The Shop’s Take
Here is a 1964 Ludwig Down Beat 4x14 snare drum in original Sky Blue Pearl, Keystone badge serial #78483.

The shallow 4x14 format, original wrap, and classic three-ply Ludwig shell make this a particularly appealing mid-1960s snare. This example does have two important changes: the original baseball-bat muffler has been removed, and the throw-off has been replaced with a modern unit that required different mounting holes. Those modifications keep us from presenting it as an untouched collector example, but the original shell, wrap, badge, and overall presentation remain very strong.

For the player or collector who values an authentic 1960s Ludwig Down Beat and is comfortable with documented hardware changes, this is a very attractive example.

Full Description
This 1964 Ludwig Down Beat is a 4x14 wood-shell snare drum finished in original Sky Blue Pearl.
The drum carries a Keystone badge with serial #78483, consistent with 1964 Ludwig production.
The shell is Ludwig’s period three-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany construction with maple reinforcement rings, one of the defining shell designs of the company’s classic 1960s era.
The original Sky Blue Pearl wrap has been preserved exceptionally well. We see no obvious lifting or delamination, and the finish retains the soft blue character that makes this one of Ludwig’s most recognizable vintage wraps.
The shallow 4" shell gives the Down Beat a distinctly compact profile compared with Ludwig’s more common 5" and 5.5" wood-shell snares of the period.

Known Modifications
The original baseball-bat style internal muffler has been removed.
The throw-off has also been replaced with a modern unit. The replacement uses a different mounting pattern from the original strainer, leaving the original mounting holes visible in the shell.
The Ludwig butt plate appears to be original.
These changes are clearly shown in the photographs and are reflected in how we are representing the drum.
The hoops show some minor pitting and age-related wear, consistent with a vintage drum that has been played and maintained rather than preserved untouched.

Condition
Very Good to Excellent vintage condition overall.
The original Sky Blue Pearl wrap presents exceptionally well, with no obvious ply separation or wrap delamination noted.
The shell, badge, and remaining original hardware are very clean for their age.

Known condition points include:

• Original Sky Blue Pearl wrap
• Keystone badge, serial #78483
• Original baseball-bat muffler removed
• Replacement throw-off installed
• Original throw-off mounting holes remain visible
• Ludwig butt plate appears original
• Minor pitting on the hoops
• Bearing edges appear clean and intact

Please review all photographs carefully, as they show the actual drum being offered and are an important part of the condition description.

Details

• Manufacturer: Ludwig
• Model: Down Beat
• Year: 1964
• Size: 4x14"
• Finish: Original Sky Blue Pearl
• Badge: Keystone
• Serial Number: 78483
• Shell: Three-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany
• Reinforcement Rings: Maple
• Butt Plate: Ludwig, appears original
• Throw-Off: Replacement
• Internal Muffler: Removed

         ** As this item is considered VINTAGE/USED, it is in the condition described and sold 'As-Described' with no returns. Images are of the actual item(s) and are for illustrative purposes only.* *