Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $455

Standard/Professional

$150

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum, a timeless classic that continues to leave its mark on the music world. Originally launched as a student drum in 1963, this snare swiftly gained favor amongst professional musicians for its dry, cracking snare tone.

Constructed in Monroe, North Carolina, USA, Ludwig has meticulously recreated the Acrolite in its original glory, complete with a seamless, beaded, brushed-aluminum shell that exudes a vintage charm. Not just a pretty face, this snare drum is known for its incredibly sensitive response and ability to produce a round, full tone across all dynamic ranges.

The Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum is adorned with chrome Classic dual snare lugs and the iconic Blue/Olive Badge, further enhancing its visual appeal. Its Supra Sonic Snare throw off strainer system sets it apart, allowing for precise tuning and optimal performance.

Key Features:

  • Seamless, beaded, brushed-aluminum shell for enhanced durability and resonance
  • Supra Sonic Snare throw off strainer system for precise tuning capabilities
  • Chrome Classic dual snare lugs for a classic, polished look
  • Blue/Olive Badge, a symbol of Ludwig's renowned quality and craftsmanship
  • 8 tuning lugs for optimal tension and tone control
  • Incredibly sensitive response, delivering a full tone in all dynamic ranges
  • Rods and hoops in chrome finish for added durability and aesthetic appeal

Product specs

Brand Ludwig
Model No. 404 Acrolite 5x14" 8-Lug Aluminum Snare Drum with Pointed Blue/Olive Badge
Finish Matte Aluminum
Year 1969 - 1979
Made In United States
Categories Snare Drums

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum?

The Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum features a seamless, beaded, brushed-aluminum shell, known for its dry, cracking tone. Its lightweight design and 8-lug configuration make it a versatile choice for various music styles.

Is the Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum is well-suited for live performances due to its crisp attack and projection. Its dry tone cuts through the mix, making it a favorite among drummers for both studio and stage use.

How does the Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum compare to other Ludwig models?

The Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum is often compared to the Supraphonic model, with the Acrolite offering a drier sound due to its aluminum shell. It's a more affordable option while still delivering professional-grade performance.

What type of music is the Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum best suited for?

The Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum is versatile enough for a wide range of genres, but it particularly excels in rock, pop, and jazz. Its dry, articulate tone makes it ideal for styles that require clear snare definition.

Does the Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum require special maintenance?

The Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum requires standard maintenance, such as regular tuning and occasional cleaning of the aluminum shell to maintain its appearance and sound quality. Its durable construction ensures longevity with proper care.

2112 PERCUSSION

2112 PERCUSSION

Classic Ludwig 5x14 Metal Snare Shootout: Supraphonic vs. Acrolite vs. Black Beauty

Video thumbnail for Classic Ludwig 5x14 Metal Snare Shootout: Supraphonic vs. Acrolite vs. Black Beauty by 2112 PERCUSSION

Classic Ludwig 5x14 Metal Snare Shootout: Supraphonic vs. Acrolite vs. Black Beauty

2112 PERCUSSION

2112 PERCUSSION

Video thumbnail for Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum Shootout: Vintage 5x14 Vs. Reissued 6.5x14 by Mike Dawson

Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drum Shootout: Vintage 5x14 Vs. Reissued 6.5x14

Mike Dawson

Mike Dawson

Video thumbnail for Ludwig 14x5" Acrolite Snare Drum by Peter Lewis

Ludwig 14x5" Acrolite Snare Drum

Peter Lewis

Peter Lewis

Video thumbnail for Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drums by rickdior

Ludwig Acrolite Snare Drums

rickdior

rickdior

Video thumbnail for Ultimate Ludwig Acrolite Shootout -- 5 Vintage Acrolites Compared! by DrumDotPizza

Ultimate Ludwig Acrolite Shootout -- 5 Vintage Acrolites Compared!

