Please help me identify this Ludwig snare!

[criz p. critter]

Hey everyone, my recent purchase of a Vistalite kit included this snare. I know it wasn't the original snare, and I'm curious to know more about it, since it seems like kind of an oddball. 8"x14", 12 lugs, chrome over wood... I'm guessing maple. You can see the rivets holding the chrome to the wood in one of the pics. Serial number is 3055229, which I'm guessing dates it to the 80s. Is this a Coliseum snare? (Btw, whats the definition of a Coliseum? I mean is it the 8" depth, or something else?)

Anyone know more about these snares? Are they particularly unique/rare/valuable? I'm in the process of cleaning it up, and it's looking pretty nice, but I haven't got the heads on yet, haven't tuned it to hear what it sounds like. So I don't know yet if I like the sound and will keep it, or put it up for sale.

And oh yeah, is it possible to find replacement snare wires for this puppie?

Here are some pics:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/crizpcritter/IMG_0131.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/crizpcritter/IMG_0141.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/crizpcritter/IMG_0138.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/crizpcritter/IMG_0133.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/crizpcritter/IMG_0134.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/crizpcritter/IMG_0150.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/crizpcritter/IMG_0152.jpg

A search on the web brought up this:
http://www.vintagesnaredrums.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-218.html
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-RARE-LUDWIG-COLISEUM-CHROME-6-PLY-MAPLE-WOOD_W0QQitemZ320132528448QQihZ011QQcategoryZ64434 QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks in advance for any info!
Chris

[criz p. critter]

Oh, by the way, the drum in the ebay link has diecast rims, and a lower serial number than mine. Mine has triple-flange rims. Which would have been the original rim configuration?
Thanks again...
Chris

[Michael G]

A Rocker?

I really do not know, but when LVDC sees this he will answer you and more.

[ludwigvondrumcrazy]

Hey Chris, looks like a Coliseum, a nice Snare, that probably dates from the mid to late 80's.

Here is some Catalog information for you. Please note that they were available with different Strainers, yours has the P87, as well as a Die Cast Rim option.

The first image is from '84 with the last two dating to 1988................

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL770/2917504/17005330/263137132.jpg

1988

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL770/2917504/17005330/263137236.jpg

1988

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL770/2917504/17005330/263137275.jpg


Ludwig still offers the Snare Wires and they even carry the same, L-1110, part designation number shown above in the '88 info...........

Hope this helps...................
LVDC

[That Guy]

Good find ludwigvondrumcrazy! I love deep snares.

[ludwigvondrumcrazy]

I love deep snares.

Me Too! There is a local guy that has one of the slotted Coliseum's and is the envy of everyone who has ever seen, and most importantly, heard it!!

LVDC

[That Guy]

I have never heard one. I bet they have a fat sound.

[criz p. critter]

LVDC: Thanks a million for the info! One more question... I'm just curious, what is is exactly that designates a "Coliseum"? Looking at the catalog pages you posted (very cool seeing that stuff!) looks like it's the 12-lug configuration, and not just the depth or even the throwoff?

That Guy: I haven't heard it yet either. I'm just about to finishing polishing the rims, put on the new heads, and TUNE IT UP. I'll let you know just how FAT it is!
Chris

[That Guy]

Right on man.. have fun with it.

[ludwigvondrumcrazy]

LVDC: Thanks a million for the info! One more question... I'm just curious, what is it exactly that designates a "Coliseum"? Looking at the catalog pages you posted (very cool seeing that stuff!) looks like it's the 12-lug configuration, and not just the depth or even the throwoff?

You're more than welcome Chris!

What "makes it" a Coliseum is a combination of the 12 Lugs & "extra" Depth, which separates it from a Rock/Concert Model, also shown in the '84 info. The throw-off was an optional thing on both Models, giving the buyer a choice between the P-87 & P-85 on either the Coliseum or Rock/Concert Snares..........

LVDC

[criz p. critter]

Thanks again, LVDC.
Looks like I'm gonna be holding on to this baby. I'll post pics when the cleanup is done.
Chris

[CASP3Rdrummer]

Wow it looks amazing ... plus its a wood shell :D ...i bet it sounds really heavy !!! very nice snare you got there

[golfchance]

Me Too! There is a local guy that has one of the slotted Coliseum's and is the envy of everyone who has ever seen, and most importantly, heard it!!

LVDC
I have one of these, and although the slotted Coliseum sounds great, it is a little weird to play because there is no air compression when you strike the drum, due to the open design.

Unfortunately, I've just discovered a major design flaw - mine just self-destructed! Because the shell is not solid, all of the tension is put on the lug casings (rather than on the shell) and over time it will eventually crush itself to death, breaking some or all of the lug casings. It's too expensive to replace them all :(

[Skitch]

Me Too! There is a local guy that has one of the slotted Coliseum's and is the envy of everyone who has ever seen, and most importantly, heard it!!

LVDC

You must have quite a catalog collection! I remember all of these pictures from back in the day. I had a Concert/Rock model (6-1/2" deep) Butcher Block finish with the P-87 strainer. I mowed lawns all summer to be able to afford it and "Every Breath You take" was every other song on the radio!


Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
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