The Ludwig Acrolite

I went here to identify my Acrolite.
This is only 1961-1979.

I thought mine was about 1978 or so, blue and olive badge that is pointy.
It sounds so nice.
***edit, Yes I am mostly positive mine is 1978. Brother said he thinks it was a bit used when he got it in 78, but was long time ago. My rims I finally measured were 1/16th of an inch thick, or 1.6mm as are the pre 1979 ones according to post #1.***

Here is my path of discovery:
It came with the plastic case, but that does not mean anything as it was originally a rental.
My brother first got it in Fall of 78 . He thinks it had been used before/rented before.
My SN is 1682130 which puts it 1969. I think B/O badges appeared late '69.
Or, is the 1 (first number in SN) not counted in Ludwig's method.
The pointy badge, the 2-hole strainer point to 1978, but SN is way off for 78.
682xxx should be a Keystone badge or into 1980, which is after we got it.
1978450XXX – 548XXX

1969670XXX – 741215

or, the least helpful year:
1970(Out of sequence, unnumbered)

If it had ben rented before then possible they did repairs with a new throw, even new rims. Current throw has 2 holes. I have not measured the rim thickness (I think early 70's shoul dhave the 1.9mm rims as mentioned above. Though, the shell is always in like-new condition, so I do not suspect it had been abused and returned to the store… This still could be a Frankenstein drum with replaced throw, different rims…
I'd like to think it is original parts.

This other site https://reverb.com/news/how-to-date-a-ludwig
shows the SN changing from a 6-digit to a 7-digit (by adding a 1) in 1976. The SN for that year is
1976917XXX - 1290XXX
The 1976 numbers agree with the first link I gave too.

and in 1978, when brother says he got the drum:
1978XXXXXXX
The 7-digit X's could fit mine, so vauge, so useless are the X's.
The next year's info is not of much help either
1979XXXXXXX - 2013537

These two sites don't seem to agree on anything, so I am still confused.

My only conclusion if the SN is correct, and not the 1970 out-of-sequence one is that my 1 682 130 fits 1978 of X XXX XXX provided.
Strange part is if a student rents it then they start in the fall, someone would have had to rent it after the school year started, possible, but strange.
 
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One thing I won’t try to pin down and that is when Ludwig switched to the Black & White Badge on the Acrolites. I have read that this happened in 1984 but can’t confirm this since I haven’t worked on enough Drums from that time frame. With that said, the 1988 Catalog image still showed the Blue & Olive with 1994 the first time that the Black & White Badge shows up in their
So I skimmed this entire thread and didn't see this covered, i apologize if it was. I currently have a grey powder coated Acrolite with a Blue Olive badge and a Sept 1989 date stamp on this inside. I cant recall ever seeing a grey Acro with a black and white badge, I think they went to that badge in 93 with the Blackrolite
 
Hello.
I came across this thread while trying to research a used Ludwig snare I'm considering buying.
Upon reading many of your posts, I feel like I am living in the presence of Ludwig drum masters!

The drum is listed as an Acrolite, but I can't find any information on the serial number (which is 2153244). From what I've read, the rounded Blue/Olive badge should have a higher number associated with it.
Is this a real Acrolite? Were there imitators? Is a price of $185 resonable?
I've included pictures of the case because I thought it might give a clue as to which era it comes from.
I would be very appreciative of any information! Thank you so much!

P.S. if I have hijacked this thread in any way, please forgive. I'm not very familiar with forum etiquette!
 

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It's after 76, when the B/O rounded badges started. There could have been overlap into 1977 so they could use up the remainder of the pointy badges. I'd put yours at 77 or 78 but I am no expert.
 
I've read and re-read this very informative thread and I have a few questions. My Acrolite snare (see photos below) was sold to me as a late 1970s Acrolite, and it seems to be an 80s model. Live and learn, I guess. I didn't pay a lot for it, and it is sturdy and is in fairly good working order. My instructor suggested I find a used Acrolite snare, and before cleaning it up, I think I've got a nice used snare drum as it sounds a LOT better than the snare what came with my drum kit.
Can any one give me a general date on the serial number on this badge on my Acrolite snare? Late 1980s? early 1990s (before the black and white Rocker badges?) The P-85 black face strainer still has the rubber. The hoops are steel (I did a magnet test). Bow tie lugs and snare body are aluminum. No date or identifying marks can be seen on the inside of the drum.

Fender Jazz special bass and Ludwig Acrolite 2-12-2021 055 (3).JPGthread and I

Fender Jazz special bass and Ludwig Acrolite 2-12-2021 050 (3).JPG

Fender Jazz special bass and Ludwig Acrolite 2-12-2021 063 (2).JPGFender Jazz special bass and Ludwig Acrolite 2-12-2021 054 (2).JPG
 
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I just received my Acro today. Really liking it and nice upgrade from my Catalina maple snare. From the information in this thread I believe mine is dated around 1980. I bought it from GC and was not expecting it to arrive in pristine condition. It was advertised as Great Condition but I was still expecting it to show more miles than it did. Is it likely that many Acros in this condition were refurbished? It's not a big deal as it plays and sounds great. Whether it's all original or not I love that it has the P85 with the 12 holes. By the way, is it normal that badges can be slanted?

acro1.jpg acro2.jpg
 
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I just received my Acro today. Really liking it and nice upgrade from my Catalina maple snare. From the information in this thread I believe mine is dated around 1980. I bought it from GC and was not expecting it to arrive in pristine condition. It was advertised as Great Condition but I was still expecting it to show more miles than it did. Is it likely that many Acros in this condition were refurbished? It's not a big deal as it plays and sounds great. Whether it's all original or not I love that it has the P85 with the 12 holes. By the way, is it normal that badges can be slanted?

View attachment 101096 View attachment 101097
Did your Acrolite come from the Natick, MA GC location? I was also wondering if mine was refurbished and not all original. It sounds fine and I like it, but not quite as advertised
 
To acro or not to acro, that is my question.
Used Acrolite : $225 USD
OR
Used Starclassic Brass : $350 USD

Which would you pick and why? I want to add a metal snare (birch and maple in the stable atm) but can't decide on which. I'm leaning toward the acro as it has been lauded as the ultimate do it all snare but the brass is intriguing.
 
To acro or not to acro, that is my question.
Used Acrolite : $225 USD
OR
Used Starclassic Brass : $350 USD

Which would you pick and why? I want to add a metal snare (birch and maple in the stable atm) but can't decide on which. I'm leaning toward the acro as it has been lauded as the ultimate do it all snare but the brass is intriguing.

Both! Seriously they are different enough where you will eventually get both. Go with the one that gets your juices flowing the most. Then later get the other so you’ll have a nice collection of 2 wood and 2 metal snares!

I just went through this and was deciding between Acro and Gretsch COB. I’m really loving the Acro it just has some serious vintage mojo and sounds great.
 
Which would you pick and why?
Acro because, for the drummer, it makes for an easier transition from wood than brass. Brass overtones can be a turn-off compared to wood snares, and a beer can drum is drier than a brass one. If you wanna stick with Tama, check out their SLP Dry Aluminum.

EFB5D18E-E363-4FAC-84F3-6196B25EB3D1.jpeg
 
I have a black one if anybody wants it.
I just recently agreed to pick one up locally; will be picking it up Saturday. I might've taken you up on this if I'd seen it sooner.
 
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