Why Do We Love The Acrolite Anyway? -- Deep Dive Into The World's Most Famous 'Student' Snare Drum!

[@jenniferanne4143]

When I was a young teenager I bought a black beauty, brass shell, put a remo black dot on it, tuned it to my liking and it sounded soooo beautiful. Wish I still had it. So anyway, these days I have a few snares around. I got an 80's Acrolite for free about 25 years ago, and recently decided to redo the whole thing for a custom kit. I took everything off and polished the crap out the hardware. I sanded it down, primered it, painted it chrome, then painted it hammertone, then painted it clear silver sparkle, then clear coated it like 10 times, then I waxed it. Put new felt in the lugs with new washers. I put a furry ear muff over the felt muffler and a remo black dot on it. My God, what a beautiful looking, great sounding snare drum. She's a keeper, I tell you what, lol !

[@MJPflieger]

I’ve had many Acros. I paint them with Krylon. The big change not mentioned in this video is the move from Chicago to Monroe, NC. They moved the lug molds and made new shell molds that produced smaller diameter shells. That’s why the tension rods don’t line up on Monroe drums and you see them splay. There is also a gap between the head and lug casing. In recent years they’ve started adding a lug gasket to fill the gap at the tension rods which means less ring and muted tone. I’ve had Monroe drums and won’t buy them anymore.

[@mdomme65]

I’ve got three Acrolites and two Supraphonics, all 5”, that I keep at the ready tuned and muffled from a very low Eagles-like “gooosh” to a very high “ping” that all sound great and fit the bill for anything I need to do…a very versatile and durable drum. One of the Acrolites and one of the Supraphonics were the first snare drums I owned as a young boy and are coming up on their 50th year with me…I would never part with them.

[@drumdotpizza]

Yep!

[@thechuckster1971]

I found a 1965 acrolite laying on the side of the road out for the trash. With a set of pearl export series mid 80 s power Toms model. The acrolite was spray painted red to match the pearls. I cleaned all the paint off and cleaned it up and oh my it sounds so sweet. The bare shell has a beautiful ring. Probably better than some of the lower level bell brass snares made today. it has become my main snare. It just has a great feel and sound is out this world.

[@drumdotpizza]

Nice find!!

[@macadoo2530]

Love my Acro too! Got a 71 supra but I prefer the acro most of the time.

[@silentskystudios]

My parents picked up at Acrolite for me at an auction probably 30+ yrs ago for $20! It had the plastic case, stand, practice pad, etc. It's one of my favorite snare drums that I still play today.

[@alsdrumhang]

Somehow I've never owned an Acro (played many). I remember the days when you could find Acros at yard sales or in pawn shops for 25 bucks. Those were the days. Great oral history, Joel. Informative as always.

[@thomasnussbaum4711]

Great video! I have a 6.5 Acrolite which sounds great in the studio, but in shines especially live in small rooms or lower volume settings. Never overbearing or obnoxious. Even the singers dig it!

[@MrGameMeister]

I picked up drums when I was 13 and my parents got me a used Ludwig 4 piece (aka ringo star model circa late 60s) and a brand new acrolite. I think the year was 1977. It was a student setup with a basic stand and the black clamshell plastic case. I wish I had an appreciation of what I had at the time. Instead I lusted over the Ludwig stainless steel kit. Maybe one day I’ll see if I can recreate those kits 😅

[@gastonjabaly]

I own a supraphonic did sound for a worckship band a few months ago dude showed up with an acrolite and it sounded incredible super airy sharp dynamic now i want one hahahah

[@carlupthegrove262]

I have one (date stamped inside) from 1966 in really great condition. You are totally correct they are no longer either cheap or easy to find. Nice video

[@kevinkress7156]

Thx for the info man. I never knew the Acrolite and the Supraphonic were basically the same drum shell, just with a different cover/ finish. I also love the vintage nostalgic Ludwig commercial in the intro. Good Stuff. Thx Again!!

[@72Stiles]

I picked up a Black Galaxy Acrolite off FB Marketplace for my nephews who were starting 5th grade band and got it so cheap I assumed it was an import model. Had seen the 70's version, but the Black Galaxy was new to me. Pleasantly surprised to learn what we had!

[@drumdotpizza]

If I could have only one Acrolite it would be the Black Galaxy. It is probably the heaviest of them (other than, perhaps, the grey orange peel powdercoat of the late 80s, but the dryness of that drum's tone limits its versatility, IMO). That extra bit of weight from the BG finish gives it a bit more body... sounds like a cross between a Supra and an Acro.

[@dusttalking6871]

Brother, your review of five Acrolites from different eras was fantastic! After listening to them all I went for a 90s Blackrolite. Thank you so much for your demonstration, commentary, and information.

[@drumdotpizza]

90s Blackrolite is my desert island Acrolite... if I could have only one that'd be it!

