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%

'71 Acrolite Last viewed: 21 hours ago

Posts: 9 Threads: 1

Hey everyone - first time post here... I just picked up an all original, early 70s Acrolite in excellent condition! The drum was played for about a year, then shelved for the next 40! I changed the heads, but still have to change the snares, so I'll have a better idea of how the drum sounds in a day or two.

Even with the old snares, I really like the sound of this drum. I've played Supras for years, and this is the first time I've ever owned an Acrolite. It'll be interesting to compare with my old Supra - anybody here playing an Acrolite?

Here's a lores pic:

1 attachment
Acrolite.JPG
108.1 kB
Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 6432 Threads: 290

My favorite drum is a 68 acro I got as an extra snare when I bought a MIJ kit at a yard sale for 100.00. It was covered with grime but cleaned up nice. Sold the MIJ drums and kept it, a free drum! Welcome to the VDF and have fun.

Jeff C


Thank you!
Jeff C

"Enjoy every sandwich" Warren Zevon
Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 508 Threads: 61

Can't go wrong with an Acrolite.I've used them as a primary snare as well as a secondary/backup throughout my years of playing.One main advantage about an Acrolite is the availability of them.If something happens to the one you have, so what.You won't have to search too hard to find another one.

Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188

In general, Acros are not valuable. They ARE, however, the best snare drum in existence....in my opinion, of course. Not only can you not go wrong with one, you can rest assured that, IF it is a vintage Acrolite, then it will be built with high-quality, American-made components right down to the lug screws.

Also...Why are you wanting to change the snare wires? Are they bent/broken? Because you'll never get the same Acrolite sound without those original snare wires. -just FYI

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 6170 Threads: 255

i'm always buying original period acro wires and heads! dont change them if they dont need it.

mike

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 42 Threads: 6

I have an Acrolite that is my only snare.

I bought it new in 72' and have played exclusively for 40 years.

Wouldn't think of replacing it..

1964 Ludwig Super Classics in WMP.
13/22/16/16
Ludwig Acrolite snare from the 70's
Speed King Pedal
A.Zildjian K.Zildjian and Paiste cymbals
Evans, Aquarian, Ludwig and Remo heads
Zildjian 5A drumsticks (nylon tip)
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 9 Threads: 1

Thanks for the great responses, everyone. The snares are the ones with the plastic ends. So far I've kept them on to maintain the drum's originality, but when I disengage them, some of the strands are pretty crooked. I'm not sure if it's going to sound better with new ones, but I assumed that if the some strands are crooked, then the snare response/drum's tone might be compromised. Any ideas on just how bad a snare set has to get before it needs to be changed?

I'm amazed with this drum's tuning range, great to hear other player's experiences - Thanks again guys!

Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 1525 Threads: 127

I used my 70's Acrolite yesterday on a funk and Blues gig and it was the first time I ever really hit it hard. also was hitting rim shots on the back beat on some tunes and it sounded and responded great. Very happy with it.

Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 146 Threads: 24

I play a lot of punk and power pop, and a '79 Acro has been my weapon of choice for years. Personally, I like Supra 400's more (they are more versatile and sound prettier, IMO), but nothing beats the day to day ruggedness and dependability of an Acro. It's like the Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado of snare drums.

Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 6170 Threads: 255

some people replace the crooked ones, they work great for me.

mike

Posted on 13 years ago
#10
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action
Something else here