1967 Ludwig Acrolite Refresh

[@drumjedi5301]

Duuude, she cleaned up NICE. I gave the same treatment to a '65 Supra I acquired last year, and was really impressed with how little pitting and peeling there was on the chrome. Nothing like a vintage Ludwig snare, man...

[@georgemickel6608]

1966 here... Liked and subbed ✅

[@btcuidon]

I love the idea to use that foam to dampen the springs in the lugs. In the past I've used cotton balls, but the small fibers always get caught in the threads of the screw, especially when the threads are all greased up. I'll remember this for next time.

[@weschilton]

I have found that over time foam will degrade and either crumble away or become gummy (depending on the type of foam). Now I use little squares of 100% cotton cloth, like from a t-shirt or you can buy those little precut squares used for cleaning gun barrels, I wrap one all the way around the internal lug spring before putting it in. The cotton wont degrade and it doesn't take up as much space inside the lug, but does a great job of damping the spring noise

[@lildrummerboy80]

Man oh man does that sound great

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Nice job. Always like the Acrolite . It's basically a drier Supraphonic.

[@FawleyJude]

I have a 1965 Acrolite--purchased new, it was my first drum. I haven't played it in years but I'll never let go of it. Acrolites were popular as entry-level snares for kids in school band programs but some pros used them, like Clive Bunker in Jethro Tull. They were affordable but didn't sound at all like economy drums.

[@drumdotpizza]

Right on! The Acrolite was entry level, because they used fewer lugs and didn't bother chroming the shells which saved money. Same exact shell as Supras / Super Sensatives, however, and the lack of chrome and fewer lighter lugs (the bowties are slightly lighter than the earlier castings of the Imperial lugs used on the Supras, etc.) made for a lighter drum that produced a softer fundamental note with greater harmonics for a brighter, livelier sound by comparison. Despite its shell's heritage the Acrolite is a different, but incredibly versatile tone that should be, along with the Supra version, in every serious drummer's arsenal, IMO!

[@nathanielnicholson559]

Back in jr. high my friend's mom had one that I always pestered her about, half-jokingly. She got it when she was in high school band. I still wonder what became of that thing...

[@peterl2820]

Sounds like a gem.

[@markciocco2509]

Cool. I had a 1974 acrolite that was stolen out of the band van in NYC sometime in the early 90s. Bought another in 1994 and still have it and play it.

[@korolev-musictodriveby6583]

Excellent job and a great-sounding drum ! Probably the best all-round drum Ludwig ever made .

[@badwolfsat5]

I found an Acrolite in my Inlaws basement and will be restoring it soon. I'm very happy about the find as I lost mine to a robbery back in the day, so it's nice to have another.

[@Romans219]

Still to this day I have always loved my Ludwig Acrolite snare drum. Just as good if not better than any especially for the price.

[@johnrobinson8323]

Oh yes. The drum sounds phenomenal! 🥁❤️

[@stevekusma9183]

Sounds good!

[@johnrobinson8323]

Thank you so much for this very informative lesson. 🥁❤️

[@zachmcarthur2262]

Use fine grade aluminum wool to buff out most of the marks on the shell. That's what I did to my 60s acrolite and it shined it right up!

[@dnews9519]

Those are plentiful and amazing sounding drums for cheap.

[@bradplaysdrums]

Sounds good. I have a 71 I love

[@robsvibe]

I have what I believe to be a 67 as well. Mine has baseball bat with red felt muffler on inside. Great sounding drums !

[@drumdotpizza]

Might check the serial number on that drum to date it (google "Ludwig Serial Number" to find the date guide). I say that, because if the the red felt muffler is original, then it's almost certainly NOT a '67, but much earlier (like '63)! Thanks for your comments!!

[@robsvibe]

@@drumdotpizza Yes you are correct thanks. Seems like my snare was likely made between Feb to March 1964. It is a great snare.

