Hey d2012 - I keep checking your thread hoping that someone more knowledgeable than me on the subject will chime in. I'm really interested to hear what the others have to say on this subject as well.

Here's what I can tell you from my own experience - the ss mechanism changed at some point to the less complicated style. - I don't know when the change happened, but if I were to guess, I'd say late 60's based on the ss drums I've owned. I have both a supra and ss in 6.5" b/o badge and from my own experience, I've seen more supras, but they seem to be more expensive than the ss models - up to twice as much in my own experience. I'd love to hear what others have to say on this topic. Anyone?

Hail Spartacus! Thanks for the feedback. From what I can tell looking at literature the fussier, original super sensitive intro'd about 62. I am fairly confident that my simpler ss, b/o badge is a 70, possibly 71 - the dates a little bit smudged. Again I'm no expert, but I hear a lot of talk about the value of the 70's Bonham 6.5, but I'm never sure if they're referencing an ss or a supra. Either way, I'm hanging on to both, but it would be nice to know the rarity/value of the 70's 6.5 ss versus the 6.5 supra. We're all ears!

Go to page 2 of this forum and check out the discussion. " The most recorded snare drum". It might help with your comparison. The supra is my personal choice.

Thanks. I did follow that epic rant! Didn't adress my primary questions unless I should read that to assume that naturally the Supra was more popular. So, the question would remain is an early 70's super sensitive 6.5 few and far between?

Sonically the SS and the Supra are similar, with the SS being a bit more "buzzy". The SS mechanism actually came out in the 1920's and carried on pretty much unchanged until 1969. Then the "simpler" version of it came out in 1970 and exsists to this day. The Supra seems to bring more $$ due to its inherent relationship with John Bonham, among others. The SS is a great buy if you know how to set it up and leave it be. Also, most seem to be in better condition compared to most Supras. Most led a sheltered life in concert bands or schools, rathern than between the thighs of the typical sweaty gigging drummer.

Spot on! Thanks so much for the wrap up!

Well I've owned both since the 70s and still have one of each. Personally I prefer the SS at home although it does have some sympathetic snare buzz which is minimal on the SS shells that came with the very shallow snare beds...This has been discussed before and there seems to be no reason why some of the 70s, and 80s shells had snare beds and some didn't...Ludwig hasn't made shells with snare beds since the 1980s but every now and then you'll see one from the early 90s with them...Old shell stock? (Not the early 1960s crimped beds that were on the COB SDs) "Picture to follow" The 402s bring higher dollars for reasons that have already been stated, and partly because they are easier to dial in, and have more snare wire options. Also if you are on the road it isn't easy to get a set of snare wires for the SS/411. Most music stores don't stock them unless it's a pro drum shop...

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47655&stc=1&d=1346257676 Photo of Snare beds on a 1980s LM411

On another note. If you are considering a purchase of a 1970s or 80s (Same shell) SS LM411 and you want to add new snare wires....The Ludwig snare drums were designed with very light weight snare wires. IMO, If you stick with the Ludwig brand wires, which are inexpensive and made in Taiwan, you'll be more than happy with it...It's an Amazing snare drum and one of the best out there...But, put on a set of heavy, copper plates, Puresound aftermarket snare wires and you might want to get rid of it... (In My Opinion)