Glad to to see someone loves ludwigs as much as I do! I've restored several vintage sets and found that there are a lot of car care products that work well to keep your drums shiny and clean.

@NickCostaMusic

4 ай бұрын

Oh nice - which restoration was your favorite to finish?

Looks great man. I have a '78 Ludwig 5-piece that I'm currently working on after sitting in storage for 15+ years (I've owned it for 27 years in total, got it when I was 12). It came with an LM400, and although I had no idea I owned such an iconic drum when I was a kid, I always loved the way it sounded compared to my Premier snare. Supras are one of the greatest things Ludwig ever made, IMO. Everyone loves the 402's because of John Bonham, but the 400's have a sharpness/crack to them that is really unique. Great work! 👍🏻

@NickCostaMusic

Жыл бұрын

I agree, way more direct sound. Just love how both the 400 and 402 are super versatile.

@AllThingsMech

Жыл бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic absolutely. The 402's definitely have their place, and I might be trying to find one to add to the kit if I didn't already have that 6.5x14 Premier. Who am I kidding, I'll probably still get one eventually. 🤣

@NickCostaMusic

Жыл бұрын

@@AllThingsMech good thing you can find them a decent prices, too 😉

I have a 1963 15” Ludwig marching snare. Sounds awesome. Classic Ludwig snare drums are some of the best sounding snare drums made.

@NickCostaMusic

5 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more! I have a 15" WFL marching snare I've yet to try out, though I'm sure it packs a punch. Just love the sound of vintage Ludwig

@aikidragonpiper71

5 ай бұрын

@NickCostaMusic I have my marching snare and a normal snare set up with my drumset . The marching snare adds a heavy punch to hard rock songs.

@NickCostaMusic

5 ай бұрын

Woah - does it have a kevlar head too?

Great video! Made the same P88 conversion on my -77 Ludvig Acrolite. Put on new 2.3 mil hoops at the same time, that made tuning more robust.. Your restored snare sounds great, a keeper!

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Many Thanks! You can’t go wrong with a new p88, and the heavier 2.3 hoops help not only control the sound, but they won’t warp like the thinner ones do. Appreciate ya checking out the vid!

Great job with the video here, Nick. Thanks. After watching three other LM400 rehab videos here on YT, I am shocked at how consistently good they sound without any microphone trickery, audio production, or anything.

@NickCostaMusic

Жыл бұрын

Pretty crazy, right?! There’s a reason they’re the most recorded snares. Just subtle EQ to clean up the microphone and good to go. Appreciate you checking out the vid, and for the kind words 🙏🏼 🥁

Like you're videos, like you're work. I got a 400 never leave home without it! Great sounding snare drum. Now I am going to clean it.

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Right on, Patrick! There's a reason it's the most recorded snare drum of all time. Appreciate you checking out the vid, and enjoy that 400!

Supraphonic and black beauty is the best snares worldwide ! Have the same snare. Excellent sound. Nice video! Love Ludwig!!!

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

I agree, and also love the 6.5x14 copperphonic Ludwig released on their 110 anniversary. Those 3 are a killer combo. Appreciate the kind words!

I have a Ludwig 400 snare of a similar age and condition which hasn’t been played for a long while. Your video has inspired me to clean it up as you have and use it again.

@NickCostaMusic

8 ай бұрын

Aw yeah - that's the spirit! Such versatile drums that sound great in any tuning. Have fun with the process and reach out if you have any questions. Happy to help anyway that I can!

My favorite drum of all time. Great video and nice playing!

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

It’s a must have in any drummers collection. Appreciate the kind words and thanks for checking out the vid!

@gillesrichard2228

2 жыл бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic I have a 70s lm410 and a new lm400 and love them both

Great job man! Love seeing these restorations

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Comments like this are truly appreciated - helps me determine what type of content is preferred.

Mojo! Super good sound on it!

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Not many have it, but when they do man can you tell! Appreciate you checking out the vid 🙏🏼

Sounds great 👍

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate it - supraphonic's have that ideal snare sound for sure. Thank you for checking out the vid!

Great drum!!!

@NickCostaMusic

11 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more! Appreciate you checking out the vid

Yo! If by now you don’t know… on the butt plate, the black plastic gasket can be removed to expose holes that DO line up with the drums hole pattern! Threads can easily be tapped in and the button plate can be applied. I’ve done it several times. Cheers!!

@NickCostaMusic

Жыл бұрын

Yes - I saw that online after the fact! Genius design, and I appreciate you giving the tip

@JohnnyQ714

Жыл бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic, Thank you Nick! Keep up the cool video’s!

