When I saw the image you posted I thought that maybe you have the incorrect synthetic gut "wires." The parts catalog shows the length as 16-1/8" (see the parts catalog image, part #9) and I'm assuming that is for the 14" drum. Without a parts number it would be tough to figure out if you've the unit for the 14" or 15" drum. I couldn't find measurements from the older catalogs for the either size, but they do have different numbers. Also, I don't visually know enough about the Super Sensitive parts to rule out that you have of those (see attached image).

I've attached some catalog images for your reference. Including the P-87 with a P-32 butt.... it was on the Ludwig No. 902 "Symphonic" snare.

The drums were optioned so that you could have a choice between the different snares, however I would think that the wire option was the most common... and I have no data to back that up with though.

If you don't want to go to the extra expense of the L-1110, you can use the P-32 and a standard set of snare wires. I Don't know if I shared this earlier, but here's a link to my Coliseum snare mods: http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=30979

Invaluable help Hoppy and Kurt. The info really helps. Can't thank you enough. Yes, I did consider the P-32 option, but there's just something about bringing a drum back to life as it was intended. Particularly after how nice this one turned out. I will either take the plunge for an outright purchase or I might be patient and try to find the parts on an old drum. Craigslist in the Harrisburg-Lancaster-Philly corridor has some interesting finds. Any idea who the go-to guy is for Ludwig parts is on here? I'd much rather buy here.

I will let you know what luck I have. Dean

Thank you for the heads-up Mark, I did not see this listing. Thanks for the advice as well. d.

I'd place a "wanted ad" here and on the other big forum as well, DFO.

An alternative is to pick up a donor drum with parts you need, but that may not have the quality you're looking for (but it does give you the ability to get the part and sell the rest if the quality is there, minimizing your costs).

If the part doesn't show up after a few months then I would order it from one of the larger retailers around the turkey day and X-mas holidays, as they often run specials that give you 20% off.

Hi Dean!

I'd like to weigh in one last time with my thoughts on all this.

As a collector and refurbisher/restorer of vintage drums, I didn't get into this hobby to save money! I have many drums that have cost quite a bit to get them back in great condition, sometimes much more that what the drum is worth! I do it because I enjoy the fun, and thrill, of keeping these vintage drums alive!

In the case of your drum, you are so close to completion, needing only the proper set of snare wires. My personal feeling is that why look for a donor drum, that may of may not have a good working set of proper wires, when you can obtain a new set for a reasonable price? I just have a hard time believing that you will ever find this drum for a reasonable price, regardless of condition. And, how long would you have to wait to find it? My advice, and mine only, would be to purchase that new set of Ludwig 1110 wires and be done with it...and be rewarded with what you originally set out to do.

I may take some flak for this, but that's OK!!

-Mark

I'm in that gray area, Mark. I enjoy this drum rehab stuff more than I ever thought I would, and for many projects, I'm not in it for the money either.

My love and appreciation for drums has only grown since I started this and I'm truly enjoying what I've learned about all things drums-99% of it right here on this forum.

But in the case of this snare, I like to flip for some profit to fund my other projects. Heck, I don't even know if most will consider this 80s era drum vintage--BUT, I'd like to make a little profit above what I purchased to put the drum back together. To be honest, I'm too impatient to wait for a donor drum.

So you'll get no flack from me, bro! I take your weigh in with credence.

Look in when my thread pops up in the coming days and I'll let you know what I worked out.

You guys are awesome. d.

Hi Dean!

A very well-thought response! I guess I didn't realize that would wanted to flip the drum and make a little profit. Based on that, yes, it would be difficult to pay almost $90 for a set of proper wires. I'll keep watching this thread to see how your project turns out.

-Mark