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Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 6.5" x 14" Snare Drum

Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 6.5" x 14" Snare Drum main image

Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 6.5" x 14" Snare Drum image 2

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Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 6.5" x 14" Snare Drum

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$599.00 to $899.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (12)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

All time low price

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 6.5" x 14"

3 community setups

13 wishlisted

43 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated July 7, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (40)

$699.00

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5.0 (29)

$729.00 $699.00 $30.00 · All time low

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5.0 (33)

$599.00 16 available New

$484.70 29 available Used

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5.0 (72)

$729.00 $699.00 $30.00 · All time low

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5.0 (7)

$729.00

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4.7 (56)

$919.00 $899.00 $20.00

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£820.00

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Average Price: $688

High-end/Boutique

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Snare Drums category, Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 6.5" x 14" Snare Drum is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 6.5" x 14" Snare Drum". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Ludwig 6.5" x 14" Supraphonic (LM402) Snare Drum is more than just a drum—it's a piece of drumming history. Known for its chrome-plated, seamless beaded aluminum shell, this snare delivers a bright, crisp attack that has defined countless hits across genres. Its legendary status is further cemented by its association with iconic drummers like John Bonham, who used it to craft the thunderous beats heard on Led Zeppelin's classic albums.

With a depth of 6.5 inches, the Supraphonic offers a rich, resonant tone that cuts through any mix, making it perfect for both live performances and studio sessions. Whether you're playing jazz, rock, or funk, this snare adapts with ease, thanks to its versatile sound. The drum's triple-flanged hoops and ten Imperial lugs ensure precise, reliable tuning, so you can focus on your performance without worrying about your gear.

The Supraphonic is not just about sound; it's also about style. Its sleek chrome finish shines under stage lights, while the elegant gold Ludwig emblem adds a touch of sophistication to your setup. Made with meticulous craftsmanship, this snare drum is a testament to Ludwig's enduring legacy in the world of percussion.

Key Features:

6.5" x 14" chrome-plated seamless beaded aluminum shell
Iconic snare used by legendary drummer John Bonham
Triple-flanged hoops for improved sustain
Ten Imperial lugs for rock-solid tuning
P-85 throw-off and P35 Butt Plate for secure tensioning
Versatile sound suitable for a wide range of genres

Product specs

Type	Snare drum
Drum Depth	6.5"
Drum Diameter	14"
Shell Material	Aluminum
Shell Construction	Seamless
Hoops	Triple-flanged
Lugs	10 x Imperial Lugs
Finish	Chrome-plated
Additional Features	P88C Throw-off, L1930 20-strand Wires

FAQs

What type of music is the Ludwig 6.5" x 14" Supraphonic Snare Drum best suited for?: The Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 is renowned for its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres, from rock and jazz to pop and funk. Its bright, crisp tone and dynamic response have made it a favorite among professional drummers.
What is the shell material of the Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 Snare Drum?: The shell of the Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 is made from seamless aluminum, which contributes to its bright, resonant sound and quick response.
How does the P88C Throw-off on the Ludwig LM402 Snare Drum enhance its performance?: The P88C Throw-off offers smooth and reliable snare tension adjustment, allowing drummers to quickly and easily change the snare tension to suit various playing styles and dynamic needs.
What size is the Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 Snare Drum, and what impact does this have on its sound?: The Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 is a 14-inch diameter snare drum with a 6.5-inch depth, providing a deep, powerful sound with excellent projection, ideal for live performances and recording.
What are the hoop and lug specifications of the Ludwig LM402 Snare Drum?: The Ludwig LM402 features triple-flanged hoops and 10 Imperial lugs, which contribute to its classic look and provide stable tuning and a wide tuning range.

