Product ReviewsLudwig LM400 Supraphonic 5x14 Snare Drum

The "Standard" against which all others are compared.

This is a "classic" snare drum. It is the standard by which I (and others) compare snare drums. Kind of like Sure SM57 microphones, Bach Stradivarius trumpets, and Les Paul guitars. The drum sounds good, is sensitive and easy to tune. However, I did change out to a P-86 snare strainer and Puresound snare wires. The stock heads will work fine until I decide to change them out for Evans. I purchased this drum primarily for a jazz combo - big band drum set. I like my cymbals dark, my snare drums bright and my coffee black. But there is a list of "Hall of Fame" rock drummers who have also recorded with this drum. It is a versatile drum, has been the choice of great drummers for decades and is reasonably priced. You can't go wrong with this snare drum.Read full review...

A reason why most recorded snare in history.

There is a reason this is said to be the most recorded snare in history......it is simply awesome. It has a good 'crack' or 'snap' but still has some weight and body to the sound. I think it sounds best with a higher tuning. I have no idea why this was considered B-stock, as I can find no cosmetic flaws. And speaking of cosmetics, it is simple beautiful. The new throw off is great, even has detents to allow tension to be set precisely. It shipped with a much better than average batter head tuned perfectly. But I changed for an Evans HD dry. Huge upgrade over my Tama mid level 14x6.5 maple. And as the snare is the heart of a drum set, this was the best upgrade I've made. (and I've spent a small fortune on high end cymbals) Killer bargain w/ B-stock price. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: proaudiostar

Must Have Classic for a Drummer?

When I was learning drums, I played a Rogers Dynasonic at School and a Mahogany Slingerland at home. Then I got a Gene Krupa COB snare, and for whatever reason never really got into Ludwig drums and have been a Gretsch guy ever since.

Multiple drum books and magazine articles tout the greatness of the Ludwig Supraphonic, especially the brass ones, and when I saw this brass re-issue Supraphonic (the 400B) I decided to see what all the fuss was about.

There is no question this is a great sounding and great responding drum, and its versatility through a variety of tuning ranges no doubt is a key to why it is found on so many recordings. And although a ton of drummers make the aluminum version for this drum their "go to" snare for many things, this brass one definitely has a ring to it that makes it perhaps less universal than the standard model, but still enjoyable to play.

Certainly having one in your arsenal is a good thing, but it won't replace my Gretsch snare on my practice kit or my Yamaha share on my rehearsal kit... that being said, it sounds like no other drum I own so I'm happy I bought it. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: juscro-29

Still a great drum after 56 years.

Seems identical to the one I bought in 1966. The B-Stock blemish turned out to be a penny-size spot under the flange that was missing chrome plating. No problem. Very good sounding drum that deserves the great reputation it has. Brighter and higher-pitched than a maple shell.
I put a Remo diplomat Renaissance head on the batter side and got exactly what I wanted. The light weight is much appreciated.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: proaudiostar

Ludwig Supra phonic LM400

I’ve had a Ludwig Supra phonic 400 since 1967. These snare are sensitive, have great tone/projection and are very versatile.

Note, mine has never developed pitting on the chrome. Aluminum can be durability chrome plated if an intermediary layer such as copper is laid over the aluminum. My bet is various plating firms used by Ludwig over the years did or did not plate properly. I have a fairly recent super sensitive ( circa 2004 ) and it’s chrome is also perfect, no pitting or flaking.

My advise is if it’s old and the chrome is great, don’t worry. Ludwig’s current US products are very well made and I bet they are plating properly now. Highly recommended.Read full review...

Verified purchase: No

70's 400

what a great snare! actually prefer it to my black beauty..

fantastic tight powerful sound.. great for recording

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: drumpartz

Great-sounding Snare

Sounds great. Looks great. Tunes well. Sensitive. You won't get a more versatile, great-sounding drum.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: neufe.steve

Thanks for the great drum!

Drum showed up as expected. Great drum!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: deals4u4547

Must have snare!

Every drummer needs one. Period!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: hawthornedrumshop

DRUMS

It was what i expected being that old but it is cooooln it suonds great.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: plrbcoach