About selling the snare:

The metal snare is a chrome-over-aluminum Ludwig Supraphonic. Back when they started making these out of aluminum instead of brass, they didn't really know that chrome doesn't bond very well to it – and as such, there are quite a few Supras from this era (in this size) that are flaking pretty badly like yours. In the condition it's in, it's unfortunately only worth about $120-$150.

The white snare is a Ludwig Pioneer in White Marine Pearl from between 1960-1963 (they didn't add serial numbers during this time). While in good shape, it isn't worth a whole lot more – maybe $250-275, depending on the buyer. The reason that the one in GC was selling for so much more was probably because it was Jazz Festival model – they have 10 lugs like the Supra, whereas the Pioneer (yours) only has 8. If you don't have an attachment to either, I'd sell the Pioneer and go from there. The Supra will likely sound better anyway.

Can you see anything stamped on the cymbals? They might be worth something even if they don't sound great.

And you're right about the time period of the kit – the wrap is called Black Diamond Pearl and is fairly common. The double tom mount may not have come from the factory that way which might drive the value down. The smaller tom from 69 or so seems to confirm this as it was most likely added later.

Thanks for the reply. I am not to surprised that the snare is not worth to much. I guess I will have to think about which of the two to try and sell. It might help set off the cost of the cymbals at least. The cymbals are Apollos. Except for the high hat, they are Zildjian New beat Hi-hats. From what I have been able to discover those are fairly good cymbals. But the Apollos I read elsewhere on this forum that they are nothing to brag about. Thanks again.

Yeah, I'd keep those hi hats. If they're from the 60's they likely sound amazing.

Your Pioneer really looks great – this wrap was known to fade or get very yellow over time. Yours might be worth more than my initial estimate. I'll let others chime in.

Just a correction Gojaskill - the Pioneer is 6 lug and the Jazz Fest is 8. I can't tell which it is from the photo though.

+1..That looks like an 8 lug Jazz Festival,not a 6 lug Pioneer.In that case.with a pre- serial number badge,it's worth upwards of 400-450,in that condition.

Steve B

Actually, I had another picture of it I took but didn't post and it is 6 lugs. The wrap does seem pretty bright and I didn't think it looked yellow at all when I was looking it over. I am sort of leaning towards keeping the Pioneer with the set because it is no flaking like the Supraphonic. For us novices is there a very noticeable difference in sound? Or in other words, would it be crazy to keep the Pioneer over the Supraphonic? One more thing I still am not sure of, what is the particular name of the kit? Just curious. Thanks.

the pioneer is a cool drum (I have a two) but the Supra will be the more versatile drum. They are easy to tune up and they generally sound amazing without much effort. There is lots of info about them out there and many claim that it's the most recorded snare ever and that could be true because they can work in pretty much any situation and with most styles. I nearly always use a Supra or Acrolite for live gigs.

With a strip down and a good clean and polish that supra will look fine and will sound great.

the supra would have most likely been the drum that came with the kit. there is a big difference in sound between the 10 lug metal supra and the 6 lug wooden pioneer. that's a nice kit you have there. certainly keep those new beats. you could sell the pioneer and get some real good quality cymbals. 60's avedis zildjians are really low on price right now. you could get a crash and a ride for under 200 most likely.

mike