theres one on ebay that is most likely one of the very first of these. ive seen 3 like this that I recall. I own of of them as well as an all aluminum model. they appear to have imperial lugs from the factory and also round knob mufflers. shell is the same as the rest of the first generation models. it was a decent price as well.

mike

out of interest, what year did the first gen Acrolites come out and what year did they become as we know them today - brass/steel hoops etc?

the first generation acrolite came out in the early 60's. the spring '62 Ludwig drummer introduces the new acrolite snare drum with a small writeup in the news from Ludwig section. it is also shown in the '63 catalog supplement as the all new acrolite. the one they show in the catalog is the all aluminum model, which is why I think they were not prototypes. the ludalloy acrolite was most likely introduced in 63 as there are some with crimped beds. I have a crimped bed model that is pre serial and has the red felt muffler and chrome over brass hoops. its most likely a 63 model.

mike

Thanks Mike. I just picked up a 64 Acro locally from an estate type auction (you almost never see Acros for sale here, ever) and figured it must be from quite early in the Acro production life. No crimped beds and, unfortunately, non original hoops and no muffler. So maybe 64 was the year the shell became the standard for many years of production since? As in no crimped beds.

I think youre exactly right on the 64 shells. whats the serial number on yours? a red felt baseball bat muffler would be the right one for it and most likely cob hoops or one of each, brass/steel. nice find!

mike

I've got a keystone Acro with the baseball bat muffler and one with the knob. Also have an 80's one that's my workhorse, and a couple of Supraphonics. Love them all.

Sounds pretty much like me. I have a 66 and a 70 (my workhorse) and 2 Supras ('68 402 and '64 400). I'm a fan

Mike - this 64 has a serial number of 65304. I have found an affordable muffler from a forum member but it's white. The hoops are later steel ones. It's no minter but it'll be a great player.

Here's my Acro family with a MINT first generation on left. I also have a player & a mint one from each decade. L-R

Pre serial keystone 1st gen, 3/23/66 player, 5/12/66 MINT, 69 player(drilled for B/O badge but keystome was put on, note how it sits higher) 9/15/71 player, late 1975 MINT.

The player drums are about 9 out of 10 as well. I love me some Acrolites.

BTW, I'm looking for the NYC Board of Ed 6.5 x 14 one if anyone has one to sell. ;-)

Great information all. Thanks!

The "first all metal snare drum" text in the ad is funny.

Here's an aluminum Duplex from quite a bit before "63".

Hope your hunt is successful.

Creighton