[@markscountlessbarks]

1980 Ludwig catalog! Many beautiful babes in all colors and sizes!

[@2ndBreakfassst]

I have an 80s acro that was customized with tube lugs and a millennium throw off. I had it coated black and man, it looks and sounds great! Thanks for this video, love hearing the history

[@Funkybassuk]

I’m getting into real drums now after dabbling many years ago and having an electronic kit / Addictive Drums 2 software for a few years. I think my ideal snare drum is probably the Acrolite. Saving up now to buy one eventually. From what I can tell they can get that very dry, funky crack. I hope it’s the one for me!

[@jarrahdrum]

A very excellent piece of Acrolite nerdery Thank you 🙏

[@marksheehan3207]

Hi ~ Ludwig also manufactured the “Acrophonic” which is essentially a hammered acrolite with 10 imperial lugs. By the way, this was an AWESOME video!!!! Your knowledge is extremely impressive. Thank you.

[@flapjack413]

You truly couldn't have put this video out at a better time for me! I literally just started looking for an Acrolite this past week. Was looking around checking out prices on the web. I had no idea there were a handful of different variants of the drum. I also always thought the Supraphonic was a steel shell, which is funny, because I've always liked the sound of them, despite my not being a fan of steel shell snares... makes a lot more sense now! Haha. Anyway, this was a great video and set me up to now be a much better informed consumer. Thanks! Oh, I almost forgot to ask... what is that snare on the shelf behind you that appears to be a lugless drum? The one that looks like a natural finish, one shelf up and slightly left of the green snare... Very curious, would love to know more about it!

[@drumdotpizza]

Glad this was informative for you! Thank you for saying so. The drum you mention is an Arbiter snare drum, 6.5x14. A creation of Ivor Arbiter of London's Drum City fame (and also the fellow responsible, apparently, for designing the Beatles' legendary 'drop-T' logo). I bought that drum out of curiosity of its tuning (or rather 'tensioning') mechanism and was/am planning to do a video on it at some point. It's an interesting drum! Thanks again!

[@Assimilator702]

Don’t over look steel snares. I had the same bias against steel snares attributing them to a ringy, unpleasant, thin and cheap snare sound because cheap steel snares were the only steel snares I was exposed to in earlier years when they were bundled with cheap drum kits. BOY WAS I WRONG! I own several steel snares now and they’re among my favorites. Steel is the de facto snare drum sound we hear on many live recordings. Just listen to the intro to all the DCP videos and tell me that’s not one badass snare drum sound!

[@sierragold]

I have four of these ubiquitous steel "cheap" snare drums and I LOVE THEM. They can handle any tuning with ease with no rattling or weird overtones. They are workhorses. Used to be, a couple of years ago, you could pick these up for $40 or $50. I see them now online going towards $80-$100. @@Assimilator702

[@drummer083]

Ludwig DID make steel-shelled Supras for a short time. Rare, but they are out there.

[@drumdotpizza]

@@drummer083 Really!!!?? I would LOVE to play one! Do you have one (or anyone else out there)??? Please let me know if you know where one is.

[@danstephensen9032]

I have 10 snares. 60 years of Gigs. My ACRO is always my first choice. Rogers DynaSonic doesn’t have the punch. My Bassplayers love it too.

[@crowonawirehome]

Great vid. I just got a student kit from about ‘81. Rings like a bell.

[@daniellang3782]

I’m a new drummer in my 60’s. Thank you for the education of these snares. I don’t have one of these, but I’m sure glad that drums/cymbals/snares and bass pedals aren’t addictive like my guitars/amps/pedal collection.

[@jorymil]

😂

[@davepounds8924]

Great video on the acrolite! I own 2 accrolites and love them! This drum can be used for a variety of styles and doesn’t cost a arm and leg I would not call them a cheap student drum

[@blubu68]

Great video interesting topic, I have a 1969 Acrolite and the interesting part about it is, it has the keystone badge, but the hole is in the higher position where the blue olive badge of the 70s would go. It’s almost like they started making ithese drums for the new badge, but finished off the last badges so the hoop covers just the top of the Keystone badge.

[@madt0wn1]

I worked at a drum shop in the early 2000’s. We literally had a no-Acro policy because we couldn’t sell them. Even buying for $20 and selling for $50. I may have picked up a few out in the parking lot for cash…

[@drumdotpizza]

Oh, the glory days!! I should have bought every one I saw back then... I'd be rich now (and probably single too ;)

[@frankspikes7858]

That's very interesting! I bought one in almost mint condition for 60 dollars. It had the ugly half round grey hard shell case. I put a thick sweatshirt in it for insulation. Smooth grey paint on the outside. Blue/grey pointy badge on the outside. Round non muffler. Great work horse of a drum!!!

[@gastonjabaly]

Lucky guy

[@mecdrum7]

Bought mine for 250 dollars last year 😍with original case and snare stand

[@bgnPrinceton]

Great video Joel, lots of good info here. Glad you talked about the Acrolite hoops, because I immediately wondered if they'd stand up to even normal drumming. Thanks and greetings from Princeton, TX!

