Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 180.16701%

Help needed with an Acrolite I just bought Last viewed: 1 hour ago

Posts: 142 Threads: 43

Probably not a deal, but I was cymbal shopping at my local GC tonight and came across a Keystone-era Acrolite in decent enough shape for $150 so I snapped it up. I already have a B/O early 80's (pre-battleship) version which is my main snare but the Keystone would match my kit, etc.

Anyway, what confused me was two things; the badge looks to be original, but the serial number is "555555" which just sounds like some bad April Fools joke, and the grommet looks too long for the shell...

[img]https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3837/14527570349_f8f6e2cc7d.jpg[/img]

[img]https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14691230916_e0dc57f2e6.jpg[/img]

Not that this is a problem; the snare sounds pretty nice regardless. I have a lot of work ahead of me with it though. The other thing was the muffler is the dial-type:

[img]https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/14527779527_faff721e27.jpg[/img]

[img]https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3860/14714221025_0c25fae927.jpg[/img]

The throwoff is in ok condition; it's flaking a bit. Not a big deal to me. I am trying to trace what year this is based on the serial and the later style muffler, which I can look up and do my homework, but does anyone see anything strange to consider something counterfeit or unoriginal? I know it's difficult to find good QC from Ludwig back in those days...

Kits:
1966 Ludwig Hollywood Gold Sparkle Pearl 12/13/16/22
Star 3pc in Red Glass Glitter (1960's)
Snares:
1959 Ludwig Pioneer Mahogany
60's Ludwig Pioneer Gold Sparkle
60's Ludwig Acrolite (Keystone)
Ludwig/Custom 6.5x14
1960's Bolero (MIJ)
Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 6170 Threads: 255

that's a great find. too cool on the serial number. you did fine on price too. that muffler started around 68 or so after the white felt baseball bat mufflers. your grommet is correct on that as well and appears to be original. i'd say that's a 68 based on the serial number as well. enjoy! these are great drums..

mike

Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 759 Threads: 176

Awesome drum! My favorite metal snare!!!

1954 Gretsch Name Band Outfit White Marine Pearl
1964 Ludwig Downbeat Kit Champagne Sparkle
1964 Ludwig Jazz Combo Kit Gold Sparkle
1964 Gretsch Jazz Progressive Jazz Progressive Kit
1965 Ludwig Club Date Kit BDP
1971 Slingerland 13,16,22 in Black Sparkle
1979 Rogers XP-8 Super Londoner Tobacco Sunburst
1982 Rogers XP-8 Black Londoner
Numerous Snare Drums
Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 6365 Threads: 223

From mlayton

that's a great find. too cool on the serial number. you did fine on price too. that muffler started around 68 or so after the white felt baseball bat mufflers. your grommet is correct on that as well and appears to be original. i'd say that's a 68 based on the serial number as well. enjoy! these are great drums..mike

+1 with what Mike said! These are wonderful drums. I've got two! Enjoy!

Mark

Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 2148 Threads: 177

Looks like 6655555

Also...look into the grommet hole...and the stamped date is there...it's faint, but it's there.

Mth,day,yr..late 68 seems right...

I just moved the same snare...date was june15/67... (#493361) Had the baseball lever,wht felt muffler.

Bop iT / Til U Drop iT.

ROGER's
1964 Cleveland,.18/14/12 in WMP
1966 Cleveland, 20/14/12 O'natural.
Fullerton,...20/16/13/12 Silver Glass

WFL
1957 B/R Super Classics In WMP

Snares..
Wood & COB Powertones,
Wood & COB Dynasonics,
57 Jazz Festival

Zildjian avedis cymbals.
40s/60s era.
Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 532 Threads: 29

First of all, congrats for your adquisition, as Mike said, looks all in place there! (see pic of one of my baby´s grommet)

And you have paid what it worth.Clapping Happy2

Regarding serial number, I must agree with RIMS.Yes Sir

I´m maybe wrong, but, it looks to me as first two digits as number 6, so, I could tell you with accuracy that this snare could be dated in december ´68.

I got a few Acro´s from 67 to 69, particulary one of these have ser.num. 651.xxx and it´s stamped inside as Nov,28 1968.

