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Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $652
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 5" x 14" Snare Drum". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 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
Embrace the legendary sound with the Ludwig Supraphonic 400 5x14 inch Snare Drum. Known for its unique blend of resonant tone and sharp snare crack, this snare drum has been a staple in music history, from the iconic Led Zeppelin albums of the '60s to today's modern hits.
The Supraphonic 400's chrome-plated, seamless, beaded aluminum shell allows for a bright, crisp attack that cuts through any instrument mix, making it a versatile choice for various music genres. The drum's 1.2 mm shells deliver a quick response and truly nuanced playing, ensuring every beat is heard loud and clear.
Additionally, the snare drum features classic Imperial Lugs and a reliable P-85 strainer for rock-solid tuning capabilities. The handsome sheen of the chrome-plated aluminum, paired with an elegant Ludwig emblem, gives this snare drum a chic allure that's sure to turn heads.
Proudly crafted in the USA, the Ludwig Supraphonic 400 snare drum offers high-quality components, combined with a depth of 5", providing bold tones and powerful projection.
Key Features:
- 5x14" snare drum
- Chrome-plated, seamless, beaded aluminum shell for resonant tone with crisp attack
- Classic Imperial Lugs for reliable tuning
- P-85 strainer for increased tuning stability
- 1.2 mm shells for quick response and nuanced playing
- Proudly made in the USA
Product 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 |
| Finish | Polished |
| Heads | Ludwig Weather Master |
FAQs
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What material is the Ludwig Supraphonic 400 shell made from?
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The Ludwig Supraphonic 400 features a seamless 1.7mm aluminum shell, which contributes to its bright, crisp sound and excellent projection.
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What type of music is the Ludwig Supraphonic 400 suitable for?
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The Ludwig Supraphonic 400 is versatile and suitable for various music genres, including rock, jazz, and pop, due to its wide dynamic range and classic snare sound.
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Does the Ludwig Supraphonic 400 have triple-flanged hoops?
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Yes, the Ludwig Supraphonic 400 is equipped with 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops, which provide a balanced mix of resonance and durability.
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How many lugs does the Ludwig Supraphonic 400 have?
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The Ludwig Supraphonic 400 features 10 Imperial lugs, which ensure even tension and tuning stability.
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What is the finish of the Ludwig Supraphonic 400 snare drum?
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The Ludwig Supraphonic 400 has a polished chrome finish, giving it a sleek appearance and contributing to its iconic look.
Reviews
PROS
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Legendary sound used by top drummers across multiple genres
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Exceptional durability and longevity, often outlasting other snares
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Versatile tuning range and dynamic response for varied musical styles
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Classic, timeless design with a recognizable, historic presence
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Superior projection with a bright, crisp snap and loud rimshot
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Beaded steel shell offers superb resonance and tone
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Highly regarded as an industry standard and widely recorded
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Beautiful aesthetics, described as drop-dead gorgeous
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Great value for a premium, handmade professional drum
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Excellent for a wide range of musical styles, from classical to rock
CONS
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Inconsistent quality control with some reports of finish issues
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Standard Ludwig heads may need immediate replacement for best sound
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Snare strainer construction described as subpar by some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 5" x 14" Snare Drum.
User experience
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Owners frequently describe the Supraphonic as a go-to snare for live and studio settings, citing its reliable performance across various venues.
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Owners mention that trying a Supraphonic wide-open before muffling reveals its full tonal range, helping to understand its inherent sound characteristics better.
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Many drummers report that owning a Supraphonic inspires more frequent practice and improvement.
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Comparisons
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The Supraphonic is contrasted with the Tama SLP Stainless Steel snare, which is praised for mid-high tunings but is less favorable for lower tunings than the Supraphonic.
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The Ludwig Supraphonic 5x14 is often preferred in medium to medium-high tunings compared to deeper models like the George Way Elkhart 6.5x14 for its iconic sound.
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While both are praised, the Ludwig Supraphonic is often chosen over the Gretsch Brass for its classic recording sound profile.
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The Ludwig Supraphonic is often compared to the 6.5x14” 10-lug Acrolite, which lacks chrome, making it cheaper and more resistant to flaking.
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The Ludwig Supraphonic is often preferred over Slingerland chrome over maple snares due to its superior tonal versatility.
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Some users prefer the Supraphonic over the Premier 1036 steel snare for its unique alloy sound, despite the latter's capability to replicate Keith Moon's sound.
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Value and pricing
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Used Ludwig Supraphonics are frequently available for $400-$500, providing a reliable option for those seeking a renowned metal snare without exceeding their budget.
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A well-maintained 1970s Ludwig Supraphonic can be a valuable investment, with potential appreciation in resale value.
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A Ludwig Supraphonic purchased at a lower-than-average price can maintain or increase in value over time, making it a sound investment.
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Use cases and applications
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It's noted that the Supraphonic excels in live settings, especially in the medium to medium-high tuning range, offering a classic, recognizable sound.
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The 1970s Ludwig Supraphonic is highlighted as the most recorded snare, ideal for those seeking classic studio sounds.
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The snare's sound is often associated with the iconic dry and dead tones similar to John Bonham's style.
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The Supraphonic is praised for its versatility, with owners using it for both low, fat tones and tight, high-pitched sounds.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this YouTube video at 1:30, Andrew Katz shows off a Ludwig Snare he rented for the Europe portion of a tour with Car Seat Headrest.
"I've Been Told It's a Supraphonic..."
In the YouTube video "Jardín Mojado - Todo se Devuelve (Video Vertical)" by Jardín Mojado, Simon Carcamo S is seen using a Ludwig Supraphonic 400 5x14 inch Snare Drum. This is noted as Simon's primary snare, while other drum components belong to his friend Miguel.
Posted on the Procol Harum website
"Drums No. 977P – Ludwig 12” x 24” bass drum in Black Oyster Pearl (Scottish style bass drum) No. 400 – Ludwig 5” x 14” Supra-phonic snare drum in Chrome No. 944P – Ludwig 9” x 13” mounted tom tom in Black Oyster Pearl No. 948P – Ludwig 14” x 14” floor tom in Black Oyster Pearl (BJ omits this drum when stage setup is tight) No. 950P – Ludwig 16” x 16” floor tom in Black Oyster Pearl
Hardware No. 4401 - Rogers Swiv-o-matic hi-hat pedal No. 1286 – Ludwig Speed King bass drum pedal with hard felt beater No. 1402 – Ludwig Atlas Line cymbal stand (three of them) No. 1363 – Ludwig Classic Line snare drum stand No. 1026-1 – Ludwig Atlas drum and tympani stool with round seat No. 782-1 – Ludwig single tom tom holder (mounted off the left side of the bass drum)
Cymbals (from BJ’s left to right) 14” Zildjian hi-hats (thin top, medium-heavy bottom) on hi-hat stand 20” Zildjian medium crash 22” Zildjian medium heavy ride with sizzles
In all its incarnations this is one of the kits BJ had the longest, having got it kit around 1964-1965 and used it when he was in The Paramounts."
On this page on his website, Wojtek Warmijak mentions using a Ludwig Supraphonic 14" × 5" secondary snare drum.
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 Supraphonic LM400 5" x 14" Snare Drum, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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