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Ebay ad, VDF thread from 2011, and magnet that sticks to a Supra shell... Last viewed: 12 hours ago

Posts: 135 Threads: 14

I noticed an eBay ad for a 1964 Supraphonic on ebay asking $900. Search eBay for "1964 Ludwig" and you'll see it. Wait? $900?? So I read the ad further. In the description he references his thread on VDF from 2011 stating that a refrigerator magnet will stick to the shell. The link to this thread is below.

Now, I have a complete and original 1964 Supra. The serial number is less than 1000 away from the one on eBay. The shell is in near mint condition without a mark on it. I tried the fridge magnet and it stuck. I used a name badge (rare earth) magnet and it will jump off of the table about 1/4" and attach itself to the shell. I have 2 Acrolites ('64 and '78)and the magnets will not stick.

Do I believe for an instant that I have a "Unicorn" steel shelled Supra? Nope.

Am I curious? Yes!

I am not a metallurgist. I would logically surmise that the magnetic attraction, the close production/serial numbers, and the amazing condition of the shells could point towards a shell "batch" ferrous metal content anomaly, or a plating material or process different from what they have used since.

2011 thread referenced on eBay

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=25918

Thoughts?

1964 Ludwig Downbeat Black Diamond Pearl (12,13,14,16,20)
1976 Ludwig Stainless Steel "Bop" (12,14,18)
1998 Ayotte "Ray Era" Wood Hoop Copper Sparkle (10,12,14,16,20)
Posted on 9 years ago
#1
Posts: 586 Threads: 22

I believe the eBay seller and the VDF poster are the same person, which would explain the resurrection of the old post to support the eBay ad.

Collecting information about the following for ongoing research projects:
Gretsch drums with serial numbers,
Ludwig Keystone and B/O badge drums with serial numbers and date stamps,
Ludwig Standards from 1968-73, and
Ludwigs with paper labels from 1971-72
www.GretschDrumDatingGuide.com
Posted on 9 years ago
#2
Posts: 1345 Threads: 175

For $900 I would want a pre serial brass shell. The only thing the magnet should stick to is the strainer, butt plate T-rods and wires. Everything else better be brass for that price.

Posted on 9 years ago
#3
Posts: 977 Threads: 124

The post & the snare is mine. Way back it was an active thread & I'm not claiming anything - still don't know what the deal with it is. As you can read I'm not trying to snow anyone but simply don't care for Supras & am fine selling.

The last thing I want to do is re-read that whole thread again as there was a split in opinions about what was going on - some thinking it's a non-issue, some otherwise.

It's a nice snare with offers available.

Cheers!

Chris

Posted on 9 years ago
#4
Posts: 135 Threads: 14

The purpose of this thread is an attempt to gather more information, knowledge, opinions about these "magnetic" snare shells, of which apparently I own one, not in dumping on the eBay sale.

What better place to do this than somewhere where there are huge numbers of Supra owners, from vintage to current models?

1964 Ludwig Downbeat Black Diamond Pearl (12,13,14,16,20)
1976 Ludwig Stainless Steel "Bop" (12,14,18)
1998 Ayotte "Ray Era" Wood Hoop Copper Sparkle (10,12,14,16,20)
Posted on 9 years ago
#5
Posts: 135 Threads: 14

I wrote, removing the center portion for clarity:

"The purpose of this thread is an attempt to gather more information, knowledge, opinions , not in dumping on the eBay sale."

Meaning this was not intended to defame, degrade, speak badly of, or otherwise hurt your eBay sale. Just to gather MORE information if it exists, 4 years later.

1964 Ludwig Downbeat Black Diamond Pearl (12,13,14,16,20)
1976 Ludwig Stainless Steel "Bop" (12,14,18)
1998 Ayotte "Ray Era" Wood Hoop Copper Sparkle (10,12,14,16,20)
Posted on 9 years ago
#6
Posts: 135 Threads: 14

From Hobbs

Great. Undump the ebay sale: sure sounds like you're telling me not to advertise which is the LAST thing I'd ever do here.I hope you find what you're looking for in terms of the composition because back in 2011 there was zero consensus & I wasn't about to send it off to the lab for analysis, which was a recommendation.

I'm investigating something that may or may not benefit both of us. Several months ago I acquired another rare snare drum from an owner who didn't have all the information or knowledge he could have had about the snare. I posted questions on another drum forum and a member there (and I believe he is a member here as well) ended up showing pictures to, and my suspicions were corroborated by, WFL III at the Chicago drum show. At last count, there were 4 known to exist.

If anyone here at all believes that this thread is aimed at you, or your sale, I will delete it, or ask the mods to delete it.

Respectfully,

Michael

1964 Ludwig Downbeat Black Diamond Pearl (12,13,14,16,20)
1976 Ludwig Stainless Steel "Bop" (12,14,18)
1998 Ayotte "Ray Era" Wood Hoop Copper Sparkle (10,12,14,16,20)
Posted on 9 years ago
#7
Posts: 977 Threads: 124

Good luck with your search. Apologies for misinterpreting.

Chris

Posted on 9 years ago
#8
Posts: 6365 Threads: 223

I went back and read the 2011 thread that Hobbs started. Made for some spirited, and educated, reading! I would be interested in the weight of just the shell. For reference, my Nov, 1970 Supra weighs in at 1lb-13.0oz, while my Standard Acrolite weighs in at 1lb, 11.5oz. Both shells are very close in weight. My scale is a heavy business-class Pitney Bowes, weighing accurately up to 70 pounds!

-Mark

Posted on 9 years ago
#9
Posts: 135 Threads: 14

I use digital scales at work. But, I leave on vacation in 72 hours. I may weigh both '64 shells next week upon my return.

1964 Ludwig Downbeat Black Diamond Pearl (12,13,14,16,20)
1976 Ludwig Stainless Steel "Bop" (12,14,18)
1998 Ayotte "Ray Era" Wood Hoop Copper Sparkle (10,12,14,16,20)
Posted on 9 years ago
#10
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