HOLY GRAIL Ludwig Black Beauty No. 416 – 14” x 5” – 1977–1979 – Pointed Blue/Olive Badge – Made in USA

Up for sale is a genuine Holy Grail of snare drums: a Ludwig Black Beauty No. 416, manufactured between 1977 and 1979 during the highly sought-after Pointed Blue/Olive Badge era.

Widely regarded as one of the most iconic and collectible snare drums ever made, the Black Beauty is famous for its exceptional sensitivity, the warm, rich tone of its seamless brass shell, and the powerful projection that has made it a studio and stage standard for decades.

This particular example is in excellent cosmetic and fully functional condition for its age. It shows only the light, honest patina expected from a vintage instrument, confirming its originality. The Black Nickel finish still presents beautifully, and all hardware and mechanisms operate flawlessly.

The sound is everything that made the Black Beauty legendary: incredibly responsive to dynamics, full of rich overtones, delivering powerful rimshots and outstanding snare response whether tuned low and fat or high and crisp.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Ludwig
  • Model: No. 416 Black Beauty
  • Production Period: 1977–1979
  • Country of Manufacture: USA
  • Size: 14” × 5”
  • Shell: Seamless Brass
  • Finish: Black Nickel Plated over Brass
  • Hoops: Triple-Flanged Steel
  • Lugs: 10 Imperial Lugs
  • Strainer: Original Ludwig P-85
  • Badge: Pointed Blue/Olive
  • Hardware Finish: Chrome
  • Serial Number: 1758452 (as shown in the photos)

Why Buy This Black Beauty?

  • Vintage example from the most desirable Blue/Olive Badge period
  • Professional-grade sound with exceptional versatility
  • Highly collectible instrument that continues to appreciate in value over time

The snare drum will be carefully packed and shipped with the utmost care.

International shipping costs shown are estimates only. Please contact me for an accurate shipping quote to your location.

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

Listeda day ago
ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • No. 416 Black Beauty 5x14" 10-Lug Brass Snare Drum with Pointed Blue/Olive Badge
Finish
  • Black Nickel-Plated
Categories
Year
  • 1977 - 1979
Made In
  • United States
Diameter
  • 14"
Shell Material
  • Brass

Product safety information may be available here.

Drum Pal Studio Collection

Forlì, Italy
Joined Reverb:2020

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