Videos

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Carter McLean

LUDWIG LM402 Supraphonic DEMO

Carter McLean

Ludwig 6.5x14 Supraphonic Aluminum Snare Drum - LM402

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Ludwig LM402 6.5" x 14" Supraphonic Snare Drum

Boston Drum Center

LM402 6.5"x14" Supraphonic Snare Drum

Ludwig Drums

Ludwig 14x6.5 Supraphonic Snare Drum (LM402)

Memphis Drum Shop

Ludwig 6 5x14 Supraphonic LM402 Snare Drum

soundpurestudios

Ludwig 14 x 6.5 LM402 Supraphonic Snare Drum Video Demonstration from Drumazon Feat. Rocky Morris

Drumazon Drum Store

Ludwig LM402 14x6.5in Supraphonic Snare Review: Best Snare Drum Ever?

Drummers Only

Reviews

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PROS

Offers a versatile sound suitable for multiple genres
Known for rich, full, and unmistakable sound quality
Huge dynamic and tuning range for diverse musical applications
Highly durable and can last through decades of use
Features a chrome-plated, seamless, beaded aluminum shell for bright, crisp attack
Legendary status as the most recorded snare in history
Excellent for both intricate stickwork and heavy backbeats
Comes with a new P88AC throw-off, addressing previous user complaints
Rimshot produces a loud, impactful sound
Performance-proven sound on numerous hit recordings

CONS

Stock heads often need immediate replacement for optimal performance
Can be challenging to tune and maintain tuning stability
Tension rods may be too smooth, leading to touchy tuning adjustments
Some models may arrive with workmanship issues, requiring replacement or adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 6.5" x 14" Snare Drum.

Comparisons

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The Ludwig Supraphonic’s aluminum shell offers a warmer, more "wood-esque" sound compared to the ringing quality of steel snares, making it distinct from models like Tama Metalworks.
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A Premier 1036 steel snare is praised for achieving a Keith Moon sound but noted as not directly comparable to the Supraphonic due to its steel material.
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A 6.5x14" 10-lug Acrolite is suggested as a budget alternative to the Supraphonic, offering similar sound without the chrome plating.
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The Yamaha Recording Custom brass snare is noted as more lively and louder, whereas the Supraphonic is slightly brighter and drier sounding.
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Despite a preference for Ludwig, one user acknowledges the Yamaha RC brass snare as special and versatile, suggesting it could stand alongside the Supraphonic.
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User experience

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Owners frequently choose the Supraphonic over other snares like DW Collectors and Mapex Black Panther for its consistent and versatile sound at any tuning.
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Some users experience "imposter syndrome" when considering the Supraphonic but find it inspires improvement regardless of skill level.
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A drummer with multiple Ludwig snares advocates having a metal snare like the Supraphonic for its unique sound contribution.
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Use cases and applications

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Known as the most recorded snare, it's favored for rock and roll, with Tom Petty’s drummer using it on all recordings.
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Owners report the Supraphonic excels in producing both low fat tones and high, tight snare sounds, making it versatile for various musical styles.
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The Supraphonic is recommended for those seeking versatility across genres like hard rock, metal, 80's pop, and jazz.
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Mods and upgrades

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DW True Tone wires are recommended for enhancing the snare's sound, with users noting that it performs well with various head types.
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Other

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The Supraphonic is described as a "workhorse" and is a sought-after model with high resale value, making it a low-risk purchase for those uncertain about metal snares.
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Value and pricing

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A Supraphonic is viewed as a lifetime purchase with strong resale potential, making it a safe investment even for less experienced drummers.
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Features and functionality

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The Yamaha RC brass snare can mimic the Supraphonic's sound with a Moon Gel, but the Supraphonic cannot replicate the RC's openness.
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Critic Reviews

Ludwig LM402 14x6.5in Supraphonic Snare Review: Best Snare Drum Ever? | Drummers Only

drummersonly.co.uk

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 12 Ratings

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jeppe_ellegaard_jorg...

over 10 years ago

Most versatile snare ever made (period)

Performance-proven to be the sound that fueled the most hit recordings in history, the Ludwig Supraphonic is the snare choice of the pros.

From Jazz to Metal, Ludwig's Supraphonic 400s provide the perfect sound in the studio or stage. The USA-made chrome-plated, seamless, beaded aluminum shell produces a bright, crisp attack with the perfect balance of full resonant tone and snare crack.