Without getting too deep into the metal plating process, for the purpose of this article one need only understand that anti-galvanic methods are employed to prevent a corrosive reaction between dissimilar metals. A number of chrome-plated brass shells are also documented during the 1970s. Through the rest of the 1960s until at least 1984, Ludwig’s chrome-plated Ludaloy shells were used for several models, including the Supra-Phonic, Super Sensitive, Piccolo, and Standard (Ludwig’s second tier offering from 1968-1973) model 101 snares. By 1963, the Super Ludwig had morphed into the chrome-plated “all metal” Supra-Phonic 400 with a shell made from an aluminum alloy, later branded as Ludaloy. In the late 1950s, Ludwig introduced to its lineup a chrome-plated brass shelled snare drum - the Super Ludwig.
These interior stamps/stickers are another useful tool to authenticate and date vintage Ludwig drums. By gathering information from chrome-plated drums and exchanging emails with the president of the company which provided plating for Ludwig, a timeline of the different stamps/stickers is developed. Ludwig utilized two different types of stamps and three different stickers to indicate that the anti-galvanic finishing process was used on its chrome-plated shells. Understanding Ludwig’s Use of “Anti-Galvanic” Stamps and Stickers on Chrome Drums 1968 - 1984īy Richard E.
