.

Where Ludwig is involved it tuff to say positively sometimes.I have never seen nor heard of COB supra with a serial numbered badge.Also the "magnet test" is somewhat of an urban legend,as both brass and aluminum/zinc alloy(Ludaloy) are nonferros metals and non-magnetic so a magnet will not stick to either one.The magnet is good for testing COS from COB rims.

Generally brass shelled supras,are actually super Ludwig 400 drums,and have crimped snare beds.Some aluminum supras have them also,but I have never seen a brass shell drum without a crimped snare bed.The brass drums are heavier,and weigh around 9 pounds.I seriously doubt your drum is brass,but post some photos,especially of the snare beds.

Steve B

You scored a Supra Ivan, not a chrome over brass Super. Without pics, and with the description, the clues are:

1. Weight. The COB Supers go around 9 pounds.

2. Serial number. The COB snares don't have numbers, but... not all un numbered badge Supers are COB... ya gotta be careful!

The easiest way to tell, at a moments glance, is to look for the rolled flange at the edge of the shell. The brass ones have the flange, the aluminum ones don't.

Here's a pic of the flange, go to post #13 in this thread and click the picture to enlarge it:

http://www.drumforum.org/index.php?/topic/57381-early-1960s-ludwig-supraphonic-question/page__p__632929__hl__%2Bsuper+%2Bludwig__fromsearch__1#entry632929

You still have a great snare, nothing wrong with a Supra... could be the greatest snare ever made.

downbeat sets come with 14x14 ft, bd can very ,if its early enough it can be cob super snare no serial # 8x12 hang

Thanks lots of great info do you have pics of your silver downbeat snare??

Thanks roadrunner I learned something new today

106124 serial number is usually a spring 1965 ludwig drum. could have a red or white baseball bat muffler. hoops could be cob or cos or a combination of both,transition period! the shell should be ludalloy. great drum. enjoy it!

mike