1929 Ludwig & Ludwig Wood-Shell Standard Snare

It is always interesting discovering a snare in a flea market, a pawn shop or a yard sale, and even more interesting when you buy a drum in 1984, and don't get around to putting it together until 2018.

Well that's just what I did..

I purchased a full kit from the original owner in 1984 at a yard sale and it included the bass drum with the 'lake' painted hoop, low boy sock cymbal with Ludwig Cymbals and two additional hanging cymbals. Full case, plus bass drum pedal made this a fun purchase.

This is a beautiful snare that I added a Remo Ambassadoor FiberSkyn batter head and a clear Ludwig Clear X1114 X-Thin snare head. A new set of replacement Ludwig snare and ties and ready to go!

In doing research and reviewing some old catalog images found at http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/ludwig_snare_drum_catalog_pages.html, this appears to be a solid Maple shell with Maple reinforcing rings.

With just a little cleanup and the modern heads, this is an amazing sounding instrument. Large and throaty with a deep rich sound. Tuned high, it of course can not meet the needs of a Stewart Copeland or a Steve Jordan track, but handles itself quite nicely.

While the lugs are a bit rusted they have no signs of additional deterioration and all are original to the drums as are the nickel rims.

It is really shocking how well this drum plays and sounds.

The snare throw (after a little cleanup and a drop of oil) works perfect and while I can continue the cleanup of the rust and pits, for now I will leave as a beautiful representation of a snare from a bygone era, that has stood the test of time.

Quite a gem....