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The Ludwig Black Beauty

Posts: 1836 Threads: 336

I've been interested in these snare drums for a long time. Since seeing the engraved versions. Most of the snares I saw were all form the 20's 30's and 40's. I thought it was something they only use to do but In the last year or so I've learned that they've been making black beauty's all along. Some are just not engraved. I've learned that there are some engravers out there that are very well known. I saw a video recently of engraver John Aldridge. Amazing!

So I'm wondering do people just buy a BB and then hire someone like John to engrave their drum or does Ludwig have a bunch done and sell them on special occasions? How does this work exactly? I'm just hungry for knowledge on this subject because I'm interested in owning one some day. Thanks in advance!

Curtis

Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 733 Threads: 49

I think John used to do most of the work for Ludwig.

As far as I know he does not anymore.

You were able to order them engraved from Ludwig. The patterns on the drums were changed over the years slightly so some can date them from that.

I think in 1977 - early 80's they reissued them after being out of production for awhile and then switched to bronze. I think they did start producing them again after that but do not know exactly when. Hope that helps a little, just going by from what I have read.

I do have a non engraved 5x14 from early 1977.

Wayne

Posted on 8 years ago
#2
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