Ludwig 2000 Millennium 5" x 14" Brass Snare Drum w/ Case

This drum has a bit of a story to it... This drum was "originally" a 2000 Brass on Brass Ludwig Millennium 5" x 14" limited edition snare drum. I believe only 100 were going to be made. I bought this from Ludwig in 2001 while they were clearing out the last few drums in the warehouse -- this drum is #89. I didn't like the brass hardware since the color didn't match the shell, so it was swapped for the chrome hardware from a chrome-over-brass snare. So yes, all the collectability was gone at that point, but I just wanted a brass finish snare (which Ludwig did not offer at the time - this was the only way to get one.)

Fast forward a few years of occasional use... The lacquer finish had failed at a few points and the shell started to tarnish. So I stripped off all the lacquer and gave the drum a full patina finish and sealed it up with wax. And that is the drum you see listed here. All the hardware is from 2001 (including the hard-to-find cast hoops from that era that has a full cast drop gate) and everything looks and sounds great! The original limited-edition case is even included. The hardware has some mild pitting in a few areas but is in good shape and could really just use a good polish.

So, is the drum still a collector's piece? Meh... not really. Is the drum unique? Most definitely!