[@crmasciocchi]

Joel, I love this video. My favorite Acro snare is the newer 6 1/2 Acrophonic Hammered. Is sounds more like the Bonham snare of the 1970 Royal Albert Hall than my 1979 Supraphonic

[@geoffcowan2384]

I think you're right about the early Acros. I've seen a few of them too and if there were ever only 200, it seems unlikely that we would be seeing as many as we do today unless we keep seeing the same 10-20 drums being resold. lol

[@nathanielnicholson559]

When I was in 7th grade I was at a friend's house and went into his basement to grab his skateboard. I see this orange snare case and pop it open. Acrolyte. It had been his mom's from back in high school. Not realizing what it was, other than Ludwig, I asked her if she'd sell it. Nope. A few years ago I found my own orange case with my own 60s Acrolyte for $75. :) Thanks to you I now have a couple more I'd like to find. Great video as always, hope you feel better soon.

[@drumdotpizza]

Yes, the ORANGE CASE!!! I've only ever had one orange UFO case -- LOVE the color! I really wish they had made that case for 6.5" drums, because they are cheap on the market these days and offer tremendous protection. I've got several that I use with my 5" drums.

[@bryandrums32]

Very nice!!!!!! 👍 I really enjoy this!!!!! I own a blackrolite!!!!!! The black galaxy,,,, 1980s

[@DrummerRIP]

Fantastic, thank you Joel! Your acro comparison video inspired me to buy my first Ludwig drum last year - 1967 & love it. Your guidance is awesome. No matter the content created, it’s informative & exciting - even when simply speaking to a camera. Great work & get well soon sir! 🙏🏻

[@eddieavakian]

Nice deep dive Joel. I love this stuff. The acrolite is one of the ones that I’ve never owned but it’s always in the back of mind. My first pro snare was a late 70s black beauty super sensitive (got it new as a kid) and I appreciate it more today than I did back then. Keep em coming brother! ✌️

[@McCormickfarrier]

Man that is so much knowledge and interesting history! Big thanks for sharing!

[@skfootit]

Man, I had an Acrolite in near perfect condition years ago when i first started playing, before I could tune a snare drum decently. I just couldn't ever get it to sound decent and... gave it away! As you can imagine, I've spent many years kicking myself over this.

[@drumdotpizza]

OUCH!

[@timm1139]

Thanks for the info Joel. I’m fortunate to own two. A late 90’s? Black Galaxy & a smooth grey finished ‘71. I like them both!

[@charliesmithdrummer]

Great video, have both a pre serial rolled Acro (Imperial lugs and steel hoops) and a 4 digit serial 1963 with the spun shell. Both different but great drums, the rolled shell is a bit drier and favours a higher tuning (thicker and slightly heavier shell) and of course the crimped beds favour the 16 strand snares which give it a ton of snap. The 63 has a wider tuning range and is probably the more usable of the 2, I've had it on hundreds of shows, gigs and sessions over the last few years. Just a quick clarification though, the first generation spun Acrolites had red felt BB Dampeners in 63-4 as was common with the supra at the time, before they switched to white felt in 1965.

[@drumdotpizza]

I had thought the red felt was only in ‘62 and switched to white in ‘63. For the life of me, I don’t know why they went to that design of muffler anyway as the round knob muffler they had before, and after is a much more useful design. Thx for chiming in!

[@charliesmithdrummer]

@@drumdotpizza White felt was definitely around 1965. Agreed though, the small knob was a far better design overall. I like the charm and look of the BB but they lack in functionality and never stay in place for too long!

[@ER-yq1lc]

Kind of the same thing they did using the same shell for the Club Dates and Super Classics. Since they already had a student/budget line, I never understood why they came out with the Standard line. The Standard snare was also spun ludalloy aluminum but without the center bead.

[@drumdotpizza]

Yep! Leaving out the center bead lowered the cost on the standard snare, even more. I’m guessing the use of the standard lug design was cost saving in someway as well, though I don’t really know how as it’s cast just like the imperials and the bowties.

[@johnrobinson8323]

Thanks for that awesome video! 🥁❤️

[@TomCawoski]

Very good video Joel!!! Thanks so much for sharing what you know. You've got a lot of great content here!!!

[@LDdrums20]

That was extremely informative. Awesome video!

[@jimflys2]

I work in a music store as a repairman. I had a 70s Acro that came in that had vacuum plated Plastic lug casings. The only one I ever saw like that. I think I needed to replace a few of those with the cast lugs. I believe that's why it came in.

[@drumdotpizza]

Really??? PLASTIC?? That's fascinating!! I'd love to know what that was all about. I do know Ludwig used plastic lugs on their 'combo' (also called 'educator') snare drum from '79-'80 which was also a plastic shell (I have one). But there is no bead on that drum, so the lugs don't have cutout for a bead and wouldn't fit on a beaded shell. Still... same hole spacing, though. Maybe they cut a few and used them for some crazy reason???

[@jimflys2]

@drumdotpizza I know. Normally, I would have no reason to remove a lug casing, so I have never seen another one like that. I did see a thread somewhere that they did this for a time or on a run of drums. But they were exactly the same shape as the Acrolyte. Not like the combo model. In 36 years of repairing horns and lots of drums, that was a first.

[@scottapthorpe6172]

That was great and very in depth on the humble acrolite.thanks so much for taking the time to do that..I’m sure a lot of drummers enjoyed that..😊

[@drumdotpizza]

Thank you. I'm hoping so! ;)

[@lauripold5188]

Thank you for the video! Just came from my studio and did a session with my (right now) go-to snare drum, which is 2009 6,5" LM 405 Black Galaxy Acrolite - sounds just as you described - perfect! But it has 10 lugs, no internal muffler, B&W badge and P85 throw-off. I also own a 1964 LM404 (with original case, red felt baseball bat muffler and 5-digit K2 badge) and it does sound more round and warmer than my 1978 B&O badge LM404. And yes, they have same heads and wires. It's really important to have variety and options to choose from. Will try to make some videos of my collection as well. All the best!

[@drumdotpizza]

Nice!

[@jorymil]

Ooh! A 6.5 black galaxy Acrolite sounds awesome!

[@FreeRPGer]

Well researched video. I was hunting a '79 to '83 Acrolite down, & thankfully I found an '81. I wanted that era as it's a bit more focused & dry, but still versatile. At 1st I thought it to be a '79, but with further research I pinned it down to an '81 -- a Blue/Olive rounded badge, & its labeled, Black Faced 2-hole throw ran from '73 to '82. & since my S/N is 2244066, & it ended @ 2300000 in '82, mine must be an '81. I replaced the throw & butt with an INDe, tho. *Love! It!*

[@FreeRPGer]

Want a 6.5" deep Black Galaxy one next, or just a 6.5" newer one.

[@drumdotpizza]

I own the current 6.5" model (classic finish, P88 strainer), and it's a magnificent drum!

[@oz1747]

Got mine in 84 for my 11th birthday...still gigging weekly with it 40 years later!

[@oz1747]

2232 series...so also 81 ish??

[@iddrumco]

Great Video! THANK YOU!!!!👍

[@jasonshort1437]

Great video! Love my Acro, it's hard to not use it on every recording I do.

[@ceyhunazeroglu9882]

The best drum channel there is

[@drumdotpizza]

Thank you so much!

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

So many things jumped out to me in this video. I just got a video birthday wish from Kenny Aronoff. Super cool, thanks to my lovely wife. My first record was John Mellencamp Scarecrow. I also noticed that all of the snare drums pictured had Aquarian heads on them. That's because they are the best, I wouldn't settle for any other head. In my experience of course. 😉

[@drumdotpizza]

Another Aquarianite... nice! They are my fav!

[@tripacer2005]

Yes Acrolite is Aluminum shell so is the later Ludwig 400 Super phonic drum, I think the reason The Acrolite drum was not chromed it might out sale the 400 superphonic

[@jonashellborg8320]

Thank you, now I know why I haven’t bought an Acrolite : in Europe they’re very expensive, and on ebay buying from US sellers you have to navigate how they were made each year/era, since you might like one and not another.

[@JackNiles]

Hmm, I kept wanting to hear the drums you were talking about in the video. I know it would take more editing and recording’s and stuff like that but I think it would be a more comprehensive informational video. But I really enjoyed the history. thanks dude

[@drumdotpizza]

Go check out the 5 Acrolite comparison video I linked to in this one. No 6.5" models represented, but ALL the other standard production models demonstrated in that video.

[@JackNiles]

@@drumdotpizza thanks I already watched it 👍

[@krashdude1]

The acrolite is the very best at making your kit sound like a garage band drum set.

[@drumdotpizza]

An AMAZING garage band drum set ;) C'mon... no love for the Acrolite??

[@krashdude1]

@@drumdotpizza nope....had one in the early 70's....never sounded good to me. Always tubby unless I cranked it up too tight. I got the 6'5" Ludwig Supraphonic and was very happy for years.

[@tripacer2005]

I have the Ludwig blackrolite black Sparkel powder coating new U.S.A. Made great drums

[@1thess523]

I bought a Black Galaxy Acrolite for $60 and i noticed that the hoops have a lot of bend in them when I crank it. The bottom hoop becomes leveled with the shell in some spots. I think it's time for new hoops and a paint job because the previous owner decided to spray paint like a 6in area with red spray paint 😒.

[@jorymil]

Might be worth checking trueness of the hoops against a floor, a granite countertop, etc. Note that the snare side hoop is _supposed_ to flex a little to match the curve of the snare bed. But red spray paint--yuck!

[@drumdotpizza]

I have a 70s Acrolite that a previous owner powdercoated in a rough, black finish. Got it for $100. Sounds AMAZING!!!

[@1thess523]

@@jorymil thanks 👍, yeah the red killed the paint job even from giving it a nice shine job

[@1thess523]

@@drumdotpizza my Acrolite sounds nice cranked for what I play (pop and skate punk) but I did tune it to a medium once and it had a nice body to it, there's something about an Acrolite. I think you had a video of the different years and the early stuff is even better 👍

[@Ferklaus]

i love your videos !!! Get well !!

[@bishopoftroy]

Thanks man, this what youtube is really for, good ol drum geeking for afficionados plus you can`t get all this information from wikipedia.

