I started buying Not So Modern Drummer magazines every month in the 1990s. When I picked up the Winter 2009 Volume 15.1, which was NSMD’s 20th Anniversary edition, I noticed an advertisement in the “Drum News” section stating that “Ludwig celebrates 100 years as the most famous name on drums”. It went on to say “In celebration of 100 years of making drum history, Ludwig released three special anniversary models at the January NAMM show (National Association of Music Merchants). These three models are sure to be among the most collectable snare drums ever produced”.
I still remember reading that ad back in 2009 and racing to the phone to call Long & McQuade, a popular local music store in Toronto, to ask if I could get on the list for the 100 year Anniversary Black Beauty. Luckily the list was still open so I put some money down to secure my spot. They were only making 100 of each of the three models available.
The first was the 1928 Gold Triumphal Reissue. “Hand-engraved with a 24K Gold Plated Brass Shell and the crown jewel of the Ludwig collection, the Triumphal was only produced between 1926 and 1928. Every element of the 100th Anniversary reissue has been hand-crafted in the Italian Alps to the exact specifications of the original. Production is limited to 100 pieces, each engraved with a year in Ludwig’s production history.”
The second was the 100th Anniversary Black Beauty. “Often imitated but never duplicated, Ludwig set the standard for all others to follow with the Black Beauty. The 100th Anniversary edition, hand-engraved and numbered by master craftsman John Aldridge, is more ornately appointed than all others before it, and features the mark of three generations of Ludwig history. “Chief” Keystone badge”.
The third was the 100th Anniversary Black Magic. “A tribute workhorse for the performing musician, the 100th Anniversary Black Magic comes in 5 x 14” and 6.5 x 14” models and features a beautifully scrolled shell, precision etched into the Black Nickel plating with a computer-controlled laser.”
I could only afford to buy the Black Beauty reissue. I would love to have owned one of the Triumphal reissues as well but … what can you do! I have included pictures of the Winter 2009 Not So Modern Drummer magazine and the ad that lead me to purchase John Aldridge’s hand engraved 100th Anniversary Black Beauty.
One of the pictures is of the inside of my Black Beauty through the badge air vent. You can see John Aldridge’s initials and the number of the drum which is 110. When I contacted John about the number on the drum, he said not all the shells were fit for sale as some of his engraving didn’t meet up to his high standards. He needed another 10 shells to make sure he produced 100 drums for sale that met these standards. What an amazing craftsman. Thanks John!
Danny Bilan - Our Man in Canada