Hmmm well let's see according to Mr. Cook the "BB" muffler was replaced with a knob in '68.. and the muffler knob went from 3/4" to 1" at the same time the throw went from the P-83 to the P-85. P85 "Blackface" showed up "late 60's". B/O badge first showed up in late 1969.

So I guess if you got an Acro with a keystone, a 1" knob, and P85 strainer it's a late '67 to '68 drum.....

I'm thinking the ebay Acro is an early '69, stamped AG on the inside (non-ferrous alloy used in '69), with the hole placement for non-serial# B/O badge but tagged with one of last keystones in the lot.

"Hey Charlie, where's them ugly new badges?" Charlie,.. "How do I know?" "Put a keystone on it and let's go burn a Chesterfield."Hmmmm

All this talk about Acrolites, and this gets no bids:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Ludwig-Acrolite-Snare-Drum-and-Stand-Chicago_W0QQitemZ170177906373QQihZ007QQcategoryZ64434QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

So I contacted the seller, he lives where I work and $70.00 cash and a couple days later, she is now mine. She needs new heads, but I thought it was a good deal for me.

Collection as of now: Ludwig Black Beauty 6 1/2 x 14 w/tube lugs, 2-Rogers Big R Dynasonics 5 x 14, Ludwig B/O Acrolite 5 x 14, Slingerland Radio King circa 1950's 5 x 14, Ludwig COW 5 x 14. Small start, but getting there....

That's an excellent start Backbeat!! Acros are funny with regards to eBay. I've seen some pretty average condition drums sell for big $$$, while others slip by without much notice - Near mint ones even.

I like mine, but I have to admit that I've not spent as much time as I should have playing around with he tuning and such - So many snares, so little time!!

Does anyone else notice something "funny" about the 1" muffler knob on backbeatkeeper's Acro? Compare it to the other photos of Acros on this thread.

I think we all need to post pictures of our Acros - The badge, muffler knob and snare throw. We'll get to the bottom of this dangit!!

Many ACROLADES;) to all you Acrolite experts... impressive!:D

Olugs, great eyes!! I just noticed it last night after I took off the top head. It's definitely not OEM. As a matter of fact, the damper touches the head when it threaded all the way out. It's going to be removed, I never use muffling live, if I need anything I just put a Ritchie Ring and good to go. However I think the new batter head (coated Ludwig Rocker Silver dot) will remove any harmful overtones....Snare also came with the stand, the snare is a 19XXXXX serial which puts it late 70's, with the new head it's crispy, but not too bright.

Hmmmm, maybe I should just set up my Dyna and Acrolite within reach of my practice kit....or maybe just set up some more sets.....:rolleyes: