Ludwig LM400 1968 - Crome Over Brass COB

This snare is not presented as simply another vintage Ludwig snare drum. It is offered as a collector-grade example from one of the most significant transitional periods in Ludwig manufacturing history.

Original Keystone Badge w/ serial number: 609630

Purchased from Terry Keating (Bonzoleum Youtube Channel). Terry is known as a Ludwig Specialist.

This drum retains its original Keystone badge, factory hardware, and an original keystone badge in 1968, placing its manufacture during one of the most significant transitional periods in Ludwig history. Produced immediately before Ludwig's widespread conversion from chrome-over-brass shells to Ludalloy aluminum shells. This example represents the final generation of factory keystone brass shell Supraphonics.The 1968 Chrome Over Brass Supraphonic occupies a unique place in Ludwig history. This Supraphonic was manufactured during Ludwig's transitioned production to the Ludalloy shell. You can see from the pictures that this snare is not a spun shell, as you can see the seam.

Finding an original, clean, unmodified 1968 COB Supraphonic is almost impossible to find on the market. This drum was produced during Ludwig's transition from chrome-over-brass shells to Ludalloy aluminum shells. Chrome-over-brass Supraphonics from this period are substantially less common than early 1960s Supras, their Ludalloy counterparts and are widely regarded by collectors and professional drummers as among the finest sounding production snare drums Ludwig ever produced.

This snare has been carefully preserved and presents with exceptional originality and outstanding cosmetic condition.

It has been part of a carefully maintained collection and has not been subjected to the heavy wear commonly encountered on professional touring instruments.

As a result, authentic 1968 Chrome Over Brass Supraphonics occupy a particularly desirable place within Ludwig collecting due to scarcity.

Why are so few keystone transition COB Supraphonic snare drums in existence?

• They were sold as working instruments, not collectibles.
• Brass and aluminum shells are visually almost identical once chrome plated.
• Many brass drums were misidentified as ordinary Ludalloys for decades.
• Thousands were modified, refinished, or had parts replaced.
• Original paperwork was rarely preserved.