1922 Ludwig & Ludwig Professional "Dance" Model Snare No 5, 14x4 NOB 2-Piece Shell, Restored, Video

No. 5 Dance Model. This is the Professional “Dance Model," not the lighter constructed Universal or Pioneer models. Nearly all original. Only the snare strainer was changed and it has a modern resonant head. It even comes with the original Ludwig canvas gig bag!

She's a 1922 model. I know this because this model is only in that catalog; not before or after. Later years had 8 lugs. Ludwig called each size of their "Professional" snares a different name. The 14x4 was the "Dance" model. Nice Ludwig and Ludwig logo stamped into the top hoop. It's not a cheaper Ludwig Universal snare; those had "Universal" stamped into the hoop. The hoops are stick-chopper nickel-plated rings held down by separate clips. The strainer got changed out sometime in the past, leaving extra holes. I can't identify the model of the "new" throwoff, but it's from the same time period with nickel plating and a "Pat Pen" stamp. She still has her original silk and silvered-wire snares.

The shell is 18 gauge hand-spun brass plated with nickel. The tube lugs are nickel-plated solid brass. All the other hardware is nickel-plated steel. There's lots of tiny pitting on the nickel plating on the steel parts, but the shell is not pitted at all, just a couple of minor nicks.

Just finished a full restoration on her: Took her all apart and buffed every part (except the heads and the washers). We buffed every tension rod and re-tapped the threads. The nickel was worn through in some small areas, so I did some spot replating with silver. Then we sorted out and reinstalled the snares. See the photos for the condition.

From the 1922 Ludwig & Ludwig Catalog:

"In the Ludwig All-Metal Separate Tension Drum the heads are adjusted independently of each other. The idea is scientific it is practical.

The Ludwig All-Metal Drum is built of eighteen-gauge hard-spun brass, making a very solid shell. In it, in addition to the best of material, goes also the best of workmanship. Putting the three factors together-Knowing How, Good Materials, and Excellent Workmanship you are bound to get a perfect instrument.

To be imitated is the penalty of leadership. Remember an imitation is only an artificial likeness, and cannot be as good as the original because the original was built by the originator and with greater care than an imitator would use. To create requires concentration and study. Anyone can copy. Be sure to look for the name "Ludwig" on every drum. That is your guarantee that it is a genuine Ludwig All Metal Drum. We guarantee that a Ludwig will give you satisfaction."

Henry Nelson Luthiery stuff might cost more than other listings, but we think it's worth it. We're not going anywhere. We stand behind our gear. We do research and accurate descriptions. We test our stuff and usually do restoration work; sometimes light, sometimes intense (read our item descriptions for details). I'm an experienced luthier and I use traditional techniques and materials: hide glue and nitrocellulose lacquer. I even make my own French polish and shellac from scratch. In addition, our vintage gear holds its value, unlike new stuff. We have a no-hassle return policy. The return shipping is on you, but the item price and shipping to you is refunded. Simply return it in the same condition in a timely manner.