Some nice choices.........for my needs 8 lugs are plenty....8 works on all of the other vintage drums, so why not this one.............

So you say the later B/O's are as good as the orignal Ludwig ownership pre-sale models ?? I have heard after the sale quality suffered.

I own a B/O (rounded corners) badge Acrolite. It was FREE! (How's that for a good price?!)

I'm not sure what "sale" you refer to. Who are you saying bought Ludwig and changed the production methods? I don't know anything about that. I know about the Rogers sale to CBS and the subsequent downturn in quality...but, even then, rogers still put out some of their most innovative gear (MemriLoc).

I don't think the manufacturing processes involved in making the Acrolite have changed much over the years. My Acro is from the late 70's era. The shell and sound are basically the same. The only things that I know have changed over the years is the style of badge and the style of muffling device. It's just a really good all-around utility drum. It is made from a seamless, spun shell. It has flanged bearing edges. All its components are designed by the manufacturer.

Ludwid was sold to Semer (a division of Steinway) This sites Drum Timeline says about 1970 but the Selmer site states 1980 !! The B/O badge started around 1980 from what I have read. I have heard that the kits, not necessarily the snares suffered in quality after the sale. Knowing alot of great drummers played Ludwigs thru the 70's I would think the problems started in the 80's.

This is all from what I have read, not personal experience as I was out of the loop as far as drumming and drums were concerned in the 70's-80's- 90's.

It's over the past 5 years I have renewed my interest, and just recently with vintage drums as I have not been pleased with the sounds of the current stuff (outside of DW that is).

Actually, the blue & olive ludwig badge (B/O) started in 1970 or even late 1969.

Yes, that's correct about when the B/O badges started...but there were two separate forms of B/O badge. The early 70's B/O's had two sharp corners. As time went on, they rounded off the sharp corners. This indicates a later 70's B/O badge.

Well I think we all agree that the badge has little to do with the sound, right? :)

If the shell, lugs and hoops are the same, then it's basically the same drum. I was looking for a Keystone Badge Acro myself, mainly because I think the badge looks nicer (less obnoxious) and I prefer the shiny finish over the dull grey, but they fetch a higher price than the B&O badge models. Sound is the bottom line for me.

My Acro came with a no-name 5 piece kit including all the hardware - Even a decent Tama throne. $125.00 for everything. The kit serves duty as a teaching/practice kit and the Acro goes to gigs with me :)

Judging from the replies about head selection, it looks like everyone has their personal favorite, which is great. I'm going to work w/the Evans head a bit more and if I can't get what I'm looking for, then I'll try one of the suggested heads from this thread.

I'm also thinking about swapping out the snare wires for a set of PureSounds.

Hey BigD,,,

Did you ever get the PureSounds for your acrolite.....did it make a big difference ?? I picked up an acrolite for $72 includung an old Ludwig case on e-bay (pointed edges on B/O badge) Shipping was $20 so I think I got a good deal.

It has a new Ludwig heavy Power Dot (Remo) on it right now which might be overkill. The original Ludwig snares that have the plastic ends are still on the drum. It sounds pretty good as is but I want it to sound its best.........

Thanks, John

Going back to the original thread, i think there is a vast difference in trying to tune a vintage wooden snare drum compared to a modern wood snare drum. You have to be more patient with older drums, and any known 'standard-ised' method of tuning often has to go out the window. Being a premier and ludwig fan, i believe the sound from the old stuff is far superior (aged wood), and believe the same for metal snares (the 400 does rock!). Be patient with tuning on old drums, and DO start with ambassador weight heads - two ply heads kill the sound on most wooden snare drums in my opinion! band3

Wood - I have a 2004 DW solid maple snare that tunes up nicely and sounds really great, but it has a new batter head and PureSound snares. I will keep working with the Ludwig which currently has the original batter and snares.

Metal - I have a Rogers Powertone (Fullertone era) thats looks like new but is a nightmare to tune. My Ludwig Acrolite (early 70's B/O badge) tunes easily and sounds fantastic.

At this point my "go to" drums are the DW and Acrolite.