[@PatrickWitherow]

I have a '65 Acro. It was my first vintage snare drum I got 10+ years ago. I then got a '78 Supra after that to add to the 'vintage' arsenal. I ended up selling the Supra because my Acro was always on the stand compared to it. It definitely has some extra 'oomph' that the Supra just didn't have. They are definitely great sounding snares!

[@drumdotpizza]

If I had to have only one, a Supra or an Acro (fortunately, I don't have to make this decision) I think I would have to go for the Acro. I think this is because of the extra 'oomph' you mention, which I believe is a result of its 8-lug design compared to the more refined 10-lug design of the Supra. The Supra is a great drum, no doubt, but I find the Acro a bit punchier in the mids, I believe because of the 8-lug arrangement. I have always preferred 8-lug drums for their punchiness compared with 10-lug drums (though I have a bunch of 10-luggers that I dearly love!). I actually think my favorite Acro to play is the 90s era Black Galaxy version. That powdercoat finish seems to focus the tone a bit more (it adds mass and a bit of physical texture to the otherwise smooth aluminum, including on the edges, which I think makes it a bit less refined still, in a really wonderful way). The finish itself, aesthetically I can take or leave, but I really find those 'Blackrolite' snares to be extremely versatile players and just killing with practically any head/tuning combination. Great, flexible, musical drums!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@PatrickWitherow]

@@drumdotpizza Awesome! I should try a Black Galaxy version one of these days. The prices keep going up and up. Thanks for the response on this!

[@jetyler3400]

Brother make a video on that Psychedelic wrap Ludwig trap set your playing on! Sweet!

[@drumdotpizza]

It's a 1968 20/12/16 (the 12" is dated the day after I was born!). The wrap is a bit faded in spots, but I love that kit!

[@drummerboyharm3078]

This thing sounds so good!

[@drumdotpizza]

Acros are a desert island drum for sure!

[@pedroahets]

Love your videos! Keep them comping!🙌

[@mattnewell5414]

I still want an original but I bought a 2012 Acrolite reissue, 6.5 w/ 10 lugs, P85 and P32 and it sounds amazing

[@drumdotpizza]

I have the new version of the 6.5" acrolite in the classic finish as well... GREAT drum! And gotta say that if I could only have one snare it would likely be the 90s-era Black Galaxy 5' Acrolite. Same shell as all others, but the black galaxy powder coat finish adds some mass and stifles the shell's resonance a little, making it a tad more supra-ish. And the 8 lug arrangement gives it tons of punch... a truly versatile, desert island drum. Fortunately, I'm blessed to have lots of snares, so I dig the classic, lightweight Acrolite for brighter tones.

[@ochocabra1542]

I have a '67 Acro, all original, w the P-83. the P-85 was new in '69, you are correct

[@drumdotpizza]

That's what I understood too. I wish it had the P-83 on it, but it's a player, so I'm still happy to have it.

[@ochocabra1542]

@@drumdotpizza yup, it's a beautiful drum

[@aaronrochotte6342]

Sounds great in all tunings. Acrolites just work 💪

[@VincentJamal-f8y]

For removing sticker residue, try using WD40!! I just got this same shell a week ago. I brought it in parts I’m just waiting on the snare wires and I can officially start my clean up and rebuilding process

[@DZNTZ]

Hmmm, I have an April 13, 1967 Acro with the baseball bat. Methinks someone possibly swapped yours? Although it’s not unheard of for Ludwig to kinda use whatever, whenever… anomalies abound. Great drum, the old ones have some extra mojo (and as you say, the best finish!) Ludwigs seem to like Ludwig snare side heads IME, idk why. I like to use dFd German wires, or on this drum the ‘63 reissue wires are a great match. Nice one!

[@nathanielnicholson559]

Nice to know! I'll have to grab that reso head and those wires and try for myself.

