Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
2112 PERCUSSION
Classic Ludwig 5x14 Metal Snare Shootout: Supraphonic vs. Acrolite vs. Black Beauty
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
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
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings
135
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.
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
This picture from Hayden's Instagram shows his 5x14 Acrolite as his go-to snare for live use.
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.
Album Usage
The Ludwig Acrolite 5x14 Snare Drum has been featured on the following albums:
Voices of Bishara Live at "mu"
Tom Skinner (2024)
Being Funny In A Foreign Language
The 1975 (2022)
Black To The Future
Sons of Kemet (2021)
Beneath the Eyrie (Deluxe)
Pixies (2020)
Undone: Live at the Crypt
Tom Skinner & Dave Okumu & Tom Herbert & Tom Herbert (2019)
Persona
Rival Consoles (2018)
Heads Up
Warpaint (2016)
Keep It Healthy / Disco//very (Remixes)
Warpaint (2014)
Use Somebody
Kings of Leon (2009)
Only By The Night
Kings of Leon (2008)
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 yoursMore Ludwig Snare Drums
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Snare Drums
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
chasebrooksGear IQ 298
-