Ludwig 5x14 Black Galaxy (Blackrolite) 1990’s - Black Sparkle

This drum is MINT

The Ludwig 5x14 Acrolite Black Galaxy (model LM404, often nicknamed the Blackrolite or Blacrolite) is a 1990s–early 2000s version of Ludwig’s long-running aluminum student snare.

What it is

•  Size: 5” × 14”

•  Shell: Seamless 1.6 mm beaded aluminum — the same basic shell as classic Acrolites and close to a Supraphonic

•  Finish: Black Galaxy powder coat with fine sparkles (they often look silver from a distance but can show tiny multi-colored flecks up close)

•  Lugs: 8 Classic/bow-tie lugs

•  Hardware: Chrome, P85 strainer, internal felt muffler with external knob, 2.3 mm triple-flanged steel hoops

•  Badge: The black-and-white badge

Ludwig introduced the Black Galaxy finish around 1993–1994, mainly to give student drums a more durable coating than the earlier gray powder coat or brushed aluminum. Production of this finish ran through the 1990s and into the 2000s (commonly cited as roughly 1994–2012). Shells were still USA-made.

Sound

It keeps the classic Acrolite personality: dry, focused crack, good sensitivity, and a wide usable tuning range. Many players find the powder coat makes it a bit drier and more controlled than a bare-aluminum 1960s/70s Acrolite. It tends to shine from medium through high tunings; very low tunings can sound less convincing.

It’s a recording-friendly, workhorse snare — lightweight, articulate, and easy to live with on stage or in the studio