1959 Super Ludwig Transbadge Snare Drum
I was pursuing eBay, as I usually do at least once a week, and I came across this diamond in the rough.
The seller had it listed for a starting bid of $850. I immediately messaged him and made a very good
offer to “buy it now”. The seller told me he would like to leave the auction intact, in fairness to the eBay
customers who had already bid on it. I was disappointed but agreed that it was only fair.
I waited patiently until the auction was about to end and submitted a significantly high bid. I wasn’t letting
this drum slip through my fingers. Good thing I did, as the bids went up to double the original asking
price. Now remember I am Canadian so when you total up my bid, the exchange, shipping and duty the
drum cost me CAD $2860.41.
No regrets though. When eBay offers up a real peach, I’m willing to spend a bit more. This drum doesn’t
have any scratches or dents and, once cleaned up, it looks brand new. It’s a real time piece at 63 years
old.
This drum is now part of my chrome over brass Super Ludwig late 50’s/early 60’s collection of 4 snare
drums. The collection consists of a 1959 standard, 1961 standard, 1961 6.5 x 14 standard and a 1962
Super Sensitive.
*“The drum is made from strips of rolled heavy brass that was welded together with a vertical seam. The
shell flanged downward from the bearing edge, then folded back towards the shell. The snare bed was
formed by crimping, leaving a deep indentation easily visible from a distance. The muffler knob is ¾”
wide.”
*The above description can be found in “The Ludwig Book” by Rob Cook.
Specifications
5 x 14 chrome over brass shell
Second-generation P-83 strainer
10 earlier version Imperial lugs
Transbadge (transitional badge) used in 1958 & 1959, between the WFL and Ludwig badges
Total drum weight is 9 lbs
Danny Bilan
Our Man in Canada