@NickCostaMusic

Жыл бұрын

Many thanks for the kind words and support! 🙏🏼 🥁

I just bought one of these for $100. Lm400 1976. It is in mint condition. All orignial except for muffler knob and spring. I have them in a paper envelope with original key.

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

That's a fantastic find - great work! Enjoy it and hold on to all that stuff, could make the drum even more valuable in the future.

One of the 'go to' snare drums a classic. I have an early '80's model (black and white shell badge) the 'Supersensitive' version it is a great drum the only issue is positioning in a kit situation can be tricky due to the snare guards. Mine has very little of the 'pimpling' of the chrome plating often seen on older chrome Supraphonics. Nice job restoring that drum.

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

There's a reason they're the most recorded snare drum in history. Love the super sensitive! I usually try to position the guards at the 1 and 7 o' clock position, but yeah - I totally understand the frustration. I appreciate the kind words, and thank you for checking out the vid 🙏🏻🥁

@macadoo2530

Жыл бұрын

The black and white badge snares are metal. That's why you dont have any pitting. The Supraphonic is a chrome plated aluminum shell. Chrome doesnt take to aluminum well. This is why you see so many pitted supras. 2 totally different drums.

Man, I just got a lm400, that was new in 78, I did the exact same thing as u, I put a Remo Fiberskyn 3 Diplomat on mine, Ambassador snare side, mine also, has been upgraded to the p88 ac throw off, which is a great throw off, it sounds fantastic!! Just like urs does!! Excellent design!! Great drum!!!

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! So amazing how fresh heads can make a difference. People knock off the p88ac, but it's MUCH more reliable and sturdy than the p85. The fyberskin 3 diplomat is pretty thin, isn't it? How are the overtones being it's a metal snare?

@robertbates9948

2 жыл бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic fantastic actually, I don’t use the internal muffler, but I do use one drum gel. Sounds fantastic!

@robertbates9948

2 жыл бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic I used to use FS3 Ambassador weight, but I prefer the thinner Diplomat, I can hear more of the drum, and if it’s too much, u can muffle it. U really can’t brighten up an Ambassador, so, it’s just my personal preference. The Ludwig WeatherMaster medium, is another one, that I like a lot, on the 400.

Yes you are right on all the Chrome over brass Ludwig drums I’ve ever seen The letter “B” was stamped Under and behind the Tone control knob

@NickCostaMusic

Жыл бұрын

Good to know! Appreciate the insight, Neal 🙏🏼

@nealsausen4651

Жыл бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic : No problem buddy, good luck!

Good restoration video. Set aside the smugness. If a drum is well made. It's gonna sound good enough to most people.

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Very true! There’s a reason why some studio drums look awful yet sound fantastic. Appreciate you checking out the video!

sick

@NickCostaMusic

Жыл бұрын

Many thanks! What did you like most about the transformation?

Got a ‘76 5x14 supra..can’t go wrong

@NickCostaMusic

Жыл бұрын

Such a killer sound, right? I prefer the 5X14 over the 6.5X14

@ghairmichaud5765

Жыл бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic I also have a 6.5 supra..I like it but I also prefer the 5”

@NickCostaMusic

Жыл бұрын

@@ghairmichaud5765 same here - both are great, just prefer the more direct sound of the 5

@ghairmichaud5765

Жыл бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic much agreed!

Try a buffing wheel on a bench grinder with buffing compound made for chrome.

@NickCostaMusic

29 күн бұрын

That's a great recommendation, thank you! Which buffing wheel would you recommend that's affordable?

thanks!

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome. Hope this vid gave you some insight if you ever need to clean/restore a snare. Thank you for checking out the vid!

@JulianFernandez

2 жыл бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic indeed! I started cleaning my Supra today actually. thanks for the inspiration!

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

@@JulianFernandez you’re very welcome! Best of luck, and have fun.

The b for brass was stamped above the tone control,fyi.,those p 83 throw off, holes used string,2 generation,s,one had 2 holes,the other several holes,early 70,s throw off had a short lever,later one longer lever,

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate the info, Arturo - super helpful! Didn't know about the lever lengths.

Drum is excellent despite the nicks and dings…sound is as new. Rims shots are great and same drum Buddy used in Germany.

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate it, Vincent! Nicks and dings are very common with vintage supra's - a right of passage that gives the drum some extra mojo.

The pitting isn't due to a lack of care by the previous owner. Some of these drums weren't plated very well. The pitting was an inevitability. Aluminum doesn't take chrome very well. You'll never see this level of pitting on a chrome over brass snare.

@NickCostaMusic

Жыл бұрын

Good to know - appreciate the info!

Nice clean-up. Do you know of anyone who has attempted a serious restoration, as in strip-and-re-plate? Resto usually means "get it back to showroom." Any leads on steps/supplies/skills needed to get ther?