I suggest you take a close look with some lens, sometimes happen with Ludwig badges, digits are confused.

Anyway, if it´s a 555.555 this could be dated in first Q of 1968. (I got another 517.xxx from Nov.´67)

Good Luck & Enjoy!!

1 attachment
grommet.jpg
49.7 kB

Ludwig '67 Classic B.D.P.
Ludwig '79 Classic Pro-beat
C. A. F. '72 New Sonic "The Argentinean Ludwig"
A bunch of Ludwig snares..... + Dyna & P.Tone.
and always trying to recover some orphan drums!!
Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 142 Threads: 43

So I 'dun good....

You guys are right, it is 665555. Also I did find the date stamp inside; 12/4/1968. I guess I was so used to my later Acro that I didn't even bother to think there would be one in there. It was extremely faint and almost invisible. It needs a new set of wires; the plastic end is busted on one side. Other than that it will just be a general cleanup and polish. I think it will wind up looking good in the end. I'll post the completed pics when I'm finished. Thanks again for the help :)

Kits:
1966 Ludwig Hollywood Gold Sparkle Pearl 12/13/16/22
Star 3pc in Red Glass Glitter (1960's)
Snares:
1959 Ludwig Pioneer Mahogany
60's Ludwig Pioneer Gold Sparkle
60's Ludwig Acrolite (Keystone)
Ludwig/Custom 6.5x14
1960's Bolero (MIJ)
Posted on 10 years ago
#7
Posts: 1362 Threads: 229

The other experts have it right. Everything looks as it should be. I have had several 60's acros and my current favorite is an odball; Low serial number, red felt tone control, COB hoops and wood shelled screws for the lugs along with normal aluminum cup washers.

Manny

Sonor SQ2 10 14 18 American Walnut
L.A. Camco 12 14 18 Moss Green
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 18 w/snare Champagne
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 20 w/snare Burgundy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhdcpleTKlI

82nd ABN DIV OEF OIF Combat Infantry Veteran
Posted on 10 years ago
#8
Posts: 2148 Threads: 177

Good snare drum...

Very under rated....I don't know why either...?

But for value VS $$.....hands dwn..

Bop iT / Til U Drop iT.

ROGER's
1964 Cleveland,.18/14/12 in WMP
1966 Cleveland, 20/14/12 O'natural.
Fullerton,...20/16/13/12 Silver Glass

WFL
1957 B/R Super Classics In WMP

Snares..
Wood & COB Powertones,
Wood & COB Dynasonics,
57 Jazz Festival

Zildjian avedis cymbals.
40s/60s era.
Posted on 10 years ago
#9
Posts: 532 Threads: 29

From RIMS n SKINS

Good snare drum...Very under rated....I don't know why either...?But for value VS $$.....hands dwn..

------------------------------------------------------------

After being in the "Acro market" for many years my conclusion is - closed drum roll - D' Drummer Laughing H .....Success is the answer!!

Seriously, main causes i.m.h.o.:

1) There are too many all over the place!!!( Too many sales+ mass production + many years of sale = Supply & Demand Law and Prices rules )

2) Furthermore, the fact that it was born as "student" Low cost snare, was determinant to the marketing position during all these years.

3) Besides, it has their older brother (supra) which put a "roof" over it forever and ever!

So, my final statement - again, drum roll + splash accent-D' DrummerLaughing H

It's a GREAT sounding snare

It's a super VERSATILE snare (from high to low everything works)

It's a BEAUTIFUL snare - at least the first 10 years of production -

It's a ROUGH snare

It's a LIGHTWEIGHT snare

It's a PROVEN RECORDING snare

It has MOJO and..... it´s cheap!!

Anything else needed?

With the half of attributes any other snare will cost twice...

Best regards my friends (esp. the Acro Fans)!!!


Ludwig '67 Classic B.D.P.
Ludwig '79 Classic Pro-beat
C. A. F. '72 New Sonic "The Argentinean Ludwig"
A bunch of Ludwig snares..... + Dyna & P.Tone.
and always trying to recover some orphan drums!!
Posted on 10 years ago
#10
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action
Something else here