[@jrfrondelli2023]

It's quite simple, really. "Acrolite" isn't a METAL, it's a MODEL. The METAL is ALUMINUM ALLOY, the EXACT same shell as the LM400 (Supraphonic is actually a seamless SHELL DESIGN). The only differences are the plating and the two extra lugs. On the LM400, the plating dries out the shell a bit, and the two extra lugs add mass and tension points on the hoops for more pinpoint definition. By contrast, the 8-lug, powdercoated Acrolite is a bit more raw, open, and throaty. Less hardware, less mass to weigh the shell down = more resonance. THAT is the simple explanation of why the Acrolite is often the preferred Ludwig snare for many drummers nowadays, even over the venerable LM400.

[@mat4410]

YESSSSSSSS!!!!! I found the Acrolite hardware-lug posts-cracked very easily. You are sooooo spot on. TY

[@steverichdrummr]

Joel, nice video. I love all this stuff, I guess I am a total drum geek. I also listened with interest your 5 acro sound test. ( full disclosure, I would call myself a player, not collector, and I own a couple of Supras, and Acro which is a blacro-lite.) I like how for true comparisons you outfitted them and tuned them the same. But I present to you a video idea, an "as sold" Acro sound test, because I think the plastic end 12 wire sets compared to the latest 20 strand ( with pitch end plates), and the opaque reso heads of the seventies, and the hoop thickness combined to help them sound differently as well. Your thoughts? Also, don't hate on me but my drum students in high school all bought the Acro ' kits', which was in '71, and I thought they we not that great. In the 80's, a couple of studios that I played in tried to push me into using the house Acro, which I declined thinking they sounded a bit thin, but the engineers were telling me oh they record so well. I ended up using my 6 1/2 Super sensitive instead. Then I auditioned for a gig and using the supplied drumset, the house had a blacro tuned up ready to go, which I was very impressed with, hence why I bought mine. I really think besides the coating, the better wires, and hoops contributed the most to a fuller and pleasing sound. Thanks for your great videos!

[@drumdotpizza]

Heads and hoops have a HUGE impact, of course. Not sure how I could find factory complete and original across from each era (I have sold all the drums in the comparison video in the last couple of years), but might be worth finding old heads in good shape (and wires) and doing comparisons on a single drum. I wonder what, if any differences there are between the old heads and modern. Ludwig, of course, no longer makes their own heads (Remo makes them now), and opinion is clearly divided on how good/not Ludwig's own heads were. Hmm.... might be an interesting video to make. I'll keep my eyes peeled for original heads and wires. I'd like to know what differences there are myself!

[@steverichdrummr]

@@drumdotpizza Thank you so much for your response.

[@ceilingphan8575]

Hey im not sure if you mentioned it in the video/if someone said it in the comments but the ludwig standard aluminum should also be the same as the acrolite right? Its made out of acrolite and is the same shell, just without the center bead. Wanted to know your thoughts on this one, thanks!

[@drumdotpizza]

Yep, same drum (different lugs) with no bead. Removing the bead from production removed a step and lowered the cost even more than an acrolite. Very similar sound. Always hard to pinpoint exactly what the bead brings, but definitely a tad more complexity, a little less dry than the Standard. I love them both!

[@krusher74]

That internal shell joint piece is Aluminimum also , you cant swld steal to alu. Its also not spot welded (that is a different process) it just has a few short edge welds, (probably done with a gas welding torch.) The more that had welded the more heat and the more the shell would have warped. Also. on the Supraphonic subject, do you know if there was ever any litigation when Sonor used the Phonic name for a range in the 70's as ludwig had had that name far longer? I always wanted and Acro, but being a Sonor guy have had to wait till sonor finally made their first ALU snare in 2023!!! (hydro forming is using high water pressure to force sheet metal to shape to a mold )

[@drumdotpizza]

No idea on litigation between Ludwig and Sonor... "Phonic" was the name of their whole drum line in the late 70s/early 80s, not just snare drums, but that doesn't mean Ludwig didn't sue. Silly if they did, though, IMO. I used to have a Sonor piccolo snare from the early 80s. Steel shell. Sounded much bigger than it was. I wish I still had that drum!

[@482jpsquared]

I love your channel as much as I love my Acrolite, Joel! (BTW it's SupRAphonic, not SupERphonic, FWIW.)

[@drumdotpizza]

??? Did I say "Superphonic" at some point? Shame on me! Perhaps I need to work on better diction? I am well aware it's SupRAphonic. I always wondered how they came up with that name, actually. I've never heard of anything else being 'supra' instead of 'super.' Not that I can remember anyway. Thanks for being here!

[@edcataldo8312]

Thanks for the awesome content Joel. I looked through your list to see if you may have reviewed Pearl Wood and Fiberglass shells but didn’t see it. Is this something of value or interest?

