1962 Ludwig Acrolite 14x5" 1st Generation/Prototype Model

Often dubbed as the Acrolite Prototype, this is the first generation Acrolite featuring a welded textured (orange peel) shell with crimped snare beds, aluminium hoops and lugs, original P83 strainer, butt end and internal red felt baseball bat dampener.

Some will say only 200 of this 1st generation were made, but of course, no-one can prove this but they are indeed not often seen. It's believed that they were sent out to dealers for approval / sale. It was soon realised that the aluminium hoops and lugs were not substantial enough, and thus ended the 1st generation production - by 1963 the Acrolite was introduced with a new seamless shell with brass and steel hardware. The aluminium hoops often don’t make it to this day, so it’s a real nice collectors touch having these hoops present today. Although if you’re planning on hitting the drum, it will be worth swapping these out.

Because of the aluminium hoops and lugs, it is an incredibly light drum which I believe was introduced for school children so they could easily carry it around for their music lessons. Of course now they are a bit beat up, and do have a bit of a dent on the snare side as photographed.

Above each lug on the top of the shell is a little permanent marker line indicating where to drill, I presume. I’ve seen this before on these 1st Generation models. The marker is of course covered under the heads, but is a nice bit of history.

Unlike my usual offerings, this snare has not been cleaned up, but is all original with no modifications. There is signs of use, dirt, grime and lube around the lugs and tension rods, and expected aging across the shell and hardware. See all photos for condition.

The snare comes fitted with 60s heads and wires. They might not be the originals, but are Ludwig branded and from the 60s.

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