Old Ludwig Super Sensitive

[grooveweapon]

I love stumbling across some old drum equipment and last week I came across and old Ludwig '76 Supersensitive snare drum 14'' x 6.5"

My question has to do with removing the broken "Supersensitive" style throwoff and replacing it with the standard ludwig P85 throwoff. Essentially, I am trying to convert it into the Supraphonic snare drum (It is the same shell).

There are a few reasons for me doing this. 1) The mechanism on it now is broken anyways so it does me no good 2) The P85 mechanism seems to be a lot more affordable than a brand new Supersensitive mechanism 3) The P85 seems a lot more simple to make adjustments on and it much more practical for taking on the road 4) You can use any standard 14" snare on the Supraphonic, whereas the Supersensitive requires special length snares that also happen to cost more money and are more difficult to find.

The issue I have is in the hole pattern used for the two different throwoffs might be different. I am also open to using throwoffs besides the P85 if it will work well, I just named the P85 because it is Ludwig. Does anyone who knows about these snare drums have any advice on how to make the conversion? Thanks!

[grooveweapon]

Here are a couple of pictures so you can see the hole patterns. (view through snare side)
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b115/Madefromconcentrate/IMG_0457.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b115/Madefromconcentrate/IMG_0456.jpg

[criz p. critter]

The P85 hole pattern is vertical, two holes one on either side of the bump that runs around the center of the drum. So if you use that throwoff, you're going to have to drill two new holes, plus the three original holes will then be open. For the opposite side you might be luckier. Maybe one of the standard Ludwig butt plates (P32 or P33) will fit those holes.

I'd suggest getting an adapter plate for the throwoff. A piece of metal that would bolt to the original holes, and then your new throwoff bolts to the plate. That way you could use any throwoff you want. Check out this link to see what I'm talking about.
http://www.1stdrumlessonsonline.com/html/products.html#mtop

I don't know if Mike makes them for a Super Sensitive, though. You might have to have it done custom. That is a better alternative to me that drilling holes, thought it'll cost you more. Good luck!

[grooveweapon]

Thanks a lot Criz, your answer will help me out a lot. I'll check out that link.

[rmandelbaum]

It may not be that simple as changing the throw of but again it may.

The issue is the snare bed. I have a 65 super sensitive and there is a snare bed so it would work. Look at your shell and see if it is the same. it does not look like it from your pictures. If there is no snare bed and you will never get the snares (snare wires) to sit correctly on the reso head. It will buzz and choke.


I would strongly recommend against drilling anything. At some point you may decides to re-chrome and restore it and it will have extra holes.


I would just be patient, keep an eye out on ebay and slowly restore it if it were me.