[@drumdotpizza]

I am extremely interested in the wood/fiberglass Pearl drums (though I have never played one). I actually have a "maple fiberglass" snare one the way (from the 1980s). I realize the earlier 'wood/fiberglass' were (I believe) lauan, not maple, and that the fiberglass used on each were quite different. But yes! I'm quite interested! Do you have one of their wood/fiberglass kits? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

[@markscountlessbarks]

What is your opinion on Ludwig Jazz Festival? Have you done a video on it already? I heard Ringo's was that model with the Oyster Pearl, so I picked up a 1963 5x14 years ago and it is THE LOUDEST wood snare there has ever been. Or I've heard. No wonder it was Ringo's choice. There were none in the 1980 catalog, that's for sure. That image of the 1980 cover sure takes me back!

[@drumdotpizza]

Jazz Festival ended sometime in the 70s, I believe. Was replaced with Rock Concert model (10-lugs) when they introduced the 6-ply shells. I have a Jazz Festival (well... used to be a Pioneer, but I filled the holes, rewrapped it and drilled it for 8 lugs... now it's a Jazz Festival. I dig it! Don't know that it's particularly loud, but it's a great sounding drum. Flexible tuning range too!

[@Claes_Isacson]

Great video! Thx for sharing. Wasn’t the Ludwig aluminum called Ludalloy?

[@drumdotpizza]

Actually, yes! I neglected to include this factoid in the video, but by about 1970 (ish) Ludwig was putting "Ludalloy" stickers inside the snare drums. I don't know that I've ever seen one inside an Acrolite (someone please let me know if they did, I just haven't seen one), but those stickers definitely went into the Supras and Supersensitives. Perhaps it was a name they associated only with Supras and SSs (perhaps in an effort to make a bigger distinction between them?), but the alloy is the same. Also, I have heard from two different sources that Ludwig altered the alloy formulation around 1968 and that all Acrolites and Supras/SSs made after that were different alloy (heavier) than those that came before. I know my '66 Supra is very light (lighter than most Supras I have owned), so maybe there is some truth to that? Thanks for chiming in!

[@jorymil]

As Acrolite prices start to creep up ($200 seems to be the going rate now), are there some alternative aluminum drums that might be better budget options?

[@drumdotpizza]

I am not personally familiar with current aluminum snare drum models being made, but I'm sure there are good ones. I would suspect that any that are promoted specifically as 'aluminum' shell models are likely wanting a little of the Acrolite love and are probably priced accordingly (not any cheaper than a good used Acrolite). I don't know this as fact, just guessing that is probably so. For example, DW makes a 'light aluminum' Collectors snare drum (which a friend of mine bought, and I get to play regularly). It is very much in the Acrolite vein, though it costs much more, but has a similar aesthetic finish as the classic 70s Acrolite.

[@jorymil]

An Acrolite is probably my next snare: still pretty cheap, lightweight, internal muffler, versatile.

[@kaelinboone9218]

Some one traded me a vintage 70's supraphonic for a tama swing star when I was a new drummer and Ive used it almost exclusively.

[@drumdotpizza]

Good trade, though the steel Swingstar snares of the early 80s used the exact same shell as all other Tama steel snare of the time, so there are some sleepers in there, particularly if you're a fan of 8-lug snare drums.

[@pauldavidmoran]

Good stuff here ... now I want an acrolite.

[@drumdotpizza]

Yes you do... or two!!! ;)

[@TheHSIHP]

That's the snare I have. Love it

[@fredfox3851]

My 1967 Acrolite was my very first drum and serves as my live gig backup snare. I can confirm that the finish was a very natural aluminum color or extremely light satin anodized. I prefer it over the later darker anodize. I still carry the futuristic looking (at the time) blow molded case. I often wonder what a complete Acrolite drum set would sound like. : ) PS. In layman's terms, anodizing is a way of dying metal.

[@frankfunke8689]

I have a super sensitive that I bought new in mid to late 60s. Why is the super sensitive less desired today? Do you know what they go for today?

[@drumdotpizza]

I think they are less-desired, b/c of the awkward, large strainer design with extended wires. All extended wire designs eventually died off (though Tama has recently reintroduced some extended wire Mastercraft models that are essentially clones of their early 80s mastercrafts as part of their 50th anniversary celebration. Plus the super sensitive wasn't really marketed as a drum set drum, but more for orchestras, bands (lots of schools bought them). I think that kept them out of the minds of set players who were more familiar with the Supraphonic.

[@eliasarroyo4929]

I have two black galaxy snares with very interesting differences. One of them has a black and white sparkle coating while the other one has a colored sparkle coating. The one that has the rainbow sparkle coating has the "MADE IN USA" stamp in the black and white badge. Did you know any history of those differences?

[@drumdotpizza]

That's news to me! I've never heard of such a drum. That sounds awesome! Do you have pics you can send me? I'd love to see it.

[@eliasarroyo4929]

@@drumdotpizza Sure. What's your email so I can send you some pics of them.

[@ldcsam1]

You didn't mention the Acrophonic. Of all the drums you talked about, the Acrophonic is my favorite.

[@drumdotpizza]

True... I wasn't really unpacking the recent additions... they're doing brass, bronze, hammered, etc. I was doing mostly the older models. I only mentioned my own recent model 405 because it shares some similarity to the NYC BOE acrolites. Plus I don't really know much about them past 2000, so I just kept it in my wheelhouse. ;) Thanks for chiming in!

