In 1950 the C.G.Conn company decided to merge the Leedy and Ludwig & Ludwig drum companies as Leedy & Ludwig. All of the drum shells, parts and hardware were moved into one factory. They used up both brand’s left over parts.
There are several variations of interesting snare drums and drum sets produced from this time period that were very unique, like the Broadway Standard 16-lug models that would be produced with Sparkling Pearls and Duco finishes using up old stock solid maple and 3-ply shells. Another example is a Standard “ Dance” model that was made using a Ludwig & Ludwig 6.5”x14” 3- ply maple shell, eight Ludwig Imperial center lugs, an early Ludwig & Ludwig P-338 throw-off and Leedy’s butt plate. The finish used was oriental white marine pearl. Hoops are either Leedy full flanged or Ludwig & Ludwig full flanged nickel or chrome over brass hoops. They even used a combination of one Ludwig & Ludwig hoops and one Leedy hoops.
Here is a great example of a 1954 Leedy & Ludwig 6.5”x14” Dance Model snare drum in white marine pearl finish in outstanding condition without any blemishes. This particular snare is much more rare than the 5”x14” model. The shallow 4”x4” “Be Bop” shell was the popular snare model of the day. Fewer of the deeper 6.5”x14” models were ever made. This drum is unique because it was produced with eight Imperial Lugs. Most of these Leedy & Ludwig 6.5”x14” models came with 16 Leedy small beaver tail Lugs. Maple 3-Ply shell with white painted interior, with maple reinforcing hoops, Leedy full flanged nickel over brass hoops.The inside shell is ink stamped 5401. This indicates the year of manufacture which is January, 1954.
Other features are:
-nickel plated hardware.
-‘art deco’ Imperial lug design that are Ludwig’s second generation.These lugs are very heavy.
-Ludwig piccolo P-338 strainer and Leedy’s butt plate. Only a few of the 6.5”x14” models were ever produced with the Ludwig P-338 strainer, which was used mainly on the 4”x14” Be-Bop model snare drums.
-Leedy & Ludwig ten strand snare wires.