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Quick Supraphonic Question-Should I Buy?

Posts: 1685 Threads: 529

Hi Friends. This is for you Ludwig guys who are more knowledgeable then me about such things.

I am travelling on business and a local pawn shop has a Green/Olive Pointed badge Supraphonic for sale, in the standard depth of 5" or 5.5" x 14". It is in pretty good condition, with some pitting here and there but no rust or dings or anything. All original parts are there.

They are asking $179, and it includes a hard plastic Ludwig "UFO" Case.

It seems like a good price, but two things made me a little hesitant about it:

1. The date stamp on the inside of the shell is smeared. All I can make out is "JUN", everything else is smeared. Also, there is another stamp inside the shell that says something about "100% Galvanized Steel" or something to that effect. Is that common on Supras?

2. There is no serial number on the Ludwig badge. I'm not a Ludwig expert by any means, but every Ludwig snare I've ever seen with a Green/Olive badge had a serial number. Is this odd/strange? Could this possibly be a "fake"? Everything looks legit (lugs, butt plate, strainer etc).

What do you guys think? Is this worth a purchase? If the two items above are anomalies or strange, would the re-sale value be effected in the future?

Thanks so much for your help,

V

Posted on 9 years ago
#1
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19

Supras are so common that there is really no reason for anyone to "fake" one. The stamp inside is common usually saying something along the lines of "anti-galvanic". There are some variations but it seems to have something to do with the aluminum used to make the shell. There were a couple of instances when there were batches of B/O badges issued without serial numbers on them.

I'd say $179 is a pretty good deal on a 70's Supra in decent shape if you in the market for such a drum.

Posted on 9 years ago
#2
Posts: 6170 Threads: 255

+1 on what KO says. Most likely an early 70's model with the b/o no serial number badge. I've had a few of these and they are legit.

Mike

Posted on 9 years ago
#3
Posts: 1163 Threads: 36

Always got time for a Supra. Especially at deal price!

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Posted on 9 years ago
#4
Posts: 629 Threads: 45

Seems like a good deal on a 5x14 Supra. I believe the cases run from $30 to $50 alone.

Based on what I've read, the drum is possibly a '69-'72 model. I believe that the initial lot of blue/olive badges didn't have serial numbers on them.

Posted on 9 years ago
#5
Posts: 1867 Threads: 179

Not a bad deal.

FYI the badge is referred to as a 'Blue/Olive" badge.

Sorry could not help myself on the badge color ID correction.

I personally like the 6.5 deep Supras.

Although I have a 5 also.

Good luck on obtaining your Supra.

BLAEMIRE DRUMS
Thanks to Mr. Jerry Jenkins
Posted on 9 years ago
#6
Posts: 525 Threads: 37

Decent price.

The only caveat is the pitting.

Those early aluminum shells were notorious for not holding the chrome plating and will continue to flake.

Posted on 9 years ago
#7
Posts: 313 Threads: 13

From Mo Tonkie

Seems like a good deal on a 5x14 Supra. I believe the cases run from $30 to $50 alone.Based on what I've read, the drum is possibly a '69-'72 model. I believe that the initial lot of blue/olive badges didn't have serial numbers on them.

Correct on that, probably more like '69-70, after which they started using numbers on those badges*. $179 is a good deal as long as the drum isn't banged up too badly.

Bermuda

* Ironically, they're back to non-numbered badges, each drum now has a label inside with model, date and a barcode serial number.

Posted on 9 years ago
#8
Posts: 229 Threads: 15

I think that is a good price for a Supra. Most of them have varying degrees of flaking which will, in no way, effect the sound or versatility of probably the most recorded snare drum in history. Grab it and put yourself in the same company as Ringo, Bonham, Morello, Buddy etc.

Posted on 9 years ago
#9
Posts: 629 Threads: 45

From bermuda

Correct on that, probably more like '69-70, after which they started using numbers on those badges*. $179 is a good deal as long as the drum isn't banged up too badly.Bermuda* Ironically, they're back to non-numbered badges, each drum now has a label inside with model, date and a barcode serial number.

You're right, but there might be a few stragglers out there. I have a red silk kit (13,14,18,24) with non-numbered badges- likely from 72-73.

Posted on 9 years ago
#10
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