Ludwig Snare Drums

Often imitated, never duplicated, Ludwig snare drums have been the industry standard since 1911. The tradition and quality continues on today better than ever with a sound that could only be Ludwig. Listen to any hit song from the 60’s through today and chances are you’re hearing a Ludwig Snare Drum.

Ludwig Snare Drums are the most toured and recorded snare drum in the world and with good reason. From the smooth round perfection of the bearing edge to the precision cut of the snare bed, Ludwig Snare Drums are in a league of their own.

Black Beauty

One of the primary reasons Ludwig is “the most famous name on drums”, is because of the legendary Black Beauty Snare Drum.

The Ludwig Black Beauty brass shell is constructed of a single sheet of brass that is machine drawn and spun into a seamless beaded drum, then black nickel plated with a beautifully exquisite finish. The shell provides a warm, round metallic tone.

With any of the three strainer options of P85 Supra-Phonic, P86 Millenium or P70 Super-Sensitive strainers, the Black Beauty responds with excellent sensitivity at all volumes. Choose from Imperial or tube lugs, die cast or triple-flanged hoops, and a smooth or hand hammered shell. The 70 year tradition of the Ludwig Black Beauty carries on as the ultimate snare drum in the industry.

Brass on Brass

Features brass plated P86 Millenium snare strainer, brass plated P33 butt plate, brass tube lugs, brass die cast batter and snare hoops

400 Series Supra-Phonic Snare Drums

Performance proven to be the sound that fueled the most hit recordings in history, the Ludwig LM400 and LM402 are the snare drum choice of the pros.

From Jazz to Metal Ludwig 400 Series Snare Drums provide the perfect sound in the studio or on stage. The USA made chrome plated seamless aluminum shells produce a bright crisp cutting sound, with the perfect balance of full resonant tone and snare crack.

The LM400 and LM402 are available with Imperial lugs or tube lugs and smooth or hammered shells.

Chrome Plated Brass Snare

Spun seamless brass shell, brass plated P86 Millenium snare strainer, brass plated P33 butt plate, brass tube lugs, brass die cast batter and snare hoops

Bronze Snare Drums

A unique mixture of a metal snare drum with wood shell characteristics. That is the Ludwig Bronze Series. The bronze seamless shell offers the sharp “snap” and projection of a metal drum with the smooth warmth of a wood shell.

Choose the smooth shell for ultimate resonance or a hammered shell for a drier more articulate response. Options include the standard triple-flanged hoops or die cast hoops, Imperial or tube lugs, and P85 or P86 Millenium strainers.

Acrolite Snare Drums

Once perceived as a student level snare drum, the sound of the Ludwig Acrolite Snare leaves no question that it should simply be considered a tremendous all-around snare drum at any level.

The seamless aluminum shell reflects Ludwig excellence in quality. The signature “Black Galaxy” finish and Classic Lugs gives this drum an appearance all its own.

Acrolite Snare Drums are available in 8 lug, 5x14 and 10 lug, 6.5x14 sizes.

Classic Maple Snare Drums

Ludwig’s wood snares have remained popular throughout the company’s nearly 100-year history, and were the drums that helped establish the fat backbeat and deep grooves of pop and R&B music in the 1970’s and 80’s.

The Classic Maple 7-ply all-maple shell features the clarity and warmth players have come to expect from maple drums, plus the projection and musicality that has maintained Ludwig’s reputation for snare drum innovation and excellence.

Available in a wide selection of sounds, sizes and styles, from piccolo, standard and deep models. From lacquer, exotic and wrapped finishes, Ludwig Classic Maple snares are the new Classics of today. Sizes not shown: 6x13” and 4x14”.

Classic Birch Snare Drums

Crafted in the USA, Classic Birch Snare Drums are available in 3 sizes, 5x14 and 6.5x14. The 100% Birch shells are 7 ply 7 mm, featuring the P85 Supra-Phonic strainer and eight Classic-Style Lugs.

They are available in 3 Shadow Laminate Finishes, Ebony Shadow (40), Cobalt Blue Shadow (41), and Ivory Shadow (42). Ludwig Classic Birch Snare Drums are an amazing value for the advanced drummer.

Exotic Wood Snare Drums

Ludwig offers the most extensive exotic wood snare drum line of any drum manufacturer. In addition to Birdseye Maple and Waterfall Bubinga, 9 stunning finishes from Steinway are available, along with two exciting Ludwig painted glitter finishes; Arctic and Ruby Glitter (not shown). All Exotic snares have 8 plies of maple with an outer ply of exotic veneer. Brass hardware is available on 5x14” and 6.5x14” drums.

Experience the warm woody snare tone of Classic Maple teamed with the exquisite appearance of the Ludwig Exotic Series.

Additional Ludwig Snare Drums

From beginner to gigging player, Ludwig offers a variety of snare drums at a great value that fit all types of playing styles. From the metallic crisp pop of the steel shell Rocker, to the deep punchy tone of the brass shell snares, to the warm round tone of the bronze shell and the solid crack of the Rocker Elite Piccolo Snare. It’s all here, and it’s all Ludwig.