Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 186.17954%

'68 Supra Last viewed: 4 minutes ago

Posts: 3165 Threads: 969

I've got what I believe is a '68 Supra, based on the 661323 serial number on the keystone badge.

Initially I believed that the drum should have come with a P-83 strainer but, after doing a little homework using Rob Cook's "The Ludwig Book", I learned that the company switched to the P-85 that particular year. This is the strainer on my drum. It also has the 1 inch knob on the tone control, which I learned replaced the 3/4 inch knob of the prior years.

What I've noticed, but haven't seen addressed anywhere, are a few holes in the shell of my drum -- one directly above the snare butt (see pic) and one on each side of the lower portion of the P-85 (see pic). Are these factory-drilled? If so, what purpose did they serve?

Any and all words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 586 Threads: 22

My thoughts:

The holes on the throw side look like they are for the butt. The large hole on the butt side is not for a Ludwig P83 or P5 throw. It looks like the throw and butt switched sides. I cannot even begin to suggest why.

The P85 was first introduced in about 1968/69 with a 12 hole design. The 2 hole design on your drum came several years later.

Rick

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 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 3165 Threads: 969

From KCDrumDad

My thoughts:The holes on the throw side look like they are for the butt. The large hole on the butt side is not for a Ludwig P83 or P5 throw. It looks like the throw and butt switched sides. I cannot even begin to suggest why.The P85 was first introduced in about 1968/69 with a 12 hole design. The 2 hole design on your drum came several years later.Rick

Thanks so much for your input. After reading it I pulled out the drum and took another look at the shell. I found that both sides (strainer and snare butt) have a larger centered-hole near the top of the shell and two smaller ones side by side near the bottom of the shell (identical to the ones I showed in my prior pics). Now I'm totally confused (lol)!

Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

super sensitive changed to a supra.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

It's not a ''Supra!" It's a converted super-sensitive!

Your drum is not 'original.' It was originally a super-sensitive (why the holes are where they are now,) and someone converted it into a standard supra by adding the P-85 and the butt plate. If you ever want to sell the shell, let me know. I have a set of super-sensitive strainers looking for a home.

The holes shouldn't affect the sound at all. Still a great snare drum. Just not in 'original' condition. Converted SS.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 3165 Threads: 969

Thanks for all the input and for "enlightening" me, as usual. I appreciate your time!

Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 164 Threads: 26

Yeah. 100% an old Super Sensitive that someone converted. Some people are die hard P85 fans

-Steven

1960's Camco Oaklawn
-13" 16" 20"
Sonor S Class
-12" 13" 16" 22"

Pork Pie Little Squealer Vented 13x7
Yamaha Kabuto Steel 14x5.5
Yamaha Aton Fig Signature 14x6.5
Ludwig 1964 Supraphonic 400 14x5
Ludwig 1968 Acrolite 14x5
SonorS Class 14x5
Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 532 Threads: 29

+ 1 to all above ... LM410 converted to a LM400.


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 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 729 Threads: 82

I bought a '68 402 that had a P-85 on it. It didn't look right with the keystone badge and the 'modern' lettering on the P-85 on the same drum. It wasn't one of the old P-85s either, it was a newer one (2 hole design). So I switched it out with a P-83. I don't know if it's technically correct or not, but I like it much better this way. The guy at the vintage drum store near me told me that the P-85s didn't come along until the logo changed, which would have been late '69 and '70, would it not?

Vintage Drum Student
Posted on 11 years ago
#9
Posts: 2349 Threads: 79

Plus 1 on the conversion from a SS to a Supra. I also think that's why there's a P-85 -vs- P-83... makes sense, doesn't it.

fishwaltz
Posted on 11 years ago
#10
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action
Something else here