DrumDotPizza

DrumDotPizza

Video thumbnail for Ludwig Supraphonic, Acrolite & Super COB Snare Drum Comparison by rickdior

Ludwig Supraphonic, Acrolite & Super COB Snare Drum Comparison

rickdior

rickdior

Video thumbnail for Snare Comparison - Ludwig Acrolite vs Ludwig Supraphonic by Nick Costa

Snare Comparison - Ludwig Acrolite vs Ludwig Supraphonic

Nick Costa

Nick Costa

Video thumbnail for The Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare is One of The Best Snares Ever Blue/Olive Badge by Kenneth Burton

The Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare is One of The Best Snares Ever Blue/Olive Badge

Kenneth Burton

Kenneth Burton

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum.

Build quality

  • Standoffs on lugs can become brittle and crack over time; replacement lugs cost about $10 each.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The P88 throw-off is recommended as a reliable upgrade for the original throw-off, which is known to be unreliable.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 14x5 Acrolite was a standard issue for school bands in the late 70s to 80s, making them widely available and affordable.

    Source
  • The 5.5x14 Acrolite is favored for versatility over the 5x14, which some feel resembles a student snare in sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Acrolites from the late 70s and 80s typically sell for $150-200 due to their commonality, not the $500 some listings suggest.

    Source
  • Craigslist listings often feature 1970s Acrolites at significantly lower prices, sometimes as low as $60, suggesting a potential for better deals than traditional marketplaces.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the Acrolite's versatility, describing it as an "all-purpose beast" suitable for various musical styles.

    Source
  • The deeper 5.5x14 Acrolite is preferred by some for its broader tonal range, making it suitable for more varied musical applications.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
A

Ludwig knows drums

This aluminum shell drum can take a beating and keep on delivering. Time-tested, pro level quality. This drum is dry and crisp but still delivers in tone and resonance. Extremely responsive at all volumes. This snare provides the fundamental framework for further experimentation with dampening and adding percussion.

tgifribae

a classic

super awesome all around snare drum, it just sounds good.

Artist usage

Add artist
D

Danny Caddy

Drummer

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

...
Verified via Photo

Danny of Psychedelic Porn Crumpets shared his gear setups with me on Instagram, revealing his use of the Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum over the years. This information comes from a user-uploaded photo.

See how Hayden Coplen uses Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum

Hayden Coplen

Drummer

Sir Sly

...
Verified via Photo

This picture from Hayden's Instagram shows his 5x14 Acrolite as his go-to snare for live use.

See how Aaron Steele uses Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum

Aaron Steele

Drummer

Fences

...
Verified via Modern Drummer Magazine

Mentioned in this August 2011 Modern Drummer blog post.

Now for the juicy stuff—gear, what everyone has been waiting for (or at least the drummers as geeky as me). For most of my gigs I use different setups in order to get the best sounds for the song, including 1960s Sonor beechwoods (13″, 16″, 20″), 1971 Ludwig three-ply maples (13″, 16″, 22″), 1970s Camco maples (14″, 20″, 24″), and 1970s Gretsches (13″, 16″, 22″). I’m getting a C&C luan mahogany kit so I can keep my Vintage kits at home or in the studio (12″, 15″, 18″ toms, 20″ and 24″ kicks). By the way, if you haven’t checked out C&C Drums www.candccustomdrums.com, please do, because they are amazing. My main snares are a 10×14 1964 Leedy wood, a 5×14 Black Beauty copy by Precision Drums, a 5×14 Ludwig Acrolite, and my favorite, a 4×14 C&C MPM. I have a few more but I use these the most. Thanks to the great people at Istanbul www.istanbulcymbals.com I have a couple of awesome setups for cymbals as well. On the East Coast I use 15″ Special Edition hats, a 22″ Mel Lewis Ride as a crash, and a 22″ Traditional Dark ride. On the West Coast I use 15″ Xsist Brilliant hats, a 22″ Xsist Brilliant crash, and a 24″ Xsist Natural ride. To bang all that I use Silverfox www.silverfoxpercussion.com drumsticks because they last an extremely long time.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
neale_scott

neale_scott

Gear IQ 569

shok

shok

Gear IQ 1527

dazedjames

dazedjames

Gear IQ 126

dazedjames

dazedjames

Gear IQ 126

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