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1979 Ludwig Super Sensitive

Posts: 7 Threads: 4

Hi,

I own a 1979 Ludwig Super Sensitive 5x14 snare. I need to completely replace the end butts on the strainer systerm. The center rod is in good shape and some of the pieces of the old strainer are in tact, but its looking more like a jigsaw puzzle. Do anyone have any clues as to where I could find some parts? I went a local Ludwig dealer here in town and I might as well just forget it after he quoted me getting parts direct from Ludwig....He said I was looking at paying at least $300 and that with it being a steel drum it wasn't worth it. The guy also told me the snare isn't worth a whole lot, which I don't doubt. I don't want to sell it I really would like to just play it. Is there a strainer that I could retro-fit this snare drum with (i.e. a P85)? Or have I just stepped over the line in terms of asking about restoring this drum? I'm really new at trying any of this and I don't know where to begin.

Thanks!

KRS

Posted on 14 years ago
#1
Posts: 4009 Threads: 209

First of all, find another Ludwig dealer, because the strainer and butt ends do NOT cost that much! Also, a super-sensitive is NOT steel, its an aluminum alloy shell if its from the 70's. Your drum is worth more than this dealer is telling you it is. Super sensitives in good shape and in good working order bring between $375 and $450, again depending upon condition and size.

What exactly is wrong with the current stainer? Because you can get parts for the strainers independant of buying a whole unit. Check out the Ludwig website. There is a parts catalog listed on it. Its a large PDF file, so you'll have to wade through the pages a bit before you get to the strainers. It might help you figure out how it goes back together as well...:D

Posted on 14 years ago
#2
Posts: 7 Threads: 4

Thanks so much! I did some homework and found a company that has the parts and I'm ordering them tomorrow. I sent them some pictures and they stated that I simply needed a new plastic cam, as well as a tension wheel and I should be set. I was able to get all of the parts, plus a new set of snares for under $100. The guy who helped me told me the Ludwig dealer didn't know what he was talking about and that this drum WAS worth something according to the photos he saw. The drum simply has some minor pitting and thats about it.... I actually found this drum at a used music shop and it was buried under a bunch of soft drum cases...It had no heads, and needed some cleaning up, plus the strainer repairs. I paid $100 for the drum and so it looks like I might get by with paying just under $200 to get this thing back in playing condition. I just hope I can get the strainer put together.

So one other question...what sort of heads tend to sound good on this type of drum? I have to purchase some new heads and am just curious what everyone else might suggest. I'm thinking of a either an Ambassador or Diplomat snare side and and an Ambassador coated on top. Any thoughts?

Posted on 14 years ago
#3
Posts: 4009 Threads: 209

From schaafbrews

Thanks so much! I did some homework and found a company that has the parts and I'm ordering them tomorrow. I sent them some pictures and they stated that I simply needed a new plastic cam, as well as a tension wheel and I should be set. I was able to get all of the parts, plus a new set of snares for under $100. The guy who helped me told me the Ludwig dealer didn't know what he was talking about and that this drum WAS worth something according to the photos he saw. The drum simply has some minor pitting and thats about it.... I actually found this drum at a used music shop and it was buried under a bunch of soft drum cases...It had no heads, and needed some cleaning up, plus the strainer repairs. I paid $100 for the drum and so it looks like I might get by with paying just under $200 to get this thing back in playing condition. I just hope I can get the strainer put together. So one other question...what sort of heads tend to sound good on this type of drum? I have to purchase some new heads and am just curious what everyone else might suggest. I'm thinking of a either an Ambassador or Diplomat snare side and and an Ambassador coated on top. Any thoughts?

Ambassador coated for the batter and ambassador hazy snare side is the traditional sound for these drums. Glad you found someone else that knew what they were talking about out there. So far you are way ahead of the game $$ wise by the way it sounds! Clapping Happy2

Posted on 14 years ago
#4
Posts: 3972 Threads: 180

Thanks for that Ludwig-Dude! Ever the Luddy answer-man. I was curious as to the best choices for my Supra. I've tried gobs of pairs and never considered the Hazy. Right on target. Never thought of that one. Thanks again!

Posted on 14 years ago
#5
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