[@aluminati9918]

Excellent run through. Thanks. Have a near mint 1976 that I bought for my son’s kit. Sounds awesome. The original hoops were warped though, upgraded to modern 2.3mm hoops. Low tuned with the signature dry sound, oh yes.

[@drumdotpizza]

Acrolites do 'low' remarkably well... something, I think, about the overall lighter low end response compared to the supra that uber low tuning with a close microphone just does something super cool. Truly versatile drum!

[@luckyentertainment7013]

How would you compare acrolites with the Ludwig standards?

[@drumdotpizza]

Ah... yet another drum made from Ludwig's 'wonder metal!' The metal Standard snare drums from the late 60s/early 70s are the same shell with one less machining cost -- they lack the center bead. The bead is pressed into the shell after it is initially formed by an additional process, but they left this off of the Standard as a further cost cutting measure. It then used the Standard type lugs but shared the P-83/P-32 and muffler as the Acrolite.The resulting sound (without the bead) is a little different (a tad drier to my ear, a little less complex) but for all intents and purposes it is quite similar to the 8-lug Acrolite (early versions -- pre-powder coat) sonically.

[@ClansmanK]

I traded a 1965 Lincoln Continental for one back in the 70's with the case, pad and a hurcules stand..

[@PrattDirkLerxst-qv1ix]

I've got a 5" Limited Edition Acro with brushed lugs and hoops (i.e. not shiny) that I picked up new several years ago. It is one of my favorite snare drums. Nothing else sounds like it.

[@petarpavasovic6333]

Do you know the records which have this snare on it?

[@drumdotpizza]

Too many to count, I'm sure! But if you're referring to my learning of Kenny Aronoff using an acrolite (which was my conversion to thinking it might be a worthwhile drum after all) I believe the album in question was Mellencamp's "Uh-Huh."

[@petarpavasovic6333]

@@drumdotpizza Don't get me wrong, it's not a catch 22 question - I would really like to hear it on records so I know how it sounds with music! Do you know any other records besides Kenny's?

[@mwdollar]

I heard Keny say that the scarecrow song is an acro. I think he said some others on that CD were too

[@carlupthegrove4201]

I'm not totally sure but I thought at one point there were some red shell Acros?

[@drumdotpizza]

I don't think Ludwig ever cataloged colored variations (other than the Black Galaxy finish from the 90s). If they did, though, I'd love to see it!

[@Thesmokymountainman]

I have a 69 and a 79. My fave is the 69 looks and sound. Sold an 80s and a black galaxy. They both seemed dull. Acrolites just have that special something. Now when I got a 78 Supra it was on a different level but the Acrolites definitely have their place in everyone’s arsenal.

[@garrettsmith2376]

Question. What is ludaloy then ? Is that acrolite with a different name ?

[@drumdotpizza]

WOW!!! After all these years I have never really thought about that. The simple answer is , YES! Ludwig called the alloy 'Acrolite' when they introduced these drums, but by the early 70s they were indeed using the name 'Ludalloy.' I have known both of these facts for years and years, but never actually considered the name change until your question (that's kind of pathetic now I'm thinking about it!). Thank you for the question!!

[@drumdotpizza]

Actually, another consideration is that I have heard from two reputable sources that Ludwig altered the composition of the alloy (Acrolite/Ludalloy) in 1968. I only heard this in the last couple of years, and it's hard to get any hard data, but if it is true then Ludwig might have made the name change then.... I'm gonna do some research. Now you can just rock me to sleep tonight!! ;)

[@williamweiss6128]

Usually find them at Goodwill or other.

[@Johnnodonoughue]

But what is the point of 12 holes on a snare strainer 😂 if you could research that so I don't have too that would be magic 👌🏻👌🏻 great vid 👍🏻

[@drumdotpizza]

No idea why so many, though I have seen pics (drawings used in early catalogs) that appear to have individual strands of snare wire/gut snaking through those holes, so it may just be a holdover of an earlier design even though by the 60s they were just using one piece of cord per side with modern-ish snare wire assembly.

[@wadedixon9890]

I enjoyed this video and learned something.

[@scottlowell493]

I would have loved a 14x6.5 acrolite. Versatile, warm and so close to a supra it's not funny. They mic up great and sound pro. I had the shallower model and put a trick throwoff on it with puresound wires.

[@34jazzman]

I sold drums for 20 years in a shop, we would have easily 50 to 100 acrolites for sale and rentals

[@Nivej8180]

Is it a fact that both drums use the same shell? They obviously sound different. Also, my Supra is definitely a tad bigger in diameter than my Acrolite ( black galaxy ). I can send a picture if you want to see it. Lol Also, Ludwig lists the shell thickness of both drums with slight differences in Shell thickness. 1.6 vs 1.7… Of course, it could be the same shell.