[@aragaorambelli]

I have one of these, bought in the usa, in 1970

[@drumdotpizza]

I wish I had never sold my MINT 1970 (with factory heads and snare wires.... a time capsule drum!).

[@adrianlyord5300]

I know what you meant about regrets...I once had a Rodgers " Dyno-Sonic " snare drum and I gave away! I definitely didn't realize what I had!!!! Oh well you live and learn!

[@drumdotpizza]

Yep! I always tell my boys to 'pay attention and learn!' ;)

[@mellilore]

AFAICT that drum has already been refurbished before: proper P83 and BB muffler or smaller round knob muffler have been replaced at some point. Anyway very nice drum. I have one keystone 5 digits (63? 64? definitely no date stamp) with P83 and BB muffler and another pointy BO badge late 60s/early 70s (already "Ludalloy" I guess because the shell is less "shiny" and a little more pale) with P85 and small round knob muffler. Great sounding drums both of them!!!!!

[@OzoneDrummer22]

Would anyone happen to know about a 62 prototype Acrolite and what it might be worth? I bought it from a pawn shop for 89 dollars and had a weld plate where the seam is, and thought someone had messed it up and weld a plate for some reason, but in doing some research that’s how they did the first model pre-serialized Arcrolites. It’s in great shape with aluminum hoops and aluminum bow tie lugs as well.

[@mellilore]

@@OzoneDrummer22 The weld plate is historically correct, as are the aluminium hoops and lugs. You just pictured a 100% original Acrolite Prototype. I've seen them going for no less than US$ 650-700... quite some time since I last saw one go on ebay so maybe pricing needs to be updated. Good luck with yours! (FYI kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH2xZpqYaLCUedE)

[@OzoneDrummer22]

Would anyone happen to know about a 62 prototype Acrolite and what it might be worth? I bought it from a pawn shop for 89 dollars and had a weld plate where the seam is, and thought someone had messed it up and weld a plate for some reason, but in doing some research that’s how they did the first model pre-serialized Arcrolites. It’s in great shape with aluminum hoops and aluminum bow tie lugs as well with red felt and baseball bat muffler lever.

[@williamfotiou7577]

Great drum bud, i have a couple from then, even a drum set dated 1 month after i was born. But to the point, the other oddity of that particular drum is; by '64 they moved the air vent and muffler 1 panel back. So, your vent/badge should be where the muffler is etc. I also have a '68 jazz fest that is same make up as yours but w/baseball bat muffler and p83! In 1968! Makes no sense huh?

[@drumdotpizza]

Yeah, Ludwig was doing everything they could back in the post Beatles-on-Ed-Sullivan-Show era to keep up with production. I've heard (and seen) LOTS of factory anomalies that they put out during those years. Thanks for watching!!

[@mattmorris5001]

Cool video. Have you ever used barkeepers friend? Great for hardware cleanup. I have a workaround for broken bowties too if anybody has ever run into that, I have. Your drum sounds great!

[@drumdotpizza]

Never heard of barkeepers friend! I'll look into that, thank you! As for bowties, I've broken a few myself by overtightening... just a couple of quick wrist twists beyond initial tight is enough to keep them in place, but I had to figure that out myself. Thanks for watching!

[@mattmorris5001]

@@drumdotpizza You can thread stainless allen head set screws into what's left with a little loctite. Then stick that through the shell with stainless washer and nylock nut on the inside. Happy drumming! Subscribed.

[@DivisionStreetDrums]

When I build drums I use cotton balls inside the lugs, never had a complaint

[@drumdotpizza]

Done that too! I just discovered these foam strips after fitting some microphones to some cases, and I realized how similar it was to the original foam used (by Ludwig, anyway). Easy to tear to perfect size.

[@DivisionStreetDrums]

@@drumdotpizza great find, I always worried whether the foam would last since so many drums had these deteriorate over years, not sure if the cotton balls hold up any better. Great video

[@taekwanlew]

Washing all those small components in a sink with an open drain gave me the fear!!

