Ludwig & Ludwig Dance Super

Ludwig & Ludwig Dance Super
Product Code: DSN88
Availability: Recently Sold

Superb, Early 20th century 4”x14” solid mahogany shell Super-Ludwig Dance model snare drum. This is an extremely rare WOOD Shell 4”x14” “Super Ludwig” snare drum from c. 1925-1926 as shown in the attached 1927 Ludwig catalog.  This is one of the earliest versions of this popular model snare drum.  There are several interesting features on display when viewing this version of the instrument.  Even though the rims are the same size as the other size drums of the era (5”x14” & 6.5”x14”) the bottom rim engraving of “Super Ludwig” is much smaller.  The 10 tube lugs are the non-countersunk version dating the drum to pre 1927.  Being a pre 1927 “Super” also means it did not come with snare guards. Another early feature is the individually adjustable snare unit which has 12 strands rather than the later and more common 10 strand version. We have left this drum virtually as found. There is very little wear to the original shell finish and very little wear to the original nickel plating. All hardware is original to the drum with the exception of the extension arm and thumb screw which have been replaced with reproductions. The shell finish shows only slight wear at the edges due to head friction. The shell is perfectly in round so moden heads fit and tune easily on the drum.  The body of the shell shows typical crazing of the clear lacquer finish often seen in a drum from the 1920’s. There is minimal scratching and no dings or gouges in the shell. The 4”x14” size in an all wood, solid mahogany shell is exceedingly rare in the “Super Ludwig” model. We have seen only one other example of this drum in many years of collecting and playing vntage drums. Currently the drum has new plastic heads top and bottom (Remo & Evans) with the original 12 strand individually adjustable gut snares. The instrument sounds great and would serve very well as a sensitive orchestral snare drum or as a collectable.
 

General Characteristics
Model Dance Super
Era 1900-1928
Condition Excellent
Extra Holes or Modifications None
Date 1925-27
Hardware Finish Nickel
Drum Characteristics
Color Group Natural Wood
Shell Size 4" x 14"
Hardware Type Tube Lugs
Shell Construction Solid Mahogany
Lug Count 10
Shell Finish Natural Mahogany
Badge Type Oval Brass