[@drumdotpizza]

Interesting! Yes, throughout production Ludwig sourced the same shell for all three models (Acrolite, Supraphonic, SuperSensitive). Suppliers of these shells have changed over the years, I understand, but at any given point in time, whatever the source of the shells, my understanding is the design was shared among all three models. The chrome plated versions will be slightly thicker, of course (and heavier) giving them (along with the 10lug arrangement) a more solid sound, but still light compared to steel drums.

[@Lauen]

It's crazy to hear about people getting Acros for 50 bucks, or even 30 bucks. Over here in Europe, or at least in Norway, they don't come cheap. I've never seen an Acrolite with my own eyes, only on online marketplaces and that's only once or twice, with an asking price of 600+ USD.

[@clayfoster8234]

They’ve become really popular here in the states. Typical price is 200$ usd

[@drumdotpizza]

Wow... really? Well, it was made here in the States, so there are tons available used. Sort of like Sonor drums in Germany (I'm told). Other than the shipping you should be able to get one much cheaper online, I'd think. Definitely worth it if you can!

[@Lauen]

@@drumdotpizza Oh yeah I'm absolutely looking to get an Acro either online or maybe I'll visit the states some time and bring one home. Sonors, Premiers, and various MIJ kits and snares can be found for decent money from time to time. I have a barn find 1978 TAMA Superstar snare I traded a no name steel snare for, best deal of my life.

[@coldsteel998]

Had one for a while. Tried every head and tuning combo and just did not like it. I have a $200 Ludwig Black Magic 14x8 and it sounds incredible.

[@Meme-zc4cw]

The biggest mistake i ever made was trading my '66 Acro for a cheap Pearl piccalo snare. The second biggest mistake was selling my wood Gene Krupa snare for dirt cheap. I dont even remember how much, but I know I was taken for a ride. I was a teenager at the time and didnt know what i had.

[@robburgess4556]

I like that shirt, it brings me back to simpler times 😊

[@matthewpaluch777]

🤔 Ludwig's metal tambourines were made of "ACROLITE Metal" as well!

[@drumdotpizza]

OH!!! That's so cool! I need one now, dang it!! ;)

[@UltimateArvin]

This video increases the prices of acros.😁

[@drumdotpizza]

I must admit I am rather shocked at the prices across are getting these days... for YEARS they could be had for $75. I should have bought every one I could then and be selling them now for nearly 400% of that!

[@xJC2K]

Ur a stud dude

[@sunflowerguy5314]

But they failed when they made the 6.5 version with 10 lugs. Why? Why? Now its just a supraphonic. Every company makes 6.5 aluminium drums with 10 lugs but nobody makes one with 8. The 8 lugs are what makes the acrolite great

[@jimflys2]

I used to think it was pronounced Grateesh. That was 1977. I was 12 or 13.

[@drumdotpizza]

I'd hate to admit how long I tried to figure out how it was pronounced. When I finally learned I must admit I was disappointed. It looks so complicated.(at least to an 11 year old!).

[@willymccabe6602]

Count me in the minority. I've never cared for the Acrolite. I've owned two of them and they just always sounded weak and thin to my ears. When I was in high school back in the 80's, student band rooms were full of them. They were considered a beginner's drum and nobody even wanted one. Later on I wanted to hear what all the fuss was about. Still don't get it I guess. Great video nonetheless!

[@drumdotpizza]

Fantastic! Always glad to see people willing to go against the grain on occasion (let's folks know you're thinking!). I, for one, have never cared for The Rolling Stones... ever. Sacrilege to so many, it seems, for me to think that, but I just never got it. Never had a problem saying so either, though I knew I'd get plenty of push back for saying it out loud (often by others who may actually agree, but didn't want to say so themselves). So what snare drum turns your fancy? I'm curious. Is the Supraphonic also too light for your taste (same shell as Acrolite)? I, myself, love the beefiness of Tama's steel Mastercraft model snare of the early 80s (6.5" version rules!). I used to joke (still do, sometimes) that the steel Mastercraft is what the Supra wants to be when it grows up. (again... something I get push back for).

[@mwdollar]

@@drumdotpizza I will do you one better...I never cared for the Beatles. I like their songs but never bought a CD until I got one for my daughter recently. The drumming bored me and the songs seemed to as well. I grew up playing Rush, YES, King Crimson, and jazz fusion like Scofield and the Yellow Jackets.

[@Freakeasy_chicago]

it "seems" from my experience the less lugs on a Ludwig snare, the fatter it sounds. I recorded w a 1950s Ludwig dark wood snare w six lugs once... best ever. Never liked the supraphonic ten lug. (disclaimer: depends on what sound ur looking for tho...)

[@reddieseled]

I’ve had 4 different acrolites, black galaxy and various 70/80s ones. Never understood the hype, very boxy sound with not much sensitivity.

[@drumdotpizza]

Not much sensitivity? All four of them??! That's an unfortunate experience.

[@IWGChannel]

I found a Black Galaxy a few years ago, in storage at my mother in laws. It is my main snare now, blows away anything else I've heard.

[@drumdotpizza]

If I could own only one Acrolite it would be the black galaxy version from the 90s. Not as 'lightweight' sounding as most others, making it a tad more versatile.