[@recordingdotpizza]

Yeah, I have definitely lost components down the drain before (that's a disposal, actually, on that side of the sink), though was generally able to retrieve them. But I quickly learned to work from a bowl in the sink (and I usually put a stopper over the disposal as well for added safety, though I didn't in this video).

[@drumdotpizza]

Yeah, I lost parts in the past down the disposal and had to go fishing to get them back. A bowl helps tremdously (as does a stopper in the disposal itself)!

[@felixseeliger2295]

This gave me anxiety more than anything :D

[@drumdotpizza]

Ha! Sorry to stress you. I have had bad experiences in the past, but a stopper and a bowl does wonders! 😄

[@adair4847]

Hey ,knew to you !! Good videos. IF you wld explain how to hear different pitch at lug to lug . I dont hear it . Maybe cld hear big pitches but not slight tap tap tap yikes

[@drumdotpizza]

Thanks for watching and for the question! The simplest way I have found to hear pitches at each lug is to simply place a finger in the middle, dead center, of the drumhead, just enough to muffle the fundamental note making the harmonics much clearer (be sure to use consistent pressure with your finger or it will affect the pitch you're hearing and frustrate your tuning). Tune according to these increased harmonics, tapping about 1" in from each lug around the drum. And be sure you're using a flat hoop! If the drum is old the hoop might not be flat, and tuning will be very difficult, if not impossible. Hope that helps!

[@nathanielnicholson559]

For some reason I was thinking that my Acrolite was a much later model than yours, but it's actually about the same age. I'm not finding any date, but the keystone badge, bat-style muffler handle, original throw-off (replaced, but still in my possession) with many holes and the finish do seem to add up. I've got an Evans EC1 Reverse Dot on top at the moment, but that's changing later today. Thanks for another great video! Your autofocus doesn't bother this guy at all.

[@drumdotpizza]

Google "Ludwig Serial Number" to find a dating guide for keystone badges. That should tell you the year it was made! Great drums!

[@kyledugger1413]

So sick! Also, what’s the crash cymbal you’re using? Sounds amazing

[@drumdotpizza]

The crash is a Turkish Classic series 18" 'Crash' (that's the model... 'crash'. And the brand is 'Turkish'. Nice, handmade cymbals). Thanks!

[@davegink9222]

What kind of snares did you put on it?

[@NEALBABBITT]

You didn't show you cleaning the shell or getting the dents out.

[@drumdotpizza]

True! I wiped the shell down with mild soapy rag (damp, not soaked) and then again with a rag damp with water only. I didn't want to remove the date stamp inside the drum, and unless the drum is coated and truly filthy a full wash isn't really warranted. As for the dent that's worth a separate video, so I'll address dents in a future installment, so stay tuned! Thanks.

[@permpress]

I just picked up a 5x14 Ludwig "Standard " snare drum. It has the multiple hole throw-off and no seam around the outside of the shell. It has the round knob muffler and it’s in great condition. How close might this be to the Ludwig "Acrolite"? Thx!

[@drumdotpizza]

Same shell without the added production step of pressing the bead in the center of the shell (which is done after the alloy is spun into a cylinder shape). Leaving this out saved money making the drum less expensive than the Acrolite. Truly intro level for the time (before going to off shore manufactures as is done these days). So VERY similar drum to an acrolite. The bead does seem to add some mild complexity to the sound, but otherwise very similar. A great drum!

[@bishopoftroy]

"...like a gun case or something." Sounds so funny for the rest of the world where there is no need to carry guns.

[@NotMyWar]

I’ve had many brass snares and none of them sound as good as the hammered black beauty I bought last year.

[@ArborGeist]

Acrolites are aluminum...

[@NotMyWar]

@@ArborGeist Sorry, it was just a "Ludwig snare appreciation post".

[@ArborGeist]

@@NotMyWar all good! Love Ludwig snares too!