Ludwig Supreme Snare 5.5x14 No. 491 1965 - Mahogany
This Supreme model is pretty rare. Most Ludwig snares were either 5", 6" or 6.6". They made this for only a couple of years. The serial number dates it to 1965. I could only find it in one Ludwig catalog.
Wood ply shell with a stained mahogany outside ply. A lacquer finish instead of a plastic wrap to give the shell more resonance. It still has both original heads and snare wires. They even have a patent number on the snares; see the picture.
It has the classic white Ludwig inside paint. You can tell the inside ply is also mahogany. You can see the maple re-ring and the original bearing edge, which is in perfect condition. The date stamp is for Friday, June 25, 1965 It has the classic Ludwig "baseball bat" muffler, which is also in perfect condition. The classic Ludwig keystone badge has serial number 160177. The lugs are Ludwig bowties. Six lugs for a responsive, springy feel.
Sound:
When I think "snare," there's always one specific sound I hear in my head. I've never heard this from a real drum, until I heard this snare. It gives me chills! As a result, I'm pricing this on the high side because I don't want to let it go. This could easily become my "forever snare."
Condition
We completely took her apart and cleaned every piece. Then we buffed the shell and all the metal hardware.. The shell had a couple of small dents on the lacquer, which we repaired with period lacquer. Look at the pictures. There's also a picture of one small bit of pitting on the edge of the batter hoop.