The P-4067: a Clue!
Bill Ludwig II once told me that Ludwig chose metal for
their snare drums based on market cost. Let me translate that--the once spun
brass Supraphonic shell became the "Accousti-Perfect" all metal shell.
The magic metal was "Ludalloy". While that name may not tell you much.
Just think aluminum and you'll know the real name.
Bill also told me
that "back in the good old days". Ludwig built drums to last...a year!
Doesn't seem right, but that's what he said. That may explain why all those
Ludalloy shells have pitted and flaking chrome plating. No one thought they
would still be "in action" 30-40 years later.
Recently I looked at a pre serial number Super Sensitive--should have
been brass. It wasn't. The hoops were brass but the shell was aluminum. The drum
looked and sounded great. The clear clue now I realize is the P-4067--the "baseball
bat" muffler--seen on drums from in the 1963-66 time frame. If the metal
drum has that, it is probably aluminum. If it has the small round knob
predecessor--the P-4066-then the drum is probably brass.
There you
go...look for the clue and save yourself some money.
If you'd like to
know more about Ludwig Drums in the classic time period, then I invite you to
get a copy of my book,
"The Great American Drums".
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