USED LUDWIG / Pioneer No. 491 Blue & Silver Duco [12]

A popular vintage model—a Pioneer believed to date from the 1960s—has arrived!
It features a Keystone badge without a serial number, matching the specifications seen on Ludwig drums from the early 1960s
It features a strainer (perforated lever) and the 6-lug design characteristic of the Pioneer No. 491
Based on the combination of the Blue & Silver Duco finish, bowtie lugs, and white interior, it is estimated to have been manufactured around the 1960s

It retains the classic, timeless specification—a 3-ply shell (mahogany/poplar/mahogany) with a reinforcement ring and white interior—right up to the present day. The sound is what you’d call vintage, with no excess high frequencies. While it may seem a bit weak in the high register, it’s no exaggeration to say it possesses everything one should expect from this snare. Furthermore, it’s in excellent condition—a rarity to find on the market in this state.
A pioneer among 1960s Radick snares, this model is frequently used by renowned drummers in pop and rock recordings today. Rather than being particularly agile, its minimal lugs provide excellent pitch responsiveness, making it easy to achieve the desired pitch—a feature that makes it particularly effective for acoustic music, vocal-driven tracks, and ballads. Even when muted, it responds well, producing convincing low-end tones and a lingering snare sound.
While there is some wear and tear from age, the white interior hasn’t peeled off significantly. Although rust is visible in several places, there are no tuning issues, and it’s fully functional.
It also comes with a genuine Ludwig case from the late ’60s to the ’70s. The interior divider panels have been removed, so while you’ll need to protect the snare drum separately to use it as a snare case, this is still a valuable piece of equipment.

A vintage drum set that prioritizes sound. This is definitely a set we’d love to see in the hands of today’s drummers. (Soga)

While there is some wear and tear due to age, it functions perfectly and is being sold “as is.”
Condition Grade: B+: Some scratches, but no issues for normal use
Shell: 3-ply shell (mahogany/poplar/mahogany) + reinforcement ring construction
Size: 14x5
Hoops/Tension: 6-lug

* As this is a used item, there may be scratches, dents, or other imperfections that are not clearly visible in the photos or not listed here. Please be aware of this in advance.

* This is a one-of-a-kind item that is listed simultaneously on multiple marketplaces, including our in-store display. We strive to promptly remove product listings once an item is sold, but updates may not always be in real time.
We sincerely apologize in advance if the item happens to be sold out after you place your order.