There are 12, 18 (2 types : for Jazz Fest + Super Classic [these are longer])+ 20 strand 60's wires.

You have the 12 (plastic) + 18 (both JF + SC types = metal); the 20 strand is plastic.

thanks Hobbs

so some were indeed metal in the 60s ?

am I understanding correctly that the Super Classic would have had metal ?

Yes. As far as I am aware the the 1's w/ metal end caps came with Jazz Fests and Super Classic (these are longer as they extend on 1 end beyond the shell) snares.

For earlier SC snares (pre-serial and earlier) the end caps were plastic.

60's Supraphonics also used the metal end wires.

Mike

thank you Mike ...

I have someone telling me that all Ludwig snare wires of the 60s had the plastic tips.

I knew it wasn't true ... just came looking to the most knowledgeable vintage drum people in the world for clarification

thanks a ton guys

Here is a shot from the "64 Ludwig catalog. You can show them this. It clearly states the plastic and metal tip versions were available.

Mike

awesome... thank you !!!