Ludwig Super-Sensitive 

No. 411

6.5” × 14” chrome-over-aluminum (Ludalloy) snare, Pointed-corner Blue 

& Olive badge

Serial 1013266

This is the Super-Sensitive version of the same 6.5×14 aluminum shell used on the famous LM402 Supraphonic (the “Bonham” size). The difference is the parallel-action strainer instead of a simple P-85 throw-off.

Dating..

The pointed Blue & Olive badge was used from late 1969 through most of the 1970s. Serial 1,013,266 sits in the range commonly seen on mid-1970s drums.

Best current estimate: circa 1974–1976, made at the Chicago (Damen Avenue) factory.

Ludwig’s serial numbers were never perfectly sequential, so a one-year pinpoint isn’t possible from the badge number alone.

Specs..

•  Shell: Seamless spun aluminum (Ludalloy), chrome plated, center bead

•  Size: 6.5 × 14”

•  Lugs: 10 Imperial lugs

•  Hoops: Triple-flanged steel

•  Strainer: Super-Sensitive parallel-action mechanism (wires extend past the snare beds)

•  Muffler: Internal rotary / knob-style tone control

•  Plating marks: “Reliable Anti-Galvanic” stamps typical of mid-70s Chicago production

•  Heads.. Remo Ambassador,

top & bottom

The Super-Sensitive strainer gives extra sensitivity at low volume and a slightly drier, more articulate response than a standard 402 of the same size. When the mechanism is working correctly it’s one of the most responsive vintage aluminum snares Ludwig made.

Condition, Typical 1970s aluminum-chrome wear: some pitting and spotting on the shell (very common on these). Hardware appears original and complete. The extra Super-Sensitive parts (rods, plastic bushings, extended wires) look intact.

It is in good working order.

I took it completely apart, cleaned it and reassembled it. The snare drum sounds amazing…

$450 or best reasonable offer