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Getting a shell re-chromed is a little more complicated than a DIY project. It also costs more than what the drum is worth. Appreciate you checking out the vid! 🥁

You have one of the most New York faces.

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Philly, actually - but hey, appreciate you checking out the vid!

Hi Nick, I own a Supraphonic 5x14" and one of the hoops shows serious surface damage, I tried your aluminum foil method but it seems I was only flaking of more (surrounding / still in tact) material. Do you have any tip for this? And if not, you think any replacement 10-hole hoop will do?

@NickCostaMusic

4 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear - if the chrome is flaking off, unfortunately there’s nothing to do to fix it except re-chrome it, which is expensive. A replacement hoop would do just fine. 2.3mm is modern standard and slightly thicker than vintage hoops (which were 1.9mm). If you do a lot of rim shots go with a 2.3mm, but if you want to keep the same sound, 1.9mm is the way to go!

@99rpm

4 ай бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic thanks!

@NickCostaMusic

4 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

Great video made me want to restore mine so looking for some info or threads to follow. I've got a supra that has no badge but looks to be 69 or 70s. It's aluminium with a bit of pitting/bubbling. It obviously has has some "restoration", a p88ac throw off and the batter side rim is thicker than the snare side. The muffler has the 1" knob and the snare butt plate is the block lettering. I don't know which rim is correct and if it worth sorting a badge. It sounds great to me as it is. Any advice you can offer would be appreciated, all the posts I see seem to be years old. Sorry for the long spiel. Drum and bits are expensive in UK. Cheers

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Usually drums of the 60s/early 70s had a lighter hoop than the traditional 2.3mm that we see today. My guess would be the top is not original, but I'd keep it that way since older 1.6mm hoops are notorious for bending - especially if you're a fan of rim shots. If you like the way it sounds, then I'd say put some fresh heads on it, maybe new wires if the current ones are stretched out, give it a good cleaning and have at it!

@timstafford2244

2 жыл бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic Thanks from the reply, already have new heads and wires on order. Nothing done with badge but not worried about it. Thanks again

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Of course - glad I could help. Enjoy the drum!

Nothing like the sound of a Supraphonic. Is there no way to reduce the sight and feel of the pitting?

@NickCostaMusic

7 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more! Besides keeping it super clean, I'm not sure - I've heard it's just a by-product of the finishing process.

Please write what is the name of the product you used to clean the drum shell?

@NickCostaMusic

5 ай бұрын

I used brasso. You can get some here - amzn.to/3wiJt2R

@user-iv1hd6ex2l

5 ай бұрын

Thank you !@@NickCostaMusic

@NickCostaMusic

5 ай бұрын

You’re very welcome!

Those throw offs didn’t come with screw on butt ends for the wires. All my Acrolites and my Supraphonic are all like that.

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Never knew - thanks for the insight! I still love the new p88AC - sturdier, holds tension, and works beautifully.

@Cowboynudes

2 жыл бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic I’m actually going to switch to those after watching this video. I hate how the old throw offs are constantly moving tension. Thanks for the demo on it!

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

@@Cowboynudes Almost every one of the old throw offs have a bent or broken lever too. The new one is a thicc boi - so that ain't happening!

Nice cleaning :) For the rust, try to use coke (yeah yeah, regular coca cola) on your tin foil instead of WD40, it works better, I think. That's how I remove the rusty spots on my snares :)

@NickCostaMusic

Жыл бұрын

Good recommendation! I’ve actually done that to remove rust on tension rods. Soak em in coca-cola, put a drum key on a drill, connect the rod then wipe down with a microfiber. Rinse with water, dry, and good as new!

Still trying to remove pitted chrome from 7 hours ago while working on my 63'......Not fun (ouch)

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely - they're like splinters! Unfortunately once the chrome is pitted, the only option is to get it re-chromed. It's a right of passage - clean the shell the best you can, and let the pimples add character!

You didnt touch the badge?

@NickCostaMusic

9 ай бұрын

Just with a little brasso

Is that a “new” real head? It looks like it’s been through hell

@jamesgates7821

2 жыл бұрын

Reso *

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Sure is!

@jamesgates7821

2 жыл бұрын

@@NickCostaMusic crazy, the Evans 3mil doesn’t seem like it was nearly that floppy. 🤷🏼‍♂️ oh well. Drums sounds great tho

@NickCostaMusic

2 жыл бұрын

@@jamesgates7821Yeah, not sure what the deal is with it - but it did tune up easily without any problems. Appreciate ya checking out the vid!

Is it just my ears or does anyone else think the 400 brass sounds better?

@NickCostaMusic

Жыл бұрын

Definitely a different sound, as brass is warmer with more overtones. I feel brass is more versatile, IMO.