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Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 5 x 14-inch Snare Drum - Chrome

5" x 14" Chrome-plated Aluminum Snare Drum with Smooth Shell and Imperial Lugs
17 Write review Item ID: LM400
$649.00

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Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 5 x 14-inch Snare Drum - Chrome
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Legendary Snare Crack

The performance-proven Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 snare drum can be heard on countless recordings from the 1960s through today. Famous for its bright, crisp attack, thanks to a chrome-plated, seamless beaded aluminum shell, the LM400 provides you with a sublime balance of full, resonant tone and cutting snare crack. The drummers at Sweetwater have used the LM400 on everything from jazz to metal with fantastic results. Featuring a smooth shell and elegant-looking Imperial lugs, the Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 snare will make a fine addition to your drum set.

Related Videos: Supraphonic LM400 5 x 14-inch Snare Drum - Chrome

Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 Snare Drum Features at a Glance:
  • 5" x 14" snare drum
  • Chrome-plated aluminum shell delivers resonant tone with crisp attack
  • Imperial lugs provide an elegant appearance
Inject killer attack into your drum sound with the Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 snare!

Additional Media

Best Mics for Recording Snare Drums
Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 Snare Drum Review by Sweetwater

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Snare
  • Drum Depth: 5"
  • Drum Diameter: 14"
  • Shell Material: Aluminum
  • Shell Construction: 1.7mm Seamless
  • Hoops: 2.3mm Triple-flanged
  • Lugs: 10 x Imperial Lugs
  • Color: Chrome
  • Finish: Polished
  • Heads: Ludwig Weather Master
  • Manufacturer Part Number: LM400

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Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5

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Better than I remember!

In the 70's, I played a Ludwig Vistalite kit with a Supraphonic snare. Over the years, the kit got away from me and what I have missed most has been the Supraphonic. Since retiring in 2017 I have been spending as much time as I can with music and have been playing drums again. I have a few vintage snare drums but none came close to my memory of the Supraphonic. After playing this incredible snare for the past three weeks, I am happy to say that it's better than I remember! It feels and sounds like none of my others. The response, playability and unmistakeable "crack" is from my view the Industry Standard. Thanks to Nick for the tremendous support, lightning shipping and all around great music discussion!
by Michael from Wexford, PA on
Music background: Musician for 60+ years - drums, guitar and keyboards.

Al Jelinek

I've been playing a supraphonic since 1970. To my recollection it cost around $ back in 70. That was a lot of money in 70 but I'm so happy I bought it. I've never regretted it. around 10 years ago I bought a Super Sensitive from a friend that was dying. It was a 6.5 deep one, but I have to say, I always go back to my supraphonic. Sometimes I set up both of them. I'm a dyed in the wool Ludwig guy. I still love my speed king as well.
by Allan Jelinek on
Music background: Polka Musician. Started playing in bars at 15 on accordion and drums. I also have recorded 6 albums with diffrent bands, and am still playing and still go on the road.

Nothin Like It

I owned one of these years ago. It was, to my dismay, taken off my hands by a thief at a show in Boston. Since it was stolen, I've owned many different snare drums from different brands. Sold most and kept a few. Finally, common sense came calling and I replaced the Supraphonic... What a relief! You've probably heard people talk about how the Supraphonic sounds great no matter how you tune it— that's very true, but what you probably don't know is that the action on this drum is like no other. Most drummers practice on a pad because the rebound is so good. Well, welcome back to practicing on your kit, because this drum delivers all the rebound you want, all while sounding amazing in the studio or live situations. If you buy ONE snare drum, the Ludwig Supraphonic is the one. If you own multiple snare drums, this is a MUST to add to your collection. The Ludwig Supraphonic delivers (and so does Sweetwater!)
by Dave from San Antonio on
Music background: Pro session player, performer and teacher

It's a keeper

I've had a Supraphonic 400 5 x 14 since 1971. Originally, it was with my Ludwig kit, sold the kit but kept the snare. It also was used with my North kit, and now I am using it with my Tamas. It still sounds as good as new.
by Sweetwater Customer on

The Flagship of Snare Drums...Ludwig 400!

There are so many drums out there these days...but THIS drum stands out head & shoulders above all of them. The Classic, Iconic, History Making Ludwig 400 Snare Drum. THIS is the drum that has been the standard by which all other metal snare drums have been measured. I can't prove this, but I am willing to bet that this one drum , LUDWIG LM400, has outsold every other snare drum on the market 10 to 1! Ludwig pioneered metal snare drums way back in 1919 era with the classic "Black Beauty" and has led the way ever since. This drum is the one to get if you only ever buy ONE drum. It will do it all for you. It looks great, feels great, sounds great! Easy to tune, tough as nails, and with the newer P-88/P35 Strainer/Butt combo it is over the moon good. Add a PureSound 20 set of wires (although the stock Ludwigs are fine) and an Evans Genera Dry 10 mil batter head and you're set to go!! I find a single-ply 10 mil batter works great with this drum. For me, with 2 ply batters you lose too much feel and the action is not the same. There is just something about the seamless aluminum shell that is tough to beat. YES you can get a brass shell, copper, bronze, etc. and they all have their tonal niches, but THIS ONE is special. It does it all. BUY THIS DRUM! SWEETWATER HAS IT AND THEY ARE THE BEST THERE IS TO WORK WITH. Forget the rest, this is the BEST! History is on my side. Buy one and prove me wrong.
by Mike Griffith from Phoenix AZ on
Music background: Gigging Drummer 50+ years.
See also: Snares, Ludwig, Ludwig Snare Drums
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